Christie’s International Real Estate has announced a significant expansion into Northeast Florida through the acquisition of First Coast, a leading luxury brokerage. This strategic move bolsters Christie’s presence in the Sunshine State and introduces the renowned global brand to a rapidly growing luxury market.
Key Takeaways
- Christie’s International Real Estate has added First Coast, a top-performing brokerage in Northeast Florida, to its network.
- First Coast, formerly an Engel & Völkers affiliate, achieved nearly $1 billion in sales volume in 2024.
- The firm was founded by Corey Hasting, who became the youngest licensed partner in Engel & Völkers history at age 27.
- The expansion aims to leverage Christie’s global network and technology to further grow the luxury market in Northeast Florida.
A New Chapter for First Coast
Christie’s International Real Estate, a global leader in luxury property, has officially welcomed First Coast into its prestigious network. The 130-agent firm, now operating as Christie’s International Real Estate First Coast, has established itself as a dominant force in Northeast Florida’s residential market since its founding in 2018 by Corey Hasting.
From Football Dreams to Real Estate Success
Corey Hasting’s journey to leading a top real estate brokerage is a compelling one. After moving to Jacksonville with aspirations of playing in the NFL, Hasting pivoted to real estate. By the age of 27, he had achieved a significant milestone, becoming the youngest licensed partner in Engel & Völkers history. Under his leadership, First Coast has garnered numerous accolades, including being recognized by the Jacksonville Business Journal as one of the Fastest 50 Growing Companies for four of the last five years and being named the #1 fastest-growing company in Northeast Florida in 2023.
Market Strength and Future Growth
In 2024, First Coast reported nearly $1 billion in sales volume, ranking it among the top brokerages nationwide. The firm currently operates six offices across the Jacksonville metro area, including Amelia Island, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, St. Johns, San Marco, and Neptune Beach, with plans to open an additional office in St. Augustine. This expansion into Northeast Florida aligns with Christie’s strategy to enhance its presence in key luxury markets across the state, joining existing affiliates in Miami, Palm Beach, Southwest Florida, the Florida Keys, and the Emerald Coast.
Leveraging Global Expertise
As part of the Christie’s International Real Estate network, agents from Christie’s International Real Estate First Coast will gain access to proprietary technology, extensive global marketing and media partnerships, and a vast referral network spanning nearly 50 countries. This affiliation is expected to significantly benefit the firm as it capitalizes on the growing luxury segment in Northeast Florida, driven by factors such as an increasing number of corporate headquarters and relative affordability compared to other major Florida coastal markets. Areas like San Marco, Ortega, Ponte Vedra Beach, Amelia Island, and Riverside continue to see strong demand for high-value properties, with prices ranging from $1 million to over $20 million for premier estates.
Sources
- Christie’s International Real Estate Adds $1B Luxury Brokerage in Northeast Florida, Yahoo Finance.
- Christie’s International Real Estate Adds $1B Luxury, GlobeNewswire.
- Corey Hasting’s First Coast joins Christie’s International Real Estate, The Business Journals.