Real estate hires in September spanned executive appointments, agent transfers, office openings and a lender partnership across brokerages, title companies, builders and industry associations, according to company releases and media reports.
Here are the details:
Westcor Land Title Insurance Company
Westcor Land Title Insurance Company named David Dickard Western Regional Underwriting Counsel on Sept. 1 and added Sarah Hasch as a Florida agency representative on Sept. 17.
Dickard has more than 40 years of experience in title insurance, underwriting, claims and operational leadership, according to the company. His latest role was senior vice president and Western region underwriting counsel at First National Title Insurance Company, where he supported agents and company-owned offices in Colorado, Utah, Nevada, Montana, Arizona and New Mexico. He served on the inaugural Colorado Title Insurance Commission from 2015 to 2019 after Gov. John Hickenlooper appointed him.
“We look forward to putting his expertise to work for our agents and strengthening these partnerships,” Natalie Koonce, Mountain States region manager, said in a statement.
Hasch will support title agents in the Jacksonville area. She brings 28 years of real estate experience, including 12 years as a Realtor in Northern California specializing in foreclosed properties, and has led training and seminars for title agents and Realtors for the past seven years.
“It’s a big win for our team to have her come on board and contribute her talents to what we’re achieving in the Florida market,” Michael Soviero, Florida regional agency sales manager, said in a statement.
Vesta Home
Vesta Home appointed Michael El-Saleh vice president of national sales, the New York-based staging, design and furnishing company announced Sept. 1.
El-Saleh will lead the national sales organization, with a focus on growth across markets and relationships with brokers, developers and homeowners. He joins after more than a decade in senior leadership at Angi and HomeAdvisor. As vice president of enterprise sales at Angi, he managed about $300 million in enterprise and partnership revenue, according to the company.
Vesta Home completes about 2,500 residential projects a year in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Palm Beach, San Francisco and the Hamptons, among other markets. In 2025, it staged more than 5.2 million square feet of residential real estate representing about $13.7 billion in transactions, the company said.
“Michael spent his career building high-performing teams and creating the infrastructure that allows companies to scale while improving the customer experience,” Julian Buckner, founder and CEO of Vesta Home, said in a statement.
Brown Harris Stevens
Bonita DeWolf
Brown Harris Stevens announced Sept. 1 that agents Bonita DeWolf and Janifer Jaeger joined its Sag Harbor office from Christie’s International Real Estate.
DeWolf has more than 30 years of experience in the Hamptons. She joined Christie’s in 2023 after nearly 21 years with The Corcoran Group in East Hampton. Jaeger has more than two decades of East End experience and spent more than 20 years at Corcoran, where she rose to senior managing director before becoming a licensed associate broker. Karaline Menacher, who started a real estate career after more than 20 years in design, moved from Christie’s with DeWolf.
“Brown Harris Stevens is a privately owned company with a 150-year legacy, a tremendous reputation, and, importantly, a clear vision for the future,” DeWolf said in a statement.
Janifer Jaeger
The brokerage, founded in 1873, has more than 2,300 agents in New York, Connecticut, New Jersey and Florida, according to the company.
Compass
Compass announced Sept. 21 that Jessica Julian joined its Palm Beach office from Douglas Elliman, where she spent six years. Julian has more than a decade of experience with buyers, sellers, renters and investors in Palm Beach and surrounding communities. She closed close to $50 million in sales in 2025, including a waterfront condominium buyout at 3901 South Flagler Drive, and her 2026 sales volume has reached close to $100 million, according to Compass.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jessica to Compass. Her deep local expertise, network, and commitment to a high-touch client experience make her a phenomenal addition to our Palm Beach luxury team,” Adam Vellano, managing director and principal broker at Compass, said in a statement.
In the Hamptons, Compass announced the return of Robbie Banker, Greg Gould and Dominic Couzens, the leaders of The Legacy Team, Behind the Hedges reported Sept. 1. Each spent five to six years at Compass before the team launched at Hedgerow Exclusive Properties, where it spent the past two years.
According to the report, the team has generated $200 million in sales volume since May 2024, will work from the Compass office in Sag Harbor and plans to launch a National Division. Joe Fuer, Compass managing director in the Hamptons, told the outlet the firm looks forward to what the team will accomplish.
Douglas Elliman
Douglas Elliman named Jamie Gagliano chief operations officer, brokerage, the company announced in September. The Real Deal first reported the news Sept. 1.
Gagliano returns from The Corcoran Group, where she was partner and chief operating officer for Noble Black & Partners. She joined Douglas Elliman in 2014 as chief operating officer for The Holly Parker Team.
Based at the firm’s 575 Madison Ave. office, she will oversee national operations infrastructure and align operations with the rollout of Elius, the company’s AI intelligence platform built by Google Cloud.
“I have long considered Jamie an excellent leader, and I am excited to see our international brand and platform grow under her stewardship,” Michael S. Liebowitz, president and CEO of Douglas Elliman Inc., said in a statement.
Michael Saunders & Company
Michael Saunders & Company appointed Mick McCalley managing broker of its Venice and Wellen Park offices, the company announced Sept. 2.
McCalley will lead agent support and day-to-day operations in both offices. He has more than a decade of experience in residential sales, new home sales and brokerage leadership, including lot acquisition and new home sales at David Weekley Homes. He has led offices ranging from more than 110 agents in Lakewood Ranch to more than 400 in Winter Park and has served on committees with the local Realtor association.
“Mick’s professionalism, combined with his hands-on, agent-first style, is what makes an exceptional managing broker,” Chip Murphy, executive vice president of Michael Saunders & Company, said in a statement.
Council of Multiple Listing Services
The Council of Multiple Listing Services named Cameron Kinzer director of advocacy, the trade association announced Sept. 4.
Kinzer will lead CMLS’s government relations and public policy strategy and work with CEO Jessica Edgerton, the board and members on issues affecting multiple listing services. He served as chief advocacy and public affairs officer for Boise Regional Realtors, where he directed government affairs, political engagement and community partnerships across southwestern Idaho and eastern Oregon.
“CMLS has made a commitment to show up wherever the future of MLS is being discussed, and Cameron gives us the experience and capacity to make that commitment real,” Edgerton said in a statement.
CMLS represents 241 MLSs with over 1.7 million combined subscribers, according to the association.
Cardel Group of Companies
Cardel Group of Companies announced Sept. 4 that Ryan Ockey will retire as president and CEO after more than four decades with the homebuilder and move to executive chair. Craig Collin becomes president and CEO Oct. 5.
Collin has served as an independent director on Cardel’s board since January 2025. He spent close to 25 years at PulteGroup, where he became division president for New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and has spent nine years as president of Tavistock Development Company.
“Ryan has created immense value in the Cardel brand through the homes built, the neighborhoods created and the relationships formed in the communities Cardel serves,” Andrew Ross, chair of the Cardel board, said in a statement.
Cardel has built more than 20,000 homes in over 150 communities across four regions in two countries, according to the company.
Premier Sotheby’s International Realty
Premier Sotheby’s International Realty added 50 advisors across its Florida and North Carolina sales galleries, the brokerage announced Sept. 4.
Florida galleries added 36 advisors and North Carolina galleries added 14, according to the brokerage’s list. Bonita Springs added the most in Florida with six, followed by four each in Seminole, Tampa and Venice. In North Carolina, Asheville added eight, Lake Norman three, Charlotte two and Blowing Rock one. The Sarasota, Venice and Lakewood Ranch galleries added nine advisors combined, SRQ Daily reported Sept. 7.
“We are delighted to welcome our new sales advisors to Premier Sotheby’s International Realty,” Jackie Thiel, president, said in a statement.
The brokerage, based in Naples, has more than 1,200 advisors in 40 locations in Florida and North Carolina, according to the company.
Offerpad
Offerpad Solutions appointed Benjamin Graboske to its board of directors, the company announced Sept. 8. Graboske will serve on the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
Graboske has more than 25 years of experience building data and analytics platforms in real estate, mortgage, capital markets and healthcare. His latest role was executive vice president of technology and engineering and chief data officer at Definitive Healthcare. Before that, he led mortgage data and analytics at Intercontinental Exchange and spent nearly a decade as president of data and analytics at Black Knight.
“His track record scaling multi-billion-dollar data and analytics businesses brings even more of the data, AI, and technology expertise that will support Offerpad’s growth and how we serve homeowners and partners,” Brian Bair, CEO and chairman, said in a statement.
The Agency
The Agency opened its first Rhode Island office, named a managing director for Carmel and hired a franchise sales executive.
The Agency Narragansett, announced Sept. 9, is located at 360 Kingstown Road and led by managing partners Nicole Maine and Patrick Farrell. The company said it opened 27 offices in 2025 and has grown to over 190 offices in 17 countries.
Mauricio Umansky | The Agency
“Nicole Maine and Patrick Farrell have deep roots in the region and share our commitment to service, collaboration and local expertise,” Mauricio Umansky, CEO and founder of The Agency, said in a statement.
The brokerage named Jeff Barnett managing director of its Carmel office. Barnett has managed The Agency’s Los Gatos office since joining in 2022. He was vice president and managing director at Compass and began his career in the late 1980s at Fox & Carskadon Real Estate before joining Alain Pinel Realtors in 1991. Alain Pinel merged with Compass in 2019, according to his company biography.
Jim Lonergan joined as vice president leading Midwest, South Central and Canada sales. He comes from Realogy, now Anywhere Real Estate, where he held senior strategic growth and franchise sales roles.
“Jim has spent his career building trusted relationships across the real estate industry and has an exceptional understanding of what brokerage leaders need to grow and compete,” James Ramsay, executive vice president of franchise sales and operations at The Agency, said in a statement.
Baird & Warner
Greg Phillips (Credit: Baird & Warner)
Greg Phillips, vice president and designated managing broker of Baird & Warner’s Northwest Suburban office, was installed Sept. 10 as president of Mainstreet Realtors, the brokerage announced. The association represents about 18,000 real estate professionals in suburban Cook, DuPage and Lake counties.
Phillips joined Baird & Warner in 1994, moved into management in 2006 and has led the Northwest Suburban office for 17 years. He served as Mainstreet’s treasurer and president-elect. According to the release, Mainstreet is the only Realtor association in Illinois that offers health care options to members.
“Greg embodies the values that have defined Baird & Warner for generations: service, integrity, leadership and a commitment to helping others succeed,” Steve Baird, president and CEO of Baird & Warner, said in a statement.
KW Inspire Network
KW Inspire Network announced Sept. 10 that Hal Klein joined its Boca Raton office from Compass. Klein has more than 20 years of experience in luxury and residential real estate in Boca Raton, Delray Beach and greater South Florida, and RealTrends ranked him in the top 1 percent of South Florida agents, according to the network.
His recent transactions range from $1.6 million to $4.7 million, including the $4.7 million sale of a home on Oakley Court in Boca Raton. Before real estate, he was a partner at a stock trading firm and CEO of a lending company.
“Hal is exactly the kind of agent we built Inspire for,” Matt Pitts, general manager of KW Inspire Network, said in a statement.
Keller Williams
Keller Williams agent Tracey Edwards was named KW Luxury Regional Ambassador for the Ohio Valley Region, which covers Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana, according to a Sept. 13 release on PR.com.
Edwards is dual licensed in Central Ohio and Florida and leads the Homes By Tracey Edwards Team. In the role, she manages the MC Liaison recruitment program and coordinates KW Luxury Pro memberships across the region.
“Agents in Columbus, Powell, and Worthington now have a real referral partner on the Gulf Coast, and agents in Naples or Bradenton have the same thing pointing back into Ohio,” Edwards said.
HomeSmart
HomeSmart and loanDepot entered a marketing services agreement that gives HomeSmart’s agents access to loanDepot’s loan officers and mortgage products, loanDepot announced Sept. 14.
According to the company, the agreement extends to HomeSmart’s network of more than 25,000 agents nationwide. HomeSmart describes itself as the largest 100 percent commission brokerage in the country. loanDepot (NYSE: LDI) said it has funded $592 billion in loans directly to consumers. The release did not include financial terms or details on how the arrangement will work.
loanDepot said Bankrate, CNBC Select, TIME, USA Today, NerdWallet, Money, CBS News and Forbes Advisor have named it among the best mortgage lenders in 2026 evaluations across categories including refinance, FHA, VA and home equity loans.
“HomeSmart’s agent network and customer-first approach align closely with our own values,” Tom Fiddler, president of retail lending at loanDepot, said in a statement.
“loanDepot offers the reach, products and service capabilities we’re looking for in a lender,” Carol Perry, chief business development officer at HomeSmart, said in a statement.
Discovery Land Company
Discovery Land Company appointed Alicia Goldstein president, Eastern United States, the company announced in September. The company created the role to oversee its Eastern U.S. and Caribbean portfolio and establish its first corporate presence on the East Coast. Goldstein starts in fall 2026 and will be based in New York.
Her portfolio includes Silo Ridge Field Club in New York’s Hudson Valley, The Hills and Dune Deck on Long Island’s East End, Moncayo in Puerto Rico, Atlantic Fields in Hobe Sound, Florida, and Playa Grande in the Dominican Republic. Goldstein has more than 25 years of experience and held senior roles at Related Companies and Access Industries/Faena Group. She founded Chrysos Partners, and the company said she has worked on more than $30 billion of residential and mixed-use projects.
“I have known Alicia for a decade, and she is highly respected across the real estate industry, with deep relationships and an exceptional track record,” Mike Meldman, founder and chairman of Discovery Land Company, said in a statement.
Christie’s International Real Estate Sereno
Christie’s International Real Estate Sereno opened its 20th location in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, as the brokerage marks its 20th anniversary, according to the company. The office at 777 San Carlos St., Suite 230, is led by Simona Martin, who has worked for the brokerage on the Monterey Peninsula and has a background in global corporate real estate and strategic consulting.
The Los Gatos-based brokerage has more than 650 agents and reported $6.5 billion in sales volume in 2025, with $7.4 billion projected for 2026. Chris Trapani, CEO, and Ryan Iwanaga, chief experience officer, founded it in 2006 as The Sereno Group.
Lauren Henss
FirstTeam
FirstTeam promoted Lauren Henss to chief marketing and strategy officer, effective immediately, the brokerage announced. Henss joined in 2024.
According to the brokerage, she led the growth of FirstTeam’s Behind the Agent philosophy into a brand platform and, in 2026, launched a multiyear brand marketing partnership with Brown Harris Stevens alongside Matt Leone, the firm’s chief marketing officer. FirstTeam is also integrating AI into its operations through a partnership with Purlin, which connects leads, marketing, CRM, closings and commissions.
Real Brokerage
Clayton Coastal Group joined The Real Brokerage, bringing 37 agents and plans to expand into New York, Real announced.
Led by Matt Clayton, the Florida team is on pace to close close to $300 million in transactions this year, according to the company. Clayton spent 18 years as an air traffic controller before becoming a full-time agent in 2024. He sold $20 million in his first 12 months and grew his team from two agents to 37.
“His social media expertise and vision for building a national business make him an ideal fit for Real,” Joel Kirsch, senior vice president of growth at Real, said in a statement.
