The Agency Welcomes Former Christie’s Affiliate in NY & NJ

Lucía Torres · 2026-06-10

Big things are happening in the Northeast! The Agency just announced a major addition to its network: a former Christie’s International Real Estate affiliate that spans New York and New Jersey. This is one of the most significant affiliation moves in recent Northeast real estate history, and it’s bringing a ton of firepower to the table. ### A Powerhouse Team Joins the Fold Leading this incoming group is industry veteran Ilija Pavlovic. His team, now operating as The Agency One Rock, is one of the largest luxury real estate firms in the Northeast. We’re talking billions in annual sales volume here. They’re headquartered at Rockefeller Center and Flatiron in Manhattan, with offices spread across Westchester County, the Hudson Valley, and New Jersey. This affiliation doesn’t just add agents—it dramatically strengthens The Agency’s leadership position across the entire Northeast corridor. ### What This Means for The Agency’s Network Here’s the nuts and bolts: this move brings roughly 1,200 agents across 26 offices into the fold. That’s a lot of new faces and expertise. These agents join an already deep-rooted Northeast infrastructure that includes The Agency’s NYC corporate headquarters at 88 University Place. You’ll also find offices in places like Park Slope, Long Island’s North Shore, South Shore, Gold Coast, Fire Island, North Fork, Bridgehampton, and East Hampton. The Manhattan brokerage alone is on pace for about $500 million in sales volume by 2026. So yeah, they’re not messing around. ### Why This Matters Now You’ve probably noticed the real estate industry is going through a massive shakeup right now. Big firms are buying up smaller ones left and right. But here’s the thing: The Agency is taking a different approach. Instead of just chasing transaction volume and scale, they’re focusing on something more meaningful: shared values, genuine culture, and agent-first values. This affiliation is a perfect example of that philosophy. Mauricio Umansky, Founder & CEO of The Agency, put it this way: “We are in a moment of remarkable opportunity. While the industry consolidates around transaction volume and scale, we are growing around something more enduring: shared values, genuine culture, and a commitment to our agents’ success.” He added that Ilija, Sonja, and their team represent exactly the kind of like-minded, high-caliber group they built The Agency to attract. ### The Bigger Picture This expansion is part of a larger story playing out across the industry. As more firms get absorbed into platforms that prioritize numbers over people, the most respected operators—those with deep market expertise and a highly personalized approach—are finding a home at The Agency. It’s a smart move, honestly. You don’t win by being the biggest; you win by being the best. Rainy Hake Austin, President of The Agency, explained it well: “We believe real estate is ultimately about people and the lives they aspire to live, not just transactions. Our boutique approach is enhanced by innovative technology, collaborative partnerships, and a lifestyle-first marketing strategy that understands both the emotional and financial significance of every home.” She emphasized that their growth has always been intentional, built on alignment rather than acquisition for acquisition’s sake. ### What’s Next for The Agency in the Northeast New York has always been central to The Agency’s story. It’s home to their global corporate headquarters and one of their most important long-term markets. This affiliation deepens that commitment considerably. Juliet Clapp, SVP and Managing Partner of The Agency in NYC & the Northeast, summed it up: “This growth reflects our continued investment in the exceptional agents, leadership team, and culture we have built here, while creating new opportunities to collaborate with like-minded partners who share our values and client-first approach.” She’s excited about what this means for agents, clients, and communities across New York and the East Coast. With this tri-state addition, The Agency enters a new chapter of Northeast leadership. They’re bringing together the best of boutique expertise and global reach in one of the most important real estate markets in the country. It’s a big win for everyone involved.