HomeSmart adds nearly 2,000 agents with East Coast merger 

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.

HomeSmart M&A marks 'important part of our continued growth'

HomeSmart has announced a merger with NorthGroup Real Estate, a move that adds nearly 2,000 agents to HomeSmart's network, the companies announced this week.

NorthGroup has more than a dozen offices in the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida, expanding Arizona-based HomeSmart's presence in key East Coast markets and bringing its agent count to over 27,000 nationwide.

NorthGroup will continue to operate under its existing model, allowing agents to maintain their current business structure while gaining access to HomeSmart's national resources and referral network. Both companies have a 100% commission model and an agent-focused approach, giving them a similar foundation to work from as they integrate, according to a news release.

NorthGroup Founder, President and CEO Scott Wilkinson called the move "an exciting milestone" for his brokerage, one that will give his firm "an opportunity to build on everything we've created together."

HomeSmart Founder and CEO Matt Widdows praised NorthGroup's "impressive business" and "strong culture," noting that it possesses "talented agents and a model that aligns closely" with his company.

"This merger is an important part of our continued growth, and our priority is making sure NorthGroup agents continue to have the support they need to run their businesses successfully," Widdows said. "We're excited to build on that with expanded tools and services and the benefits of HomeSmart's national referral network."

NextHome gains 200 SoCal agents

NextHome has added nearly 200 agents to its roster following the addition of three large offices in Southern California.

The trio of North Orange County offices, which were previously aligned with Keller Williams, will now do business as NextHome Pacific Estates. The offices have operated under the leadership of Owner Colleen Rogers for decades, NextHome noted in a news release.

In the wake of the move, Rogers said she feels "like there's a renewed energy among our agents" and is "excited for the future again."

The affiliation mirrors NextHome's addition of two other large SoCal firms in May owned by Albert Meggers, who was also with KW before moving to NextHome. Meggers noted that "the franchise options in the market aren't great right now for big operators; there just hasn't been something innovative in this space for a long time," adding that NextHome gives large firms "a viable alternative to these antiquated options."

That's due in part to NextHome's tech platform, according to the company, which includes "Full" and "Lite" options. The Full Tech Stack provides franchise owners with a complete, integrated toolkit and access to a Member Services support team.

"When we first joined and learned about Member Services, it felt like I had joined a country club," Rogers said. Her agents are now able to call NextHome's Member Services "and get quick answers to anything they need," she added. "Those are things that I'm excited to bring to agents so that they can have an easier business to run, spend less time on tasks, and more time building relationships with clients."

The addition comes four months after NextHome's May acquisition by eXp Realty.

C21 snaps up North Carolina firm with growth ambitions

Century 21 Nexum Realty, a Raleigh-based brokerage led by Founder and Principal Broker Satyanarayana "Satya" Pullakhandam, has joined Century 21 Real Estate, expanding the brand's presence in North Carolina's Research Triangle.

The firm, which is marking 10 years in business, has nearly 30 licensed real estate professionals who work in residential sales, investment properties, new construction, land acquisition and development. As a Century 21 affiliate, the brokerage will have access to the brand's technology, marketing, lead generation, training and coaching resources, as well as its referral network.

In a news release, Pullakhandam said that the global brand's resources will support agent productivity as the firm looks ahead to the "next chapter in the story of our growth."

"We've built our company around entrepreneurship, technology, and a commitment to helping our agents and clients succeed," Pullakhandam added.

"Combining those strengths with the global recognition, resources, and network of Century 21 gives us a powerful platform to strengthen our presence in North Carolina and beyond."

More brokerage news

Keller Williams is marking a major milestone for its Keller Successful Career Opportunities in Real Estate (KSCORE) program, noting in a Sept. 23 announcement that 21,086 program graduates have become agents with KW in the past five years. In that time, agents who went through KSCORE have closed over 53,000 transactions that total an estimated $15.5 billion in sales volume, according to a news release. "KSCORE is a direct expression of our commitment to equity by removing barriers to those who are seeking a career in real estate," KW Director of Community Growth Natalie Davis said. "By taking cost off the table for the participant, this program creates pathways for those who might not otherwise have access to the type of training that leads to a successful career in real estate, ensuring that more voices and communities are represented in our industry."

Christie's International Real Estate has announced that it is expanding to China's mainland with a new base in Shanghai. The Shanghai firm will be led by Managing Director Stephenie Zhou, a real estate professional with a background in new development sales and rare historic home resales. Zhou has previously focused on markets like Xintiandi and The Bund and will continue to prioritize these kinds of luxury markets in the city, according to a news release. Shanghai's luxury buyers "think about their homes in the context of their family, business, investments, and personal passions," Zhou said, adding that the Christie's brand "gives us an extraordinary platform to serve these clients more completely, combining a globally recognized name with an international network and a meaningful connection to the worlds of art and luxury."

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.