Florida Brokerage Joins eXp, Expands to New States
Homebuyers and sellers working with 1st Choice Collective agents now have a brokerage tied to eXp Realty's national platform.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Residential
Florida's 1st Choice Realty, a Greater Tampa Bay independent brokerage, joined eXp Realty in September 2026 and now operates as 1st Choice Collective. The move brought more than 70 agents and support staff into eXp's brokerage infrastructure, and the team is expanding beyond Florida.
Why it matters
The brokerage's founders, Rene and Dana Carpena, said they sought scale for expansion rather than another company to teach them how to operate, and they had declined franchise, partnership, and acquisition offers before choosing eXp. For Florida homebuyers and sellers, the change means agents working under a larger national platform, with growth tied to new markets rather than a single local office.
The brokerage recorded more than 325 transactions and $60 million in sales volume in 2025, and more than 2,000 transactions and $470 million in documented sales since 2021. Since joining eXp, the Carpenas have sponsored agents in Georgia and Illinois, and a New Jersey team of about four agents is in development.
The players
eXp Realty
A national real estate brokerage that now hosts 1st Choice Collective's agents and operations, and is sponsoring its expansion into new states.
1st Choice Realty
An independent Greater Tampa Bay brokerage that transitioned to eXp's platform and now operates as 1st Choice Collective.
The details
Florida's 1st Choice Realty transitioned its operations onto eXp Realty's brokerage infrastructure, which lets the Carpenas grow the organization in additional states without setting up a separate independent brokerage in each market. Rene Carpena also obtained a North Carolina broker's license and opened a small office there. The founders describe the structure as a way to add markets while keeping one shared platform.
Timeline
2021: Start of the period covered by the brokerage's $470 million in documented sales.
2025: The brokerage recorded more than 325 transactions and $60 million in sales.
September 2026: The Carpenas joined eXp Realty with more than 70 agents and support staff.
November 4, 2026: eXp announced the brokerage's joining.
The Home Front
Independent Florida brokerages joining national platforms follows a broader pattern in residential real estate, where firms trade independence for shared technology and multi-state reach. The 1st Choice Collective move is one example of local brokerages using that structure to expand beyond their home market.
If you are working with a Florida agent or considering a sale or purchase, ask which brokerage sponsors them and whether that affects their local service area. Consult a licensed agent, attorney, or lender before making any transaction decision based on a brokerage change.
The takeaway
A brokerage change does not alter your contract, commission terms, or the agent's license, so review those documents directly with your agent. Keep a copy of your signed representation agreement on file in case your agent's affiliation changes during a transaction.
Further reading
For broader context on home sales and agent trends, explore Residential real estate coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Brockville Recorder & Times.
