James & Lee Realty, a boutique brokerage based in Virginia Beach, has joined forces with Coldwell Banker Premier to better position the firm’s 75 agents for success in an evolving real estate landscape. Coldwell Banker Premier, one of the most successful companies in the 116-year-old Coldwell Banker brand, now has 16 offices and approximately 250 agents serving the Quad-State (VA, WV, MD, and PA) region, Hampton Roads, VA, Sussex and Kent County, DE, and Washington, D.C.
This move comes several weeks after Coldwell Banker Premier partnered with Coldwell Banker Resort Realty in Rehoboth Beach, DE, and Coldwell Banker SKS Realty in South Central PA. Led by founder and CEO Steve DuBrueler, Coldwell Banker Premier has earned a 2022 spot on the prestigious Coldwell Banker Chairman’s Circle list as one of the top Coldwell Banker affiliates in the world. Cumulatively, Coldwell Banker Premier was responsible for more than 2,800 transactions and $733 million in sales volume in 2021.
Serving the Hamptons Roads region, James & Lee Realty was founded in 2012 by owners Bill and Connie Taylor and focuses on residential real estate with a large segment of military clients. Home to more than 1.8 million people, Hampton Roads includes the independent cities of Chesapeake, Franklin, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach and Williamsburg. Last year, the firm generated 725 transaction sides equating to $250 million in sales volume. The company will now do business locally as Coldwell Banker Premier.
Bill Taylor, Principal Broker and co-founder of James & Lee Realty, made the decision to partner with Coldwell Banker Premier to take advantage of greater exposure and referral networks as well as enhanced agent support and cutting-edge technology which were difficult to fully provide as an independent firm. Bill Taylor, who is known locally as “Mr. Sell,” and his wife Connie, who oversaw financial operations for the firm, will now focus on sales and join the company’s leadership team, working with Coldwell Banker Premier Chief Operating Officer Stephen Meadows on executing growth opportunities.
As part of the Coldwell Banker Premier family, James & Lee Realty agents will enjoy access to health, dental and vision insurance as well as a 401k plan and deferred compensation plan. In addition, agents will enjoy greater efficiencies as a result of automated back-office functions, and access to sophisticated marketing materials and expanded listing distribution programs will elevate agents’ offering to their clients.
Quotes:
“Bill and Connie have built an impressive stronghold in Southern Virginia simply by creating a place for agents to succeed. As they contended with an increasingly competitive real estate landscape and challenging market conditions, they looked for solutions that would provide a distinct edge to their team. We are thrilled to welcome the James & Lee Realty team to the Coldwell Banker Premier family, where agents are always our priority. The merger creates incredible opportunities and synergies across our multi-state operations to fuel organic growth. We look forward to working with Bill and Connie on maximizing these opportunities.”
– Steve DuBrueler, Founder and CEO, Coldwell Banker Premier
“With the backing of a highly respected and widely known brand, we will be able to offer our agents access to a wider range of opportunities including property management, a global luxury branding program and referral channels. The addition of Coldwell Banker’s proven learning and professional development platform provides opportunities to recruit new agents to the team and support increased productivity for existing agents.”
– Bill Taylor, Broker/Owner, James & Lee Realty
“Over the years, we have created a cohesive family feel to our company because we have provided our agents with 24/7 support, a culture that is perfectly aligned with Steve’s approach to putting agents first. As part of Coldwell Banker Premier, our agents will have more than we ever could have provided them, equipped with business building tools that will secure their continued success.”
Connie Taylor, CFO/Owner, James & Lee Realty
About Coldwell Banker Premier
Coldwell Banker Premier was established in 1994 by Steve DuBrueler, who affiliated with Coldwell Banker in 1995. DuBrueler’s business model is designed to ensure the success of the company’s agents. This service mentality is reflected in DuBrueler’s recent recognition as the Chandler Barton Spirit Award winner, the highest individual honor bestowed by the Coldwell Banker brand. With 16 offices and approximately 250 agents, is one of the largest Coldwell Banker franchisees in the companies in the nation with more than $730 million in 2021 sales volume. The company serves the Quad-State (Va., W.Va. Md. and Pa.) region, Hampton Roads, Va., Sussex and Canton County, Del. and Washington, D.C. It provides residential, relocation, commercial, property management, auction, luxury, REO, mortgage and title services. The company supported over 100 charities in 2021. Learn more: https://www.premiermove.com/about