Harris Tynes is back: Birmingham duo buys Harbert Realty Services
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West Harris and Norman Tynes, the duo who founded Harris Tynes Realty Group in Birmingham back in 2005, have just bought back their old company — 13 years after selling it.
The two have acquired Harbert Realty Services, one of the region’s largest full-service commercial real estate firms, and they’re bringing back the original name. Moving forward, the company will operate as Harris Tynes Commercial Real Estate.
Harris Tynes’ history: from Birmingham startup to Harbert Realty acquisition
Harris and Tynes built their firm from the ground up in Birmingham, then sold it to Harbert Realty Services in November 2013. That deal combined two well-known Birmingham commercial real estate players into one of the largest privately held real estate organizations in the Southeast.
Now, more than a decade later, the founders are back in the driver’s seat. The 2026 acquisition returns the company to independent, broker-led ownership and brings the Harris Tynes name home.
What Harris Tynes clients can expect after the acquisition
If you’re a client, don’t expect much to change day-to-day.
According to the firm:
- Existing offices remain open
- Service teams stay in place
- Client relationships continue uninterrupted
- Brokerage, leasing and property management services keep running without a pause
Harris Tynes will keep offices in both Birmingham and Orlando, and will continue working across office, retail, multifamily, industrial and medical real estate.
Why West Harris and Norman Tynes chose independent ownership
For Tynes, now CEO of the firm, the purchase is about his legacy:
“Acquiring this firm and restoring the Harris Tynes name is a full-circle moment, and we could not be more excited about what comes next.”
West Harris, now the president of the firm, says the move lets the team combine big-platform experience with small-firm agility. He points to the founders’ own backgrounds managing, leasing and selling property as a reason clients can expect hands-on, senior-level attention even as the company grows.
What’s next for Harris Tynes Commercial Real Estate
Harris Tynes plans to keep growing by expanding services and adding experienced commercial real estate professionals in both new and existing markets. The firm also says it’ll keep training the next generation of practitioners coming into the field.
A new website and refreshed branding are on the way in the coming weeks. Until then, learn more at HarrisTynes.com.
