Layla Zulfa
The esteemed real estate brokerage, The Foundry Group, has officially transitioned from its independent operations in Pinehurst to become a vital part of Compass Raleigh, a move that significantly bolsters Compass’s presence in Moore County and the broader Sandhills region of North Carolina. This strategic integration brings with it a formidable track record, boasting more than $200 million in closed sales volume across Moore County, a testament to the team’s deep market penetration and client success. The announcement was made by Compass on Tuesday, marking a significant development in the regional real estate landscape.
A Legacy of Success and Local Expertise
The Foundry Group, headquartered in Pinehurst, is spearheaded by co-principal brokers Leigh Amigo and Kristen Moracco. Together, they bring a combined 15 years of dedicated experience in the residential real estate sector, cultivating a reputation for excellence and client-centric service. Their recent performance data, as verified by RealTrends, highlights their substantial impact. In 2025, this medium-sized team successfully closed 81.5 transaction sides, generating a total sales volume of $30.45 million. This impressive output secured them a notable No. 49 ranking in the state for sales volume and the No. 29 position for transaction side count, underscoring their efficiency and market reach. Prior to this integration, The Foundry Group operated under the umbrella of Iron Valley Real Estate Hampton Roads, where they honed their skills and built a robust client base.
The formation of The Foundry Group itself represents a strategic evolution born from years of individual success. Amigo and Moracco spent six years operating as top-producing agents, directly competing against each other in the vibrant real estate markets of Pinehurst, Southern Pines, and their surrounding communities. This period of intense professional rivalry provided them with an intimate understanding of the local market dynamics, competitive strategies, and, crucially, each other’s work ethic and client engagement styles. This shared history of independent achievement laid the groundwork for a powerful partnership, built on mutual respect and a shared vision for exceptional real estate service.
The business philosophy of The Foundry Group is deeply rooted in local expertise, characterized by direct and consistent communication, and a commitment to personalized service tailored to the unique needs of each client. This approach has resonated strongly with buyers and sellers in the region, contributing to their sustained success.
Deeply Rooted Expertise and Diverse Backgrounds
The leadership of The Foundry Group brings a rich tapestry of experience and local connection to their real estate endeavors. Kristen Moracco, a former NICU nurse, possesses profound ties to Moore County, having cultivated an intimate knowledge of its neighborhoods and community fabric over years of dedicated service and residency. Her transition into real estate was a natural progression, allowing her to leverage her compassionate and detail-oriented nature to guide clients through significant property transactions. To date, she has facilitated the buying and selling of over $100 million in property within the region, a remarkable achievement that speaks to her dedication and market acumen.
Leigh Amigo complements Moracco’s deep local roots with eight years of dedicated real estate experience, further enhanced by a background in relationship sales cultivated in the demanding New York City market. This diverse experience equips her with a unique perspective on client engagement and negotiation. Additionally, Amigo’s personal experience with military relocations, stemming from her role as the spouse of a retired lieutenant colonel, provides her with invaluable insight into the specific challenges and considerations faced by military families navigating property transactions during transfers. This lived experience allows her to offer a level of empathy and practical advice that is particularly appreciated by this demographic.
In a joint statement, Amigo and Moracco articulated the genesis of their partnership and their core values: "The Foundry Group grew out of years of knowing and respecting each other in the market. We spent six years competing as top producers before becoming partners, which gave us a deep understanding of how each other works. As mothers of three and military spouses, we understand the importance of communication, flexibility and trust, particularly during major life transitions. Those experiences shape the way we serve our clients every day." This statement underscores their commitment to understanding and addressing the emotional and logistical complexities inherent in real estate transactions, particularly for families undergoing significant life changes.
A Strategic Expansion for Compass Carolinas
The integration of The Foundry Group into Compass Raleigh signifies a strategic expansion for Compass Carolinas. This move not only brings a high-performing team into the Compass fold but also significantly strengthens Compass’s operational capacity and market penetration within the Pinehurst, Moore County, and the wider Sandhills region. The Sandhills area is a dynamic market, experiencing consistent housing demand fueled by a confluence of factors, including a strong military presence due to nearby installations, a growing population of retirees drawn to the region’s lifestyle and amenities, and a steady influx of second-home buyers seeking vacation properties or investment opportunities.
The Foundry Group will operate under the Compass Raleigh banner, contributing their expertise and client base to Compass’s established network. They are joined by a dedicated team of professionals who will further enhance the client experience and operational efficiency. This expanded team includes Allison Auman Smith, Cheryl Cherne, Claire Cobb, Emma Dill, Lex Fowler, Paige Rushing, Lizzie Buchanan, and Michelle McGann, all of whom are poised to contribute to the continued success of The Foundry Group under Compass.
Market Dynamics and Future Implications
The Sandhills region of North Carolina has long been an attractive destination for a diverse range of homebuyers. The presence of Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg), one of the largest military installations in the United States, ensures a consistent demand for housing driven by military personnel and their families undergoing regular relocations. This demographic often requires swift and efficient real estate services, a niche that The Foundry Group, with its understanding of military relocations, is exceptionally well-positioned to serve.
Beyond the military community, the region’s appeal to retirees is significant. The pleasant climate, abundance of golf courses and recreational activities, and a generally lower cost of living compared to many other desirable retirement destinations make it a prime choice for those seeking to downsize or relocate for their golden years. This demographic often prioritizes established neighborhoods, quality construction, and access to healthcare and community services, areas where The Foundry Group’s local expertise is invaluable.
Furthermore, the Sandhills region’s allure as a location for second homes or vacation properties continues to grow. Its natural beauty, tranquil environment, and proximity to major metropolitan areas like Raleigh and Charlotte make it an appealing escape for individuals and families seeking weekend getaways or investment opportunities. This segment of the market often requires specialized knowledge of rental markets, property management, and investment potential, areas where the combined expertise of The Foundry Group and Compass can provide significant value.
The addition of The Foundry Group to Compass Raleigh is likely to have several positive implications for the regional real estate market. For Compass, it represents a strategic acquisition that solidifies their leadership position in a key North Carolina market. This move allows Compass to leverage The Foundry Group’s established client relationships, deep local market knowledge, and proven sales performance to further expand its market share.
For consumers in Pinehurst and the surrounding areas, the integration promises an enhanced level of service. Clients will benefit from Compass’s cutting-edge technology, extensive marketing reach, and collaborative agent network, all while continuing to receive the personalized, expert guidance that The Foundry Group has become known for. The combination of local insight and global reach offered by Compass can be particularly advantageous in attracting out-of-state buyers and investors to the region.
The transition also signals a broader trend of consolidation and strategic partnerships within the real estate industry. As brokerages seek to expand their reach and offer comprehensive services, affiliations with established, high-performing teams like The Foundry Group become increasingly important. This move is indicative of Compass’s ongoing strategy to recruit top talent and expand its footprint in desirable markets across the country.
The sustained growth and appeal of the Sandhills region, coupled with the strategic integration of a proven team like The Foundry Group into a leading brokerage like Compass, suggests a continued robust performance for the local real estate market in the coming years. The emphasis on local expertise, client-centric service, and strategic market expansion positions both The Foundry Group and Compass for continued success in serving the diverse needs of buyers and sellers in this thriving North Carolina locale.
