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

Leadership moves

Re/Max Twin City adds to leadership team

Re/Max Twin City Realty has appointed Brian Santos as managing broker for its Waterloo, Ont., and New Hamburg, Ont., offices. 

Santos brings 17 years of experience to the role, including as a past president of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of Realtors and two-term director at Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA).

He is also respected for his community work through Scotland’s Yard, which has raised over $4 million for children’s care in local hospitals.

“Joining REMAX Twin City is an incredible opportunity to be part of a brokerage that values growth, innovation, and community,” said Santos. “I’m looking forward to building on the strong foundation already in place and helping our agents and offices reach even greater heights.”

Expansions and conversions

Re/Max Excellence expands with new office in Brampton

Mississauga, Ont.-based Re/Max Excellence is expanding its network to nearby Brampton. 

Broker/owners Gurv Dhillon and Aman Bhandaal are welcoming over 20 agents to their new office located at 456 Vodden Street.

“The decision to open another Re/Max office was driven by our commitment to growth, agent success, and expanding our footprint in a high-potential market,” said Bhandaal. “Seeing our agents achieve their dreams and build successful careers is what makes this expansion truly rewarding. 

Nest Seekers expands into Toronto’s Yorkville district

Nest Seekers International has opened its Ontario flagship office in Toronto at 101 Yorkville Ave., marking a key step in the company’s Canadian expansion.

“The launch of our Yorkville flagship is a defining moment for Nest Seekers in Canada,” said Angelo Ferlisi, broker of record for Nest Seekers Ontario. “It establishes our presence in one of the world’s most coveted luxury markets and sets the stage for growth and global collaboration.”

Founded in 2002 by CEO Eddie Shapiro, Nest Seekers bills itself as one of the fastest-growing privately held luxury real estate brokerages in the world. It operates more than 80 offices and employs over 2,000 professionals across major international markets. The firm has closed over US$100 billion in real estate transactions.

In addition to residential and commercial properties, Nest Seekers offers services for ultra-high-net-worth clients, including brokering yachts, fine art and private aircraft. The company is known for its use of media, technology and cross-market strategy to connect buyers and sellers globally.

Macdonald Realty opens new office in Whistler Village

Macdonald Realty has opened a new office in the heart of Whistler Village, B.C., expanding its presence in the Sea-to-Sky region.

Though active in the Whistler market for years, the new space signals a renewed focus, led by managing broker Patricia Place, says a company statement. It works in tandem with the company’s Squamish office, which holds the largest share of local listings.

Located at #124-4338 Main Street, the office is designed with flexibility in mind. It offers open workspaces where agents can meet clients, collaborate with colleagues, or work between showings.

Agents based in Whistler also benefit from full-service support from the Squamish location, including conveyancing and admin help.

Macdonald Realty now has 19 residential offices and more than 1,100 professionals across B.C.

Important milestones

CENTURY 21 Lakeside returns to rebuilt office two years after wildfire

Two years after the Bush Creek East wildfire tore through parts of the Shuswap Lake region in British Columbia, CENTURY 21 Lakeside Realty has returned to its rebuilt office in Scotch Creek.

The fire, which began in July 2023, caused widespread destruction across the North Shuswap area. Among the more than 100 structures lost was CENTURY 21 Lakeside’s office. Owner Kevin Campbell remembers the evacuation happening within minutes.

“We got the phone call that the fire was coming down the hill and we had to get moving immediately,” said Campbell “We didn’t have time to get into the office and take anything out – it got dangerously windy, the evacuation order came in, and everybody ran. In a matter of minutes, the office was gone.”

While the building was lost, no one on the team was injured. In the months that followed, the business operated out of a temporary location while the community began the long process of rebuilding.

The new office officially reopened this summer. Built on the same site, it now serves as a symbol of resilience for the business and the community.

CENTURY 21 Lakeside has been part of the CENTURY 21 Canada network since 1976 and recently renewed its franchise agreement through 2029.

CENTURY 21 Bamber marks 40 years in Calgary real estate

CENTURY 21 Bamber Realty is marking its 40th anniversary, highlighting four decades in Calgary’s real estate industry.

Founded in 1984, the brokerage has grown to become one of the top-performing CENTURY 21 offices in Canada. Owner George Bamber said the company’s focus remains on supporting Albertans through real estate transactions while fostering a strong, experienced team.

A key development in its anniversary year is a merger with CENTURY 21 Elevate. The Elevate team, led by Andre and Tanya d’Abadie, has joined the Bamber office, bringing with them over 20 years of experience in property management. Andre d’Abadie will now lead Elevate Property Management under the Bamber umbrella, expanding the brokerage’s range of services.

Bamber, who began his real estate career at age 23, said mentorship is central to his leadership approach. “It’s about guiding agents and helping them grow into the profession,” he said.

Bamber also serves on Alberta’s Residential Council and has previously served on the Calgary Real Estate Board. He says contributing to the industry’s development remains a priority.

The post The Real Deal: Industry highlights for September 2025 appeared first on REM.

Expansions and conversions

New growth at Re/Max Capital Diamond Realty

Re/Max Canada has expanded its presence in Windsor-Essex County with the addition of Paul Germanese and his AW4U – The Real Estate Group to Re/Max Capital Diamond Realty.

The group of 10 professionals joins from Royal LePage, where they established a reputation over more than a decade for serving buyers and sellers in the local market.

Albert Kantarjian, broker/owner of Re/Max Capital Diamond Realty, said the move reflects shared priorities between the brokerage and the team.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Paul and his team. This partnership is built on shared values, a passion for delivering outstanding service, and a vision for continued growth.”

Don Kottick, president of Re/Max Canada, welcomed the addition. 

“Congratulations to Re/Max Capital Diamond Realty. We look forward to seeing them thrive and expand their impact in the Windsor-Essex community.”

Ottawa group returns to Re/Max

The Inspire Team of Ottawa, led by Rahim and Eda Rasooli, has officially returned to Re/Max, joining Re/Max Prime Properties.

The Rasoolis said their decision was guided by the brand’s global recognition and strong network, which they believe will support their team’s continued growth.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Rahim and Eda Rasooli and their incredible team back to Re/Max,” said Asif Khan, broker/owner of Re/Max Prime Properties. “With their deep understanding of the Ottawa region, they are a valuable addition to our growing network.”

Re/Max Canada president Don Kottick called the move “a testament to the power of the Re/Max brand.”

Royal LePage adds Our Neighbourhood Realty to Ontario network

Royal LePage recently announced it’s expanding in Ontario with the addition of Our Neighbourhood Realty.

The brokerage, formerly independent, is led by Rhonda and Bob Best, along with co-owners Luiz and Paula Lameiras and Gary and Darlene Hibbert. It has more than 140 sales representatives.

The firm serves Durham, Toronto and Northumberland, handling residential, recreational and commercial transactions. The ownership group has more than 30 years of combined experience in the real estate industry.

Leadership moves

Royal LePage COO announced retirement

This week, Royal LePage’s longtime chief operating officer Carolyn Cheng announced she will be retiring from the role later this fall.

Cheng has 25 years experience in the real estate sector. Cheng previously served as a director and then senior vice-president of strategic business services at Royal LePage.

Her resume also includes several years in leadership at Brookfield Real Estate Services. 

Good works

Record result for Slice4Shelter Charity Golf Tournament

Winnipeg’s Royal LePage Prime Real Estate raised more than $27,000 at its 3rd annual Slice4Shelter Charity Golf Tournament in support of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation.

The record-breaking tournament brings the event’s grand total to $70,500.

All proceeds were directed to Alpha House to fund safe and supportive shelter services for women and children fleeing intimate partner violence.

“Our supporters at Royal LePage Prime Real Estate have a longstanding history of generosity towards families who are bravely walking away from violence and building the safer, happier and more hopeful lives that they deserve,” said Carly Neill, fundraising and communications manager with the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. “We count ourselves very lucky to have them as part of our charitable family.”

Sutton Centre Realty signs cheque for St. John Ambulance

Over 300 attendees gathered in May for the St. John Ambulance Charity Gala led by Vancouver Realtor Corwin Kwan of Sutton Center Realty headquartered in Burnaby.

The event raised over $23,000 in total with a $5,000 matched donation from The Home Foundation. The proceeds will support critical programs like first aid training, therapy dog visits, and emergency response initiatives.

The post The Real Deal: Industry highlights for August 2025 appeared first on REM.

Each month, REM shares brokerage expansions and conversions, leadership appointments and other key industry moves. Have an announcement to share? Email your news to editor@realestatemagazine.ca 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.

The post The Real Deal: Industry highlights for July 2025 appeared first on REM.

Leadership appointments 

Coldwell Banker Canada appoints Hashim Arthur as chief operating officer

Coldwell Banker Canada has appointed longtime employee Hashim Arthur as chief operating officer (COO). Having previously served as vice president of operations, he brings over a decade of leadership and operational expertise to the elevated role. 

Arthur has held several key leadership positions at Coldwell Banker Canada, including manager of affiliate services, where he led initiatives in technology implementation, training, and franchise engagement.

With a background in business management and marketing, and a post-graduate specialization in advertising, his experience in telecommunications and real estate provides a unique perspective on customer service, change management, and innovation, says the company.

“Hashim’s journey is a testament to dedication, capability, and vision,” said Karim Kennedy, CEO of Coldwell Banker Canada. “His experience with both the day-to-day and strategic aspects of our network make him the ideal person to lead our operational strategy and deliver greater value to franchisees nationwide.” 

As COO, he will lead national operations, oversee systems integration, and work closely with the executive team to support Coldwell Banker’s franchisees and agents across Canada.

Felix Bravo named managing director, international at eXp Realty

Felix Bravo has been promoted to managing director, international of eXp World Holdings, Inc, a critical move toward accelerating global expansion. 

The company says Bravo has delivered some of the most successful international launches in eXp’s history, including Perú and Türkiye. Egypt is next, with multiple markets in development as eXp moves toward its 2030 target: 50 countries and 50,000 agents globally.

“Felix is building the playbook for global scale — rooted in trust, systems, and agent success,” said Glenn Sanford, founder of eXp Realty and CEO of eXp World Holdings.

Bravo’s mandate includes launching new countries with operational precision, reinforcing existing ones through local autonomy, and driving global alignment across agent enablement, tech infrastructure, and AI-powered operations.

“I’ve seen what eXp’s model can do when it’s locally led and globally connected,” said Bravo. “This next chapter is about scaling that power — creating systems that last, leaders who thrive, and communities of agents that grow stronger together.”

Sandra Kirkland joins Re/Max Twin City

Sandra Kirkland has officially joined Re/Max Twin City as vice president, starting April 30. 

It’s a brand-new role to support the brokerage’s continued momentum.

Since its inception in Kitchener, Ont., the brokerage has grown to include offices in Brantford, Paris, Cambridge, Waterloo and New Hamburg.

Kirkland joins Twin City from Re/Max Canada, where she served as executive director of regional development.

With nearly 20 years of varied real estate experience and a career spanning governance, education, operations, and strategic growth, she is widely regarded as a “powerhouse in Canadian real estate,” reads a statement from the brokerage. 

Re/Max’s Sean Lowry elevated to corporate ranks 

A longtime agent with a top Re/Max brokerage in Waterloo, Ont., Sean Lowry has been named director of region development for the eastern region of Re/Max Canada.

He will be using his nearly decade-long experience to help other entrepreneurs across the country grow their businesses.

“The initial excitement and draw I had to the Re/Max brand when I was a new agent has never left me,” he said.

“Even after almost 10 years, I can still vividly feel how possible everything feels every time I see the Re/Max balloon.”

Royal Lepage Prestige welcomes Craig Finnman and Deanna Jacobson 

Royal LePage is announcing that Craig Finnman and Deanna Jacobson of the Finnman Team, formerly with Re/Max, have recently joined the Royal LePage network, choosing Royal LePage Prestige Realty based in Sherwood Park, Alberta as their new brokerage.

The pair brings 38 years of combined experience to the brokerage.

“There were several key factors that drew us to Royal LePage Prestige, including their supportive team model that empowers agents to grow and succeed,” said Finnman.

The recruitment of the Finnman Team marks the fifth major team to join Royal LePage Prestige from Re/Max in just a few years, reads the announcement.

“The brokerage has created something truly special – a warm, collaborative community where support and teamwork are central to everything,” said Jacobson.

Brokerage expansions and conversions

Engel & Völkers touches down in New Brunswick

Global real estate brand Engel & Völkers has announced its entry into New Brunswick with the opening of the province’s flagship location in Moncton.

Led by license partner Susan Steeves, the shop will cater to Moncton, Riverview, Dieppe, Hillsborough, Salisbury, Petitcodiac, Sussex, Apohaqui, Cambridge Narrows, Shediac, Beaubassin East, Saint-Antoine and Little Shemogue.

With over 20 years in hotel management and real estate, Steeves brings a wealth of experience to her role. 

“Moncton has swiftly emerged as one of Canada’s fastest-growing communities, making it the ideal setting for Engel & Völkers to further establish its presence in the Maritimes,” says Stuart Siegel, president and CEO, Engel & Völkers Americas.

“New Brunswick will strengthen our footprint in Eastern Canada. With Susan’s expertise and leadership, her team will provide premium and tailored real estate service to buyers and sellers.” 

Honorable Mentions

Re/Max Canada Named One of Canada’s 100 Most Reputable Companies

Re/Max Canada has been named one of the 100 Most Reputable Companies in Canada by Leger’s annual Reputation Study for its third year in a row – also securing its spot as the number one company in Canada’s real estate sector for 2025.

“In a fast-paced and growing industry, RE/MAX Canada and its network of brokers and agents continues to stand out for its deep commitment to community, client care, and ethical practices, as defined by the REALTOR® Code of Ethics – key qualities that helped earn this national recognition,” said a company statement.

Want your team’s latest success featured in next month’s column?

Reach out to editor@realestatemagazine.ca with your announcement and a high-res photo by the 26th.

The post The Real Deal: Industry highlights for May 2025 appeared first on REM.

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