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.
New affiliation brings hundreds of agents to United
United Real Estate has welcomed Allison James Estates and Homes, a 725-agent brokerage based in Port Charlotte, Florida, that also boasts agents in California, Maryland, Nevada, Texas, Massachusetts, Virginia and Washington, D.C. The move is part of United’s ongoing national expansion efforts and follows its addition of MORE Realty in 2025 and Premiere Plus Realty in 2024.
The company said its model — which allows partnered firms to maintain their local branding — emphasizes shared resources and collaboration across its network. Allison James agents will now have access to United’s technology platform, including its AI-driven BullseyeAI tool, as well as training, marketing and operational support aimed at increasing agent productivity, according to a news release.
“Over the next five years, our focus is on increasing agent production,” Allison James Estates and Homes CEO Matthew Crumbaugh said. United’s national scope “allows us the flexibility to maintain our family-owned culture and brand while providing the resources that empower our agents to prosper and build long-term wealth,” he added.
United President Rick Haase praised Allison James’ leadership team, noting that they bring “sharp business acumen and a deep passion for building on a strong legacy of success.”
“Together, the exchange of knowledge, experience and talent between our companies will accelerate growth and opportunities for both agents and clients alike,” Haase said.
Lamacchia Realty expands in Connecticut
Lamacchia Realty has announced the acquisition of The Briotti Group, a move that expands Lamacchia Realty’s footprint in Connecticut’s New Haven County with two new offices in Waterbury and Wolcott. This marks Lamacchia Realty’s 13th acquisition in New England in the past two-and-a-half years, according to a news release.
Led by Stephen Briotti, The Briotti Group — previously a Weichert franchise — brings longstanding local market experience. Briotti first entered the real estate industry in 1978 and opened his first office in 1995. Some of his current agents have worked in his office for over two decades, and 24 will be joining him in the move to Lamacchia Realty.
“I want simply the best for my agents,” Briotti said. Through this alignment, Briotti said they “will hone their skills and use the proven systems and strategies to sustain growth in their careers.”
Lamacchia Realty Founder Anthony Lamacchia said he is “very excited” to welcome the group into the fold. “I knew Stephen and his agents were the right fit from the very first conversation I ever had with him,” he said.
Douglas Elliman moves into California’s Wine Country
Douglas Elliman Realty has entered Northern California’s Wine Country, establishing a presence in the Napa and Sonoma markets with the addition of Christine Krenos and Joseph Zichelle. Together, the duo closed over $70 million in sales volume in 2025, according to a news release.
Previously aligned with Compass, Krenos and Zichelle — who joined forces nine years ago — will use their domestic and international client networks to lead Douglas Elliman’s luxury market efforts in the area. California’s Wine Country “offers something rare: privacy, land and architectural beauty within reach of San Francisco,” Krenos said, comparing it to luxury markets like Aspen, the Hamptons and Malibu.
“When you combine proximity to Silicon Valley, year-round livability and the increasing quality of design-driven estates, it becomes clear: this market isn’t catching up, it’s just getting started. And perhaps most importantly, the wealth is already here,” Zichelle added.
For Douglas Elliman, expanding into the Wine Country’s luxury market “represents a strategic and highly anticipated step” in the company’s growth in the state, President and CEO Michael Liebowitz said.
“This is a globally recognized luxury market, and with Christine and Joseph leading the way, we are exceptionally well-positioned to deliver best-in-class service and reach to the region,” Liebowitz added.
More brokerage news
Compass has welcomed agents Bayard Fenwick, Clare Ambrose and Claudette Dixon, a trio that closed over $40 million in combined sales in 2025, the company said in a news release. While Fenwick is new to the brokerage, Ambrose and Dixon are returning after stints at AuDela Real Estate and Signature Premier Properties, respectively. All three will be based out of Compass’ office in the Hamptons. “Their collective expertise and deep roots in this community are invaluable,” said Joe Fuer, managing director for Compass in the Hamptons.
Realty ONE Group Heartland has added Jacqui Tracy and Jeannie Krichbaum, agents previously affiliated with Keller Williams Preferred Realty. Through their formation of a new team at Realty ONE, the two are gaining access to the company’s tech and marketing resources. “Our vision has always been to build something bigger than individual production,” Tracy said, with Krichbaum noting that they were “intentional” about their next move. “Forming this team allows us to combine our strengths and create a more seamless, supportive experience for buyers and sellers,” Tracy added.
The Real Brokerage has been included on the Financial Times’ The Americas’ Fastest Growing Companies 2026 list. Real topped the list among residential real estate brokerages and was No. 39 overall. Real’s inclusion “reflects the strength of our model and the commitment of our agents, who are at the center of everything we do,” Chairman and CEO Tamir Poleg said in a news release. “Our growth is driven by a simple idea. Empower agents with the best technology, support and community, and they will build extraordinary businesses.”
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.