LaTorre Realty joins forces with ERA Tides

While the Charleston area is seeing no shortage of for-sale signs on front lawns, some of the corporate names on those signs are changing or disappearing.

In the latest merger, Coldwell Banker LaTorre Realty, an established James Island agency, has teamed up with the larger ERA Tides Realty to form a midsize operation. Terms of the deal, which was finalized earlier this week, were not disclosed.

The Coldwell Banker office was led by real estate veteran Kitty LaTorre, a part owner who has helped buyers and sellers of homes in Charleston for more than 42 years. She said her agency joined ERA to take advantage of its broader presence in the local market.

"It's better to be a larger company because you get more visibility," she said. "The smaller companies don't have a chance."

LaTorre's firm is among a handful that have changed their business strategies amid the sluggish home-buying environment.

Larger companies typically can offer more resources for agents. Dan Lorentz, an ERA Tides partner and agent, said other agents have elected to join the company to take advantage of its strong Internet tools, educational opportunities and mobile technology services.

"It gives people the freedom to have the technology whether they're in their office or in China," he said.

ERA Tides has offices in Summerville, Mount Pleasant and the Hollywood area.

Reach Katy Stech at 937-5549 or kstech@postand courier.com.