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An Open Letter to the Canadian Real Estate Industry
By Todd Shyiak, EVP, Century 21 Canada
The collapse of iPro Realty (with its 2,400 agents) was more than the failure of a single brokerage. It exposed deep fault lines across Canadian real estate—too many agents without training or oversight, brokerages chasing headcount over quality, and regulators who must strengthen their guardrails. If we want to restore consumer trust and protect agents’ livelihoods, we need structural change.
Here are three of the most pressing problems—and the solutions that can move us forward.
Problem 1: Weak Oversight From RECO
The Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) is tasked with regulating our industry and protecting both consumers and agents. Yet the iPro collapse revealed serious gaps in oversight—especially around the management of trust funds. Consumers will likely be made whole. Agents, however, face devastating financial losses from unpaid commissions.
The fact that the offending brokers, according to RECO, will not face charges is truly criminal. If the penalty for looting your trust account is nothing more than surrendering your license and riding off to a beach retirement, other brokers may be tempted to do the same thing.
Without stronger safeguards, we risk seeing more brokerages fail and more livelihoods put in jeopardy.
Solution: Stronger Safeguards and Accountability
- Enhanced Financial Audits and Reporting
Increase the frequency and depth of audits for brokerages handling trust funds. Require regular disclosures of trust account balances and transactions to identify irregularities early. - Mandatory Trust Fund Management Training
Require all brokers and agents to complete training on the legal and ethical handling of trust funds. Cover compliance requirements, best practices, and the consequences of mismanagement. - Whistleblower Protection and Reporting
Establish anonymous reporting channels and clear protections from retaliation. Agents and employees must feel safe raising concerns about financial irregularities or unethical practices.
These reforms would bring greater transparency, accountability, and confidence to the industry.
Problem 2: Boards and Associations Rely on Headcount
Real estate boards and associations thrive on membership numbers. In Ontario, agents pay between $2,400 and $3,000+ annually—up front—to remain licensed. Whether those agents close a single deal is irrelevant; the boards collect their money either way.
This creates an industry bloated with unproductive and untrained agents. It also allows boards to step into roles that should belong to brokers—offering training, technology, and events that enable low-cost “warehouse” brokerages to avoid responsibility.
Solution: A Subscription Model That Rewards Professionalism
Replace the annual upfront fee with a monthly subscription. Of that, a portion should be paid back to brokerages for each agent who completes three or more transactions annually.
This would:
- Reward brokers who invest in mentoring, training, technology, and accountability.
- Encourage in-person meetings, workshops, and real oversight.
- Shift boards and associations away from their “agent-first” focus and toward supporting brokers’ efforts to build value and professionalism.
By aligning incentives, boards would no longer profit from sheer headcount. Instead, they would support a culture where professional, productive agents thrive.
Problem 3: Brokerages That Prioritize Quantity Over Quality
Some brokerages focus on building large agent rosters but provide limited training, mentorship, or oversight. Their low-fee models often emphasize independence, which can be attractive to part-time agents but leave others without the guidance needed to build a long-term career in real estate.
This approach can create uneven service experiences for consumers and limit opportunities for agents to grow into confident, capable professionals.
Solution: Minimum Brokerage Standards
Every brokerage in Ontario should be held accountable for delivering a baseline level of professional development and oversight. Transaction fees should be aligned with the value of the brokerage’s service offering, not simply driven by a race to the lowest cost.
Every licensed Realtor should also:
- Attend mandatory in-person training on essential skills—professionalism & ethics, market knowledge, communication & negotiation, problem solving & adaptability, legal compliance, and client service.
- Work under a manager who is available to them and actively supports client interactions, presentation and negotiating skills, and especially the preparation of offers and handling of legal matters.
Brokerages should be recognized for fostering professionalism and agent growth, not just for the number of licensees they host. This ensures clients are well served and brokerages remain financially sustainable.
Rebuilding Trust
Consumers expect Realtors to be competent, ethical professionals. Agents expect their brokerages and regulators to safeguard their livelihoods. Both expectations have been shaken.
But iPro should not just be remembered as a failure. It must be treated as a turning point. By reforming how boards collect fees, raising standards for brokerages, and strengthening regulatory oversight, we can rebuild trust in Canadian real estate.
The solutions are clear. The only question is whether we have the will to act.
Hacks to Make Your Morning Routine Faster Than Ever
Hacks to Make Your Morning Routine Faster Than Ever
Have clothes ready the night before
Prep breakfast ahead of time
Agree on who gets to use the bathroom when
Don’t let anyone set the snooze alarm
Have set spaces for everyone’s stuff near the front door
Real Estate: Real Success Spotlight Series – Stephen Chow
In this episode of the Real Estate: Real Success Spotlight Series, we’re proud to feature Stephen Chow, Owner of CENTURY 21 Atria Realty Inc. and Co-owner of CENTURY 21 Leading Edge Realty Inc. A trailblazer in the industry, Stephen has taken bold steps to grow not just his own business but the CENTURY 21 brand across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond.
From his early days as a top-producing agent to founding CENTURY 21 Atria and building it into the #1 office in all of CENTURY 21, Stephen’s leadership and vision for growth have been nothing short of transformative. Today, his impact extends far beyond transactions—he’s helping shape the future of real estate through innovation, mentorship, and a deep commitment to agent success.
In this episode, Stephen shares his personal journey, what it takes to lead a high-performing brokerage, and his outlook on the evolving real estate landscape.
🎥 Watch the full episode here:
How to Cook in a Small Kitchen
How to Cook in a Small Kitchen
Shelve everything where you can see it
Make use of ‘unusable’ surfaces
Look into small kitchen appliances
Get into the island mindset
Make sure everything’s in place
Century 21 Canada Expands Services with Launch of New Property Management Division
Vancouver, BC – June 2025 – Century 21 Canada is excited to announce the launch of its new Property Management division, built with experienced staff and operators previously with Real Property Management Canada.
Century 21 Canada is excited to announce the official launch of its new Property Management division, marking a significant milestone in the company’s continued growth and evolution. This new division is backed by the experienced operations, marketing, and support team that was previously part of Real Property Management (RPM) Canada.
The Charlwood Pacific Group of Companies made the strategic decision earlier this year to terminate their relationship with Real Property Management in the US and instead focus on strengthening the Canadian brand of Century 21, where the natural synergies between real estate and property management could be fully realized under one brand.
Recognizing that over 30% of Canadians rent, and with affordability and housing shortages being significant issues, Century 21 Canada saw a clear opportunity to support local real estate companies through a dedicated property management division. Property management is much more than just collecting rent and fixing toilets; it involves managing tenant needs and expectations while maximizing returns for investors. This new division will give Century 21 offices the tools and support they need to excel in this field.
Carla Browne, Senior Vice President of Integration at Charlwood Pacific Group, explains, “With this change, we’ll be able to bring so much more value to Century 21 brokers. Our brokerages now have a prime opportunity to expand their offerings to clients, guiding them through one more stage of the housing journey, not just as buyers and sellers, but as investors. Our goal is to work with them to achieve their business goals – we don’t just want to offer them the tools, we want to guide them through how the industry works and help them merge it into their brokerage, allowing them to benefit from an additional business line.”
Martin Charlwood, President of Charlwood Pacific Group and President and CEO of Century 21 Canada, adds, “This merger represents the natural evolution of what the brand offers. It’s the right next step for Century 21 Canada, and we are so excited to see how our brokers avail themselves of this offering. Our franchisees are in a unique position to offer this extent of real estate services to Canadians, and by expanding what they offer, we are strengthening their position in a busy and ever-changing market.”
The full transition to Century 21 Property Management took place on May 23, 2025. This shift from two real estate brands to one marks an exciting new chapter. We’re proud to support our offices through this evolution, which brings Canadians a smarter, more complete real estate experience powered by the trusted gold standard of Century 21.
Real Estate: Real Success Spotlight – Lisa Mueller
In this episode of the Real Estate: Real Success Spotlight Series, we shine a light on Lisa Mueller from CENTURY 21 Fusion in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. With 17 years of experience in real estate, Lisa has built an exceptional career grounded in integrity, clear communication, and a client-first philosophy.
Lisa’s achievements speak volumes—she’s a Double CENTURION®, a Top 1% producer, a CENTURION Honour Society member, and a recipient of the Golden Heart Award. She’s also consistently ranked among the Top 100 Producers by Units nationwide.
In this episode, Lisa shares the values, systems, and work ethic that have guided her long-term success. From creating deeply personalized service to maintaining unwavering dedication to her clients, her story offers incredible insight and inspiration for anyone in the real estate industry.
Watch the full episode here:
CENTURY 21 Canada broker Marg Bowlen retires after four decades of leadership
June 2025, Dartmouth NS – After decades as the broker owner of CENTURY 21 Trident, owner Marg Bowlen has decided to pass on the reins of leadership. Since 1981, Marg has been a fixture of CENTURY 21 Canada, her tenure as a broker stretching back almost to the brand’s infancy.
In her long career, Marg has mentored countless agents through their careers and is considered an invaluable coach and an ever-supportive friend. Lisa Surette has served as Marg’s right hand for years and has seen her dedicate her career to ensuring every agent at C21 Trident was given the chance to thrive. “To so many of us, Marg is far more than a broker or a co-owner,” Lisa explains. “She’s the kind of friend you always want in your corner, she has devoted herself entirely to the agents in this office and to the Century 21 brand. She’s our biggest cheerleader. Her philosophy is simple: when the agents succeed, the company succeeds. And she has lived that truth every single day.”
CENTURY 21 Trident Realty has been in operation since 1980, and Marg has been a part of that journey from the very beginning. She joined the company as a secretary when the doors first opened, and worked her way to office manager in 1986. At this time, she became fully licensed and one year later became an owner alongside fellow REALTOR® Gary Chambers. By 1988, Marg became the broker, and Lisa recalls how her partnership with Gary set the tone for the office for so many years.
“Their partnership was something truly special. There was heart, humor, and the occasional spirited disagreement! It made the office not just the place where we worked, but the place where we belonged, and Marg has always been at the heart of that.”
In addition to her work as a broker owner, Marg was involved with the Provincial Association for many years, lending her voice and experience to help shape the real estate industry in the province. Her charitable work helped a number of causes, including the local small hockey leagues, the breakfast programs at local schools, and the Easter Seals Kids to Camp Program, the national charitable initiative of C21 Canada.
C21 Trident agents and staff will take Marg’s lessons with them, with many citing how much she contributed to their growth. “Marg was the first broker I met with when starting my career,” says Alex Tattrie, an agent with the brokerage. “She was kind and honest about the industry, she always picked up my calls and she is a huge reason for where I am today.”
Fellow agent Nick Harvey adds, “Marg has always been putting us first, and she has always been a broker and friend that you can count on. She truly cared about our family lives and our day-to-day struggles. She is an example on how to lead.”
“Marg has been a stalwart of our industry, and her hands-on approach and open-door policy created an environment where agents felt valued and equipped to succeed,” says Duncan McGregor, also with C21 Trident. “Her leadership not only drove results but also fostered a strong sense of teamwork and trust within the office. Marg will be sorely missed but I’m sure we will see her around the office from time-to-time.”
CENTURY 21 Canada Founder and Executive Chairman U. Gary Charlwood has known Marg since the early years of the legacy Canadian brand. “Marg had shown immense dedication and support of the C21 system these past 44 years,” he notes. “The unwavering commitment through thick and thin made her an invaluable part of our network. A super star to her agents, always reliable, and never afraid to voice her views, we appreciate everything she’s done to steer C21 Trident through the years.”
Under Marg’s leadership, CENTURY 21 Trident has consistently been awarded top accolades in the CENTURY 21 Canada system. In 2017, Marg, alongside Gary Chambers, was awarded the CENTURY 21 Canada Franchise of the Year award, and over the past 25 years, their brokerage has earned CENTURION®, Double CENTURION®, and Grand CENTURION® status in the C21 Canada system. Most recently, it earned the distinction of being the #1 CENTURY 21 Canada Company and Office in Nova Scotia for 2024.
We reached out to the folks who know her best, and we wanted to share their best memories of Marg over the years:
I have known Marg for over 40 years. She was a secretary at C21 when I first met her, and she went out of her way to assist if I needed anything. After she became broker, she never changed. I’d stop by sometimes just to chat with her as I really liked that office and was good friends with most of the agents there. Because of Marg and the agents, C21 was my favorite office and I trusted her completely as I knew she was honest and would go out of her way to be of help to everyone. I’m glad that I decided that for the last part of my career to go back to Marg’s office. I really will miss her as she’s one of my very favorite people.
I remember when C21 Trident first opened. As I recall, I was horrified that these agents were running around in awful yellow jackets! I said to myself I would never work with that company. Marg was there on the front line. While I didn’t work as a C21 agent, I certainly did a lot of business with them and came to know Marg.
In later years when she became the broker owner I had many occasions to work with her. With the passage of time, I eventually joined Century 21 myself with a different brokerage, and I left them for the welcoming arms of Marg at Trident Realty.
Marg has always had my back and been a tremendous support. My wife, Darcy, has come to know her and has the deepest of respect and the highest of regard for her as do I. Not only has Marg been an excellent broker owner to work with, but I know that she also has dedicated herself to Supporting many community causes. She is one of a kind. I think they broke the mold!
PS: Thankfully, I never had put one of those dreadful yellow Jackets on, and Marg never asked me to. That might’ve been the end of a wonderful relationship!
Since 1998 Marg was always there to mentor and guide me through the ups and downs of the market. She always knew when my spouse was deployed because that’s when I was busier than usual. Marg would keep me grounded and on track to meet my goals.
Working with Marg has been an absolute blessing. From the very beginning, she made everything feel easy and comfortable. She has a way of connecting with people that puts you at ease — you feel like you’re not just talking to a broker, but to a trusted friend.
Marg is incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and thorough in her work, but what truly sets her apart is her warm and approachable nature. She listens without judgment, explains everything clearly, and never makes you feel rushed or pressured. It’s rare to find someone who combines such genuine kindness with expertise and dedication.
If you’re looking for someone who will guide you with care, honesty, and heart, Marg is the one. I’m so grateful to have had her by my side.
In my experience, Marg was an exceptional broker and leader. She consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the real estate market and always provided sound guidance and support to her team. Her leadership style was characterized by fairness, integrity, and a genuine commitment to the success of each individual. She fostered a collaborative and positive environment, where everyone felt valued and motivated to excel.
Personally, I have learned a great deal from working with Marg over the years. Her dedication to professionalism and her unwavering ethical standards have been particularly influential. She taught me the importance of meticulous attention to detail and the value of building strong, lasting relationships with clients and colleagues alike. Her insightful advice and encouragement have been instrumental in my professional growth.
Marg has been a stalwart of our industry for many decades and an exemplary real estate broker/owner and an inspiring leader who was always willing and able to support her agents. Her hands-on approach, open-door policy, and unwavering dedication created a positive and empowering environment where agents felt valued and equipped to succeed.
Whether offering strategic guidance, troubleshooting challenges, or celebrating wins, she consistently showed up with professionalism, empathy, and a genuine desire to see others grow. Her leadership not only drove results but also fostered a strong sense of teamwork and trust within the office. Marg will be sorely missed but I’m sure we will see her around the office from time-to-time and I wish her all the very best in her much-deserved retirement.
Changing brokerages is not something to take lightly. We need to know that the leader of the brokerage we choose will have our back, listen to our challenges and support us as we grow our business. When it was time for me to move to a new brokerage, there was no question of where that would be – Marg’s leadership and kindness was well known in the industry so it was a quick decision. She didn’t let me down. Working with her since early January of 2019, all through the pandemic and the changes that brought to our industry, Marg was never farther than a phone call away. She would respond within minutes to any call or email and was always supportive and helpful. I will miss her at the helm of C21 Trident moving forward but I’m grateful that I had the opportunity to work with her for these past 6 years.
Marg was the first broker I met with when starting my career in real estate, she was very kind and honest about the industry and what it takes. She believed in me and has always picked up my calls – sometimes well past when I should be calling! – and answered my annoying questions that I probably asked 100 times before just to verify I’m not messing something up. She is a huge reason for where I am at in my career today and I’m going to miss her immensely. I’ve learned plenty from her but the qualities that I’d say stand out are how she always treats everyone the same and is composed and patient even when it seems impossible.
Marg was someone who made you feel like she cared about you. The brokerage, staff and agents have always meant so much to her.
Marg was more than a broker to me. We traveled to many conferences together. She was always up for a chat or the sounding board to blow off stream. Neither one of us with much patience for nonsense. She enjoys a good chuckle.
I feel blessed to have such an amazing broker.
Marg has been one of the best leaders I’ve known and I count her as a friend today. I will always have the highest respect for her and what she has done for me and my career. She has been present, knowledgeable, kind, generous, patient and loving; she has always put us first and has been someone we could count on.
Marg doesn’t just care about work, she cares about our family life and day-to-day struggles. She loves like she would want to be loved, and she is an example on how to lead. She was always able to understand how I felt, was always nurturing me to be a better person and always had advice for my personal and love life. She has wisdom and true character, and she is a fighter. Truly special, an angel on earth.
If you’ve ever had the privilege of working at Century 21 Trident Realty, then you already know that Marg Bowlen is more than just a boss. Sure, she “bosses” like a pro, but to so many of us, she’s far more than a broker or co-owner. Marg is a mother, a wife, a sister, a daughter, an aunt, a cousin — and the kind of friend you always want in your corner. The kind who tells you the truth when it’s hard to hear and stands by you even when you might not deserve it.
Marg is kind. She’s fiercely loyal. She’s brave. As a full-time, non-selling owner and broker, she has devoted herself entirely to the REALTORS® in this office and to the Century 21 brand. She’s not just a supporter — she’s our biggest cheerleader. Her philosophy is simple: when the agents succeed, the company succeeds. And she has lived that truth every single day.
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd. has proudly called Cole Harbour home since 1980. Marg has been part of that journey from the very beginning, building this business alongside her partner, Gary Chambers. Their partnership — full of heart, humour, and the occasional spirited disagreement (cue: “Mom and Dad are fighting again!”) — has been the foundation of something truly special. For many of us, this office isn’t just where we work. It’s where we belong. And Marg has always been at the heart of that.
But Marg’s influence goes far beyond the office walls. She’s been deeply involved with the Provincial Association for years, lending her voice, her experience, and her perspective to help shape and improve the industry she cares so deeply about. She gives back generously — supporting small hockey leagues, backing nearly every cause brought to her desk, helping local schools with breakfast programs (so much French toast!), 34 years of golf tournaments, and of course, the Easter Seals Kids to Camp Program.
Marg, I speak for so many when I say thank you. Thank you for being the glue that holds us together, the fire that keeps us moving forward, and the heart that has made this place feel like home. You’ve led with grace, strength, and so much love. You leave behind a legacy that we will carry forward with pride.
Congratulations on your retirement — you’ve more than earned it.
We’ll miss you dearly.
With so much love and admiration,
Lisa
Congratulations on your retirement Marg, from all of us here at C21 Canada!
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- CLIVE SEWELL
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- BruceJollimorePhotography
Real Estate: Real Success Spotlight – Arshad Rashed
In this episode of the Real Estate: Real Success Spotlight Series, we’re spotlighting Arshad Rashed, Owner of CENTURY 21 Bravo Realty in Calgary, Alberta. Since joining CENTURY 21 in 2012, Arshad has transformed Bravo Realty into a powerhouse brokerage with four office locations and a network of over 220 agents.
In 2024, Arshad was personally recognized as a CENTURION® producer, placing him in the Top 1% of C21 Canada. Under his leadership, CENTURY 21 Bravo Realty was named a Grand CENTURION® office, ranked among the Top 10 offices and companies by production and units in Canada, and achieved the distinction of being the #12 office by production worldwide in the CENTURY 21 network.
In this episode, Arshad shares how he’s scaled one of the most productive and dynamic offices in the CENTURY 21 system—not only in residential real estate, but also with a strong presence in commercial real estate and property management. It’s an insightful conversation on leadership, growth, and the systems that support lasting success.
Watch the full episode here:
Real Estate: Real Success Spotlight – Margaret Burt
In this episode of the Real Estate: Real Success Spotlight Series, we’re featuring Margaret Burt from CENTURY 21 Fusion in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. With more than 20 years of experience in the real estate industry, Margaret has become a trusted name in the Saskatoon market, known for her professionalism, integrity, and client-first approach. Join us as Margaret reflects on her impressive journey, shares her insights into the ever-evolving world of real estate, and offers valuable lessons on how to build a career grounded in trust, confidence, and care.
Watch the full episode here:
Real Estate: Real Success Spotlight – Tarra Unterschute
In this episode of the Real Estate: Real Success Spotlight Series, we’re proud to feature Tarra Unterschute from CENTURY 21 Fusion in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. A proud Saskatoon native and REALTOR® with CENTURY 21 for over a decade, Tarra has earned a reputation for delivering service that is not only professional and knowledgeable but also deeply personal. In 2024, Tarra’s hard work and client-first approach earned her the prestigious CENTURION® Award, as well as the Golden Heart Award, recognizing her dedication to both her business and community.
In this episode, Tarra shares her inspiring story, the values that fuel her drive, and how she helps clients confidently navigate the Saskatoon market. Her warmth, professionalism, and passion for service make this episode a must-watch for anyone in real estate.
🎥 Watch the full episode here:
