2025 RealTrends Verified GameChangers: firms reshaping the future of brokerage

Every year, RealTrends recognizes brokerage firms that are rewriting the rules of growth through its RealTrends GameChangers ranking. The list identifies companies that have grown by transaction side percentage at extraordinary rates over the past five years, as measured against the RealTrends Verified 500.

For 2025, 24 brokerage firms earned the GameChanger distinction. Each grew transaction sides by at least 75% from 2020 through 2024 — some posting triple-digit increases that underscore how quickly ambitious leaders can scale in a competitive industry.

Skyrocketing growth across the map

Leading the way is Keller Williams Metropolitan, based in Baltimore, which posted an eye-popping 297% increase in transaction sides, growing from just 581 transaction sides in 2019 to 2,625 in 2024.

CENTURY 21 Real Estate Alliance, headquartered in San Francisco, wasn’t far behind with 237% growth, while HRC Realty, based in Michigan expanded by 193%, hitting more than 6,000 sides in 2024.

RE/MAX Time, headquartered in California, grew by 186% from 745 transaction sides in 2019 to 2,071 in 2024. Florida-based firms also made their mark. ONE Sotheby’s International Realty, based in Miami jumped 184% to more than 10,000 sides, while LoKation Real Estate, based in Pompano Beach, logged a 76% increase on a massive base, scaling to over 13,000 sides in 2024.

Other standout performers include Equity Union Real Estate in Los Angeles (186% growth), Jason Mitchell Real Estate, headquartered in Scottsdale, (181%), and Iron Valley Real Estate, based in Pennsylvania, which more than doubled to 11,744 sides in 2024.

Not to be overlooked: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, headquartered in Los Angeles, (171% growth), Keller Williams – State College, Penn. (155%), Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Journey, based in Arkansas, (132%), and Coldwell Banker Premier, headquartered in Virginia (113%).

Brands on the list

Keller Williams – 5 firms

• Metropolitan (MD)
• Charleston–West Ashley (SC)
• State College (PA)
• Philadelphia (PA)
• Centennial Hills/Las Vegas (NV)

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate – 3 firms

• Journey (AR)
• Real Estate Central (WV)
• Maturo (NJ)

RE/MAX – 3 firms

• Time (CA)
• Lakeside (WI)
• State Line + Elite (MO)

Coldwell Banker – 2 firms

• Premier (VA)
• Company HRC Realty (MI, includes Coldwell Banker Professionals)

Growth fueled by strategy and grit

Behind every statistic is a story of persistence, risk-taking, and leadership.

For Josh McGrath, broker/owner of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Central in West Virginia, the firm’s growth has been evenly split between M&A and agent attraction.

“Growing pains are real, and if you are going to grow the business you have to be prepared to grow as well,” McGrath said. “The anxiety that comes with the growth was more than I was prepared for and I am still learning to process it.”

M&A as a catalyst

Several firms leaned heavily on acquisitions to scale fast.

Steve DuBrueler, CEO of Coldwell Banker Premier, said 75% of his growth came through M&A.

“While growth presents its own set of challenges, the people and experience gained through M&A and recruiting has helped us launch new programs and even divisions of the company that would never have been possible without that growth,” DuBrueler said.

Anthony Lamacchia, CEO of Lamacchia Realty, which acquired 11 firms in just over two years, stressed the importance of adaptability.

“We really had to dial in our onboarding process with the companies we are acquiring,” Lamacchia said. “Some companies need to be onboarded faster or slower… We’re getting better and better at identifying which companies are which and how to adapt moving forward.”

And Chris Hendrix, president of HRC Realty, whose firm grew 193% in transaction side percentage over five years, put it bluntly:

“Growth isn’t just about hitting numbers — it’s about having the leadership capacity to sustain and accelerate that growth. To grow aggressively, you must scale your leadership just as aggressively.”

Culture as the real driver

Not every GameChanger relied on acquisitions.

Harma Hartouni, CEO of Equity Union Real Estate in Los Angeles, said his company has grown 100% organically:

“The environment we have created has resulted in our agents saying how happy they are — which in turn has provided more referrals and incoming calls from producing agents inquiring about joining us,” Hartouni said.

Nathan Klutznick, CEO of LoKation Real Estate, echoed that focus on people.

“If you think you know it all or can do it alone, you’re about to be humbled,” Klutznick said. “Success comes from collaboration, openness to learning, and surrounding yourself with people who challenge and elevate you.”

Corey Hasting, license partner of Engel & Völkers First Coast in Jacksonville, also credited culture. Hasting just announced that that his firm is joining Christie’s International Real Estate last Wednesday. The firm will now be known as Christie’s International Real Estate First Coast.

“Growth has never been just about numbers — it’s about building the right team, fostering trust, and staying true to our values,” Hasting said. “That’s the secret to long-term success.”

Looking ahead

For firms like ONE Sotheby’s International Realty, the next chapter is about strategic expansion.

“What stood out most was how agents embraced our culture — our belief in them, our commitment to helping grow their businesses, and the way our brand resonated across all price points,” said Daniel de la Vega, president of ONE Sotheby’s. “We’ve learned that luxury isn’t just a price point, it’s a lifestyle.”

The common thread

From coast to coast, the 2025 GameChangers demonstrate that extraordinary growth is never accidental. Some scaled through acquisitions, others through targeted recruiting, and still others through a relentless focus on culture. But all share a common trait: they’ve adapted, innovated, and built firms designed for sustainable success in a stagnant housing market.