Glen Muir, broker/owner of Re/Max Preferred Realty in Windsor-Essex County, Ontario, has recently acquired Re/Max Chatham-Kent Realty.

Muir, who founded Re/Max Preferred Realty in 1992, has 46 years of industry experience.

The expansion

The expansion will allow Re/Max Preferred Realty to broaden its presence in the Chatham and Tilbury markets, with the addition of two new office locations and 17 real estate agents. Now, Re/Max Preferred Realty hosts a network of 175 agents across six offices. 

Muir brings his sales team, including managers Denny Laurin, with 33 years of local market expertise, and his son, Gord Muir, with 11 years of industry experience.

Moving forward

Muir remains committed to providing his agents with all the support, tools and resources they need for their continued success at Re/Max. “We are excited about this next chapter of growth and the opportunity it provides us with, to build lasting relationships with clients in these communities,” he shares.

Muir says he looks forward to helping the Re/Max brand secure the Chatham-Kent region’s top market share spot for many years to come.

Century 21 Granite Realty Group Inc. recently announced its merger with Century 21 All Seasons Realty. Led by broker Brandon Nimigon, the brokerage has been serving the Haliburton, Ontario area since 2021.

‘A great fit for everyone’

Nimigon started with Century 21 Canada in 2015 as an agent and took over the brokerage in 2021. As for the reason he decided to merge with All Seasons Realty, he sought a brokerage similar in location and culture.

The merged group now operates five offices in Haliburton, Algonquin Highlands, Bancroft and Minden.

“We have similar markets, similar clients and agents with a wide expertise in cottage country,” Nimigon explains. “We’ve already had the chance to work together for years and they’re a close-knit group just like us. Our abutting borders make this merger a great fit for everyone.”

What the future holds

Looking to the future, Nimigon seeks to continue growing the brand’s presence in the area and its culture of collaboration that has been successful for both brokerages.

“This is going to be a great opportunity for all of us to grow our expertise in the area, strengthen our brokerage name throughout cottage country and build a stronger referral network between our two areas,” he says.

Merger will benefit ‘every single agent’ serving Central Ontario communities

Nimigon notes that Century 21 Canada has consistently provided support for their agents and owners, including through technology: “Their online tools are second to none and the personal backing we receive from their corporate head office has always been great. That tied in with one of the strongest brands in real estate is why we all choose C21.”

“We really encourage our brokers to find ways to collaborate and become stronger together,” says Todd Shyiak, executive vice president of Century 21 Canada.

“This merger will lead to a much stronger brand presence in Central Ontario which will benefit every single agent who serves those communities, and of course, Brandon and the leadership team at C21 Granite will have our full support as he brings these two brokerages together.”

Venturon Ltd., a Canadian-owned investment group focused on real estate technology start-ups, has recently partnered with Darabase Canada, a technology company specializing in immersive media for the spatial web (spatial out-of-home and permission-based augmented reality (AR) advertising).

Venturon brings decades of experience in various real estate sectors, integrating technology, products and services to create opportunities, efficiencies and investment returns. This is Darabase’s first such agreement in Canada since entering the market in February.

‘As AR and the spatial web advance, buildings, streets & landmarks will be transformed … reshaping our daily lives’

The collaboration merges each company’s expertise in AR advertising and managing property digital rights, an emerging asset class.

With the rise of AR-enabled devices and advances in the spatial web, the companies partnered to create new value for property owners across Venturon’s client and partner network.

“Real estate needs a new foundation, and technology is the key to unlocking its full potential,” says Deena Pantalone, founder and managing partner of Venturon. “Our partnership with Darabase aligns perfectly with our vision to rethink real estate. By leveraging Darabase’s expertise in AR and the spatial web, we’re paving the way for innovative solutions that benefit both property owners and the broader community.”

Peter Pinfold, CEO of Darabase Canada, notes that Venturon shares their vision that modern property ownership includes not just physical space but also property digital rights: “These rights enable property owners to protect, manage and monetize their digital assets, much like air and subterranean rights add value to traditional real estate.

The world is becoming a digital canvas for immersive brand experiences. As AR and the spatial web advance, our buildings, streets and landmarks will be transformed with dynamic, interactive content, reshaping our daily lives.”

Image: Darabase

With over 40 per cent of women in Canada reporting their experience of violence at the hands of an intimate partner, and nearly all of those women suffering at least one brain injury as a result, British Columbia-based charity Supporting Survivors of Abuse and Brain Injury Through Research (SOAR) is working to bring attention to this issue.

Grant of $75,000 to help the cause

The Royal LePage Shelter Foundation (RLSF) is supporting their work with a grant of $75,000. The funds will be used to help launch a training program for women’s shelters across Canada, equipping front-line staff with the knowledge and skills they need to better support women who’ve experienced a brain injury from intimate partner violence.

“When we first heard the horrifying statistics on how many women were suffering a brain injury from intimate partner violence and learned how many shelter workers still didn’t know how to recognize or respond to it, we knew this was a project we had to support as part of our commitment to helping women and children find safety and healing from domestic abuse,” says Lisa Gibbs, executive director of RLSF.

Project will help create new, standardized best practices in identifying and supporting survivors at a shelter

Karen Mason, co-founder and executive director of SOAR, expresses how grateful the organization is to RLSF for supporting such impactful work. They can’t wait to get started.

“This project has the potential to form the basis for new, standardized best practices in identifying and supporting survivors at what is often their first point of contact after leaving an abusive relationship — a shelter — leading to better outcomes overall,” Mason adds.

Photo: RoyalLePageLeadingEdge.ca

Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning (Humber) recently announced new scholarships in the Real Estate Salesperson program that offer career transition opportunities.

The Royal LePage Meadowtowne Realty Best and Brightest Scholarships are the first scholarships to support learners in the program.

Helping to fund 16 students committed to lifelong learning, professional development and upskilling for two years

Kimberley Kenney received one such scholarship, which helped put her at ease with her plan to transition into real estate after over 12 years of working for international non-profit organizations in marketing and communications.

“It is an immense honour to be selected as a recipient,” says Kenney. “Ever since I can remember, I have been fascinated with real estate. The scholarship enabled me to pursue essential training and licensing programs that will build a solid foundation for my new career.”

Helping to fund non-traditional learners committed to lifelong learning, professional development and upskilling, the scholarships will be awarded to eight individuals per year over the next two academic years. Recipients must be top performers in the second of four exams in the Real Estate Salesperson program.

Erin Gray, associate dean, program delivery, education and training solutions (ETS), notes the importance of nurturing talent, promoting diversity and ensuring that the real estate sector continues to grow with skilled, informed and dedicated professionals. “Establishing scholarships for learners in the Real Estate Salesperson Program within the ETS department is not just an investment in education; it is an investment in the future of the industry and our communities.”

Alejandra Padron, another scholarship recipient, was inspired to specialize in real estate by her parents, who started their careers at Royal LePage Meadowtowne in the early 2000s.  

“My ultimate goal is to blend my background in urban planning with the hands-on, client-focused approach of real estate sales,” she says. “I aim to assist clients in finding their dream homes and also contribute to the development of sustainable, inclusive and thriving neighbourhoods.”

A scholarship that ‘looks beyond learners with the highest grade point average’

At a Humber event last month to celebrate the scholarship, broker of record/owner, Alex Ocsai, said one of the reasons Royal LePage Meadowtowne chose to establish the new scholarship program is to look beyond learners with the highest grade point average.  

“We want to support learners who excel in other areas, be it community work, sports, music — emerging leaders in the field who may one day give back to our communities.”

Photo: Humber.ca

The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) and its member realtors are supporting high school students pursuing post-secondary education with the TRREB Past President’s Scholarship.

Since the program’s 2007 inception, 73 students have received a total of $264,500 to put toward their futures.

‘TRREB member realtors are helping to open doors … empowering students to pursue their dreams’

To qualify, each student must write a compelling essay dealing with key issues in the real estate industry, and the winners can win one of two $5,000 first-place, $2,500 second-place, $2,000 third-place and $1,500 fourth-place prizes.

“TRREB member realtors are helping to open doors beyond real estate. We’re empowering students to pursue their dreams with our Past President’s Scholarship. The longevity of this initiative is a testament to how the real estate industry truly cares about giving back and making a difference,” says TRREB president, Jennifer Pearce.

Award-winning essays and their proposed industry solutions

First place

The first-place winners are Tejiri Inikori and Dev Katyal. Inikori’s essay addresses the challenges of housing affordability in the Greater Golden Horseshoe and the flexibility renting offers individuals and families. Inikori is heading to Queen’s University for its kinesiology program.

Katyal’s essay proposes three solutions to tackle the housing affordability crisis: revisiting zoning, more purpose-built rentals and providing support for vulnerable households. This fall, Katyal will study computer science at the University of Waterloo.

Second place

In second place are Daniel Tan and Jaden da Silva. Tan’s essay explores what’s needed to accommodate our growing population. Tan is attending the University of Western Ontario for computer science and Ivey Business School in the fall.

da Silva’s essay compares housing in Tokyo and Austria and how these regions address building more homes and affordability. da Silva will attend the University of Toronto and major in neuroscience and economics.

Third place

The third-place winners are Elisa Gabriele and Ethan Berger. Gabriele’s essay uncovers if the rental market is keeping up with the growing demand for housing. Gabriele will attend the University of Waterloo this fall for architectural engineering.

Berger’s essay discusses government and its efforts to get more shovels in the ground. Berger will attend the University of Guelph to study animal science.

Fourth place

Yulia Senyuk took the fourth-place award. Senyuk’s essay highlights the rising cost of renting and the impact this is having on consumer debt. Senyuk enrolled in the Schulich School of Business at York University.

Learn more about TRREB’s Past President’s Scholarship, including when to apply for the 2025 program.

The Guelph & District Association of Realtors (GDAR), Realtors Association of Grey Bruce Owen Sound (RAGBOS) and The Lakelands Association of Realtors (LAR) recently announced that the Huron Perth Association of Realtors (HPAR) has officially joined the forthcoming amalgamation between GDAR, RAGBOS, and LAR.

They will form the new OnePoint Association of Realtors (OnePoint) effective October 1 this year.

“The inclusion of the Huron Perth Association of Realtors is a monumental step in strengthening our collective voice and enhancing the services we provide to our members,” says Dillon Fraser, president of GDAR.

“This amalgamation marks a new chapter of collaboration and growth for all involved, ensuring that our members have access to the best tools, resources and representation available in today’s dynamic real estate market,” Doug Pool, president of RAGBOS, adds.

‘Together, we are stronger and better equipped to meet the evolving needs of realtors and the clients they serve’

With the addition of HPAR, OnePoint will represent nearly 2,900 real estate professionals, making it the fifth-largest real estate board in Ontario.

“This synergy will allow for increased efficiencies, streamlined operations and a greater capacity to advocate on behalf of its members at all levels of government and within the broader real estate community,” Bonnie Looby, president of LAR, notes.

Teresa Ondrejicka, president of HPAR, explains that HPAR’s decision to join forces with neighbouring associations reflects its shared commitment to innovation, professional development and member success. “Together, we are stronger and better equipped to meet the evolving needs of realtors and the clients they serve.”

OnePoint echoed these sentiments, as noted by Katrina Steffler, executive officer of GDAR:

“By pooling our resources and expertise, OnePoint Association of Realtors will deliver enhanced services, cutting-edge technology and powerful advocacy that will empower our members to excel in their careers and drive positive change in the industry.”

Earlier this week, Engel & Völkers announced a new, first-of-its-kind strategic relationship with global visual communications platform Canva. The collaboration will offer Engel & Völkers’ network of brokerages and advisors tools designed to enhance their digital advertising and social media presence through video and more.

Every real estate professional affiliated with Engel & Völkers Americas has access to E&V Create powered by Canva, enabling them to easily create high-quality, engaging content, leveraging a library of thousands of Engel & Völkers templates that will be added to regularly. 

Engel & Völkers notes the initiative is part of its ongoing commitment to integrate innovative technologies that enhance the marketing capabilities of its real estate advisors.

“Engel & Völkers is dedicated to providing our advisors with the resources they need, especially in a highly competitive market. Recognizing that many real estate professionals already use Canva, we’ve chosen to align with this trusted platform to provide a next-level marketing solution,” says Jill DeSilva, senior vice president of product, Engel & Völkers Americas.

“The breadth and depth of Canva’s platform makes it perfectly suited for the real estate industry. Real estate professionals can easily create everything they need to market their properties and personal brands effectively and at scale, while brokerages can ensure their teams are producing high-quality content that’s consistently on-brand,” notes Rob Giglio, chief customer officer at Canva. “We’ve worked with Engel & Völkers to tailor resources to meet some of the highest marketing standards in the industry and the unique demands of luxury real estate marketing.”

Century 21 Assurance Realty recently announced it will open two new offices in British Columbia’s growing southern Interior region — one in Kamloops and the other in Vernon.

With two offices and 100 agents in Kelowna and Castlegar, the brokerage has been a part of Century 21 Canada since 2004.

One of the company’s owners, Anna Carbone, says there’s a lot of opportunity in the area as more cities outside of the Lower Mainland continue to see growth. “Communities in the B.C. Interior have seen a lot of development over the past few years, and we’re really excited to help B.C. Interior agents and clients with our local knowledge and support systems.”

Co-owner Max Carbone explains that since markets in bigger cities are experiencing low inventory, more families are exploring other cities. “We are grateful and excited about the agents joining us in Kamloops and Vernon and we’re confident that many more will appreciate the value of our tools and training programs, so we’re ready to hit the ground running,” he adds.

Set up for success in a competitive market

Century 21 executive vice president Todd Shyiak sees a lot of growth potential in the region and shares, “Max and Anna have a strong vision for how they want to grow their operations and we’re excited to support them. It’s a competitive market throughout the province, but their experience and collaborative mindset combined with our innovative tools will equal success for C21 Assurance in the near future.”

Photo: Assurancerealty.c21.ca

The Alberta Real Estate Association (AREA) has recently partnered with Payload, a digital payments fintech company specializing in streamlining transactions for the real estate industry. The collaboration will provide AREA’s 600+ member brokerages with free access to Payload’s payment processing services.

Payload automates all incoming and outgoing payments for real estate transactions, including EFT deposit funds, invoicing for agent fees, the distribution of commission payments and many other inbound or outbound payment types.

“We are excited to partner with the Alberta Real Estate Association and extend our innovative payment services to their member brokerages,” says Zach Jacob, VP of partnerships at Payload. “This partnership underscores our commitment to transforming the real estate payment landscape in Canada, making transactions faster, more secure and completely digital.”

Benefits to AREA members

With this integration, AREA aims to enhance operational efficiency and financial management for its member brokerages which will benefit from automated payment processing, enhanced security, streamlined transactions and versatile payment options.

“We are delighted to offer Payload’s state-of-the-art payment services to our member brokerages,” says Jolene Ledene Reimer, AREA chair. “This partnership will provide significant value to our members, allowing them to focus more on client service and less on administrative tasks.”

Image: Payload.com