Compass takes majority stake in Peerage
Compass International Holdings (CIH) has assumed a controlling stake in Peerage USA Holdings LLC, a firm that invests in and supports multiple Sotheby’s International Realty franchises, as part of a debt-restructuring transaction. The maneuver involves taking 51% of the common equity in a parent company tied to certain Sotheby’s International Realty (SIR) franchise interests. The filing includes a 30-month debt repayment schedule and a TPG put that can force a cash purchase.
Peerage is an investor in franchisees including Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, Briggs Freeman SIR, Jameson SIR and Four Seasons SIR.
Elliman appoints Areeje Akhtar Oriol to chief of staff role
Douglas Elliman Real Estate announced the appointment of Areeje Akhtar Oriol as chief of staff to President and CEO Michael S. Liebowitz. Oriol will work directly with Liebowitz and the firm’s senior leadership team on strategic initiatives, organizational alignment and the continued evolution of the platform supporting Elliman’s agents and clients worldwide.
Oriol brings more than 15 years of experience in business development and organizational strategy to Elliman, with a consistent focus on businesses serving the luxury consumer. Her career has spanned digital media, global technology companies and residential real estate, where she has worked closely with founders, executives and top-producing professionals to build brands, develop platforms and support growth at the highest end of the market.
Texas real estate associations merge
The San Antonio Board of Realtors® (SABOR) and Four Rivers Association of Realtors® (FRAR) announced plans for a merger that would bring their 10,000-plus members in Central and South Texas together.
The boards of directors for both associations formally approved the deal. The merger still needs member approval and NAR ratification before it can be finalized.
The decision to merge was made after “thoughtful discussion, evaluation and strategic planning” by leaders of both associations, SABOR and FRAR said in their announcement, adding that the merger “represents a strong opportunity to enhance member value, expand our regional footprint and strengthen the Realtor voice.”
Compass names Greg Hague director of home sale strategy
Phoenix real estate strategist and 72SOLD founder Greg Hague has been appointed director of home sale strategy for Compass International Holdings, one of the world’s largest publicly traded real estate services companies, representing more than 300,000 agents across 120 countries.
Hague brings more than 50 years of experience to the role, with a career spanning brokerage, law and real estate innovation. His work is grounded in the idea that the market is not a fixed constraint but a dynamic environment in which skilled real estate professionals can influence outcomes through strategy, positioning and execution.
Michael Saunders & Company announces new office
Michael Saunders & Company celebrated the grand opening of its new Wellen Park office, marking a significant expansion within one of Southwest Florida’s fastest-growing master-planned communities.
Michael Saunders, founder and CEO of Michael Saunders & Company, and Drayton Saunders, president, joined approximately 120 agents, staff, builders and community partners for the event, which included a ribbon cutting and open house at the newly completed 5,000-square-foot office.
Ted Mucellin leaves Bright MLS
Ted Mucellin announced that he is stepping down as chief strategy & operations officer at Bright MLS, to pursue a new opportunity. “I am walking away proud of all of the operational and technical milestones we have achieved together including overhauled internal operations and communications processes, new MLS policies, an AI-first focus, a world changing national partnership, and several new product launches and strategies,” he wrote on LinkedIn.
Southeast MLS Alliance expands, adding realMLS in Northeast Florida
The Southeast MLS Alliance, composed of CHS Regional MLS (Charleston), Realtracs (Nashville), Canopy MLS (Charlotte) and Georgia MLS, announced the expansion of its regional data-sharing initiative with the addition of realMLS, the multiple listing service serving the greater Jacksonville and Northeast Florida area.
With the inclusion of realMLS, the Southeast MLS Alliance now connects over 118,000 subscribers across a network of major metropolitan and high-growth markets, enabling broader listing exposure and increased referral opportunities. The expansion further strengthens geographic continuity across the Alliance, fostering seamless collaboration between inland and coastal markets throughout the Southeast.
New American Funding adds One Goal Mortgage to Midwest presence
New American Funding, an independent mortgage lender, announced the addition of One Goal Mortgage Powered by New American Funding, a new branch serving the Omaha metro area and Southwest Iowa. The team joined New American Funding early 2026, marking an important step in the company’s Midwest growth and establishing its first physical branch presence in Nebraska.
Real announces new groups in U.S. and Canada
The Real Brokerage announced that Arizona real estate leader Randy Anaya and his 65-agent team, Equity Realty Group, have joined the company. The addition expands Real’s presence in Phoenix’s Southwest Valley.
Real also announced that Team Jordan, led by Lorraine Jordan, has joined the company in Canada. The 18-member team, including 10 agents, brings more than 10,000 completed transactions and $3.9 billion in lifetime sales volume, expanding Real’s presence across Ontario, Canada.
Largest NYC Coldwell Banker affiliate launches MYNY in franchise exit
Coldwell Banker Reliable Real Estate, formerly the largest Coldwell Banker franchise affiliate in New York City’s five boroughs, has launched a new independent brokerage, MYNY, following 18 years under the franchise brand. The company is now in its 20th year in business. The firm has offices in Brooklyn, Manhattan and Long Island, and serves clients across all five boroughs, Long Island and the Hamptons.
