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Compass is growing its foothold in New York’s Hudson Valley with the addition of the Unlock Upstate Team in Kingston, the firm has informed Inman.
The team, previously known as the Clement, Brooks & Safier Team, comes to Compass from Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices (BHHS), where they were the No. 1 BHHS-affiliated team in New York State and No. 15 team nationally, according to sales volume. In 2024, the team closed over $100 million in sales and has closed more than $410 million since 2020.
Led by Donna Brooks, Harris Safier and Hayes Clement, the rebranded team has also moved into a new office at 16 Hurley Avenue, Kingston, New York, with the move.
“We’ve always viewed ourselves as hyper-local experts,” Brooks said in a statement. “But as the industry has evolved, we knew it was time to move on to a brokerage with next-generation tools and a vast New York City referral network. That’s how we continue to deliver above and beyond for our clients.”
From left to right: Donna Brooks, Hayes Clement and Harris Safier | Courtesy of Unlock Upstate Team
The 14-agent team serves clients across the Hudson Valley, and has crafted a niche in assisting clients with dual citizenship who want a home that is easily commutable to New York City.
“The Hudson Valley has become much more than a weekend retreat,” Clement said in a statement. “It’s a place where people want to spend more time, while staying connected to city life. Our job is to help them find the lifestyle, community and the home that works.”
Clement is a former publishing and TV executive who has become a shrewd real estate negotiator over the years, as well as an advocate for affordable housing initiatives, and previously served as board president of the social services agency Family of Woodstock Inc.
Brooks grew up in Queens and later moved to the Hudson Valley. Prior to starting her real estate career about eight years ago, she worked in business and sales and owned a coffee shop for several years.
Safier is a Brooklyn native and formerly a brokerage owner and construction advisor. He served as Ulster County Board of Realtors president for two terms, and has also served on the board of the Boys & Girls Club in Kingston.
With a market currently constrained by high prices and low inventory, the team said that Compass’ tech platform was a draw.
“Compass gives us a way to connect with more sellers and buyers alike,” Safier said in a statement. “It’s about innovative solutions and a best-in-class marketing platform. That’s the future of real estate, and we’re excited to be a part of it.”
All told, Compass now has about 20 offices across Westchester and the Hudson Valley combined.
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