Ray and Amie Ferris’s Erie’s Edge Real Estate will soon fly The Realty Firm’s banner as the two Ontario brokerages forge a partnership.
Ryan Hodge and Sandra Tavares are welcoming Erie’s Edge as a partner company of The Realty Firm, forming the newly-named The Realty Firm Erie’s Edge Real Estate Ltd.
Both brokerages say the collaboration is more than just a name change; it signals an alignment of values and vision.
“We are very selective about who we partner with, so this relationship is very exciting to us,” Hodge told Real Estate Magazine. “Ray has spoken for and contributed to our organization at the highest of levels. We’ve watched from afar as he’s led his wonderful organization all along all while contributing to the entire real estate industry.”
Hodge said he and Ray Ferris began to discuss the possibility of a partnership “over many discussions, explorations, and early morning conversations.”
The Realty Firm launched in London, Ont. in 2013, and has since gradually expanded into several other markets.
Along the way, the firm created a “partner company” model that allows teams or brokerages to partner with The Realty Firm while retaining their personal brand elements and leadership.
“We offer full back-end services and support while the leader usually remains as broker of record and continues a strong culture while merging with ours,” said Hodge.
“The partnership with Ray and Amie will be our fourth partner company.”
Brand evolution
Ferris, former president of the Ontario Real Estate Association, says while his branding is evolving, “the heart of Erie’s Edge remains the same.”
“I’m still proudly serving as broker of record, and my wife, Amie, and I continue to own the brokerage together,” he said.
“Rachel Larose remains our talented and trusted brokerage manager, continuing to support our Realtors with the same excellence and care.”
By becoming a partner company, Erie’s Edge gains access to enhanced resources and support to enable its agents to provide better service to clients, said Ferris.
Ferris brings teaching skills to the table
Hodge said his firm puts a big emphasis on training, development, and supporting agents, a value shared with Erie’s Edge.
Ferris, who been an instructor on real estate topics around the province, will bring training and coaching to everyone under The Realty Firm umbrella.
“I believe education is the foundation of confidence and success in real estate. At The Realty Firm, I plan to bring that same energy and commitment to our Realtors,” said Ferris.
“Whether it’s through hands-on training, contract coaching, or leading open forums, I want to help agents feel equipped, empowered, and supported.”
When the Trust in Real Estate Services Act (TRESA) was introduced, Ferris facilitated over 300 sessions across Ontario. Most recently, he served as OREA’s Realtor In Residence, Standard Forms Instructor, and Lead Subject Matter Expert.
After moving on from OREA, he was recruited as an instructor for the Real Estate Institute of Canada (REIC).
In 2017, he was awarded the Fellow of the Real Estate Institute (FRI) designation.
“What I’ve learned as an instructor is that real impact comes from creating a space where people feel safe to ask questions, share ideas, and push themselves to grow,” said Ferris. “That’s exactly the kind of culture I see at The Realty Firm — and I’m excited to contribute in a meaningful way.”
In 2023, he was awarded the prestigious Cardarelli Legacy Award.
Amie Ferris concluded her term as chair of Ontario Realtors Care Foundation at its annual general meeting in March.
Courtney Zwicker is a digital reporter and associate editor for REM. Based in Atlantic Canada, she has over a decade of experience covering daily business news.
