United Real Estate Expands In South Florida With Another Merger

United Real Estate announced on Wednesday a major expansion move in South Florida. United’s subsidiary — Charles Rutenberg Realty Fort Lauderdale (CRR) — will merge with Real Estate Authority LLC. This marks United Real Estate’s second expansion move this month.

“This union creates a unique opportunity to enhance the services and support offered to my 60 agents by tapping into the vast resources of CRR’s parent company, United Real Estate,” Real Estate Authority LLC founder Michael Brownell said in a statement.

“My top priority is to ensure that my agents have access to world-class education, coaching, technology and brokerage support so they can excel in their field. CRR is one of the largest and most respected brokerages in South Florida and best-equipped to ensure they thrive.”

Brownell will also serve as Charles Rutenberg’s talent attraction specialist to bolster the brokerage’s presence in the South Florida market. Michelle Sessor, managing broker at Charles Rutenberg, personally vouched for Brownell’s success.

“I’ve known Michael Brownell for years. His dedication and professionalism are reflected in the top-tier agents he attracts to his company,” said Sessor in a statement. “We are thrilled to welcome his talented team to CRR. And, we look forward to leveraging Michael’s 18 years of experience as both a licensed agent and brokerage leader.

Brownell founded Real Estate Authority LLC in 2019 after an 11-year stint with United Realty Group as a managing broker.

Charles Rutenberg is an older company with real estate marketing roots dating back to 1925, according to the press release. United Real Estate is coming off a successful 2024 campaign resulting in 73,000 transactions and $26.3 billion in sales.

“We are very pleased to welcome Michael and his team to CRR in South Florida. We have been growing very well in the region, even in the face of a persistent, challenging market. Michael and his agents add more growth fuel to the operation. Most importantly though, we will be able to deploy all our tools, services and supports to all of his agents to help them grow and prosper,” Hasse said.