Compass in Talks to Buy Warren Buffett’s Real-Estate Brokerage Unit

A sale by Berkshire Hathaway would be the latest sign of consolidation in the residential brokerage business amid slow home sales

Compass in Talks to Buy Warren Buffett’s Real-Estate Brokerage Unit

Excerpt form he Wall Street Journal

Compass is in advanced talks to acquire Warren Buffett’s real-estate brokerage business, according to people familiar with the matter, the latest sign of consolidation among real-estate brokerages during a prolonged period of lackluster home sales.

A deal could come together soon, if talks don’t hit any last-minute snags, the people said. The acquisition price couldn’t be determined.

Berkshire Hathaway’s HomeServices of America had about 820 brokerage offices and 270 franchisees in 2024, and its brand names include Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and Real Living. It had about 5,400 employees last year, according to Berkshire’s annual report.

Real-estate agents are typically not employees but work as independent contractors and can easily switch brokers.

After The Wall Street Journal story published on Thursday, HomeServices of America sent out a note saying that no final deal has been reached to sell the firm to Compass.

Source: WSJ

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Updated: Boston Real Estate Blog 2025