Remax confirms historic conversion of 17 Risi family Royal LePage offices

Left to right: Justin Risi, Vivian Risi, Michelle Risi (courtesy Remax Canada)

Remax Canada is confirming the largest conversion in the brand’s history is set to take place with Ontario’s Royal LePage Your Community Realty and Connect Realty.

Your Community Realty and Connect Realty, led by Vivian Risi and her children Michelle and Justin Risi, is comprised of 17 offices and 1,200 agents, according to a Remax announcement released Thursday.  

“We are making the move to Remax Canada to support our agents and provide them with global reach, tools and services needed now and in the future,” said Vivian Risi, founder and broker/owner, in a statement. “We see that our agents need more — an international network, innovative tools and expanded services. Remax can provide that.”

Soper makes plea to agents

On Wednesday night, Royal LePage president and CEO Phil Soper sent a direct message on YouTube to Your Community Realty and Connect Realty agents. 

He emphasized the decision was made without agent consultation, and that Realtors are not required to follow the brokerage’s move.

Soper said Royal LePage brokerages are positioned to support agents affected by the change.

Why it matters 

In a market already defined by thinning margins and intense competition, the mass conversion of a major real estate brokerage to a rival brand could be viewed as a significant setback.

The move comes at a time when brokerages are fighting aggressively to retain relevance, market share, and, perhaps most critically, agents. 

Risi added that the transition is ultimately about expanding opportunities for agents. 

“Our responsibility is to position our agents to win in any market. This decision does exactly that,” she said.

Risi cites opportunities for business diversification 

The Risi leadership team cited the desire for global brand recognition and international networking, and a strong commercial and luxury presence.

They also noted that while their agents primarily serve clients in Canada, they increasingly see opportunities tied to international buyers and investors. 

“Our agents are working with clients who have global interests and properties, and we want to give them every advantage to compete,” said Risi. 

The Risi family operation was founded in 1994.