The merger of Chicagoland’s two leading independent brokerages will form the second-largest real estate firm in the market
Baird & Warner and Dream Town, Chicagoland’s two largest independent real estate companies, today announced they are merging their operations to form the second-largest brokerage in the region by number of properties sold in 2024. The combined entity will represent nearly 3,000 agents, loan officers and staff providing comprehensive real estate services with eight city offices and a total of more than 30 locations across Chicagoland.
This strategic partnership presents a clear choice for real estate professionals who prioritize an agent-centric culture driven by support and focused intently on their success. At a time of furious consolidation among publicly traded and private equity-backed national brands, the Baird & Warner / Dream Town merger celebrates agents’ preference for a fiercely independent and locally owned brokerage that puts people first and is actively invested in their communities.
By combining Baird & Warner’s iconic brand recognition, relocation and lead generation, global luxury network, AI capabilities and tech stack with Dream Town’s considerable city presence, proprietary technology, CRM and marketing systems, agents will now have the depth of resources and breadth of market coverage to serve their clients and grow their business in any environment.
“Throughout our 170-year history, we have sought to make bold moves that sharpen our competitive edge and enhance the value we bring to our agents and their clients,” said Steve Baird, president and CEO of Baird & Warner. “We quickly realized our shared values, service offerings and technology would provide significant benefits, and we are excited for Yuval to join our senior leadership team as president of brokerage services. Together, we will form the next generation of independent brokerage.”
“Every major brokerage in town is now run by Wall Street or a hedge fund,” said Yuval Degani, founder and CEO of Dream Town. “Steve and I envisioned creating an even more competitive, locally committed and powerful independent alternative for agents, where they can have the best tech and marketing, yet maintain a culture of community and collaboration.”
About Baird & Warner Real Estate:
Established in 1855, family-owned Baird & Warner is Chicagoland’s largest independent real estate services company. The Baird & Warner brand has been synonymous with making real estate easier through experience, innovation and integrity for more than 170 years. Steve Baird, the firm’s fifth-generation owner, has been consistently recognized among the industry’s most influential leaders. Baird & Warner is a 10-time Chicago Tribune Top Workplace award winner, and with more than 2,000 broker associates in 25 offices and comprehensive mortgage, title, insurance and relocation services, it ranks among the nation’s top real estate firms. Learn more at BairdWarner.com.
About Dream Town Real Estate:
Founded in 1998, Dream Town quickly rose to prominence as an online company through pioneering web strategies and innovative use of search engine technology. Long before aggregator sites like Zillow existed, DreamTown.com became the go-to real estate search engine for the Chicago market, amassing over one million registered users. As one of the first brokerages in the city to fully embrace the power of online marketing, Dream Town helped reshape how homes are bought and sold in Chicago. Today, with more than 400 brokers and seven offices across the city and suburbs, the firm remains a recognized leader in both technology and client-focused service—never losing sight of its boutique, people-first roots. Learn more at DreamTown.com.
Pictured left to right: Yuval Degani, founder and CEO of Dream Town; Steve Baird, president and CEO of Baird & Warner.
