Kim Dowling, a powerhouse in the real estate industry with over three decades of experience, is moving her independent brokerage, Coastal Luxury Partners, to eXp Realty, bringing along 16 top-performing agents and three dedicated support staff.
In 2024 alone, Kim’s team closed an impressive $62 million in sales across 89 units.
A Legacy of Leadership Meets a Future-Forward Brokerage
For Kim Dowling, real estate is more than just a business – it’s a calling. A second-generation broker, she has spent her entire career not only selling homes but also mentoring and coaching agents to build thriving businesses. Her passion for the industry and commitment to excellence led her to launch Coastal Luxury Partners in 2017, following more than 25 years of running First American Realty and its family-run subsidiaries.
But in an era of rapid technological change and evolving industry demands, Dowling recognized that staying competitive required more than just maintaining an independent brand. She needed to align with a model designed to scale, innovate, and empower agents at the highest level. That’s when eXp Realty, with its cloud-based efficiencies, cutting-edge technology, and collaborative culture, became the clear choice.
The Turning Point: A Life-Changing Decision in Greece
Dowling’s decision to transition to eXp Realty wasn’t made in a boardroom – it was sparked on a life-changing trip to Greece. Last October, she and her husband traveled with close friends, two powerhouse real estate couples already thriving at eXp. Between breathtaking island views and deep conversations about the future of the industry, Kim had an epiphany.
“I had been watching eXp for years, studying its growth and weighing its potential,” she recalls. “But sitting there, hearing firsthand how it was transforming their businesses and lives – it all clicked. Once you see the difference eXp makes for agents, you can’t unsee it.”
Upon returning home, Kim began preparing her team for the transition. After months of planning and strategizing, she made the leap. Now, she’s all in – not just for her own business, but for the success of every agent she leads.
Why eXp? More Than Just a Brokerage – It’s a Movement
Kim’s move to eXp Realty is about more than just numbers; it’s about creating a legacy. As a best-selling author and nationally recognized coach, she has dedicated her career to elevating professionals in real estate and entrepreneurship. With eXp, she sees the opportunity to do this on a nationwide scale.
“The independent brokerage model is facing immense challenges – rising overhead, legal liabilities, compliance issues, and marketing demands that make scaling nearly impossible,” she explains. “eXp levels the playing field, giving my team state-of-the-art technology, world-class support, and a culture of collaboration that fuels true growth.”
>See why independent brokerages are flocking to eXp
Her early impressions of eXp have only reinforced her decision.
“The ability to scale quickly, collaborate nationwide, and provide agents with unparalleled opportunities to build a legacy is what truly sets eXp apart,” she says. “This isn’t just about business growth – it’s about changing lives.”
What’s Next for Coastal Luxury Partners?
Now operating under the eXp Realty umbrella, Coastal Luxury Partners will continue specializing in luxury residential real estate throughout the Greater Sarasota area, with ambitious plans for expansion across Florida and beyond. The team will bring its signature boutique-level service and deep local expertise to eXp’s global network, ensuring clients receive an unmatched real estate experience.
For Kim, the transition to eXp marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. “The best partnerships don’t just change businesses – they change lives,” she says. “This move is about building something bigger, something lasting, and something truly transformative for the agents and clients we serve.”
As she and her team step into this next era, one thing is clear: Kim Dowling is not just embracing change – she’s leading it. And with eXp Realty, the future has never looked brighter.
