Engel & Völkers gains top California team from Sotheby’s

One of Sotheby’s International Realty’s top luxury teams is making the move over to Engel & Völkers. On Tuesday, Truszkowski Freedman & Associates announced its departure from Sotheby’s, an Anywhere brand that is now owned by Compass. 

The team, which is based on California’s Monterey Peninsula, is led by Zak Freedman and Nicole Truszkowski, and includes three active licensed agents, according to RealTrends Verified data. 

“Zak and Nicole represent exactly the caliber of leadership we seek to align with at Engel & Völkers,” Paul Benson, a license partner of more than 40 existing Engel & Völkers affiliated locations across California, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Utah and Washington, said in a statement. “Their track record, discretion, and client-first approach strengthen our position in one of the most nuanced luxury markets in the country and reflect the long-term vision we have for Carmel.”

In 2024, the team closed 16 transaction sides, representing $45.13 million in sales volume, according to the 2025 RealTrends Verified Rankings. 

Over the course of their careers, Freedman and Truszkowski have closed over $1 billion in sales volume. Additionally, they have been part of several record-breaking transactions across Carmel, Pebble Beach and Big Sur, including the highest sale in Carmel’s history at $40 million. 

“The Engel & Völkers brand provides the global reach and sophistication this market demands while preserving the autonomy required to serve clients at the highest level,” Freedman said in a statement.

Truszkowski added: “This affiliation allows us to elevate our service offering without compromising the values of trust, advocacy and long-term stewardship that define our work.”