The Real Deal: Industry highlights for April 2026

(Top row: Phil Moore, Julie Kee, Sonia Richards and Howard Drukarsh. Bottom Row: Sandi Carroll, Jamie Squires, Raman Bayanzadeh and Cliff Rego).

 

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 appointments, role changes and industry insider moves

 

Julie Kee, Sonia Richards take on new roles at RECO

 

 

 

Two recognizable names in Ontario real estate are joining the industry regulator. 

Julie Kee is joining the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) as director of compliance and deputy registrar.

Kee, who has served as broker of record and vice-president of brokerage operations at Right at Home Realty, announced the move in a LinkedIn post, describing the role as “an opportunity to contribute to something big” by supporting stronger standards and trust across Ontario’s real estate sector.

She said the position will focus on “strong standards, practical compliance and improved trust,” as RECO undergoes a period of transformation.

Kee also announced she is leaving her post as broker of record and VP of brokerage operations at Right at Home Realty.

“Leaving was not an easy decision,” she said, thanking colleagues and highlighting the impact the brokerage had on her career.

Separately, Sonia Richards has joined RECO as interim director of people and culture.

Richards, former interim CEO and chief operating officer of the Ontario Real Estate Association, said in a LinkedIn post she is joining at “a pivotal moment” and will focus on “strengthening leadership capability” and supporting the regulator’s transition to a more modern, outcomes-focused organization.

RECO is currently under the stewardship of government-appointed administrator Jean Lépine, who stepped in to overhaul the organization in late 2025 following the iPro Realty Ltd. scandal.

 

Remax adds leadership talent and new teams

 

Remax Canada has expanded its roster with a series of new broker and leadership hires across several regions.

Spence Gatzke of Remax 2000 Realty in Surrey, B.C., has added two hires to his team, including Jamie Squires, former president of Fifth Avenue Real Estate Marketing. Squires joins with a team of up to six realtors managing more than 200 pre-construction listings annually, the statement said.

Michelle Des Rosiers, former vice-president at Fifth Avenue, has also joined.

Kate Carandang, a top agent in the Fraser Valley, has joined Remax 2000 in Vancouver from eXp Realty. 

Elsewhere, an eight-person team in Brandon, Manitoba, has moved to Remax Valleyview from Sutton Realty.

And Aaron Wright, a top-performing Top 30 Under 30 agent formerly of Royal LePage Varsity, has been recruited by Jeff Stewart of Remax Saskatoon.

 

Sandi Carroll named NSAR president

 

The Nova Scotia Association of Realtors (NSAR) has installed Sandi Carroll as president, following its 26th annual general meeting.

Carroll, of Keller Williams Select Realty in Kentville, succeeds Suzanne Gravel of Century 21 Trident in Dartmouth.

In a statement, Carroll said she is “pleased to lead an association” that provides MLS services, tools and advocacy for members, while noting ongoing housing challenges in the province.

She said agents play a key role in helping clients navigate the market and find homes that meet their needs and budgets.

Carroll, who has been in the industry for 10 years, is based in the Annapolis Valley and is an active volunteer.

 

LSTAR names Dina McNeil CEO

 

The London and St. Thomas Association of Realtors (LSTAR) has appointed Dina McNeil as CEO, effective May 4.

McNeil brings more than 20 years of leadership experience, most recently serving as director of operations and performance at Colleges and Institutes Canada. She has also held senior roles with the Canadian Home Builders’ Association and the Canadian Real Estate Association.

LSTAR said McNeil has extensive experience in strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement and governance, and is recognized for her work in advocacy and organizational transformation.

“LSTAR is very excited to welcome Dina to the association, during such a monumental time for housing and the real estate profession,” said 2026 chair Robin Tiller in a statement.

McNeil said her priority will be supporting members as the association navigates changes in housing policy and regulation.

“As one of the most progressive and accomplished real estate associations in Canada, my highest priority is supporting and connecting with members,” she said.

McNeil succeeds Bill Madder, who has served as CEO since 2020 and is retiring this year.

 

Raman Bayanzadeh installed as GVR chair

 

Greater Vancouver Realtors (GVR) has installed Raman Bayanzadeh as chair of its board of directors for the 2026–2027 term.

Bayanzadeh, a real estate agent since 2007, is a principal with the commercial real estate investment and development team at Royal LePage Sussex (Royal LePage Commercial). He holds the Certified Commercial Investment Member and Institute of Corporate Directors designations and has served in leadership roles with CCIM Western Canada and the CCIM Institute.

GVR said Bayanzadeh will be supported by chair-elect Steve Jamieson and vice-chair Mark Wiens.

The association also thanked outgoing chair Sam Wyatt for his leadership during the 2025-2026 term.

 

Expansions and conversions

 

Royal LePage State Realty expands with two acquisitions in the Hamilton region

 

 

Royal LePage State Realty has acquired the Judy Marsales Real Estate Group and Sandstone Realty

The additions bring established agents into the brokerage and expand its presence in the greater Hamilton area, according to a statement from Royal LePage.

The Judy Marsales Real Estate Group is known for its “deep-rooted local expertise,” reads the statement.

Royal LePage State Realty, led by broker/owner Joe Ferrante, also added five agents from Sandstone earlier this year, further increasing its agent base in the region.

The brokerage said the acquisitions strengthen its network and broaden its ability to serve clients across the Hamilton market.

 

Corcoran Horizon Realty opens Port Severn office

 

Corcoran Horizon Realty has opened a new office in Port Severn, Ont., expanding its presence in the Muskoka-Georgian Bay region.

The brokerage, a franchisee of Corcoran Group, LLC, said the office at 135 Port Severn Rd. N is positioned at a key gateway to cottage country, one of Ontario’s most sought-after recreational markets.

The location will be led by CEO Cliff Rego and Jeffrey Braun, broker/manager of the Port Severn office. The opening marks the latest step in the company’s efforts to grow its network across Ontario.

Port Severn’s housing market includes a mix of waterfront properties, from year-round estates to seasonal cottages, along with newer townhomes and custom-built residences.

“Our new Port Severn location reflects our dedication to serving the needs of clients seeking to purchase, sell, or invest in Ontario’s stunning lakefront communities,” Rego said in a statement. “The office’s prime location … re-anchors our presence in the Muskoka-Georgian Bay area, offering a seamless blend of local expertise with a global reach.”

 

Properties Unlimited Realty joins INITIA Real Estate

 

Properties Unlimited Realty Ltd., Brokerage of Toronto has joined INITIA Real Estate (Ontario) Ltd., Brokerage, ushering in a new chapter for the longstanding brokerage. 

The independent brokerage has served Toronto’s Leaside and East York communities since 1984. Founded by Wendy LeBlanc, broker, and Reg LeBlanc, who have been in the industry since 1976, the firm has built a reputation for hands-on service across residential and commercial real estate, the statement said. Their daughter, Elaine LeBlanc, works alongside them today. 

INITIA Real Estate, established in 2016, continues to expand across Canada with a technology-driven model and international referral network.

By joining INITIA, Properties Unlimited gains access to enhanced marketing tools, back-end systems and cross-border relocation support across Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, the statement said.

The brokerage will continue operating from its Toronto location, maintaining service across residential, commercial and investment sectors, including condominium and builder markets, the statement added.

 

Awards, milestones and announcements

 

Phil Moore earns GVR Professional Excellence Award

 

Greater Vancouver Realtors (GVR) has named Phil Moore the recipient of its 2026 Professional Excellence Award, recognizing his leadership, professionalism and community involvement.

In a statement, GVR said the award honours real estate professionals who strengthen the industry through leadership, mentorship and community service, while meeting high standards of ethics and ongoing professional development.

Moore, a past GVR president, has contributed to policy development, professional standards and member education. GVR said his work also extends nationally through the Canadian Real Estate Association, and provincially as a director-at-large with the British Columbia Real Estate Association.

With more than 35 years in real estate, Moore is widely respected for his professionalism and collaborative approach, GVR said.

His community involvement includes mentoring at-risk youth through Camp Choice BC and volunteering with the East End Boys Club, along with supporting fundraising initiatives for youth programs.

 

Other news

 

Advisory launches to help real estate businesses scale 

 

Howard Drukarsh, Dan Steward and Adam Price have launched Pathmark Partners, a new advisory firm focused on real estate organizations grow, even in a turbulent market. 

Drukarsh is co-founder of Right at Home Realty, while Steward is CEO of Pillar To Post Home Inspectors. The firm said it will help brokerages and other companies manage growth as they deal with changing market conditions, higher expectations from agents and more complex technology.

In a statement, the founders said many organizations struggle to balance leadership decisions with day-to-day operations, and often face challenges with overlapping or underused tech tools.

Pathmark Partners said it will work with leadership teams to improve how their businesses are run, including simplifying systems and supporting more consistent growth.

 

Anthony Volpini joins Levels+Lines as advisor

 

Anthony Volpini has joined proptech startup Levels+Lines as a strategic advisor.

Volpini, former executive director of brand marketing at Remax, spent seven years helping drive brand growth and agent recruitment across that network. He will advise Levels+Lines on go-to-market strategy and industry engagement.

In a statement, Levels+Lines said its platform is designed to help agents guide buyers through a more structured evaluation of properties, improving comparisons and decision-making.

The company said the tool allows agents to assess key home attributes with clients, helping buyers search with greater clarity and confidence.

Levels+Lines said it is meeting with agents and brokers to demonstrate the product and gather feedback as it develops.

The company was founded by Sean Diamond, partner at Diamond Marketing Group, and Michael Smith, group head of partnerships at Diamond Marketing Group.

 

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