M&As at Coldwell Banker, ERA, C21; $2B team joins Real 

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.

Real adds $2B team in the Lone Star State

The Real Brokerage is further expanding its footprint in Texas with the addition of Houston Properties Team. Founded 15 years ago by Paige and Bob Martin, the 17-agent group has closed more than $2 billion in lifetime sales and served over 2,000 clients, according to a news release.

Houston Properties Team is known for its data-driven and client-first approach. In addition to its proprietary comparable analysis tools, the group possesses a digital presence that draws about 60,000 website visitors and over 500,000 social media views every month.

The Martins chose to align with Real because the brokerage is "built for how real estate will be done over the next decade," Bob Martin said, adding that the firm's tech, lower fees and wealth-building options "create an environment where our agents can thrive while continuing to deliver exceptional results for clients."

Over the past 15 years, the group has established "a powerful brand and deep community influence," according to Real Chairman and CEO Tamir Poleg. "Their commitment to innovation, agent success and client outcomes aligns perfectly with Real's mission, and we're excited to support their next chapter of growth," he added.

Connecticut, New York firms join forces

ERA Hart Sargis-Breen Real Estate and ERA Insite Realty Services have merged their Connecticut- and New York-based operations, creating a combined brokerage with nine offices and nearly 200 agents serving both states, the companies said in a news release.

ERA Hart Sargis-Breen, which was first established in 1979 by Sam Sargis and is now led by Rob Levine, operates three offices in Connecticut. ERA Insite Realty Services, which was founded in 1985 by Louis and Debra Budetti, has six offices in New York and the Constitution State.

The merged firm plans to expand in the communities it already serves and into new states.

"This merger represents, in a word, opportunity," Louis Budetti said, adding that the move "puts many more markets in play for our agents" and creates "more referral possibilities."

"Our companies have operated in close proximity for more than 40 years," Levine said. With the companies' "shared core values and deep connections to our communities," he added, there is "a lot of room to grow."

Century 21 Circle strengthens presence in the Prairie State

Century 21 Circle has acquired Century 21 Gust Realty, a move that expands the brokerage's footprint in Illinois' DuPage County. With the addition of the Glen Ellyn-based firm, Century 21 Circle now supports over 1,000 real estate professionals working in 40 offices across three states.

Known for its personalized service and local market expertise, Gust Realty will gain access to Century 21 Circle's operational support and marketing tools through the acquisition.

The move wasn't spur-of-the-moment, noted Gust Realty Owner David Gust, who said his firm "wanted to align with an organization that respects what we've built and supports where we're headed." It's a balance he found at Century 21 Circle.

"Our priority has always been providing a high level of service while staying closely connected to our clients and community," Gust said. Century 21 Circle's "leadership, culture, and strategic direction made this partnership the right move for our agents and our future," he added.

CB Premier's 'meteoric growth' continues with latest merger

Coldwell Banker Premiere has grown by 350% over the past six years — and its "meteoric growth" is set to continue, according to a company news release.

The firm, which operates in eight states, has announced a new merger with Virginia-based Coldwell Banker Prime. The move makes Premiere the largest Coldwell Banker firm in the state.

Agents with the Richmond-based firm will gain access to Premiere's lead-generating Open House Concierge platform, tech training and referral opportunities. Prime's offices will "continue to feel as they did before, with enhanced tools and support," Premiere CEO Steve DuBrueler said, adding that his goal is not to "force cultural change" as the firms merge.

Prime's broker/owners, Jeff Mays and Kate Berkshire Mays, "remain the cultural anchors of the Richmond office" but will be taking on new leadership roles at Premiere, DuBrueler said. Berkshire Mays will serve as VP of luxury and international sales and Mays joins as a strategic advisor.

The brokerage leaders "bring exceptional talent and market knowledge that will benefit agents across our entire organization," DuBrueler said, adding, "we learn from them just as they learn from us."

Christie's opens new firm in South Carolina

Christie's International Real Estate is expanding its presence in South Carolina with the launch of IndigoOak Christie's International Real Estate.

The firm was created by Pawleys Island-based The Litchfield Company and Greenville-based Blackstream International, two Christie's affiliates in the area that closed over $1 billion in combined sales in 2024, according to a news release.

IndigoOak will be led by Blackstream CEO Michael Mumma and Litchfield CEO Will Davis, who will serve as co-presidents of the new firm. Davis will also act as broker-in-charge.

"With so much movement in the Charleston luxury market, buyers and sellers are looking for a name they can trust," Davis said, adding that he and Mumma are confident that IndigoOak "will set a new bar for real estate in the region."

Mumma and Davis "bring deep local knowledge, proven operational excellence, and a shared commitment to client service," said Gavin Swartzman, president of Christie's International Real Estate. "Their collaboration reflects the entrepreneurial spirit that defines our affiliates and continues to fuel Christie's International Real Estate's growth worldwide."

More brokerage news

Resident Group has welcomed Kevin Stewart, an agent with over $500 million career sales, into the fold in Los Angeles. Stewart will be taking on a leadership role at the firm in what Resident described in a news release as "a full-circle move," with Stewart joining the team that helped launch his career nine years ago. Stewart is "part of our origin story," Resident Co-founder Jon Grauman said, adding that he "leads with integrity, works relentlessly for his clients, and brings a rare combination of ethics, charisma, and heart to everything he does."

Coldwell Banker Warburg is adding "a new batch of talent" as it welcomes four agents to its roster in New York. Maureen Lynch, who previously worked at Coldwell Banker Brentwood and brings 15 years of experience in marketing and sales, will now serve clients in both Los Angeles and New York City, according to a news release. Ragini Dunn will focus on building relationships with clients in New York and New Jersey, while Suzanne Sobel will put her marketing and business experience to use in helping clients understand each step they take in making a transaction. Maurie Moore will leverage her family's background in real estate and her own time living on Manhattan's Upper West Side to develop client relationships.

Coldwell Banker Realty has welcomed Regan Andrews to its Putnam County Regional office. Andrews, who brings over 10 years of experience in real estate and closed over $13.5 million in sales in 2025, will serve clients in New York's Dutchess, Putnam and Westchester counties, according to a news release. Coldwell Banker Realty Senior Managing Director Tammy Benkwitt highlighted Andrews' "professionalism, market knowledge and unwavering commitment to her clients," adding that her "experience, integrity and dedication to excellence align perfectly" with the firm's values.

Compass has announced the launch of its first office in New Hope, Pennsylvania. Revi Haviv, an agent who specializes in luxury properties and was most recently aligned with New Hope's Addison Wolfe Real Estate, will lead the new location. At Compass, Haviv will leverage "a technology platform that helps her 'work smarter and stay focused on delivering results' for her clients," CEO Robert Reffkin said in a social media post. "We're excited to see our newly found office and community thrive under Revi's leadership," he added.

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.