PITTSBURGH, PA (July 23, 2026) – Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, the country’s largest independently owned and operated real estate brokerage, today announced a strategic national partnership with Portside Real Estate Group, Maine’s No. 1 independent firm with offices across the state and in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. The expansion marks Howard Hanna’s official entry into Northern New England and reflects the continued strength of independent, locally led real estate companies in an industry experiencing increased consolidation.
This announcement comes on the heels of Portside’s strongest 12-month stretch on record and $1.5 billion in sales in 2025, capped by its best month ever and the No. 1 spot for residential sales volume in Maine for June 2026.
The partnership reflects Howard Hanna’s unique approach to growing its footprint by aligning with a powerhouse regional brokerage regarded for its relationship-driven culture, strong local leadership, and likeminded philosophy that real estate agents do their best work when deeply connected to the communities they serve.
Founded and led by Dava Davin, Portside has grown from a single office in Portland into Northern New England’s most trusted brokerage with 12 offices and a family of more than 225 agents – earning a reputation built on relationships, community investment, and focus on supporting agents in building meaningful, sustainable businesses. The company is thriving under these principles.
Similarly, the Hanna family began with a single office in Pittsburgh in 1957 and, over three generations, has grown into a national leader in real estate with more than 500 offices across 18 states and over $30 billion in annual sales volume, all while retaining its family-owned and family-run ethos.
“We are committed to thoughtful, disciplined growth by partnering with market leaders who share our entrepreneurial, relationship-driven approach,” said Hoby Hanna, CEO of Howard Hanna. “Portside has built an extraordinary company with dominant market share. This alliance proves that by joining forces, independent, family-owned brokerages can deliver the national scale and institutional resources that benefit both agents and the clients they serve, while preserving the agility and local decision-making that define independent companies.”
Portside will continue operating under its local leadership while gaining access to the expanded resources, technology, marketing capabilities, national and global referral network, and support of the Howard Hanna family of companies.
For buyers and sellers, the partnership expands what’s possible without changing the trusted local relationships they rely on. Clients will continue working with the experienced Portside professionals they know while gaining access to Howard Hanna’s expanded marketing reach, financing solutions and exclusive programs like Buy Before You Sell and 100% Money Back Guarantee, all designed to make buying and selling a home easier.
A significant competitive advantage in this strategic expansion is Howard Hanna’s ability to offer comprehensive healthcare and 401(k) options to its independent contractors. This institutional-level support empowers Portside to aggressively recruit top-tier talent across New England and provide financial security without sacrificing the agility of an independent brokerage.
“Portside is getting stronger,” said Dava Davin, Founder and CEO of Portside Real Estate Group. “We’ve built something really special together, and I am so proud of the culture, the relationships, and the sense of purpose that defines Portside. Partnering with Howard Hanna lets us protect everything that makes us unique while opening doors we couldn’t open on our own.”
Now a strategic partner with the Howard Hanna Real Estate Services company, Portside offers its agents and clients the resources of a national powerhouse while doubling down on the values and entrepreneurial nature of a privately held company.
By tapping into Howard Hanna’s expansive, unified infrastructure across 18 states, Portside agents can now deliver unparalleled listing amplification to their clients, seamlessly showcasing Northern New England properties to buyers across the Eastern Seaboard, including New York City and the Tri-State network.
For more information about Howard Hanna, visit www.howardhanna.com.
About Howard Hanna
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services proudly provides real estate, mortgage, title, and insurance services across 18 states. As the largest family-owned and -operated real estate brokerage in the United States, Howard Hanna operates more than 500 offices with 15,000 sales associates and staff. The company’s proprietary Hanna Success System helps its agents achieve 53% more business than agents at the top 1000 brokerages nationally. Learn more at www.HowardHanna.com.
About Portside Real Estate Group
Portside Real Estate Group is a woman-owned, independent brokerage changing the way real estate feels in Northern New England. With over 225 agents across Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, and more than $1.5 billion in annual sales, Portside specializes in all aspects of residential real estate. Known for bold thinking, heart-led service, and results that make a difference, Portside has donated over $1.5 million to local nonprofits through its 1% Back program. The company is a proud affiliate of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World and Luxury Portfolio International. Learn more at www.portsidereg.com.
