Realty Connect USA Joins Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, Creating One of Brand's Largest Brokerages

Real Estate In-depth • June 18, 2026
Realty Connect USA Joins Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, Creating One of Brand's Largest Brokerages

Realty Connect USA has joined Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Affiliates Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Maturo and Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Dream Properties to form one of the largest brokerages in the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate network.


The combined company will operate as Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Realty Connect and comprise more than 1,100 affiliated agents across 22 offices serving New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.


According to the company, Realty Connect USA founders Michael Ardolino, John Fitzgerald, Bart Cafarella and Fern Karhu will remain in executive leadership roles, while Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Maturo co-owners Albert Faiola and Frank Stimiloski will lead the combined brokerage.


The merger reflects the continued trend of consolidation within the real estate industry as brokerages seek to expand their footprint, strengthen agent resources and enhance their technology and marketing capabilities. By bringing together established firms under a single brand, the combined organization aims to provide agents with greater support while expanding its presence throughout the Northeast.

"Realty Connect USA has built a strong reputation for empowering agents and delivering exceptional service to consumers," Ginger Wilcox, President of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, said in a statement. "By joining forces with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Maturo and Dream Properties, they are creating an organization with tremendous scale and opportunity."

Realty Connect USA has long maintained a significant presence in the New York market, and the newly formed company is expected to become one of the largest affiliates within the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate network.


The announcement underscores broader trends in the real estate industry, where brokerage mergers and strategic affiliations continue to reshape the competitive landscape. As firms look to gain efficiencies and provide enhanced services to agents and consumers, consolidation has become an increasingly common strategy.


For real estate professionals throughout the region, the move highlights the importance of scale, technology and collaboration as brokerages continue to evolve in a changing marketplace.

By Real Estate In-Depth September 3, 2026
Located at 51 S. Broadway, the eight-story multifamily property was completed in 2025 and includes studio, one- and two-bedroom residences.
By Real Estate In-Depth September 3, 2026
The project reflects broader efforts in Ossining to encourage new housing and mixed-use development within its established downtown.
By Real Estate In-Depth September 3, 2026
The nonprofit plans to redevelop the property as the first WYSE Clubhouse, bringing youth athletics, mentorship and development programs together under one roof.
By Real Estate In-Depth September 3, 2026
As HGAR continues to deepen its presence and connections throughout the Bronx, it’s a timely look at the issues, investments and opportunities influencing the communities our members serve.
By Raal Estate In-Depth September 3, 2026
Lidl, which operates approximately 200 stores in the United States, has been steadily growing its footprint in the region.
By Real Estate In-Depth September 3, 2026
Welcome HGAR's newest members who joined this August. Join us in celebrating and connecting with the latest professionals to become part of our growing real estate community.
More