Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC announced a landmark merger on Wednesday, consolidating three prominent regional brokerages into a single, powerhouse entity: Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Realty Connect.
The new organization combines Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Maturo, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Dream Properties, and Realty Connect USA. The result is one of the brand’s largest brokerages, boasting a team of more than 1,100 affiliated real estate professionals operating out of 22 offices. The firm’s reach now spans a vast tri-state footprint, stretching from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, across New Jersey, and through Long Island, New York, to Westhampton.
The merger brings together deep local leadership from each of the founding firms to form a unified executive team:
- Albert Faiola and Frank Stimiloski, formerly of BHGRE Maturo, will lead the combined three-state brokerage.
- Steve Deans will serve as the COO overseeing New Jersey operations.
- Founders of Realty Connect USA—Michael Ardolino, John Fitzgerald, Bart Cafarella, and Fern Karhu—will continue in key executive leadership roles, maintaining their focus on the Long Island market.
- Aret Kayserilioglu and Fred Bollinger, founders of BHGRE Dream Properties, will also continue in leadership roles as their operations integrate into the Long Island network.
“This combination brings together experienced leadership across three states and creates a stronger platform for our affiliated agents and clients,” Stimiloski said.
The merger is designed to capitalize on the unique market dynamics of the New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania corridors. By unifying these brokerages, the firm aims to capture greater market share and provide agents with enhanced resources and broader geographical reach.
“Affiliated agents in these markets gain access to proprietary insights and consumer touchpoints that enhance how they serve clients, with the advantage of a brand built around how people live,” Ginger Wilcox, president of Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, said.
Affiliated agents under the new Realty Connect banner will have access to a suite of business-building tools, including:
- Be Better University®: A comprehensive educational platform for professional development.
- TrendmakerSM Accreditation: Specialized training focused on identifying emerging consumer and lifestyle design trends.
- Distinctive Collection: The brand’s specialized marketing platform for luxury real estate properties.
