Property Broker Douglas Elliman Tries to Shed Party-Hard Label

Douglas Elliman Inc.’s stock wilted under the weight of the property broker’s persistent losses and departing agents. Then came the brazen disrespect.

As rival Compass Inc. celebrated share gains by ringing the New York Stock Exchange’s opening bell earlier this year, its CEO was flanked by recruits from Douglas Elliman, including one who hadn’t yet announced her move. She’s among more than 130 agents, collectively handling over $3 billion in annual sales, that the century-old firm has lost since early 2024 to Compass — a decade-old venture now worth 15 times more.