The Canadian real estate community is mourning the loss of Conrad Zurini, the broker-owner of RE/MAX Escarpment Realty and RE/MAX Niagara Realty, who led a combined network of more than 1,200 agents. His passing has prompted heartfelt messages from colleagues and industry leaders across the country.
In a statement, Don Kottick, president of RE/MAX Canada, said, “We’re deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Conrad Zurini. Conrad was a member of the RE/MAX community for nearly 30 years and was always a strong supporter of RE/MAX in Canada. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and agents during this difficult time.”
Tributes began pouring in on social media as news of his death spread throughout the industry. RE/MAX Hallmark Realty posted a tribute on Facebook, calling Zurini “a passionate, caring, and inspirational leader within the RE/MAX family and the real estate industry.” The post praised his commitment to sharing knowledge, wisdom and experience, and noted how he helped shape the careers of many agents. “More than a respected leader, Conrad was a true friend. We will forever cherish his energy, passion, humour, and the positive impact he made on everyone he met,” the message read.
Kingsley Ma, area vice president for RE/MAX Canada, recalled first meeting Zurini when he volunteered to speak at the Lower Mainland Broker Owner Retreat. Ma described him as “the definition of a true entrepreneur — fast-paced, incredibly knowledgeable, and always looking for ways to do better.” He added, “More than just an incredible broker-owner, he was a generous person. If there’s a Hall of Fame in the real estate industry, he has earned his permanent place there.”
Industry leader and regular REM contributor
Zurini was a regular contributor to Real Estate Magazine and a second-generation Realtor who often referred to himself as a “son of a broker.” He was a vocal advocate for homebuyers, critical of policies he felt favoured lenders over consumers, and an early commentator on how artificial intelligence could impact the Realtor profession.
REM publisher Andrew Fogliato, who met Zurini in 2014, remembered him as someone who could immediately put others at ease. “I came into RE/MAX Escarpment to run a training session. I was an outsider walking into one of the biggest RE/MAX brokerages in the world, and he welcomed me like he was welcoming a friend home,” Fogliato said. “That was Conrad. Never afraid to say what he actually thought. I knew him for more than 10 years and he was one of the people I respected the most in the industry. The industry, REM, and I personally will feel his absence. A tremendous loss for everyone who knew him.”
No further details have been released at this time. Real Estate Magazine has reached out to RE/MAX Escarpment and the Zurini family for comment.