June 2025 Newsletter by REMAXEN

Swing into Action: Tournament Day

Details & Info

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Look at Us Grow: Bigger, Bolder, Better Than Ever!

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Conrad’s Blog: “(Blank) Will Be The Worst It’s Ever Going To Be Today”

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JUNE

EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT

FUN

WITH

FORMS

JUNE 10

JUNE 12

JUNE

JUNE 24

Join us IN-PERSON or VIRTUALLY for a variety of relevant training opportunities. Scan the QR Code or go to RemaxEscarpmentNiagara.EventBrite.com to register unless otherwise indicated in the course description.

with Nathan Morrissette

VIRTUAL ONLY | 10:00 – 12:00

Nathan will take you through some new forms and some updated forms and clauses, TRESA-related changes, and will discuss Disclosures, Confirmation of Co-operation, Commission Agreement, RECO Info Guide, SRP, and more! He’ll highlight what’s changed, why it matters, and how to apply it in your day-to-day practice. Whether you’re new to the updates or looking for a refresher, this session will keep you compliant and confident.

MISSION35 SPEED NETWORKING EVENT

IN PERSON ONLY | WINTERBERRY OFFICE | 10:00 – 12:00

with Mission35

If your current mortgage partner isn’t delivering, it might be time to make a switch. We’re inviting YOU to an exclusive networking opportunity to connect with Mission35’s top talent and discover who aligns best with your business. Join us for a fast-paced, high-impact Speed Networking Event with 7 of Mission35’s top agents. You’ll get the chance to have meaningful, one-on-one conversations—and walk away with a stronger support network for your clients.

MARKET UPDATE

10:30 – 12:00 | WINTERBERRY | IN PERSON & VIRTUAL

MARKET UPDATE is an opportunity for all agents and assistants to overcome challenges in our current market, and learn from our broker of record Conrad Zurini and our partners at RBC, Escarpment Law and Mission35 Mortgages. Upcoming events and tools that you can leverage in your business are also always on the agenda.

Strongly recommended for all agents and assistants. Lunch will be provided for all in-person attendees following this update.

ST. CATHARINES OPEN HOUSE

IN PERSON ONLY | ST. CATHARINES OFFICE | 2:00 – 6:00

We’re excited to welcome you to our newly renovated St. Catharines office! After months of planning and updates, our space is refreshed, reimagined, and ready to support your success. Join us for an Open House where you can tour the updated space, connect with colleagues, and enjoy light refreshments. It’s the perfect chance to see the improvements firsthand and celebrate this exciting new chapter with us. Whether you’re already part of our community or just curious to see what’s new, we’d love to see you there!

SCAN TO REGISTER

SOLD OUT

IN SPONSER OF

CHILDREN’S HOSPICE

SCAN TO REGISTER!

WELCOME TO THE TEAM

We’re proud to announce that Mission35 is officially expanding into Niagara Falls and St. Catharines offices.

Please join us in welcoming the newest Mission35 agents who will now be representing the brand across the Niagara Region. These dedicated professionals will serve as your local Mission35 contacts, ready to collaborate, support, and contribute to the growth and success of our network in this market. As we continue to build momentum across Ontario, we’re excited to see the impact this team will make in Niagara.

Welcome aboard—we’re glad to have you with us.

647-339-1149

harshahlawat@mi35.ca

LOOK AT US GROW

DEPARTMENT

SPOTLIGHT

DEALTRACK | COMING SOON

Level Up Your Business by Building a Trusted Network

Think of your network as your circle of experts—trusted vendors and collaborators who help you and your clients succeed through value, trust, and repeat business. By adding your preferred vendors, clients gain access to a platform with documents, promotions, and your network. The platform offers features like deposit uploads, GCI and closings dashboards, condition and closing calendars, signing notifications, and home inspection as well as legal updates. It also streamlines compliance with partially filled FINTRAC forms, client intake, ID uploads, receipt of funds, and secure deposit payments—all designed to elevate your service and efficiency.

MARKETING

SPOTLIGHT

BRANDING | WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW!

Your Brand Is More Than Just a Logo – It’s Your Legacy

Your Brand Is More Than Just a Logo

In today’s competitive market, your brand is more than a design—it’s the story you tell, the trust you build, and the experience you deliver. A powerful brand weaves together your logo, slogan, tone, and visuals into a compelling identity that clients instantly recognize and remember.

At RE/MAX EN, our dedicated marketing team is here to help you stand out. We don’t just understand branding—we live and breathe it. From crafting your unique message to designing professional materials, we’ll guide you through building a personal brand that’s effective, RECO compliant, and built to last.

Quick tip for agents using AI-generated logos: While AI tools can be a great starting point, many of the logos they produce aren’t vector-based—which means they can’t be resized properly for print and digital use. If you bring us an AI-created logo, our design team can retrace it, but please note it won’t be an exact match. Whenever possible, let us help you get it right from the beginning for maximum impact.

When done right, your brand becomes more than a look—it becomes your legacy. Let us help you bring it to life.

AGENT TOOLS

SPOTLIGHT

STUDEO | COMING SOON

Studeo is a powerful digital storytelling platform that allows you to create interactive StoryBooks—modern, visually engaging feature sheets that go beyond the traditional. With video, image carousels, and client-tracking data, StoryBooks are designed to evoke emotion and help buyers connect more deeply with a property.

An exciting update is on the way: for paid Studeo subscribers, StoryBooks will soon be automatically generated using AI within 48 hours of a listing going live. No manual input required—just review and post.

In addition, an upcoming add-on feature will allow your StoryBooks to be automatically shared to your social media platforms, giving your listings broader reach with even less effort.

If you’re ready to streamline your marketing and stand out from the competition, now’s the time to explore what Studeo can do.

TBORE

THE BUSINESS OF REAL ESTATE

SPOTLIGHT

HERE’S WHAT WE HAVE BEEN TALKING ABOUT...

We’re excited to announce that The Business of Real Estate (TBORE) Podcast is making its return next month—with a fresh new look and even more value-packed content for agents looking to grow, adapt, and lead in today’s market.

Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned pro, TBORE delivers real conversations, expert insights, and practical strategies that you can actually use.

While you wait, catch up on all past episodes by scanning the QR code below, and get ready—you’re going to love what’s coming next.

SCAN HERE MISSED AN EPISODE? CATCH UP NOW!

(BLANK) WILL BE THE WORST IT’S EVER GOING TO BE TODAY CONRAD ZURINI

I HAD THE PLEASURE OF LISTENING TO A FUTURIST RECENTLY at a conference speaking about none-other-than AI, the most featured topic of 2024 and 2025. Steve Brown, a former Google DeepMind and Intel executive said “AI is better than ever, it will be the worst it’s ever going to be today.” The statement rang like a high-pitched bell in my head, not because he was referring to the greatest technological advancement in human history in the last 500 years, but that it made me curious to apply his statement to advancements, situations, products, experiences, services etc.

This self-indulgent journey into a middle-aged man’s romantic notion of ‘we did it this way and we liked it’, a throwback to an SNL skit about an ornery old man played by Dana Carvey who would make these bold statements about the way things were. He would start the ‘Grumpy Old Man’ skit/ character with “I’m old and I’m not happy, I don’t like things now compared to the way they used to be, progress phooey! His commentary went from personal hygiene, to contraception, to the perils of modern entertainment, to technology. “In my day, we didn’t have ATMs. There was just one bank in each state, and it was open one hour a year! You were born, you got in line and you died! And we liked it that way!”, as he would slam his hand on the infamous Weekend Update desk.

Can Nostalgia Replace Convenience..Kodak & Blockbuster

Soon you will mention the name Kodak or even that of Blockbuster to a room full of senior high school students and they won’t know what you are talking about. Blockbuster closed the last corporate store in 2014 after they filed for bankruptcy in 2010. While Kodak filed for bankruptcy in 2012, after having 80% market share in the United States for several decades. Much has been written about these two companies, the only true way to describe their fate is stone cold irony. Netflix approached Blockbuster with an idea to merge, and later Netflix founders Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph offered to sell their company for $50 million to Blockbuster, and they declined. Irony #2, Kodak invented digital photography in 1976 and shelved the project, which would later lead to their demise.

My question is does it always have to be an all or nothing situation. Both of these companies had a lot of infrastructure in place in and around what they did. Kodak made tons of money supplying film and Blockbuster was in every neighbourhood to serve the community. Would the earlier adoption of digital imagery really improve all facets of photography. I remember my dad taking photos of us throughout some sort of family event, we were never concerned if we came out okay in the photo, we lived in the moment and maybe subconsciously we knew that the event would be remembered by a photo, but was that the be all and end all? Did we stop what we were doing to take 20 photos, 5 vertical, 3 horizontal, 3 down shots, 2 up shots, 3 with a flash, and 4 without…NO!!!

How things turned out was like a crap shoot, and nobody cared about its perfection. What was great was the day the film was picked up from being developed and we would all re-live the magic of imperfection of the family outing and laugh and laugh. My mom would squirrel the best of the best photos which depicted the day in an album. And on those rainy days when you just weren’t feeling yourself you would go to the photo album shelf and re-live those moments. You knew exactly where that event was in which photo album, today it could take you 10 minutes to find that exact photo on your phone with the other million photos that are just aimlessly stored there.

Nothing was more satisfying on a Friday night in December of 1993 to stumble across the last copy of the Special Edition of Terminator 2 Judgement Day. You have to remember that the movie Terminator 2 Judgement Day came out in July of 1991 in theatres and in video in November 1993, by that time it was like watching it for the very first time. The banter down the aisle at Blockbuster was magic, you saw your neighbours, we were armchair movie critics who told each other “don’t waste your time with that one” or “that movie was awesome, I watched it 8 times, 3 in theatre and 5 times at home.”

Are We In the Vortex of the Disruptors Dilemma?

In the late 1990’s a Harvard professor and business person named Clayton Christensen wrote extensively about how strong market share companies like Blockbuster, which had the ear of their shareholders who were addicted to late fees, missed the mark by not introducing new technology. His book The Innovator’s Dilemma (1997) chronicles companies who were faced with the unfortunate dilemma that both Kodak and Blockbuster had, that by investing in new technology could diminish or even destroy their existing market stronghold. Thus leaving it to another company which is based on a new technology

platform which disrupts the marketplace. Many of us have conflicting thoughts when it comes to Artificial Intelligence, we know by underinvesting resources and time in tomorrow’s disruption which is AI, can lead to our demise.

I have very good news for many of us who provide a service that is infrequent like being a real estate agent or a mortgage broker, or a family lawyer, AI is not out to take your job. AI doesn’t want it, but it does want to help you do it better. The key going forward is not to allow it to take over your business but it should be something which augments your business. In the words of futurist Steve Brown, AI is designed to take the ‘SUCK’ out of our jobs. If we decide to lean in too much, it could also take out the ‘VALUE’ in what we do. So imagine if Blockbuster and Kodak would have understood the strength of the experience they gave to consumers and coupled it with leading edge technology?? What could these companies have accomplished, and what can we learn from the nostalgia of Blockbuster and Kodak and apply it to our own businesses.

When The Face-to-Face Is Your Best Tool

According to 21st Century collaboration expert Erica Dhawan, 3/4 of face-to-face collaboration is non-verbal. So ask yourself when you are consulting with your client, how often can you really read your client’s body language. I have a theory that part of the reason that transactions are down in real estate is the lack of in-person contact, and the rise of technology which removes the ingredient to true collaboration, which in turn makes things happen. Look at corporations going back into the office, these titans know something that we as service providers have completely abandoned. More gets done in-person!!! I remember driving to my clients home at 11:30 pm with a signed-back offer and together through the body language of the moment we got a meeting of the minds (or my client’s were operating sleep deprived). Fast forward to today, and people say let’s deal with it in the morning when I’m at work, and we can do it by DocuSign, or let’s forget it all together.

The Non-Negotiable Face-To-Face Communication

• Initial pie in the sky, needs assessment, brainstorming client meeting

• Client on-boarding (listings, buyer consult meeting)

• Communicating bad news (price reductions, transactions not firming up)

• Communicating very difficult sign-backs

• When a client asks for a new strategy, or they are frustrated.

• Anytime you are discussing worst case scenarios

• Delivering great news (when a buyer/seller transaction has become firm)

Hybrid Face-To-Face Communication

• When introducing partners to the transaction (lawyers, mortgage brokers etc.)

• When reviewing analytics around listings, competition updates etc.

Conrad Zurini, Broker of Record, Manager conrad@rmxemail.com | 905-719-3033

The best exercise is to do a list of all of your client interactions and apply the type of communication which works best to enhance your client’s experience. Think for a moment if you always call with bad news and text or email when you have progress or good news. What kind of expectation does that leave for your client?

How Deep Is Your Engagement?

It seems the name of the game is engagement and the more connections you can make the higher the chances we can engage more. But how deep are these connections, just because you have 1000 followers on Instagram doesn’t mean you have high quality connections. And to add more fuel to the weak connection fire as artificial intelligence takes over some of our lead nurturing then how deep will these connections be. We all need to move away from the lure of a transaction mindset powered by AI to a deeper connection mindset. Dhawan, goes on to say that 70% of connections are dynamic, meaning there is a presence of a physical force or energy, so how do you expect to achieve stronger connections with existing clients and future prospects without physicality?

At this point, I have a hunch as to what you are thinking after reading this. For those who stuck with me until the bitter end, I have ten main points to remember when you are trying to balance connecting with more people, prospects and past clients versus connecting more deeply and more productively:

1. Respect people’s time.

2. Identify digital early adopters vs digital detractors within your sphere.

3. Sometimes responses are not immediate, let things marinate and set parameters around a response which could mean “respond next day”.

4. Automate the routine, but remember to put more resources into physical one-on-one communication.

5. Protect the emotional because that makes you human and that’s your main differentiator.

6. Communicate with clarity, care and consideration (send some sort of a multimedia pre-list with some seller to do’s making the listing presentation more of an action plan).

7. Strategize/plan in person, digital conversations lack empathy and understanding.

8. Use AI to aid in trend development, this is the gold standard of advice for consumers which will win you a lot of referrals.

9. Inform in a timely manner, providing clients with information in the moment for the moment is critical to building trust, don’t get sidetracked with your own insecurities to knowledge dump, that only adds to confusion and mistrust, stay on their track, not your own.

10. Make always being prepared be your primary focus.

SUCCESSFULLY MANUFACTURING REAL ESTATE INVENTORY IN THE LUXURY MARKET

LYNN HOFFMANN

The luxury real estate market is a dynamic and highly competitive sector that requires a strategic approach to manufacturing inventory, finding off-market properties, and managing buyer expectations. Success in this market can lead to significant financial rewards and a strong reputation among high-networth individuals.

Manufacturing Real Estate Inventory

Creating a robust inventory of luxury properties is essential for attracting discerning buyers. Here are some strategies to achieve this:

Developing

Relationships with Builders and Developers

• Cultivate partnerships with reputable builders and developers who specialize in luxury properties.

• Stay informed about new developments and exclusive projects that can be marketed to your clientele.

• Develop strong relationships with your network of associates, collegues and the people within your community.

• Highlight your competence in this market along with your expertise in the luxury market that included your confidentially standards, discretion and your understanding of the need for privacy.

• Share success stories of how you have navigated the successful sale of many off market properties.

Identifying and Curating Unique Properties

• Focus on properties with distinctive features, historical significance, or unique architectural designs.

• Regularly scout high-end neighborhoods for potential listings.

• Utilize advanced data analytics to identify properties that meet luxury criteria.

Leveraging Exclusive Listings and Pocket Listings

• Offer exclusive listings to clients looking for privacy and exclusivity.

• Network with other luxury real estate agents to share pocket listings and off-market opportunities.

Finding Off-Market Properties

Off-market properties, or properties not listed on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS®), can offer unique opportunities for buyers and sellers in the luxury market. Here are effective methods to find these properties:

Building a Network of Contacts

• Establish relationships with other real estate professionals, attorneys, accountants, and wealthy individuals who may have knowledge of potential off-market opportunities.

• Attend high-end social events and gatherings to expand your network and gain valuable contacts.

Direct Mail Campaigns

• Create personalized direct mail campaigns targeting owners of high-value properties.

• Highlight your success in selling luxury properties and the benefits of working with you.

Utilizing Social Media and Digital Marketing

• Use targeted social media campaigns to reach affluent demographics.

• Develop a strong online presence through a professional website, blog, and social media profiles showcasing your expertise in luxury real estate.

• Provide targeted marketing strategies, use a luxury website and other social media platforms to direct clients to you.

Engaging with Property Management Companies

• Partner with property management companies that handle luxury estates. They often have insights into properties that may soon be available for sale.

Attracting Sellers to List Their Homes

Convincing luxury property owners to list their homes with you requires a tailored approach and a value proposition that resonates with their unique needs. Here are some strategies:

Showcasing Proven Results

• Present a portfolio of successfully sold luxury properties.

• Share testimonials and case studies from satisfied clients.

Lynn Hoffmann, Broker/Manager Halton Regional Manager, Luxury Manager LHoffmann@rmxemail.net | 905-631-8118

Providing Comprehensive Market Analysis

• Offer a detailed market analysis to demonstrate your knowledge of current trends and property values.

• Highlight your ability to position their property competitively in the market.

Offering Personalized Service

• Provide bespoke services tailored to the specific needs and preferences of the seller.

• Ensure confidentiality and discretion throughout the selling process.

Implementing High-Quality Marketing Strategies

• Invest in professional photography, video tours, and virtual staging to showcase the property’s best features.

• Utilize high-end marketing materials and digital campaigns to reach potential buyers globally.

Managing Buyer Expectations

With increased competition for available luxury properties, managing buyer expectations is crucial. Here are some effective ways to achieve this:

• Educate buyers on the current market conditions and the typical timeframes for finding and securing luxury properties.

• Encourage flexibility in their search.

• Prioritize quick and desive decision making.

Providing Detailed Market Insights

• Share comprehensive market reports and data to help buyers understand the competitive landscape.

• Highlight trends in property values, inventory levels, and buyer demand.

Offering Exclusive Access to Properties

• Provide early access to new listings and off-market properties to give buyers a competitive edge.

• Arrange private showings and exclusive tours of properties that meet their criteria.

Maintaining Clear and Open Communication

• Keep buyers informed throughout the buying process with regular updates and transparent communication.

• Address any concerns or questions promptly to build trust and confidence.

Conclusion

Success in the luxury real estate market requires a strategic and multifaceted approach. By manufacturing a robust inventory, finding off-market properties, attracting sellers, and managing buyer expectations, real estate professionals can thrive in this competitive landscape. With dedication, expertise, and the right strategies, you can achieve remarkable success and build a stellar reputation in the luxury real estate market.

Thinking of redeveloping your existing home into multiple units?

Your idea of home happens here

RBC Mortgage Specialists can give you the support you need to guide you through the process of either redeveloping your existing home or constructing new housing units. They can also connect you with the people you’ll need to bring your idea to life.