A merger creates Century 21’s largest firm in Louisiana; eXp launches “UPGRADE”; Coldwell Banker nabs top California team; E&V scores in Texas; more.
6 mins
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.
M&A creates largest C21 firm in the Pelican State
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Southern Louisiana's Century 21 Bessette Realty has merged with Flavin Realty, creating the largest C21 firm in the state. The family-owned companies, which together have about 85 agents, will now operate as Century 21 Bessette Flavin.
Bill Flavin founded Flavin Realty in 1976, and the company is now led by his grandson, Beau Flavin. By taking up the C21 banner, Flavin Realty will provide its agents with access to new technology and an international network, a press release announcing the merger said.
For Bessette Realty Co-owner Tara Demarie, the merger was influenced in part by the opportunity to align "our company cultures and shared family values." Demarie, the daughter of Bessette Realty Co-founders Harvey and Moria Bessette, has co-owned the firm with sister Tobie Hodgkins since 2012.
"Both companies have a long-standing commitment to exceptional service and a deep-rooted dedication to the communities we serve," Demarie said, adding that their combined forces "will offer an unwavering dedication to meeting the diverse needs of homebuyers, sellers, investors, and developers across the region."
eXp launches UPGRADE initiative
eXp is welcoming Vija Williams into the fold to spearhead a new platform for real estate professionals known as UPGRADE.
Williams is currently the head of industry at PLACE and co-owns her own luxury real estate company in Seattle, Washington. She previously held a leadership role at Ben Kinney Brokerages and has also worked in the industry as a speaker and coach.
At eXp, Williams will oversee UPGRADE, which stands for Unlock Potential, Grow Real Estate, And Design Everything. The initiative is "designed to elevate agents, team leaders, and brokerage owners in all areas of life," according to a company press release.
eXp Realty CEO Leo Pareja described Williams as "one of the most visionary leaders in our industry" and predicted that UPGRADE will be "the kind of transformational initiative that aligns with our values of innovation, growth, and agent empowerment."
In her new role, Williams said she aspires to curate "a space where high performers are surrounded by people who challenge and elevate them" through UPGRADE.
Engel & Völkers picks up top-producing Texas agent
Bret Whitfield, a real estate professional who most recently worked with The Agency, is now aligned with Engel & Völkers. He will lead recruiting, mentorship and growth efforts as the director of the company's Dallas Park Cities shop.
Whitfield's sales volume in 2024 was $300 million and exceeds $40 million so far this year. He previously oversaw growth efforts at The Agency's Dallas office, where the team's agent count jumped from three to over 50 during his tenure.
Whitfield said in a press release that his move between brokerages "aligned with both my career goals and business philosophy." At Engel & Völkers, he sees "a brand that prioritizes the client above all else," which he said is "absolutely essential" for him to work with.
Roxann Taylor, license partner at Engel & Völkers Dallas, praised Whitfield's "valuable market expertise and proven success" in a statement. "Bret is a strategic leader, highly skilled at building top-producing teams as well as one of the most trusted and successful real estate professionals in the DFW market," Taylor added.
EXIT enters 8 new markets
EXIT Realty is continuing expansion efforts with eight new office openings — six in the U.S. and two in Canada:
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EXIT Realty Specialists in Miramichi, New Brunswick
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EXIT Results Realty, Brokerage in Rockland, Ontario
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EXIT Coosa River Realty in Lincoln, Alabama
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EXIT Realty Anchor South in Miramar Beach, Florida
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EXIT Realty Premiere Legacy in Orlando, Florida
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EXIT Realty Island Living in Hilo, Hawaii
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EXIT Infinity Realty in Chicago, Illinois
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EXIT Realty Stars in Hicksville, New York
Tami Bonnell, co-chair of EXIT Realty, acknowledged the economic uncertainties plaguing today's market in a press release.
"Uncertainty is intimidating but there will always be ebbs and flows to real estate, just as there will always be a need for expertly trained professionals and brokerages," Bonnell said. "In fact, it's more important now than ever before. We're so proud of our regional owners and our new offices, adding value to every community they serve!"
The expansion follows a busy year for EXIT, which opened 52 offices across North America in 2024.
More brokerage news
Coldwell Banker Realty has added The Jacqueline Thompson Group to its top-performing office in Newport Beach, California. Group leader Jacqueline Thompson has a special focus on coastal Orange County properties and "elite clientele," according to a company statement, and has amassed over $2.3 billion in sales throughout her 20-year career.
United Real Estate has expanded its operations in Alabama with the opening of a new office. United's Huntsville-based affiliate, Leading Edge Real Estate Group, announced the launch of its Florence branch, which will support operations from Central Alabama to Middle Tennessee. The office will be led by Mary Ann Griffith, a veteran agent and broker with over 30 years of experience.
The Agency has launched a new office in Connecticut, the brokerage's second in Fairfield County. The new office will operate as The Agency Fairfield County-Fairfield with managing partners Michael Smith and Donald Mastroianni at the helm. With its easy access to New York, Boston and other major East Coast cities, Fairfield County was an "obvious next choice" for The Agency amid its ongoing expansion efforts, Founder and CEO Mauricio Umansky said.
Engel & Völkers Sonoma County has appointed Bianca Broos and Lindsey Ehrlicher Styles to be the new license partners for the company's shops in Sonoma and Mendocino counties. Broos brings over 20 years of leadership experience in brand strategy, growth consulting and client experience. She has a history of collaboration with Ehrlicher Styles, who leads the Ehrlicher Styles Group with husband Ryan Styles.
Brands by Integra has appointed Tim Robinson as senior vice president of growth. Robinson, who brings over two decades of experience in M&As and franchising, most recently worked at Lamacchia Realty and previously held senior leadership roles at RE/MAX and Engel & Völkers. With his experience, Robinson "will be instrumental" to the company's ongoing expansion efforts, said Jim D'Amico, Brands by Integra's CEO, owner and broker.
