Each month, REM shares brokerage expansions and conversions, leadership appointments and other key industry moves. Have an announcement to share? Email your news to [email protected] by the 26th of each month, and don’t forget to include a photo!

Business expansions

Alan Newton Real Estate joins Re/Max Realtron, bolstering GTA footprint

Re/Max Canada announced that Alan Newton Real Estate Ltd., an independent brokerage with 35 agents and a 40-year history, has joined Re/Max Realtron.

The move enhances Re/Max Realtron’s presence in the Greater Toronto Area and brings expertise in luxury real estate under the Re/Max banner. The team will gain access to advanced technology, marketing tools, and The Re/Max Collection program for luxury properties.

“We’re excited to welcome the Alan Newton team as we continue to grow and empower top producers in the GTA,” said Jeremy Pilarski, vice-president, agent experience, Re/Max Realtron.

“This acquisition represents the strength of the Re/Max network in bringing together top-tier talent and respected independent brokerages,” said Don Kottick, president of Re/Max Canada. “We commend the Pilarski family for their leadership and vision. We are thrilled to welcome the Alan Newton team to Re/Max Canada.”

 Re/Max One becomes Hallmark One

Re/Max Hallmark has announced that Re/Max One Realty has officially joined its network and is now operating as Re/Max Hallmark One.

The move adds more than 30 agents to the Hallmark team and reflects the company’s commitment to strengthening its brokerage networks across Ontario.

Fred Ebadi, a broker with over 20 years of experience, launched Re/Max One after leading Trade One Realty.

“In today’s market, standing alone is difficult,” said Ebadi. “Hallmark offers brand strength, strong leadership, and an agent-first mindset.”

Steve Tabrizi, chief operating officer at Re/Max Hallmark, said the decision reflects shared values rather than growth for its own sake.

“Fred and his team recognized that Hallmark offers real support, reliable systems, and long-term leadership,” said Tabrizi.

The partnership aims to build a stronger foundation for growth, performance, and agent success.

Wahi grows out west

Wahi, a Toronto-based digital real estate platform and brokerage, is expanding its Realtor team in Calgary. The company has hired several agents who “are committed to redefining the real estate experience for buyers and sellers in Alberta,” it says.

“We’re excited to have a Calgary presence,” says Anne Alkok, Wahi’s broker of record. “Given the inter-provincial migration to Alberta and its resilient housing market, Calgary is a great place to expand.”

Leadership appointments

Luigi Favaro appointed OREA CEO

The Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) named Luigi Favaro as its next CEO at an event on July 25. 

Favaro, currently VP of partnerships for OREA, will take the helm after 17 years with the association. Favaro will begin as CEO on Sept. 2. 

Brenda Buchanan appointed CEO of RECO

Brenda Buchanan has been appointed CEO of Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO), following a national search.

The appointment is effective immediately, as announced by RECO’s board of directors on July 21. 

Brokerage partnerships

Royal LePage Benchmark partners with Virtuo 

Virtuo, an AI-powered platform that supports agents and homebuyers throughout the ownership journey, has announced a partnership with Royal LePage Benchmark. The Alberta-based brokerage will use Virtuo’s all-in-one platform to help agents grow their business and improve client service.

Royal LePage Benchmark, Alberta’s largest Royal LePage franchise, has over 200 agents and has been operating since 1978. Broker and owner Corinne Lyall said the brokerage focuses on giving agents the tools they need to stand out and deliver strong client experiences.

“We are always looking for ways to support our agents in providing an exceptional client experience,” Lyall said. “Virtuo gives our agents instant access to brokerage tools in one platform while delivering a differentiated experience to their clients.”

Virtuo combines AI with human support to improve the homeownership process. Its HomieAI tool offers 24/7 personalized insights and support using data from the agent, brokerage and property.