Houston Brokerage Leader Miriam Valencia Transitions 50-Agent Team to eXp Realty
BELLINGHAM, Wash., March 17, 2026 — In a significant strategic move within the real estate industry, Miriam Valencia, the founder and CEO of Alumbra International, has officially joined eXp Realty®, bringing her entire 50-agent brokerage team with her. This transition follows a remarkable $107 million production year for Alumbra International and represents a calculated expansion strategy for the Houston-based firm that has been growing both domestically and internationally.
A Strategic Partnership for Growth
eXp Realty, described as "the most agent-centric real estate brokerage on the planet" and a core subsidiary of eXp World Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXPI), announced the partnership today. The move is designed to support the continued growth of Valencia's brokerage while leveraging eXp's global platform and resources.
"Miriam embodies the entrepreneurial spirit we champion at eXp," said Leo Pareja, CEO of eXp Realty. "With Alumbra, she has already demonstrated her ability to build something deeply meaningful. By joining forces with our global platform, she's not just preserving that identity—she's supercharging it to create limitless opportunities for her agents and their clients."
Preserving Culture While Expanding Reach
Valencia spent considerable time evaluating different brokerage models before making her decision. "I built Alumbra as an independent brokerage and grew a strong brand and culture in Houston," Valencia explained. "At the same time, I started thinking about how to scale bigger without losing what we had built. As a broker, I cannot make rash decisions because it affects a lot of people."
She continued: "I spent time looking at different brokerage models and asking myself what would make the most sense long term. I wanted something that allowed us to grow bigger while still protecting the culture we built at Alumbra."
Introduced to the eXp model by Thao Nguyen, Valencia recognized an opportunity to expand while maintaining her company's identity. "eXp allowed us to keep our identity while plugging into a larger platform," she noted. "Once I understood how eXp works and how we could continue operating as Alumbra within it, the decision started making more sense."
Balancing Multiple Roles and Responsibilities
Beyond her real estate leadership, Valencia maintains an impressive balance of professional and personal commitments. She is currently pursuing her MBA while simultaneously preparing for law school admission, all while raising a family and leading her growing brokerage.
Valencia's leadership philosophy extends well beyond business transactions. Through Heart and Hope, Alumbra International's community outreach initiative, Valencia and her team organize volunteer work, donation drives, and community support efforts throughout Houston, demonstrating a commitment to social responsibility alongside business success.
Industry Recognition and Future Plans
Valencia has received numerous industry recognitions for her work and leadership, including:
- HAR 20 Under 40 — 2024
- Houston Agent Magazine Who's Who — 2024
- Texas Agent to Watch — 2024
- NAHREP InfluenceHer of the Year — 2023
With Alumbra International now operating within eXp's global network, Valencia and her brokerage plan to continue expanding their reach while maintaining the distinctive culture that has defined the brokerage's success. This strategic partnership represents a new chapter for both Valencia's team and eXp Realty's presence in the Houston market and beyond.
