How and Why Corey Hasting Strategically Shifted Brokerages to Christie's International Real Estate

Why It Matters

The shift demonstrates how aligning with a globally recognized luxury brand and investing in technology can accelerate market expansion and talent acquisition, a blueprint for brokerages facing stagnation.

Key Takeaways

• Hasting left Engel & Völkers for Christie's to unlock growth.
• Transition required 10,000 steps; transparency kept 99% agent retention.
• Christie’s offers luxury brand, global auction exposure, advanced technology.
• New territory spans from St. Simons Island to Deep Flagger Beach.
• Recruitment focuses on full‑time agents with $3M+ sales.

Summary

The podcast details how Corey Hasting, broker‑owner of First Coast in Florida, moved his billion‑dollar brokerage from Engel & Völkers to Christie’s International Real Estate, citing growth and technology as primary drivers.

Hasting began scouting alternatives two years before the September 24 2025 switch, frustrated by Engel & Völkers’ limited market expansion and outdated tools. Christie’s impressed him with its luxury auction platform, global exposure, and cutting‑edge tech, offering a territory that stretches from St. Simons Island, GA to Deep Flagger Beach, FL.

He emphasized extreme transparency, meeting each of the 138 agents individually to explain the move, which resulted in only two departures and a 99% retention rate. Since the transition, the firm has added 15‑20 new agents, including at least ten who would not have joined under the previous brand.

The case underscores that broker‑level brand changes hinge on technology, market reach, and local leadership. For other firms, the lesson is that a clear value proposition and personal communication can mitigate disruption while unlocking new territories and talent pipelines.

Original Description

In this episode, Corey Hasting shares his strategic journey of transitioning from a billion-dollar brokerage to Christie's International Real Estate, exploring the challenges, opportunities, and future plans in the luxury real estate market.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Brand transition and strategic growth

Technology and operational improvements

Market expansion into new regions

Agent recruitment and retention strategies

Industry consolidation and future outlook

Related to this episode:

Corey Hasting's LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasting

Christie's International Real Estate First Coast

https://cirefc.com/

The RealTrending podcast features conversations with the brightest minds in real estate. Every Monday, brokerage leaders, top agents, team leaders, and industry experts join us to share their secrets to success, trends, and the lessons they’ve learned. Hosted by Tracey Velt and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.