Compass, a New York-based real estate brokerage led by CEO Robert Reffkin, has expanded its presence in Florida’s Treasure Coast by bringing on the New Wave Group, a 15-agent team based in Stuart. This move marks Compass’ first entry into the Treasure Coast region.
According to a press release, the New Wave Group is led by Sara Crombie and focuses on luxury residential properties across Martin, Palm Beach, and St. Lucie counties. The group has completed over $500 million in sales. Its agents include Catherine Hudzina, Dana Netska, Ellen Pentland, Gayle Sokoloff, Genece Singer, Jake Newman, Jennifer Heins, Judy Cialone, Laura Trombetta, Mike Davis, Nina Blum, Susan Freytes, Susan Slutsky and Will Gluckman.
Florida’s real estate market has seen increased activity since the pandemic prompted many people to relocate to the state. Brokerages have sought to expand their operations amid this trend; for example, last year the Keyes Company acquired a 24-agent brokerage in Fort Pierce.
Compass currently employs more than 33,000 agents nationwide and has invested heavily in mergers and acquisitions as part of its growth strategy. In recent years it has also added teams in other parts of Florida: a 20-agent team joined Compass in the Panhandle’s 30A region in 2022 according to RealTrends (https://www.realtrends.com/articles/compass-adds-20-agent-team-in-floridas-30a-region/), while an office opened earlier this year in Downtown Naples now supports around 300 agents and staff. In July the Korman Group with 40 agents joined Compass at its Boca Raton location.
The company is also involved in national industry debates over how homes are marketed and sold. It is currently suing Zillow regarding private listings policies and recently announced it would no longer follow the National Association of Realtor’s Clear Cooperation Policy.
