Harrisburg brokerage becomes one of nation’s largest with tri-state merger

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A Harrisburg company announced a tri-state merger Wednesday that helps it become one of the nation’s largest brokerages.

The merger between three firms across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York brings together Harrisburg-based Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Maturo and Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Dream Properties with Realty Connect USA to form Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Realty Connect.

The combined company comprises over 1,100 affiliated real estate professionals across 22 offices and an imprint stretching from Harrisburg to Westhampton, NY.

Led by co-owners Albert Faiola and Frank Stimiloski, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Maturo is now one of the top 250 brokerages in the nation with approximately $1.3 billion in sales, according to a release. Faiola and Stimiloski, along with Chief Operating Officer Steve Deans, will oversee a three-state operation that covers Harrisburg, South Jersey, the northeastern sections of Philadelphia, and all Long Island. Deans will oversee the New Jersey operations.

“When Frank and I started the business, our goal was to build a multi-state brokerage, and we have stayed focused on that from the beginning,” Faiola said in a statement. “Thanks to the unwavering support of the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate brand, we have been able to expand our footprint and serve more people and more communities with the unique lifestyle focus.”

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Maturo has expanded over the past decade from a single office to eight locations with over 400 affiliated agents.

“This combination brings together experienced leadership across three states and creates a stronger platform for our affiliated agents and clients,” said Stimiloski. “With more than 150 years of combined experience, we are well positioned to compete across our markets.”

Realty Connect USA was founded in 2009 by Michael Ardolino, John Fitzgerald, Bart Cafarella, and Fern Karhu. The firm has grown to 16 locations and 700 agents across Long Island, from Flushing to Westhampton. Ardolino, Fitzgerald, Cafarella and Karhu will continue in local executive leadership roles.

“We are proud of what we have built as a leading independent brokerage on Long Island,” said Fitzgerald. “As the real estate industry continues to evolve, this move provides our affiliated agents with strong support and positions the company for long-term development.”

“Long Island represents a significant portion of New York State’s population, and we see a clear opportunity to grow our market share and further support our affiliated agents’ success,” said Cafarella. “Aligning with the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate brand strengthens our ability to connect with consumers who are drawn to this region’s unique balance of proximity to Manhattan and more than 400 miles of coastline.”

Founded in 2016 by Aret Kayserilioglu and Fred Bollinger, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Dream Properties is based in Massapequa, NY. The firm is integrated into the Long Island operations serving Nassau to Westhampton. Kayserilioglu and Bollinger will continue in their leadership roles.

“The formation of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Realty Connect strengthens our presence across a key multi-state region,” said Ginger Wilcox, president of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate. “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.”