In a strategic move, a leading real estate firm based in Miami has extended its reach into the thriving Sarasota-Bradenton market by acquiring two prominent local agencies.
The Keyes Company, acknowledged as Florida’s largest independent real estate firm, has marked its entry into the Sarasota market through the acquisition of Signature Premier Properties Sarasota and Florida SunCoast Real Estate. These acquisitions represent a significant step for the company as it opens a new office downtown.
Signature Premier Properties Sarasota, an affiliate of New York’s Signature Premier Properties, is co-owned by Peter Morris and Kathleen Viard. Morris and Viard’s firm brings 60 agents to the new collaboration, with many having strong ties to both New York and Sarasota, capitalizing on the migration of New Yorkers to the area that began during the pandemic. Viard noted the market’s continuous activity and expressed confidence in Keyes as a partner to enhance their growth in Sarasota.
Kathy Curd, previously associated with Signature Premier Properties Sarasota, will assume the role of sales manager at the new Keyes Sarasota office. The acquisition also includes Florida SunCoast Real Estate, co-owned by Barry and Sherry Grooms, who collectively have over five decades of real estate experience. Barry Grooms, a former president of Florida Realtors, will take on the position of Southwest Florida regional manager for Keyes, focusing on further expansion and talent acquisition in the region.
Keyes President Christina Pappas remarked on the acquisition, emphasizing the alignment in values, particularly the commitment to personalized service and community connection. This move into the Sarasota market allows the Keyes Company to access a growing area that continues to demand quality real estate services.
Further, Barry Grooms highlighted the mutual respect between his firm and Keyes, citing Keyes’ longstanding reputation and advanced technology for agents as key factors in the decision to join forces. The acquisitions bring benefits to both the acquired firms and Keyes, such as access to enhanced tools and support systems, as well as expanding Keyes’ network with skilled professionals committed to excellence and growth.
Operating since 1926, Keyes has a robust presence in various Florida counties, including Lee, Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, and Volusia. Steven Reibel, Keyes Senior Vice President, indicated that the company is actively pursuing additional merger opportunities in Southwest Florida and other markets, believing that collaborative partnerships will foster growth for boutique brokerages.
In 2022, Keyes and its network of partner brokerages, comprising nearly 3,600 associates across 58 offices, achieved over $10 billion in real estate sales and services, showcasing its substantial influence in the market.
The strategic acquisitions by the Keyes Company underline a focused approach to growth in Florida’s dynamic real estate market. By integrating local expertise from Signature Premier Properties Sarasota and Florida SunCoast Real Estate, Keyes not only strengthens its market position but also broadens its service capabilities to meet increasing demand in the Sarasota-Bradenton area.
Source: Businessobserverfl
