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.
Compass NYC’s new agent brings nearly half a billion in sales
Daniel Blatman, a veteran of New York City home sales, has joined Compass after two years at The Agency.
Blatman previously worked at Douglas Elliman and Triplemint, and has logged more than $450 million in transactions.
“Choosing Compass was primarily about enhancing my clients’ experience,” Blatman said in a news release. “Leveraging their top-tier customer service platform enables me to create more opportunities” as well as “a smoother, more seamless experience for my clients.”
“Daniel Blatman takes focus, execution and efficiency with his clients to a new level,” said Gordon Golub, Compass’ Tri-State Regional vice president, in the release. “We’re thrilled to support him in streamlining his work, giving him more time to build meaningful connections with his clients.”
The Blatman Team covers all NYC markets, with a focus on luxury real estate. In particular, they deal with high-profile cooperatives and condos, as well as townhouses in Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn.
Connecticut brokerage leader joins the Corcoran family
Jeff Kelly, a 20-year real estate veteran, has joined the team at Corcoran Centric Realty, serving Connecticut’s Fairfield County.
Kelly has spent his real estate career in Darien, Connecticut, a small community on the Long Island Sound. His addition to the Corcoran Centric team will enable the franchise “to better serve the immediate community and the surrounding markets of New Canaan and Rowayton,” said Jeff Jackson, broker/owner of Corcoran Centric Realty, in a news release.
“Jeff Kelly’s unmatched local experience, leadership skills, track record, and passion for real estate make him a natural fit for our growing team,” added Jackson.
Kelly has had a varied professional career. He earned a law degree and worked in mergers and acquisitions, then pivoted to finance, working at a leading NYC advisory firm. His real estate journey began in 2005 when he took over his father’s independent brokerage, which he led for nearly a decade before selling the company to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.
In his new role at Corcoran Centric Realty, he will specialize in waterfront properties and inland estates.
Veteran Florida broker takes on top role at family firm
Jodi Macken has assumed the role of broker for Florida-based Macken Realty. The independent brokerage, founded in 1988, is part of Macken Companies, an integrated real estate firm specializing in development, construction and brokerage. Jodi Macken is the daughter of the company founder, Lillian Macken, who died earlier this year.
Jodi Macken has been a key leader at Macken Realty for 35 years, most recently as director. Clients of the firm include Fortune 100 executives, professional athletes and celebrities.
“Jodi has always been a trailblazer in the real estate industry,” stated Alan Macken, CEO of Macken Companies, in a news release. “Her remarkable achievements and steadfast dedication make her the perfect person to carry forward our mother’s legacy.”
“This role is both an honor and bittersweet,” Jodi Macken said. “Our mother built this company from the ground up, and it’s an incredible privilege to continue her legacy. Macken Realty is not just a business, it’s family. Working alongside my brother, Alan, has always been a rewarding experience, and I look forward to collaborating closely as we continue to develop and sell award-winning projects, embrace new technologies, and adapt to the ever-evolving real estate market.”
Macken Realty has more than 300 agents across five South Florida offices.
The Agency launches in Saskatoon
The Agency has opened its first office in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. The Agency Saskatoon, the brand’s 24th office in Canada, is led by Managing Partners Jonathan Katsiris and Dimitri Katsiris.
“Growing up in Saskatoon has given us a deep understanding of the local market and its nuances,” said Jonathan Katsiris in a news release. “With my background in the rural residential acreage market surrounding Saskatoon, I believe we can effectively serve a diverse clientele, from young families seeking condos to those looking for luxury riverfront homes. “
“Saskatoon is a city on the rise, characterized by a unique blend of historic charm and modern development,” said James Ramsay, EVP of The Agency’s Franchise Division. “With some of the most desirable river properties commanding premium prices, the Saskatoon market offers a wealth of opportunities for buyers and sellers alike. With Dimitri and Jonathan Katsiris leading the office, we are confident that The Agency Saskatoon will meet the evolving needs of our clients and contribute to the area’s exciting growth.”
The Agency has been growing steadily in 2024, opening 27 new offices so far this year.
Las Vegas indie marks 20th anniversary with a move to C21
Las Vegas-based 1st Priority Realty, founded in 2004, has announced its affiliation with Century 21. Led by broker Duc Lu, the firm is now doing business as Century 21 1st Priority Realty.
Lu was attracted to Century 21 by its technology and services, including marketing, lead generation, agent training and productivity tools. He said he plans to use these services to streamline the brokerage’s operations before shifting his focus to growth.
“We felt as though we had already accomplished everything that we could as an independent brokerage in the Las Vegas market,” Lu said in a news release.
“We’ve already established a well-known reputation for providing high-quality service to our clients, however, we realized that with a little more advanced technology and some more formalized systems, tools and support, we could improve upon our services even further. Once we looked into the idea of joining a major brand to make that happen, the Century 21 system was the immediate answer.”
Coldwell Banker grows in East Africa
Coldwell Banker Real Estate has extended its international reach with a new master franchise, Coldwell Banker Tanzania and Zanzibar.
Tanzania is in eastern Africa, south of Kenya. Zanzibar is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, and is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania. The nation is experiencing rapid growth, with strong sales in both commercial and residential real estate.
CEO Gina Washington leads Coldwell Banker Tanzania and Zanzibar. The franchise is focused on sustainable development and green building practices.
“I am confident that this is the perfect moment for us to bring the Coldwell Banker brand’s renowned expertise to the region,” Washington said in a news release.
Agents will be working with individual homebuyers, business owners and investors. “We are committed to guiding clients towards safe and profitable investments,” Washington added. “We look forward to delivering top-tier services that will help create a thriving and positive environment for everyone engaging with the real estate market in this dynamic region.”