EXIT Northern Shores Realty and EXIT Realty Paramount Announce Strategic Merger to Strengthen Services Across Northern Michigan

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Stephen Karas
Broker/Owner
EXIT Northern Shores Realty
(231) 342-4686
stephen@sckaras.com

EXIT Northern Shores Realty and EXIT Realty Paramount Announce Strategic Merger to Strengthen Services Across Northern Michigan

Traverse City, MI (Grassroots Newswire) April 8, 2025 -- In a forward-thinking move to better serve the evolving needs of Northern Michigan’s real estate market, Holly Hack, Broker/Owner of EXIT Realty Paramount, and Stephen Karas, Broker/Owner of EXIT Northern Shores Realty, proudly announce a strategic merger. This union is designed to amplify resources, enhance client service, and solidify EXIT’s presence across the region.

Stephen Karas, who has co-owned the Northern Shores franchise with wife, Carol Karas since 2006, and since 2022 with Associate Broker, Vickie Smith, gives insight into the merger: “Unifying the EXIT offices in Elk Rapids, Kalkaska, and Traverse City, along with our current property management for the Traverse City Horse Show through Winterwood Property Management, brings a cohesive strategy of real estate to Northern Michigan. We’re thrilled to bring agents together across our brand and provide exceptional service to the communities throughout Northern Michigan.”

Holly Hack, who has been the sole owner and broker of EXIT Realty Paramount since 2011, shared her excitement about the merger: “The real estate market is constantly evolving, and with change comes opportunity. This merger is about aligning our strengths to better support our agents, expand reach, and provide an even higher level of service to the communities we serve.”

As market dynamics shift, both Karas and Hack recognize the importance of adaptability and innovation. This collaboration is a reflection of a shared vision—one that prioritizes people, professionalism, and the power of a strong brand found with EXIT Realty and implemented at the local level. Agents will find strong leadership presence modeled by both Karas and Hack and support throughout our five-county region. Clients will benefit from expanded coverage, deeper local expertise, and a united team dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences.

Once finalized later this summer, the newly merged company will operate under the EXIT Northern Shores Realty name with Stephen Karas as the Broker of Record.  He will oversee a network of experienced REALTORS® covering a broader footprint while continuing to uphold the high standards both offices are known for.

“We’re not just growing—we’re evolving,” Hack adds. “Our agents will now have even greater support, training, and tools at their fingertips, which ultimately means better results and experiences for our buyers and sellers.”

EXIT Realty has always been known for its people-first culture, and this merger reflects a continued commitment to collaboration, integrity, and excellence in real estate.

 

For more information about EXIT Northern Shores Realty, please call (231) 342-4686. EXIT Northern Shores Realty is located at 710 US Hwy 31, PO Box 669, Elk Rapids.

About EXIT Realty:
EXIT Realty is a company founded and built on human potential. A full service, forward-thinking, real estate franchisor with offices across North America, EXIT has to-date paid out more than a half a billion dollars in single-level residual income to its associates. A portion of every transaction fee received by EXIT Realty Corp. International is applied to its charitable fund, and to-date, $7 million has been allocated to charity. For more information, please visit www.exitrealty.com and www.joinexitrealty.com.

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