FirstTeam enters the Midwest; SERHANT launches in Colorado 

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.

FirstTeam expands to Midwestern markets

FirstTeam has launched operations in Kansas and Missouri, marking its entry into the Midwest as the independent brokerage continues its national expansion push.

The firm is partnering with Broker/Owner Scott Eckhoff and Rival Real Estate to establish a community office in Kansas City. In addition to his work with Rival Real Estate, Eckhoff operates a team with his husband, Jason Eckhoff, serving clients across five states. 

Eckhoff also brings a background in IT, psychology and insurance, according to a news release — experience that gives him "a uniquely broad perspective that helps him anticipate client needs, solve complex challenges, and deliver exceptional service," the company said.

Partnering with FirstTeam was "an easy decision," Eckhoff said, because the brokerage isn't "interested in changing who we are or how we do business" but is instead focused on "investing in what we have already created." By aligning with the California-based firm, "I believe we can accomplish even greater things for our agents, clients, and community," he added.

FirstTeam CEO Michele Harrington said the partnership reflects her company's "focus on helping agents build strong businesses and supporting clients with best-in-class service," adding, "Scott, Jason and Chris have built an incredible business, and we're excited to work with them as we grow our presence in the Midwest."

The expansion is the latest of several growth moves this year. FirstTeam entered Arizona in February, grew its footprint in the Golden State last month and inked what it described as a "strategic multi-year marketing partnership" with New York-based Brown Harris Stevens in May.

SERHANT enters the Centennial State

SERHANT has expanded into Colorado, moving into the Denver metro market with 11 founding agents and a local leadership team helmed by Managing Director Rebecca Ferguson.

Ferguson, who has more than 12 years of real estate experience, most recently served as managing broker for Kentwood Real Estate's Cherry Creek office. Her Kentwood team ranked first in production and sides in Denver for its office size for two consecutive years, according to SERHANT.

The Colorado launch represents the brokerage's largest single-market entry by sales volume, with the incoming roster having closed $1 billion in combined sales, SERHANT said, noting that nearly two-thirds of the agents joining the new office were previously affiliated with Compass International Holdings brands. 

"The agents joining us are already some of its best," SERHANT Founder and CEO Ryan Serhant said. "What we give them is a different kind of leverage: AI tools through S.MPLE that take over the work that used to eat their day, and a media engine that puts their listings in front of millions," he added. "No one else is putting that kind of firepower behind their agents, and we're excited to bring our model to Colorado."

Earlier this year, the luxury firm launched operations in Texas, California and Boston.

Local KW leader exits ownership to focus on coaching

Jeff Glover announced this week that he has transferred ownership and leadership of three Keller Williams market centers in Michigan, allowing him to focus on Glover Agency and Glover U, his real estate team and coaching and training business.

Glover served as majority owner and operating principal of the three market centers, which collectively closed nearly $1 billion in sales volume in 2025 and represented more than 500 agents. Under his ownership, the centers advanced in profitability, sales volume and market share, with the Kalamazoo operation moving from fifth to second in Kalamazoo County sales volume market share by late 2025, according to a news release.

"Selling these ownership positions is about focusing my energy on where I can create the most value going forward," Glover said. "I'm choosing to sell so I can focus on serving every agent and leader in this business in a broker-agnostic way, not tied to any one flag."

Glover's ownership journey with Keller Williams began in 2013, following his 2009 entry into the company. He will remain a Keller Williams agent and team owner.

ENRG Realty adds nationwide health coverage for agents

ENRG Realty is offering its agents access to medical, dental and vision insurance nationwide, adding health coverage as a benefit for its virtual brokerage network.

The plans, which are offered through national provider networks, have no waiting period or annual enrollment window and include coverage for pre-existing conditions, according to a news release.

The brokerage characterized the offering as traditional health insurance rather than a cost-sharing plan, adding that it is intended to address challenges independent agents can face when seeking coverage through the open market, where plans can be costly and enrollment opportunities may be limited.

"An agent can't successfully build a business, grow a team, or take care of clients if they're worried about their own health first," Co-founder and President Erinn Nobel said. "We want our agents to have health insurance. Plain and simple."

More brokerage news

Dane Arthur Real Estate Agency and its specialized real estate marketplace LakePlace.com have expanded into Michigan with the addition of the Livonia-based Hart Real Estate Team. The independent firm, which has operated for over 20 years in Minnesota and Wisconsin, now enters its third state with an eye toward Michigan's recreational and waterfront markets, according to a news release. Dane Arthur Agency Co-founder David Gooden described the move as "the natural next chapter" for his firm, highlighting the state's "extraordinary number of lakes," "deeply established culture of waterfront living" and its "real estate community that values local knowledge."

Coldwell Banker Realty has announced the addition of Brit Bertino as branch manager of the firm's San Francisco office. Bertino brings a leadership background in sales, as well as experience in agent coaching and business development. In her new role, she will oversee the brand's operations in the city, support agents and push market growth efforts, according to a news release. Bertino's "vision, experience and passion for this community make her the right leader for this important moment," said Jennifer Lind, West Coast regional president at Coldwell Banker Realty.

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.