Engel & Völkers Houston has rebranded as Brooks Ballard International Real Estate, an independent, boutique real estate firm, and is no longer affiliated with Engel & Völkers.

The group is led by founder Brooks Ballard, who originally founded his brokerage in 1998. Though Houston-based, Ballard and his team serve clientele worldwide, including partnerships in Mexico, Canada, Colombia, Spain, Germany, the UK, Dubai and throughout the rest of the United States.

“Our transition is a natural evolution,” Ballard said in a press release. “After years of success under a global franchise, we saw the opportunity to offer something even more dynamic — something that’s unapologetically us.”

Ballard added that he and his team “now have the freedom to tailor services” and “deepen [their] international relationships.”

The switch comes just after the news of the firm’s recognition as the LGBTQ+ Owned Business of the Year by the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce. The company was also honored at the 2025 Pride in Business Celebration on June 9.

“We are building more than a real estate firm,” Ballard said. “We are creating a legacy of leadership, inclusivity and excellence that clients and communities can trust.”