Each Wednesday, Real Estate Magazine shares insights, experiences and advice from top-performing agents across Canada. If you’d like to contribute or nominate a colleague or team, send us an email.
At just 29 years old, sales representative Jeremie Fontaine has already reached impressive milestones in his seven-year career with EXIT Realty Associates in Dieppe, NB.
For the fifth consecutive time in his real estate career, Fontaine recently attained EXIT Realty Corp. International’s Top Lister in North America award. Fontaine was also inducted into the company’s Emerald Circle, recognizing his accumulation of 750 deals in his tenure with the brand, as well as the Titanium award for closing over 150 deals in the company’s production year ending June 30, 2025.
With a portfolio of income properties and a renovation company, Fontaine is now expanding his real estate services to Prince Edward Island.
Real Estate Magazine: How did you first get into real estate?
A: I was buying rental properties for myself. If I’m doing it for myself, I may as well receive commission.
Q: When did you decide to pursue production as a solo agent — and why?
A: Efficiency. Only I can guarantee the exact same level of quality and care throughout my businuess.
Current snapshot
Brokerage: EXIT Realty Associates
Markets served: New-Brunswick/Greater Moncton area
2024 production: 162 Transactions. I don’t measure success in terms of volume. I’d say $40 million with the average sale price in my area.
YTD 2025 production so far: Transactions: 117 so far and 35 pending.
Building a business
Q: What were the first three key systems or investments you made that changed your business?
A: Social Media, consistency and real-life exposure (for sale signs, etc).
Q: What are your top three sources of leads today?
A: Referrals of previous clients, social media and sign calls.
Q: What is your approximate breakdown of your marketing budget by channel?
A: Mostly run social media ads and post with boosts, not a set allocated budget. It depends on the property and what I feel is needed to get it moving and sold.
Q: What is your typical response time goal?
A: Two hours, however, no email, text or phone call is left unanswered by the end of the day. I won’t go to bed until I’ve touched base with everyone.
Q: Approximate percentage of revenue reinvested into marketing:
A: Depends on the listing, but I’d say 15 per cent per listing. Sometimes more, sometimes less.
Q: Do you track cost per lead, cost per appointment, cost per deal? Which number matters most?
A: I do not. I focus on clients and relationships, and the rest follows suit.
Q: How long does it typically take from first contact to an accepted offer or signed listing agreement?
A: Depends on location, but I’d say on average three months for this area of the province.
Q: What behaviours do you reward in yourself? What gets cut from your calendar?
A: I genuinely am a social person, so for me this doesn’t feel like work. I do tend to limit work hours to four to six hours on weekends and 10 to 12 on weekdays.
Q: How do you navigate Canadian compliance rules?
A: Yearly training with the New Brunswick Real Estate Association (NBREA) and trying to keep myself updated on new terms.
Q: If a solo agent has $5,000/month to invest, where should it go for the next six to 12 months?
A: Targeted ads. Based on your market/community, either online or mailouts.
Quick hits
Q: Favourite Canadian market insight people don’t believe (but your data proves):
A: When sales of cars and pleasure crafts, such as boats, campers, RVs and other recreational vehicles, are strong, it usually means the housing market is strong. When those sales slow down, it can be a sign that the housing market is softening.
Q: One tech you’d fight to keep:
A: Facebook
Q: One marketing hill you’ll die on:
A: Constant exposure on social media.
Finish this: ‘Agents fail because…’
A: Because they believe that this is handed to them and that it’s easy. The truth is, hard work is showing up and being consistent day after day.
Finish this: ‘Solo agents win because…’
A: They show up, continuously work, even with small actions repeatedly, until they obtain success.
