Warburg transitions to CIRE; Raleigh team joins Compass 

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.

Warburg moves under Christie's banner

One of New York City's oldest brokerages has rebranded for the second time in as many months.

Warburg Realty, founded in the late 19th century, operated as an independent brokerage for well over 100 years before it was acquired by Coldwell Banker in 2021. In July, the boutique firm transitioned to the Compass brand — a move made possible following Compass' acquisition of Anywhere and its family of brands, including Coldwell Banker. 

Warburg's roughly 120 agents will now be changing their letterhead once again as they take on the banner of another Compass acquisition, Christie's International Real Estate (CIRE), the company announced today.

The addition of an established NYC firm is a win for CIRE, which lost its largest affiliate in the region when it terminated its franchise agreement with Ilija Pavlović in June. According to reporting by The Real Deal, the franchise was allegedly mismanaging funds and had fallen behind on agent commission payments, prompting CIRE to sever ties. Weeks later, The Agency announced that Pavlović and his agents were joining its brokerage as The Agency One Rock.

Pavlović had led Christie's International Real Estate Group, a tri-state operation serving New York, New Jersey and Connecticut encompassing more than two dozen offices and over 1,000 agents. While the Warburg roster is significantly smaller, "several agents" from CIRE's former New York affiliate will also be joining the newly branded firm, according to a news release. 

"This is an incredible opportunity to provide a boutique experience that also features the global reach and prestigious brand heritage of Christie's International Real Estate," said Kevelyn Guzman, who was named regional vice president of Christie's International Real Estate New York following the brokerage's latest move. Guzman had been with Coldwell Banker Warburg since 2007, serving as COO and later regional vice president of Coldwell Banker's national team. 

"We're fortunate to have a great culture and strong foundation on day one. And we're excited to highlight the assets of this brand and our talented real estate professionals in a new offering for clients," Guzman added.

Newly formed North Carolina team joins Compass

A Raleigh, North Carolina-based team has formed under the Compass banner, bringing 10 new agents to the Compass Raleigh office. 

The Foundry Group is led by Leigh Amigo and Kristen Moracco, co-founders and co-principal brokers whose combined sales volume exceeds $200 million, according to a news release. The team leaders previously worked as individual producers serving the Pinehurst and Southern Pines regions and have expertise in relationship sales and military relocations.

"The Foundry Group grew out of years of knowing and respecting each other in the market," Amigo and Moracco said in the announcement. "As mothers of three and military spouses, we understand the importance of communication, flexibility and trust, particularly during major life transitions. Those experiences shape the way we serve our clients every day."

Amigo, who was previously with Keller Williams, wrote in a social media post that she was grateful for her time with KW, "but sometimes, the right next step is a new chapter — an opportunity for personal growth and the chance to build something alongside an agent I have so much respect for."  

"Kristen and I bring different perspectives, strengths, and ideas to the table, but we share the same approach: care deeply, think creatively, work hard, and have a little fun while we're at it," Amigo added.