Virtual Properties Realty (VPR), a United Real Estate company, has opened a new office in Daphne, expanding its services across Alabama's Gulf Coast and Florida's Emerald Coast.

Led by Principal Broker Jamie Mertz, VPR | United will serve communities from Mobile to Destin, including Daphne, Fairhope, Foley, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

The company said the expansion will bring additional technology and resources to local real estate agents, including AI-powered productivity tools, property marketing systems and a national relocation and referral network.

“Consumers deserve a real estate experience backed by innovation, strong local leadership and a long-term commitment to helping people navigate major financial decisions with confidence,” Mertz said.

VPR is Atlanta's largest residential real estate company by number of homes sold in 2025, according to the Atlanta Business Chronicle, with more than 5,500 agents serving Georgia and other Southeastern markets. United Real Estate is among the nation's 10 largest residential real estate companies.

The expansion comes as the region continues to experience population growth. Baldwin County grew from 182,000 residents in 2010 to more than 260,000 today, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The Fort Walton Beach-Destin-Crestview metropolitan area also recorded 26% population growth from 2020-2024, according to the Florida Office of Economic and Demographic Research.

The Daphne office adds to United Real Estate's Gulf Coast presence, which includes affiliations with Allison James Estates & Homes in Port Charlotte and Premiere Plus Realty in Naples, Florida. The company also has locations in Florida, Louisiana and Texas.