A prominent Jacksonville real estate firm, First Coast, has officially joined Christie’s International Real Estate, a move that brings approximately 130 agents to the global luxury brand. The brokerage, founded in 2018 by former NFL prospect Corey Hasting, will now operate under the name Christie’s International Real Estate First Coast.
This strategic partnership marks a significant development in Northeast Florida's luxury property market. First Coast reported nearly $1 billion in sales volume last year and holds a strong presence with six offices across the Jacksonville metropolitan area, with plans for further expansion.
Key Takeaways
- First Coast, a Jacksonville brokerage with 130 agents, has affiliated with Christie’s International Real Estate.
- The company, founded by Corey Hasting, achieved nearly $1 billion in sales volume in the previous year.
- The firm operates six offices in the Northeast Florida region and is planning a seventh in St. Augustine.
- The move aims to leverage Christie's global network and technology to capitalize on Jacksonville's growing luxury market.
Major Affiliation Change in Florida Real Estate
A leading real estate brokerage in the Jacksonville area has made a significant change in its brand affiliation. First Coast, previously associated with Engel & Völkers, announced its new partnership with Christie’s International Real Estate. The company will now be known as Christie’s International Real Estate First Coast.
The transition involves a team of around 130 real estate agents who serve the greater Jacksonville region. This move aligns a successful local brokerage with a globally recognized name in luxury property sales, signaling a strategic focus on the high-end market segment in Northeast Florida.
From Football Aspirations to Real Estate Leader
The founder of First Coast, Corey Hasting, has a unique background. After graduating from college, Hasting moved to Jacksonville with the goal of playing in the NFL. To support himself, he began a career in real estate.
His success in the property market quickly overshadowed his athletic ambitions. By the age of 27, Hasting became the youngest licensed partner within the Engel & Völkers network at that time. He established First Coast in 2018, building it into a regional powerhouse in just a few years.
Leadership Perspective
The leadership at Christie’s International Real Estate highlighted the qualities that made First Coast an attractive partner. They pointed to the firm's rapid growth and commitment to high standards of service as key factors in the decision.
“Corey’s passion for his work, his entrepreneurial spirit and the extraordinary team he’s built in just seven years are what truly set First Coast apart,” stated Gavin Swartzman, President of Christie’s International Real Estate. “He has not only created a regional powerhouse, but one that reflects our shared commitment to excellence and elevated client service.”
Impressive Growth and Financial Performance
First Coast has demonstrated significant growth since its founding. Last year, the brokerage recorded nearly $1 billion in total sales volume. This performance earned it the No. 217 spot among brokerages nationwide, according to rankings compiled by RealTrends.
The company's rapid expansion has also been recognized locally. For four of the last five years, the Jacksonville Business Journal named First Coast one of the Fastest 50 Growing Companies in Northeast Florida. In 2023, it secured the top spot on that list, making it the fastest-growing company in the region.
First Coast by the Numbers
- $1 Billion: Approximate sales volume in the last year.
- 130: Number of agents joining the Christie's brand.
- No. 217: National brokerage ranking by RealTrends.
- No. 1: Rank on the 2023 list of fastest-growing companies in Northeast Florida.
Strategic Expansion and Market Focus
The brokerage currently operates six offices, strategically located in key communities throughout the Jacksonville area. These locations include Amelia Island, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, St. Johns, San Marco, and Neptune Beach. An additional office is currently being developed in St. Augustine, further extending the firm's reach.
Corey Hasting noted that the partnership is timed to coincide with the growth of Jacksonville's luxury real estate sector. While the general market has seen a slowdown from its post-pandemic peak, high-end properties continue to attract significant interest. Hasting mentioned that luxury homes in the area can sell for prices ranging from $1 million to over $20 million, often receiving multiple offers.
“We are incredibly fortunate to partner with Christie’s International Real Estate, the global leader in luxury real estate, at a time when Jacksonville’s luxury segment is growing,” Hasting said in a statement. “The brand’s prestige, extensive international network and technology offerings position us incredibly well as we look to expand our footprint in Northeast Florida.”
The affiliation is expected to provide First Coast agents with access to Christie's advanced technology and a vast international referral network, enhancing their ability to serve clients in the competitive luxury market.
