Real Estate Firm Serhant Launched Illinois Operations
The brokerage expanded into the Chicago market and North Shore with a team of more than 40 agents.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Commercial
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Serhant has officially entered the Illinois real estate market by opening two offices serving Chicago and the North Shore. The firm launched its regional operations with an initial roster of more than 40 agents recruited from established local brokerages.
Why it matters
The firm aims to introduce fresh market choices to Chicago, building on a growth strategy that has seen the company expand into 17 states. The CEO attributed the decision to both professional expansion goals and personal family connections in the Midwest.
Serhant Illinois launched with over 40 agents who recorded $600 million in sales volume last year. These professionals were poached from four major local firms to anchor the new offices.
The players
Serhant
This real estate firm operates 38 offices across 17 states and focuses on high-end residential brokerage services.
Dina Lissner
She serves as the lead for the newly established Serhant Illinois practice.
The details
Dina Lissner leads the new Illinois practice, which joins the company's existing network of 38 offices across the country. The expansion follows significant growth in states including Massachusetts, California, Texas, and Colorado.
Timeline
The CEO first considered Chicago as a potential expansion location in 2020.
Serhant Illinois officially launched operations on October 6, 2026.
Culture Shift
The expansion reflects a broader trend of national brokerage firms aggressively targeting regional markets to challenge local incumbents. This move signals a significant effort to disrupt the 63 percent market share currently held by the top 20 Chicago brokerages.
Chicago-area property buyers and sellers may see new marketing styles and brokerage options as Serhant competes for listings with established firms. The shift may drive higher competition among local agents vying for top-performing talent.
The takeaway
The move underscores how quickly established firms can gain a foothold in new regions by aggressively recruiting talent from local competitors. Readers looking to buy or sell should expect increased competition for their business among local brokerages.
Further reading
For more on industry shifts, visit the Commercial section.
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