C21, Equity Real Estate add affiliates; REMAX grows in Canada 

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.

Equity Real Estate expands Utah footprint

Equity Real Estate has acquired Northern Utah brokerage NRE in a move aimed at strengthening the firm's regional presence and positioning it for continued expansion throughout the Beehive State.

The transition provides NRE agents with access to Equity's statewide network, technology platform and educational resources while maintaining existing business systems, according to a news release.

NRE will now operate as Equity Real Estate NRE under the leadership of Steve Perry, a veteran broker and regional real estate leader who previously served as president of the Salt Lake Board of Realtors. 

Equity CEO Tony Ketterling praised Perry's leadership, noting that his expertise paired with the firm's agent-first model create "tremendous opportunities for growth" and allow the combined firm to "better serve both agents and consumers throughout the region."

"Our vision is to help agents succeed at every stage of their careers," Perry added. "By joining the Equity family, our agents gain access to enhanced resources while continuing to receive the personal support, mentorship, and education they value."

Firms in Florida, Washington state affiliate with Century 21

This week, Century 21 welcomed two new firms from opposite coasts, bringing an estimated 135 additional agents to the brand.

In Florida: Century 21 announced that it has added Sarasota-based RoseBay International Realty Inc. as a new affiliate. The firm will now operate as Century 21 RoseBay.

Founded in 1994 by President Magdiel "Mike" Rosario, the brokerage specializes in residential, commercial and rental properties and serves clients in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice and Palmetto. Managing Broker/Owner Becky Culp will continue in her leadership role alongside Rosario, according to a news release.

The roughly 40-agent firm said it plans to expand through recruiting and by exploring additional office locations. 

Joining Century 21 "is an exciting step forward for our company," Rosario said. "The strength of its internationally recognized name, innovative resources, and commitment to excellence will enhance our ability to serve clients, support our agents, and continue growing our business."

"Our team takes great pride in helping buyers and sellers also discover the beauty of our community," Culp said, adding that Century 21 shares the firm's "commitment to people and personalized service."

In Washington state: Century 21 has also expanded its presence in the Evergreen State with the affiliation of Olympia-based Van Dorm Realty Inc., which will now operate as Century 21 Van Dorm.

Founded in 1980 by Bob and Marjorie Van Dorm, the brokerage is currently led by their daughter Diane Pust and her husband Jeff. The firm has grown to 95 affiliated sales professionals serving Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater and surrounding communities, with expertise spanning residential, luxury, commercial, waterfront, equestrian and new-construction properties, according to a news release.

The brokerage said it plans to use Century 21's technology, marketing and recruiting resources to support future growth, including potential mergers, acquisitions and expansion into nearby markets.

Under the Pusts' leadership, the company grew to become one of the largest independents in the area, noted Century 21 CEO Mike Miedler, who praised the duo and their team for setting themselves "apart through their high standards for client service, agent development, and community involvement."

Coldwell Banker picks up $80M SoCal team

The Edie Israel Team, formerly Keller Williams' top-ranking real estate team in Yorba Linda by sales volume, has joined Coldwell Banker Realty. The move expands the resources and opportunities that the team offers its clients across Orange County, California.

Led by Edie Israel in conjunction with business partners Jim Allen and John Israel, the team reports nearly $80 million in annual sales volume and serves buyers and sellers throughout Yorba Linda, Anaheim Hills, Placentia, North Tustin and surrounding communities, according to a news release.

The team said the affiliation will enable it to combine its local market expertise with Coldwell Banker Realty's brand and technology platform, enabling agents to maintain focus on personalized client service.

Moving forward, the group "remains dedicated to the values that have made them one of Orange County's most respected real estate teams" and looks "forward to continuing to provide exceptional service, industry-leading results, and meaningful community involvement for years to come," the announcement noted.

REMAX adds 40+ agents in Canada

Ontario's REMAX Aboutowne has added more than 40 agents from Every Avenue Real Estate, formerly affiliated with Royal LePage, and is opening a downtown Oakville branch that will be led by former Every Avenue Broker/Owner Duncan Harvey, according to a news release.

The franchise said the move increases its roster to more than 240 agents. Harvey will oversee the new office as the firm expands its presence in Oakville, with the new location intended to support agent growth and enhance client service, according to REMAX Aboutowne Broker/Owner Claudia DiPaola. 

Harvey said the move gives his agents access to the global brand and additional business support as they continue to grow their business.

"This expansion is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of Claudia, her brokerage and the REMAX brand as well as to the vision and direction of Duncan," said Don Kottick, who recently completed his first year as REMAX Canada's president.

"Attracting high calibre real estate agents such as Duncan and the team further solidifies REMAX Canada as the destination for Canada's most productive real estate professionals," Kottick added.

More brokerage news

The Agency has launched a new office in North Carolina's Greater Charlotte region. The new Lake Norman office will be led by Managing Partner Abigail Hines Miller, who is from the area and already leads the boutique brokerage's Charlotte office. Lake Norman is "a collection of distinct communities, each with its own character, lifestyle, and growth story," Miller said in a news release. "Lake Norman offers incredible range, and we are excited to support clients across the region with The Agency's global reach paired with our local expertise."

Premier Sotheby's International Realty is also expanding its presence in North Carolina with the opening of an office in Hendersonville. The new location will serve buyers in and around Henderson County, according to a news release, and will be led by Managing Broker Beatrix Mascotti, who also oversees the firm's Asheville office. "We've watched Hendersonville emerge as a destination that appeals to a wide range of luxury buyers," Mascotti said. "Opening an office here allows us to deepen our local presence while continuing to provide the elevated level of service our clients expect."

Portside Real Estate Group has added agent Heather Szela to its Central Maine team. Szela is from Maine and has served homebuyers and sellers in the area since 2017, according to a news release. Dan McCarron, a regional manager at Portside, praised Szela's "dedication to serving her clients" and "commitment to serving her community," adding: "She leads with integrity, builds meaningful relationships, and genuinely cares about helping people succeed."

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.