LPT moves closer to IPO; KW, Corcoran add luxury agents 

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.

LPT Realty takes the next step toward IPO

LPT Aperture Holdings (LPTA), parent company of LPT Realty and luxury-focused Aperture Global Real Estate, has submitted a draft registration statement to the Securities and Exchange Commission for its proposed IPO, the company announced this week.

LPTA Founder and CEO Robert Palmer has been open about the company's plans to go public for some time, reserving the "LPTA" stock ticker symbol about a year ago. 

While the timeline is still unknown, Palmer told Real Estate News in August 2025 that by securing a stock symbol, the company could "reasonably expect to use the symbol within 24 months of reservation," suggesting the IPO could still be several months out.

The SEC statement is confidential, and no details have been released about the initial number of shares to be offered or their price. Once the agency completes its review, LPTA would then be required to file a public registration statement. 

The news comes just days after LPTA announced its acquisition of Speculo, a database engagement platform and the latest addition to the company's growing collection of subsidiaries. 

South Florida luxury agent moves to Keller Williams

Daniel Kadoch has left Douglas Elliman to join the KW Inspire Network in Aventura, Florida, Keller Williams announced this week. He brings a portfolio of $550 million in inventory across South Florida to the 2,500-agent franchise network spanning Georgia, Florida, Texas and Alabama.

Kadoch, a 15-year real estate veteran, specializes in luxury estates, condos, exclusive waterfront properties and other high-end assets, according to a news release. He has cultivated a reputation of discretion and loyalty, according to KW, serving a number of high-net-worth and celebrity clients. One notable recent transaction was the sale of DJ Khaled's waterfront estate, a $10 million deal in which Kadoch represented the buyer.

"Daniel is exactly the kind of agent we built Inspire for," Matt Pitts, General Manager of KW Inspire Network, said in the announcement. "He plays at the highest level, he protects his clients, and he is relentless about the relationship. We are proud to have him in Aventura."

Kadoch said he chose KW Inspire because it "gives me the platform and the people to take my business to another level," adding, "this is the right move at the right time."

Ruth Reffkin forms new Compass team 

In conjunction with her 81st birthday, Ruth Reffkin — a 10-year Compass agent and the mother of Founder and CEO Robert Reffkin — announced on social media earlier this week that she was establishing her own real estate team. 

"I'm excited to begin a new chapter: the launch of The Ruth Reffkin Team with my business partner, Susan Hirschorn," Ruth Reffkin wrote. "Together, Susan and I bring more than 46 years of New York City real estate experience and a shared belief that real estate is built on relationships, not transactions," she added.

In addition to her decade as a Compass agent, Ruth Reffkin is the co-founder of Compass Plus, a division specializing in real estate services for seniors and their families navigating housing transitions. Hirschorn, who serves as the team's principal strategist, is a veteran NYC agent and a Manhattan native.

Robert Reffkin wrote in a separate post that he "couldn't be prouder" of Ruth Reffkin's accomplishment, writing, "Mom, watching you build this chapter with so much passion, integrity, and care has been inspiring."

Corcoran luxury team nabs 2 seasoned agents

Noble Black & Partners, a Corcoran Group mega-team in New York City, has added Erica Einfeldt and Paige Nelson to its roster. Einfeldt is the team's new chief of staff, while Nelson joins as a luxury real estate advisor.

Einfeldt was most recently SVP of operations at Douglas Elliman and previously served as chief of staff at Gerson Group Enterprises and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. In her new role, she will provide strategic support for the Noble Black & Partners leadership team as it seeks continued growth. The team currently represents a portfolio of nearly $800 million in luxury properties in Manhattan and the Hamptons, according to a news release.

Nelson, the team's other new addition, has worked with luxury real estate clients in NYC for over 20 years. She is known for her personalized guidance, local market knowledge and discretion when working with high-net-worth clients and off-market properties, the company said. 

"We are thrilled to welcome Erica and Paige to the team," team leader Noble Black said in the announcement. "Both bring impressive track records, fresh perspective and tremendous energy to our growing business. Erica's experience will continue to propel our team forward, while Paige's relationship-first approach and instinct for the luxury market will deliver immediate value to our clients."

Real gains 28-agent Northern Virginia team

The Chris Colgan Team has joined The Real Brokerage, bringing 28 agents to the company and expanding its presence across Northern Virginia and the greater Washington, D.C., metro area.

The team is led by Chris Colgan, who began his real estate career more than two decades ago and launched the team in 2022. It serves clients throughout the D.C. area and expects to do about $150 million in sales volume this year, according to a news release. 

Colgen, who previously grew a sneaker and streetwear media brand through social media, has been able to capture buyer and seller leads by following the same playbook, Real said, noting that the team's social platforms reach millions of consumers each month.

"We built our business by embracing social media and creating content that educates consumers while helping our clients stand out," Colgan said.

"Real understands that approach better than any brokerage. The company's culture, investment in AI and technology, and community of innovative agents made this the right place for our team."

More brokerage news

Sotheby's International Realty has entered Vietnam with the establishment of a new office in Ho Chi Minh City, the brokerage announced this week. With this latest expansion, the brand now has 18 offices across Asia. Led by media and real estate professional Chloe Dang, Vietnam Sotheby's International Realty will "represent carefully selected luxury residential properties and developments nationwide," according to a news release. Together with fellow co-founder James Miles-Lambert, Dang aims to guide the firm's vision "to elevate the standard of luxury residential real estate in Vietnam through disciplined curation, absolute discretion, service excellence, and unrivaled global connectivity."

Portside Real Estate Group has added Bettina Reece, an agent specializing in hospitality, real estate development and residential sales, to its roster. Reece previously focused on the Portland metro — Maine's largest city — and with her move to Portside, she will also serve clients in Downeast Maine and Mount Desert Island. Her coverage of those regions "strengthens our presence in both markets," Alyssa Bouthot, agent relations manager for Portside, said in a news release. Reece cited Portside's "collaborative culture" and "strong local roots" as factors in her decision to join the firm.

MSC Commercial, a division of Florida Gulf Coast brokerage Michael Saunders & Company, has welcomed Sumeru "Sam" Patel as a commercial property manager. At MSC Commercial, Patel will leverage his background in hospitality, resort operations and asset management to oversee a portfolio of commercial properties. He will be focused on financial performance and efficiency while building relationships with owners, tenants and vendors, the company said in a news release. Patel's "experience, breadth of knowledge, and genuine dedication to his craft make him a real pleasure to work alongside, and our owners and tenants are fortunate to have him on the team," said David L. Perry, director of MSC Commercial.

M&D Companies, an independent brokerage serving the Dallas-Fort Worth region, has opened a new office in Wylie, Texas. The branch will house the firm's four divisions — M&D Real Estate, M&D CRE, M&D Property Management and M&D General Contracting — with Wes Dorsey serving as the office's director. "Wylie represents one of the most exciting growth stories in North Texas," M&D Companies Founders Danny and Misty Perez said in a news release. "Our vision has always been to redefine what clients deserve, and we're excited to bring that commitment directly to this incredible community."