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.

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Winter joined Engel & Völkers in 2018. With more than three decades in Calgary’s business community, she previously held executive roles in the oil and gas and legal sectors. Her team will support buyers and sellers in Calgary as well as across Southern and Central Alberta.

There are 14 team members, with one private office advisor.

“Alberta is a market of opportunity and Engel & Völkers Calgary is strategically positioning itself to continue to meet such demand,” said Stuart Siegel, president and CEO of Engel & Völkers Americas. “Chynna’s expertise in real estate and her dedication to positioning Engel & Völkers as the premier choice for buyers and sellers in Calgary will greatly benefit consumers locally and in surrounding areas.”

Winter emphasized the company’s global network and team-based approach. 

“Engel & Völkers’ global network, strategic marketing and exceptional level of service are unmatched in Alberta,” said Winter. “I am also blessed to have an amazing team of talented real estate advisors working with me, and they are always finding new ways to raise the bar for our clients.”

The launch comes as Calgary’s housing market shifts from record highs to more balanced conditions. Population growth is expected to sustain long-term demand, while the city’s economy remains diverse with energy, technology, and finance as key sectors, plus a robust cultural scene that supports a healthy tourism industry, said Engel & Völkers.

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Left to right: Luiz Lameiras, Paula Lameiras, Bob Best, Rhonda Best, Gary Hibbert, Darlene Hibbert.

Royal LePage is 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.

“We are thrilled to announce this exciting milestone in our journey,” said Rhonda Best. “By aligning with Royal LePage, we are setting the stage for the next chapter of growth for our brokerage, our agents, and our clients. Together, we will continue to raise the standard of real estate service across southern Ontario.”

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.

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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.

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