Coldwell Banker—it’s a name that most Americans know from front yard for-sale signs across the country. Most Americans, that is, except for New Yorkers. But now Coldwell Banker is making inroads into in what may well be the most lucrative—and most competitive—real estate market in the country.

The mega-brokerage (the company claims to be the largest real estate franchise in North America) has announced that it will be entering the New York market via a franchise agreement with residential brokerage the Bellmarc Group (which acquired rental-focused rival AC Lawrence last November). The two companies will now be known as Coldwell Banker Bellmarc and Coldwell Banker AC Lawrence—a relationship that will give the real estate giant a toehold in the clubby world of New York real estate while offering Bellmarc a connection to Coldwell’s national and international network of clients. Read More