I
n a major brokerage shake-up, veteran NYC agent John Lawrence has made his way back to Douglas Elliman, bringing 19 members of The Lawrence Team with him. This reunion marks a return to Lawrence's real estate roots after a stint at Compass, where he was on track to close over $100 million in sales this year. With 15 years of experience in sales management under his belt, Lawrence is confident that Douglas Elliman offers the best support for agents and teams.

    Lawrence has spent decades building a reputation as a top-performing agent and expert manager, overseeing billions in transactions since 1988. His expertise will undoubtedly bolster Douglas Elliman's presence in Manhattan and the tri-state area, with plans to expand into Westchester, the Hamptons, and Miami.

    Meanwhile, Century 21 has welcomed Crest Realty, an independent brokerage owned by Sarah Wood, into its network. With a strong reputation for military relocation and residential real estate, Crest Realty is now operating as Century 21 Crest Realty. Wood's decision to join a larger network was driven by the desire to provide her agents and clients with access to cutting-edge tools.

    Century 21 President Mike Miedler praised Wood's commitment to community engagement and military families, highlighting her unique approach to business. "Sarah has created an unmistakable identity for her business while providing invaluable expertise in military relocation," he said.

    In other news, The Agency has expanded its presence in New Jersey with the opening of its first independently owned office in Rutherford. Led by Managing Partner Jennifer Darby Metzger, a second-generation broker with decades of experience, this new location marks the company's 11th office in the tri-state area.

    The Agency's commitment to innovation and local expertise has been a key factor in its growth, with 30 new offices launched last year alone. This expansion into New Jersey is a testament to the company's dedication to serving its clientele across the region.

    Finally, Sotheby's International Realty has strengthened its presence in Tennessee with the affiliation of Realty Center of Chattanooga, now operating as Horizon Sotheby's International Realty. With 92 agents and a combined 35 years of experience, this new office will serve clients across Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia.

    The partnership between Sotheby's and Horizon is built on a shared commitment to premier service and local expertise. "Our goal is to bring our local knowledge to a global audience," said Byron Kelly, owner of Horizon. With six offices in the state, Sotheby's International Realty continues to solidify its position as a leading player in Tennessee's real estate market.