Real, Equity Union nab billion-dollar teams; BHGRE adds SoCal affiliate 

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.

Florida team returns to Real

The Pozek Group has rejoined The Real Brokerage in Orlando after going independent and experimenting with other brokerage models.

Founder Ken Pozek began working in real estate in 2003, forming The Pozek Group in 2016. His 31-agent team, which serves as the Orlando Magic's official real estate partner, has closed almost $1 billion in sales since 2023 and is nearing $400 million in sales for 2025, according to a news release.

"We have a unique opportunity to build something meaningful with Real," said Pozek, who cited the brokerage's agent value proposition as a key driver in his return.

"The revenue share and equity incentives are powerful tools, but what really stands out are the collaboration and coaching built into the platform," Pozek added. "I'm excited to give my agents access to a network and training environment that supports their growth, both independently and as part of our team."

Real Chairman and CEO Tamir Poleg called the homecoming "a major win."

"Ken is one of the most respected and forward-thinking leaders in the industry," Poleg said. "His return reflects the strength of our model, the momentum we've built and the value we deliver for high-performing teams who want to grow with the right partner."

SoCal brokerage picks up $3B team

The Chernov Team, a luxury-focused group of nine agents and 10 staffers, has joined Equity Union Real Estate's network of 950+ agents in Los Angeles. The team is led by Founder Dennis Chernov and his wife Yana, who serves as the head of operations and marketing.

The Chernov Team typically sells over $300 million annually and boasts a career sales volume of over $3 billion, according to a news release. The team set its current one-year record of over $329 million in sales with 124 transactions in 2024.

"Dennis and Yana have built a highly skilled team of hand-selected agents, marketers, and industry specialists and have grown the Chernov Team to be the highest ranking and top performing real estate group in the nation," Equity Union Real Estate CEO Harma Hartouni said.

Dennis Chernov in particular is "the embodiment of what it is to be an Equity Union agent," Hartouni added. "He's humble, works hard and is well respected within our community."

C21 powerhouse enters Chicago, adding to 1000-agent roster

Century 21 Circle, encompassing 40 offices in Florida, Illinois and Indiana, is making its Chicago debut with the acquisition of JJ Nate Real Estate, an independent brokerage based in the city's Roscoe Village neighborhood. JJ Nate, owned by Rick Batista, will now do business under the C21 Circle banner.

Batista said in a news release that his firm's focus "has always been on creating a better sense of community by forming meaningful relationships from every interaction and transaction," and by joining the C21 brand, his team can "extend our reach and share our commitment and passion on a national scale." 

"We welcome this new adventure with excitement, gratitude, and a readiness like never before," Batista added.

Melissa Archer-Wirtz, CEO of Century 21 Circle, described the expansion as "just the beginning." In line with the firm's mission — "to defy mediocrity and deliver extraordinary experiences" — Archer-Wirtz said C21 Circle is "committed to redefining what a real estate experience looks like in Chicago, and our momentum is only growing."

Also this week, C21 Circle announced the hiring of Tina Johnson as VP of field operations. With a background in coaching, recruiting and consulting at the franchise level, Archer-Wirtz said Johnson's expertise will now be invaluable in "empowering our team leaders and agents directly — ensuring our growth strategy is executed seamlessly in the field."

BHGRE gains Golden State affiliate

JM Desert Real Estate in California's Riverside County is picking up the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate banner. The brokerage, launched 13 years ago by Broker/Owner Juan Martinez, will now operate as Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate JM Desert Collective.

Martinez, who began his real estate career nearly two decades ago as an assistant, specializes in helping first-time buyers and those looking for seasonal second homes, according to a news release. He sees his firm's new affiliation as an opportunity to scale up with help from the brand's technology suite, explaining, "our capabilities can be enhanced even further, and we hope that we can build many more lifelong relationships as a result."

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate President Ginger Wilcox praised Martinez's career trajectory, calling it "a remarkable testament to the grit, heart, and entrepreneurial spirit that define excellence in real estate."

"We are eager to empower Juan and his agents as they write their next chapter and deepen their impact in the diverse communities they serve," Wilcox added.

CB affiliate gets a new owner

Nathan Hendrick, a real estate professional with over 15 years of industry experience, is now the owner of the firm formerly known as Coldwell Banker Yost.

The company was previously owned and led by Steve Yost, and has been serving clients in West Virginia's Bluefield and Princeton communities for over 25 years. The firm will now do business as Coldwell Banker Hendrick Real Estate.

Yost said in a news release that he is "excited to pass the torch" as he continues working with the rebranded company. "Staying on in a sales capacity allows me to focus fully on serving our community and clients with the same dedication and passion that has always driven me," he said.

Meanwhile, Hendrick is "thrilled" to step into the ownership role, noting that his experience in the region gives him "a unique understanding of the market and the ever-changing needs of today's home buyers and sellers."

"To be involved with such a powerful brand that continues to innovate and attract consumers around the globe gives me and the Coldwell Banker Hendrick Real Estate agents a major advantage over our competitors," Hendrick said.

More brokerage news

Douglas Elliman is making its first push into global markets, announcing this week that it will open several offices in France and Monaco through a partnership with luxury real estate veterans Philippe Curutchet, Fredrik Lilloe and Edward de Mallet Morgan. The firm unveiled its expansion plans in June with the launch of Elliman International, and the new partnership "represents the realization of our vision for a truly global network that exemplifies our commitment to excellence," Elliman President and CEO Michael Liebowitz said in a news release.

The brokerage is also embarking on a brand refresh, enlisting the creative agency Watson to "reimagine the firm's identity for the modern luxury market," according to a company statement. William Richmond-Watson, the agency's founder, said his creative team aims to "create a brand experience that resonates with today's discerning clientele while celebrating the excellence that has defined Douglas Elliman for generations." The new branding is expected to roll out next spring.

Revel Real Estate, an independent firm based in Beverly Hills, has added a "legendary figure in Southern California real estate" to its roster, the company announced Oct. 31. Alan Long, an industry veteran with nearly five decades of experience, will be the firm's new sales manager. Long previously founded DBL Realtors, growing it to an 800-agent brokerage with an annual sales volume of more than $5 billion, according to a news release. He has also served as president of the Los Angeles Board of Realtors and director of the California Association of Realtors. Long said Revel's values — "innovation, integrity, and a genuine respect for relationships" — align with his own, and he sees his role as "helping agents build careers that stand the test of time."

Coldwell Banker Realty Chapin has welcomed Tina Horne to its South Carolina office. Horne, who began her real estate career in 1999 and most recently worked at Lennar Builders, brings her expertise in new home sales, home staging and insurance to the firm. Rebecca Hanlon, CB Realty broker in charge, described Horne as "a proven top producer with a reputation for exceptional client service" who will be "a tremendous asset to our team."