In a significant development shaking the Canadian real estate landscape, Katrina & The Team, a powerhouse collective previously associated with Re/Max, has officially transitioned to eXp Realty. This strategic move, which saw one of British Columbia and Metro Vancouver’s most successful real estate teams join the cloud-based brokerage, has sent ripples through an already competitive market, signaling a potential shift in how top-tier agents perceive growth and opportunity.
For nearly two decades, Katrina Amurao and her husband Neil Bellosillo, leaders of Katrina & The Team, were synonymous with Re/Max, establishing an formidable track record. Their impressive sales figures speak volumes: in 2022 alone, they closed an astonishing $365 million across 402 transactions. The preceding year, 2021, saw them achieve an even more remarkable $400 million on 501 units. This consistent performance cemented their status as industry titans, making their departure a pivotal moment for both organizations.
The decision to leave Re/Max, though aligned with their long-term vision for expansion and adaptation to a changing market, was not made lightly. Katrina Amurao and Neil Bellosillo openly shared that it was a deeply considered choice, reflecting the strong personal and professional ties they had cultivated over many years.
The loss of such a high-volume team from one of Canada’s most lucrative and competitive real estate markets undoubtedly presents a challenge for Re/Max. While the franchise acknowledged that agent transitions are “incredibly common” within the dynamic real estate industry, the scale and prominence of Katrina & The Team’s move are particularly noteworthy.
From Traditional to Cloud: A Strategic Realignment
Elton Ash, executive vice president of Re/Max Canada, addressed the departure with a measured response, stating, “While we do see agents leave to explore other options, oftentimes we see many top producers return to our brand.” He highlighted instances like Quebec’s Marty Waite Team and southern Ontario’s Woolcott Real Estate team, both of whom recently rejoined Re/Max after stints with eXp, as examples of agents finding their way back to the traditional brokerage model.
Ash extended his gratitude to Katrina and Neil, remarking, “We’d like to thank Katrina and Neil for their contributions to Re/Max during their time with us and wish them all the very best (in) their next endeavor. We also look forward to continuing to work with some of their former team members who opted to stay within the Re/Max network.” This statement underscores the fluid nature of agent affiliations and Re/Max’s ongoing commitment to its network.
Katrina and Neil’s transition to eXp Realty was comprehensive, with approximately 20 agents and almost an equal number of dedicated support staff making the move alongside them. This collective shift illustrates the team’s cohesive structure and their shared belief in the new direction.
“But we’d started to plateau in growth. And the market had changed and was tough for our team members.”
– Katrina Amurao, Katrina & The Team
Explaining the impetus behind their decision, Katrina Amurao elaborated on the challenges they faced within their previous structure. “Re/Max was disappointed,” she acknowledged, recognizing the strong bond they shared. “We’d built our brand with them and had personal relationships within the organization that we cherish.” However, a critical inflection point emerged: “But we’d started to plateau in growth. And the market had changed and was tough for our team members.”
This “plateau” wasn’t merely a slowdown; it reflected a growing struggle for their team members to sustain the financial commitments often associated with a traditional brick-and-mortar brokerage. The rising costs of doing business, combined with a dynamic market, prompted Amurao and Bellosillo to explore alternative models. They considered various options, including launching their own independent brokerage, to better align with the evolving needs of their agents and their strategic vision for the future.
Navigating Misconceptions: The eXp Realty Appeal
Initially, eXp Realty wasn’t even on their radar, a candid admission from the team leaders. “Because of fake news around the brand,” they heard rumors suggesting eXp operated as a pyramid scheme, primarily driven by financial gains rather than genuine real estate practice. This initial skepticism is common among agents unfamiliar with the cloud brokerage model, highlighting the importance of accurate information and peer testimonials.
The turning point came through a trusted colleague, Ibrahim Hussein, leader of eXp’s top-performing Canadian team, Affinity Real Estate. Hussein became the pivotal figure in dispelling the misconceptions and ultimately convincing Katrina and Neil of eXp’s legitimate value proposition. Just over a year prior, Hussein himself had made a similar significant leap from Keller Williams to eXp, experiencing firsthand the benefits of the model.
“Katrina asked me why I’d make a move like that,” Hussein recounted, empathizing with their dilemma. He recognized their situation, having once felt they had outgrown their previous brokerage but were hesitant about the substantial headaches and expenses involved in owning and managing their own franchise. This shared experience forged a bond of understanding, making Hussein’s insights particularly credible.
“It’s a model that builds on collaboration over competition.”
– Ibrahim Hussein, Affinity Real Estate
Hussein passionately advocated for eXp Realty, emphasizing that as a publicly-traded online brokerage, it effectively bridges the gap between agent independence and comprehensive brokerage support. He explained that a significant advantage lies in the liberation of profits, as the model eliminates costly overheads, desk fees, royalty payments, and traditional franchise fees. This allows agents to retain a larger share of their earnings, directly impacting their financial well-being.
Furthermore, eXp’s unique agent-centric approach includes compelling stock and revenue-sharing options. Hussein highlighted how these features empower agents, transforming them from mere commission earners into stakeholders in the company’s collective success. Elite teams within eXp can achieve ‘mega icon’ status, which, beyond financial incentives, offers unparalleled networking opportunities with other leading agents and further recognition within the global eXp community.
“It’s a model that builds on collaboration over competition,” Hussein stressed, pointing to a cultural shift within the industry. This collaborative environment contrasts sharply with the often-competitive individualistic nature of traditional brokerages. He further elaborated, “Our team members have more opportunity to build residual income,” a significant draw for agents seeking long-term financial stability beyond transactional commissions. Another key benefit, Hussein emphasized, is the absence of “territorial restrictions,” allowing agents unparalleled flexibility to expand their reach and business across different regions.
While acknowledging that virtual brokerages may not be suitable for every agent—a sentiment shared by Amurao and Bellosillo, who understand no brand is without its imperfections—they firmly believe in the potential of eXp. Amurao noted that with eXp’s lower financial commitment, they anticipate a greater ability to “attract more talent,” describing it as a “more practical approach” for building a resilient and thriving team in today’s market.
Ultimately, Hussein’s compelling arguments, bolstered by the growing trend of other elite performers making the switch—including high-profile figures like Daniel Beer, who leads one of the highest-ranking teams in the U.S.—convinced Katrina and Neil. The widespread adoption by top talent lent significant credibility to eXp’s model, assuring them that they were aligning with an industry-leading movement.
Building on Excellence: Katrina & The Team’s Philosophy
Like these other industry heavyweights, Katrina & The Team has meticulously cultivated a brand deeply entrenched and respected within its market. Neil Bellosillo candidly shared that he had, over the years, received “unenlightened ribbing” about his wife being the primary face of their business. This experience, among others, has reinforced a core maxim for the couple: “Stop caring what other people think and focus on what works for you.” This philosophy of authenticity and self-direction is now more relevant than ever as they embark on a new chapter with eXp.
“It comes down to taking full ownership of any mistakes, always wanting to learn and improve.”
– Neil Bellosillo, Katrina & The Team
The team has always differentiated itself by consistently exceeding client expectations. “That’s how we differentiate ourselves,” explains Amurao. “We provide a five-star experience.” This commitment to unparalleled service translates into a suite of complimentary offerings far beyond the industry norm. Their clients benefit from a comprehensive support system that includes everything from junk removal and professional home redesign consultations to lawn mowing services, movers, and even thoughtful “moving day sandwiches.” This holistic approach ensures a seamless and stress-free experience for their clients, fostering strong loyalty and referrals.
Innovation has also been a cornerstone of their success. Katrina & The Team were early adopters in their market, pioneering the use of 3D virtual tours and video narration for listings. This forward-thinking approach allowed them to showcase properties dynamically and engage potential buyers more effectively, setting new benchmarks for marketing in their region. They are profound believers that the most effective way to inspire their team is through continuous self-improvement and a relentless pursuit of excellence. “We look at every opportunity to get better,” Bellosillo affirms. “It comes down to taking full ownership of any mistakes, always wanting to learn and improve.” This ethos of growth and accountability is perfectly aligned with the agile and evolving nature of a cloud brokerage.
As they settle into their journey with eXp Realty, the team acknowledges that it’s a new learning curve. “We’re still learning the ropes,” Amurao states with enthusiasm. “There’s a lot to explore.” This sense of adventure and commitment to ongoing discovery is a testament to their leadership and their readiness to embrace the vast opportunities that a global, cloud-based platform offers. Their move is not just a change of brokerage; it represents a strategic evolution in response to a transforming real estate industry, setting a precedent for other top teams to consider the advantages of the cloud model for sustainable growth and agent empowerment.
Katrina & The Team, image courtesy: Katrina Amurao