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n a strategic move to expand its presence in the Richmond market, United Real Estate Richmond has merged with River City Blues Realty, creating a powerhouse team under the United banner. The deal, finalized on March 15, brings aboard 20 seasoned agents from River City, swelling United's local agent count to 220.

    The newly formed Virginia team, RVA Blue Realty, will operate out of United's offices, leveraging its robust infrastructure and expertise. According to John Finn, senior managing broker at United, the acquisition was backed by third-party financing. The terms of the deal remain undisclosed.

    River City Blues founder Smitty Smith had been seeking a physical office space after years of virtual operations. He credits United with providing the ideal environment for his agents to thrive. "We wanted to get back to an in-person workshop," Smith explained. "United's offices and resources are exactly what we needed."

    The merger not only grants access to United's facilities but also offers expanded training, administrative support, and a flat-fee brokerage model that allows agents to keep 100% of their commissions. This structure has proven particularly attractive to Smith, who notes it's the direction real estate is heading.

    United Real Estate Richmond was founded in 2015 by the Finn brothers, who have since grown the company into the largest African American-owned brokerage in the Mid-Atlantic and the third-largest in central Virginia. With a strong track record of success – last year's agents closed over 1,000 home sales – United is now exploring potential acquisitions with three more firms.