Chris Heller Joins eXp Realty, Reuniting with Longtime Friend Leo Pareja

They once competed for the #1 spot in the real estate world. Now, they’re on the same team.

Chris Heller, founder of Heller the Home Seller, former CEO of Keller Williams Realty International, and one of the most respected minds in the industry, has officially joined eXp Realty. (Read the Press Release Here).

This move marks a major moment for eXp Realty, as one of the industry’s most accomplished leaders chooses to align with the model he’s admired for years.

A Legacy Built on Results

Chris Heller’s real estate career began with distinction. He was named Rookie of the Year in 1989 and quickly became the top-producing agent in San Diego County. He later rose to become the #1 Keller Williams associate in all of North America.

Since then, he has built one of the most respected and productive real estate teams in the United States. Under his leadership, the Heller the Home Seller Team has sold over 4,000 homes, consistently averaging more than 100 transactions per year. 

Their move to eXp Realty brings exceptional talent, proven systems, and deep industry experience to a company that continues to attract the very best in real estate.

A Leader Who’s Shaped the Industry

In addition to having led one of the top real estate teams in the country, Chris Heller has held several key leadership roles that have influenced the broader real estate landscape. He served as CEO of Keller Williams Realty International (KWRI) and as President of KW Worldwide. He was also CEO at Mellohome and most recently served as President at OJO/Movoto.

Although he has not been involved in the team’s day-to-day operations since 2010, Heller has remained deeply engaged with production throughout his various roles.. During a five-year stretch of one of the most challenging markets in real estate history, his sales volume totaled over $450 million, a testament to his team’s stability, performance, and strong client relationships.

Why Move to eXp? 

Despite his success, one model kept drawing Heller’s attention.

“I’ve been thinking about a home for my team since 2017,” he says.

“I keep saying it…I think eXp has the best model.”

That belief ultimately led him to make the move, not just for himself, but for his entire organization. Chris Heller and his team,  Heller the Home Seller Team, composed of 13 agents and 3 on the leadership staff, are now part of eXp Realty.

For Heller, this wasn’t just about switching brokerages. It was about aligning with a platform that empowers top producers to grow without limits, share in ownership, and thrive in a community built by agents, for agents.

It’s also a full-circle moment, reuniting him with longtime friend and former competitor Leo Pareja, CEO of eXp Realty. Their friendly rivalry once defined an era of production at the top of the industry. Today, it becomes a partnership that will help shape what’s next.

Trusted by Clients and Endorsed by Icons

Chris Heller’s commitment to delivering exceptional client experiences has earned him national recognition. His deep referral network, global reach, and results-driven approach are just some of the reasons why Barbara Corcoran of Shark Tank personally recommends Heller The Home Seller.

At eXp Realty, Heller brings that same reputation, reach, and high-touch service into a growing network of elite professionals—all collaborating within one of the most innovative real estate companies in the world.