Cassis Burke Collection moves to Douglas Elliman
Carol Cassis and Stephan Burke, co-founders and owners of The Cassis Burke Collection, are joining Douglas Elliman Florida at their Miami Beach office, according to a July 29 press release from the company. Cassis, Burke and their team (Diana Carulla, Laura Buccellati and Ted Borges) were previously with Brown Harris Stevens. In 2017, the Cassis Burke Collection gained recognition for being the first real estate agents in the U.S. to close a home transaction through cryptocurrency. The team reported $55 million in sales volume last year, including deals that broke price records in Coconut Grove ($20 million) and for a unit at 1 Hotel & Homes in South Beach ($13.5 million). The team primarily focuses on the South of 5th market in Miami Beach.
“The decision to join Douglas Elliman was based on the strength of the brand, both nationally and internationally, as we continue to see strong interest in South Florida from buyers across the country and around the world,” Cassis said in the press announcement.
Former eXp leader joins San Francisco brokerage
Vikki Bartholomae, who up until recently served as president at eXp Realty, joined San Francisco-based Side as chief of agent success. In a press release accompanying the announcement, Bartholomae said the equity model and technological offerings of the company are what drew her in. “The model, combined with the technology and platform, is truly disruptive,” she said. “The problem is that the technology in real estate today is designed to get between the agent and the client, and what makes Side revolutionary is that our tech works behind the agent.”
Compass Florida recruits The Coastal Living Team in Palm Beach County
Compass Florida announced in a July 25 press release that The Coastal Living Team, led by Meike Macgregor and John Nugent, would join the company’s Palm Beach office. Macgregor and the Coastal Living Team were previously with Keller Williams, while Nugent joins from Waterfront Properties. The team is now the highest producing team in Palm Beach County, according to Compass, and includes agents who also specialize in the Palm Beach Garden market as well as the 55-plus demographic.
“Compass is a frontrunner in the industry,” Macgregor said in the press statement. “The firm’s advanced technology will help us deliver an unmatched buying and selling experience. I always strive to provide my team with the tools they need to succeed and joining Compass Florida will bring the Coastal Living Team to new heights.”
RE/MAX Advance names head of new sports and entertainment division
RE/MAX Advance Realty has hired James Lawrence as sales director for its new sports and entertainment division. Lawrence previously worked with RE/MAX Properties of Jupiter, Florida, representing players from multiple Major League Baseball teams.
“We are delighted to launch this new division under James’ leadership, with an eye toward serving athletes, entertainers, and team representatives throughout South Florida,” said Anthony Askowitz, broker-owner of RE/MAX Advance. “South Florida is fortunate to be among the few U.S. regions to host all four major professional sports leagues, one of only two states to host Major League Baseball’s spring training activities, and the host of major international soccer, auto racing, and polo competitions throughout the year. We look forward to tapping into James’ expertise in serving this unique community of clients.”
The Agency adds two agents
The Agency Collective announced July 26 that it added two agents to its roster in South Florida. Dean Stokes, a former professional golfer ranked No. 54 in Florida by REAL Trends in 2018, joins the firm from The Bears Club. Brian Fairweather, Jr., himself a competitive golfer and member of the USGA and FSGA, boasts more than $25 million in transaction volume since 2016.