Fromthedeskof thePresident
Dear TOCR Family,
As you’ve likely read, Compass has just agreed to acquire Anywhere Real Estate (including brands like Coldwell Banker, Sotheby’s, in an all-stock deal valued at about $1.5-$1.6 billion, creating what will be the nation’s largest residential real estate company. The combined enterprise will be worth roughly $10 billion (including debt), and once the merger closes–expected in the second half of 2026–Compass will control some 340,000 agents nationwide
For agents at Terrie O’Connor Realtors, this moment presents a powerful opportunity to reaffirm what it means to be part of a local, independent, family-led firm Here’s what we believe sets us apart–and how you can lean into it:
TRUE CLIENT FOCUS: Agents and Consumers: We serve people, not fund managers Our priority is delivering value to agents and their clients–not chasing quarterly returns for Wall Street investors
STABILITY BY CHOICE: We’ve been independent for 34 years–not by accident, but by decision That longevity speaks volumes: our culture, systems, and brand have grown intentionally, controlled by people who truly care AGILITY AND ADAPTABILITY: When market conditions shift–interest rates, regulation, consumer sentiment–we don’t wait for a board or shareholder committee to react. We pivot fast, as decisions are made here locally.
NO WALL STREET PRESSURE: Large, publicly traded or private equity-backed brokerages inevitably face demands for ever-higher margins. Those pressures often lead to cutting agent support, raising fees, shrinking services or squeezing revenue capture back from the field.
RIGHT SIZED & ACCESSIBLE LEADERSHIP: Here, you don’t need to climb a corporate ladder to be heard. Our leadership is direct, accessible, invested in your success
UNRESOLVED LEGAL VARIABLES: As the industry grapples with lawsuits over NAR rules, MLS access, Zillow policies, and exclusive listing practices, scale matters–but so does flexibility Big firms may get locked into defensive positions or national policies, while independents like us can choose responses that best serve our local markets, agents and consumers
COMMUNITY CONNECTION MATTERS: Local Always Wins: Buyers, sellers, tenants and landlords all care about relationships–your reputation, your local market expertise, your trust in the community Being embedded locally gives you authenticity that giant, centralized firms often struggle to match
So in this moment of consolidation, what’s the advantage of working in a firm like Terrie O’Connor Realtors? Here, you are not a number or a line item in a spreadsheet. You’re a core part of a family enterprise built on decades of trust, adaptability and purpose. At Terrie O’Connor Realtors, your voice matters, your growth is supported and your local market expertise is honored. Because the future of real estate shouldn’t be dictated by Wall Street–it should be designed by people who know and honor your town, your clients, and your values.
With gratitude and best wishes,
Sarah
Sarah M Drennan President
HOT OFF THE PRESS!
October 15: Ulrich + TOCR Buyer Event
Jersey Cares Halloween Costume Drive Collection until October 15th!
October 25: Ridgewood Haunted Harvest
UFMG Fall Contest continues!
October 22: Realtor New Year Event at Baltusrol Golf Club, a Leading RE
Multi Brokerage Event
TOCR Realtor New Year begins October 27
Annual Halloween House Decorating Contest is back!
TOCR INSTITUTE CLASSES
October 8 - Rich Kilstein, Esq, how to create an LLC or an entity
October 15 - Introduction to the Ramsey Golf & Country Club
TOCR REALTOR NEW YEAR SERIES
Save the Dates: October 27–30!
We’re kicking off our Realtor New Year Series on October 27th a week of energizing sessions designed to inspire, motivate, and set you up for success in 2026. Full lineup of speakers and topics coming soon you won’t want to miss it!
INVITEYOURBUYERS
We’re thrilled to share an exciting opportunity foryour buyer clients an exclusive event co-hosted with Ulrich on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. This evening is designed to inspire and educate home buyers as they navigate today’s market and imagine how to turn their next purchase into a dream home.
Highlights include:
✨ Mixology Masterclass
�� Market Update & Insights from TOCR leadership & UFMG
�� Kitchen Trends Presentation by Ulrich
❓ Q&A Session
�� Complimentary lite bites, mocktails & cocktails
�� Need Help?
If you need assistance inviting your clients or tagging contacts, please reach out to your admin, manager, or our marketing team we ’ re here to support you!
SCAN QR CODE OR CLICK HERE TO RSVP!
WELCOME TO TOCR!
We’re excited to extend a warm welcome to the newest agents who have joined our TOCR family. Your energy, talent, and dedication will be a wonderful addition to our community, and we can’t wait to see the great things you’ll accomplish here. Welcome aboard!
Courtney C. Johnson, Kinnelon Office
Christie Marie Ohlendorf , Ridgewood Office
RELOCATION DEPARTMENT
Congratulations to our agents who successfully placed a referral through Terrie O'Connor Realtors Relocation Department last month We will continue to spotlight all of our closed referrals in 2025 on our social media Comment, Like, Share--spread the word You can help with real estate needs anywhere in the world!
WE WERE ABLE TO HELP WITH REAL ESTATE NEEDS IN: NJ, NY& SC!
DONT FORGET ABOUT OUR TOCR OUTGOING LEADING RE CLOSED REFERRAL CONTEST!
NEW JERSEY PROPERTY TAX RELIEF INFORMATION
For many children across New Jersey, Halloween fun costumes, candy, and trick-ortreating—just isn’t possible when costumes don’t fit into the family budget With your help, we can change that.
TOCR is partnering with Jersey Cares to collect new and gently used costumes so kids can experience the magic of dressing up and celebrating Halloween
What to Donate (ages 0–14):
New or gently used costumes (please wash if gently used)
Masks and costume accessories
New Halloween face make-up
Candy pails or treat bags
�� Drop off donations at any TOCR office by October 15th. Let’s bring a little magic to local kids this Halloween!
HALLOWEEN HOUSE DECORATING CONTEST
OUR 4TH ANNUAL HALLOWEEN DECORATING CONTEST & SELF-GUIDED SPOOKY HOUSE TOUR IS BACK!
This is a great way to connect with your sphere and the community.
✅ Invite clients & neighbors to enter their homes into the contest
✅ Share the tour and encourage voting Oct 28–30
✅ Print flyers and spread the word locally
�� Entry Deadline: Oct 27 | Winners Announced: Oct 31
�� Eligible Areas: Bergen, Passaic, Morris, Essex, Hudson (NJ) + Rockland, Orange, Westchester (NY)
CLICK HERE! Let’s make this year’s tour the spookiest yet!
THE TOCR MERCH SHOP IS OPEN!
Your Office. Your Town. Your Home.
Something new is coming to the TOCR Swag Shop Our “Home is…” capsule featuring town merch is almost here!
CLICK TO SHOP!
MARKETING FOCUS
Our “Home is ” campaign is in full swing, and now it’s your turn to jump in!
Here’s how:
Take the 1-question survey share what home means to you.
Send a photo that captures your personal idea of home family, favorite spaces, special moments etc
Volunteer for social media videos and share what home means to you, your clients, and your community a fun way to gain visibility and show the real impact of homeownership!
�� Reach out to the marketing team to get involved with photos or videos.
��Take the 1 question survey here
Let’s make this campaign authentic, engaging, and full of real stories everyone’s story matters!
TOCR SPOTLIGHT
Here’s where we brag about our TOCR family—because we deserve it! Want to nominate someone for next month’s newsletter? Send their standout moments to Marketing Manager@terrieoconnor com and let’s keep the recognition going!
