In a notable shake-up within the regional real estate landscape, top-producing advisor Austin Moyer has officially transitioned his Greater Rochester-based team from Coldwell Banker to Engel & Völkers Lake Placid. Announced on Tuesday, the strategic move marks a significant expansion for the prestigious brokerage, broadening its operational reach across Greater Rochester, the picturesque Finger Lakes region, and the broader expanse of Western New York.

The high-performing group brings a proven track record of success to their new home. According to verified RealTrends data, Moyer closed 34 transaction sides totaling an impressive $8.44 million in sales volume in 2025 alone. By shifting allegiances to Engel & Völkers, Moyer and his team are poised to leverage the firm’s robust international referral network, cutting-edge marketing resources, and sophisticated technology platform. According to company announcements, the transition is meticulously designed to merge this elite global infrastructure with Moyer’s deeply rooted local relationships and extensive regional market knowledge.

Leadership Perspectives on the Strategic Alignment

Industry leaders on both sides of the transition have emphasized the mutual benefits of the partnership, viewing it as a natural evolution for a team looking to scale its operations without losing its localized touch.

Colleen Holmes, the broker and owner of Engel & Völkers Lake Placid, highlighted the synergistic nature of the agreement. She noted that while Moyer and his team already command a formidable presence built on trust and local expertise, the brokerage’s primary objective is to amplify that success by providing world-class backing.

“Austin and his team already have the relationships, market knowledge and local presence,” Holmes said. “Our role is to put the strength of Engel & Völkers behind them—its marketing, technology, network and global connections—while allowing Austin and his team to continue delivering the highly personal service that built their business.”

For Moyer, the decision to leave Coldwell Banker was anchored in a forward-looking vision for his team’s trajectory. As real estate markets become increasingly competitive and clients demand broader exposure for luxury and residential properties alike, aligning with a globally recognized luxury brand became a priority. Moyer expressed enthusiasm for the new chapter, emphasizing that the partnership strikes an ideal balance between global capability and local dedication.

“We wanted to align ourselves with a brand that reflected where we see our business going,” Moyer stated. “Engel & Völkers gives us an exceptional luxury platform and a network extending well beyond our local market, while allowing us to remain focused on the relationships and personal service our clients expect from us.”

Expanding Regional Reach and Interconnected Markets

The integration of Moyer’s group into the Engel & Völkers fold is expected to create powerful synergies throughout Upstate New York. Real estate experts anticipate that the move will significantly strengthen referral pathways between Greater Rochester, the Finger Lakes, the Adirondacks, and other key markets served by the brokerage.

As housing dynamics shift across New York State, regional mobility remains a major driver of real estate activity. Buyers frequently transition between the urban and suburban neighborhoods of Greater Rochester, the recreational and scenic landscapes of the Finger Lakes, and the mountain retreats of the Adirondacks. By embedding a seasoned team with deep regional expertise into its network, Engel & Völkers Lake Placid is strategically positioned to capture a larger share of this cross-market traffic.

The partnership also underscores a broader industry trend where top-tier producers increasingly seek out brokerages that offer bespoke luxury marketing tools and international exposure, rather than relying solely on traditional, generalized models. With Moyer’s proven sales volume and commitment to client service now backed by Engel & Völkers’ sophisticated technological and promotional ecosystem, the team enters the remainder of the year with enhanced capabilities to serve buyers and sellers throughout Western New York.