Fathom acquires Colorado indie; HomeSmart debuts a new look 

Editor's note: The brokerage business is a busy one, with frequent moves, mergers and milestones. Here we highlight some of the latest activity among brokerages across the U.S.

Fathom Holdings picks up Colorado indie

Fathom Holdings has acquired the Colorado-based START Real Estate in a move aimed at scaling its services — which focus on first-time homebuyers — nationwide. START, which recently expanded into Utah, has 70 agents. The firm is expected to close about 400 transactions this year, with more than 70% of those clients also using the company's mortgage services, according to a Fathom news release.

Fathom plans to integrate START's first-time buyer program into its intelliAgent technology platform. Many of START's agents are also expected to join Fathom's Elevate plan, which the company said is aimed at boosting productivity and opportunities for recurring revenue.

"After helping thousands of first time home buyers in Colorado and Utah, we are excited to partner with Fathom and leverage our experience with both the intelliAgent platform and the Elevate plan to expand our first-time buyer program nationwide," START Co-founder Randy Bell said. "Together, we can help more families realize the dream of homeownership with better tools, support, and guidance at every step."

The acquisition brings Fathom's total agent count to nearly 15,000 working in 43 states and in Washington, D.C.

$1B NYC broker joins SERHANT

Veteran agent Glenn Davis has joined SERHANT in New York City. He brings nearly 20 years of experience and more than $1 billion in career sales to the brokerage.

Known for his work in new development, Davis was most recently a founding partner of Noble Black and Partners at Douglas Elliman, a team that closed $389 million in 2024, according to a news release.

At SERHANT, Davis will be forming The New York Collaborative team. He will be joined by Shaun Anders, Nicholas Compagnone, Alex Andrejko, Daniel Kent, Lyndsay Kimball and Austin Goodman. The move reflects SERHANT's strategy of partnering with top-producing agents who pair market expertise with an entrepreneurial approach, the release said.

Davis noted that he and SERHANT Founder and CEO Ryan Serhant "have been colleagues and friends for years" and that he has "long admired the platform he has built at SERHANT."

"The infrastructure he's created with his team allows us to immediately capture market share and add value where it's needed," Davis added.

Atlanta team rejoins eXp

Helen Hernandez Archer is bringing her team The Archer Group — Distinctive Homes back to eXp after spending a few years at Compass and Sotheby's International Realty. Led by Hernandez Archer and longtime colleague Mayumi Parrado, the Atlanta-based group specializes in high-end properties, according to a news release.

Hernandez Archer, who has worked in real estate for nearly 20 years, founded the Hispanic Legacy Network, Sotheby's International Realty's first Hispanic affinity group. Parrado brings over 25 years of real estate experience, with her career focused on high-net-worth and international clients.

eXp's platform will help the team scale its business, enhance client services and expand its luxury market presence, the release said. Hernandez Archer also cited a desire for collaboration and issues with the traditional brokerage compensation model as reasons for her team's return.

"I have always had a passion for learning, exchanging ideas, masterminding, and coaching," Hernandez Archer said. "eXp has the top-performing teams in America, and when you surround yourself with the best people, your business grows organically and new opportunities naturally emerge."

Compass nabs luxury-focused South Florida team

The Andrade Group, a luxury-focused team in South Florida, has joined Compass' Coconut Grove and Winter Park offices.

Led by broker-owner Jorge Andrade and Henny Barreto, the Andrade Group has operated in the area for over 22 years, closing over $50 million in sales in 2024 alone. The team focuses on residential investments, pre-construction and luxury properties in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, according to a news release.

With its local ties to developers, investors and brokerage networks, the team has built a strong reputation for guiding high-end home purchases and strategic investments, the release noted.

"We were looking for a new challenge," Andrade said. "Compass provides the platform, technology, and collaborative network of high-quality agents that will allow us to take our careers and our clients' experience to the next level."

The team embodies "the professionalism and client-first approach that defines our brand," said Jeff Polashuk, regional VP of Compass Florida. "Their expertise will be a tremendous asset as we continue to expand Compass's luxury presence in this critical market."

HomeSmart unveils brand refresh

HomeSmart has unveiled a new logo and brand identity as part of a company-wide rebrand announced at its annual Ignite: Growth Summit. The refresh, which was announced days after the brokerage named its new president, coincides with HomeSmart's 25th anniversary and aims to modernize its image while underscoring its "agents first" philosophy, the company said.

"This is more than a new logo — it's a clear statement about who we are and where we're going," HomeSmart Founder and CEO Matt Widdows said in a news release. "This new brand honors our journey, but it also sets the stage for what's next."

The updated branding features a redesigned red diamond monogram and streamlined wordmark, which the company says reflects its focus on simplicity, transparency and forward momentum. The redesign also introduces new signage and marketing templates for agents across the HomeSmart network.

Bill Flemming, principal broker/owner of HomeSmart Connect in Chicago, said HomeSmart's new identity "brings instant recognition in our market."

"Our agents are excited to have clearer, more modern templates and signage that stand out to clients," Flemming added.

More brokerage news

Corcoran Horizon Realty has expanded its presence in Ontario, Canada, with a new office in Hamilton that will be led by Broker/Managing Partner Martinus Geleynse. The move marks a milestone in the firm's regional growth strategy, building on Corcoran's existing network across Ontario. The new location will serve as a hub for residential and commercial services.

John R. Wood Christie's International Real Estate has announced leadership changes that the Southwest Florida brokerage said reflect the growth of the two individuals impacted. Spencer Haynes, executive VP of business development, will focus on agent recruitment while remaining in place as managing broker of the firm's Vineyards office. Jennifer Reedy will become managing broker of the firm's Fifth Avenue South office and will also continue to lead the Marco Island office as its managing broker.

Big Sky Sotheby's International Realty has added Ania Bulis and Ashley Quande in "a move that signals continued momentum in Montana's competitive luxury market," a company announcement said. The two agents boast over $2.2 billion in combined career sales volume and have a year-to-date average sale price of $8.2 million for 2025.

The Agency has launched a new office in Savannah, marking the brokerage's second location in Georgia and 16th in the Southeastern U.S. The office will be led by Managing Director Courtney Heidik and Managing Partner Alison Melton, who is also managing partner at The Agency's Hilton Head and Hilton Head — Beaufort locations. The addition of a location in Savannah "allows The Agency to serve a growing demand from buyers who want to be part of a city that is as dynamic as it is timeless," Founder and CEO Mauricio Umansky said in a news release.

Douglas Elliman has welcomed The Experience Team to its offices in Florida and New York. Founders Harlan Goldberg and Jarret Willis previously spent nearly three years with Corcoran and view this move as an opportunity for expansion as agents Alexandra "Alee" Loeb and Krystal "Kiki" Sasso join their team. Collectively, The Experience Team has over 25 years of experience and over $5 billion in closed sales, according to a news release.

Editor's note: AI was used in the initial drafting of this content, which was then thoroughly reviewed, fact-checked and revised by a Real Estate News editor.