Not for distribution to U.S. News Wire Services or dissemination in the United States.

TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#ChoiceProperties–Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust (“Choice Properties”, the “Trust” or “we”) (TSX: CHP.UN) announced today that it has completed its previously announced issuance, on a private placement basis in certain Provinces of Canada (the “Offering”), of $300 million aggregate principal amount of series V senior unsecured debentures of the Trust bearing interest at a rate of 4.293% per annum and maturing on January 16, 2030 (the “Debentures”).

The Trust intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering to repay certain amounts drawn on its revolving credit facility which were utilized to repay upon maturity its $350 million aggregate principal amount of 3.546% series J senior unsecured debentures, and for general business purposes.

Morningstar DBRS has provided the Debentures with a credit rating of “BBB” (high) with a “stable” trend and S&P Global Ratings has provided the Debentures with a credit rating of “BBB+”. The Debentures rank equally with all other unsecured indebtedness of the Trust that has not been subordinated.

The Debentures were sold on an agency basis by a syndicate of agents co-led by RBC Capital Markets, Scotiabank, TD Securities, BMO Capital Markets, and CIBC Capital Markets. The Debentures offered have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the Debentures in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust

Choice Properties is a leading Real Estate Investment Trust that creates enduring value through places where people thrive.

We are more than a national owner, operator and developer of high-quality commercial and residential real estate. We believe in creating spaces that enhance how our tenants and communities come together to live, work, and connect. This includes our industry leadership in integrating environmental, social and economic sustainability practices into all aspects of our business. In everything we do, we are guided by a shared set of values grounded in Care, Ownership, Respect and Excellence.

For more information, visit Choice Properties’ website at www.choicereit.ca and Choice Properties’ issuer profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, which reflects Choice Properties’ current expectations regarding future events, including the intended use of proceeds of the Offering. Forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Choice Properties’ control that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the factors discussed in Choice Properties’ 2024 Third Quarter Report and current Annual Information Form. Choice Properties does not undertake any obligation to update such forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and are qualified by these cautionary statements.

Contacts

For further information:
Mario Barrafato

Chief Financial Officer

Choice Properties REIT

(416) 628-7872

Mario.Barrafato@choicereit.ca

Addition of top-producing independent brokerage nearly doubles Real’s agent count in Austin

TORONTO & NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–$REAX #therealbrokerage–The Real Brokerage Inc. (NASDAQ: REAX), a technology platform reshaping real estate for agents, home buyers and sellers, today announced that Ryan Rodenbeck, one of the industry’s leading thought leaders and host of the #RealtyHack podcast, has brought his top-producing independent brokerage, Spyglass Realty, to Real under the company’s Private Label program. With 140 agents and a 2024 sales volume of nearly $400 million, the addition of Spyglass nearly doubles Real’s footprint in Austin.

Real’s Private Label program enables independent brokerages to maintain their own brand while benefiting from Real’s technology and compensation programs.

A top producer who received the Austin Platinum Top 50 Realtors award for nine consecutive years, Rodenbeck launched Spyglass in 2008. He operated the brokerage as a small team until 2015 when his desire to leverage technology to offer experienced agents a platform to provide clients with an elevated approach to buying and selling homes prompted him to take the brokerage to a new level. Since leaving production in 2019, Rodenbeck has attracted more than 100 agents to Spyglass and led the firm’s expansion into Houston in late 2024.

Rodenbeck also leads #RealtyHack, a content platform that includes the #RealtyHack podcast and #RealtyHack Summit, Austin’s largest real estate conference, which attracts more than 400 agents. He is an incoming board member of the Austin Board of Realtors.

“Real’s trajectory provides us an opportunity to contribute to Real’s growth in central Texas while also expanding Spyglass,” Rodenbeck said. “The Real Private Label program allows us to continue to go above and beyond what we currently provide while maintaining our brand as an independent brokerage that we’ve worked hard to build.”

Spyglass has received numerous accolades. It was named Indy Broker of the Year by the Austin Board of Realtors in 2019 and has been ranked as a Best Place to Work by the Austin Business Journal for five consecutive years, including taking the top spot in 2024. Spyglass also is a multi-year recipient of several growth-related awards, including the Inc. 5000 and Austin Business Journal’s Fast 50.

“Spyglass Realty, under Ryan Rodenbeck’s visionary leadership, epitomizes what it means to be both innovative and deeply rooted in service. Ryan’s early adoption of technology, paired with a relentless focus on empowering experienced agents, has transformed the way real estate is done,” said Real President Sharran Srivatsaa. “With Ryan’s commitment to leveraging leads and fostering a culture of referrals, it’s no surprise Spyglass Realty is not only redefining the gold standard in real estate, but also consistently ranks as one of the top employers in the city. We are thrilled Spyglass is now part of Real.”

About Real

Real (NASDAQ: REAX) is a real estate experience company working to make life’s most complex transaction simple. The fast-growing company combines essential real estate, mortgage and closing services with powerful technology to deliver a single seamless end-to-end consumer experience, guided by trusted agents. With a presence throughout the U.S. and Canada, Real supports more than 24,000 agents who use its digital brokerage platform and tight-knit professional community to power their own forward-thinking businesses.

Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “seek”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “plan”, “estimate”, “expect”, “likely” and “intend” and statements that an event or result “may”, “will”, “should”, “could” or “might” occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. These statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as of the date hereof. Forward-looking information in this press release includes, without limiting the foregoing, expectations regarding Real’s ability to continue to attract agents.

Forward-looking information is based on assumptions that may prove to be incorrect, including but not limited to Real’s business objectives, expected growth, results of operations, performance, business projects and opportunities and financial results. Real considers these assumptions to be reasonable in the circumstances. However, forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Important factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to, slowdowns in real estate markets, economic and industry downturns, Real’s ability to attract new agents and retain current agents and those risk factors discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Information Form dated March 14, 2024, a copy of which is available under the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. These factors should be carefully considered and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, Real cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and Real assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.

Contacts

Investor inquiries:

Ravi Jani

Vice President, Investor Relations and Financial Planning & Analysis

investors@therealbrokerage.com
908.280.2515

For media inquiries:

Elisabeth Warrick

Senior Director, Marketing, Communications & Brand

elisabeth@therealbrokerage.com
201.564.4221

TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust (“RioCan”) (TSX: REI.UN) today announced a distribution of 9.25 cents per unit for the month of January. The distribution will be payable on February 7, 2025, to unitholders of record as at January 31, 2025.

About RioCan

RioCan is one of Canada’s largest real estate investment trusts. RioCan owns, manages and develops retail-focused, mixed-use properties located in prime, high-density transit-oriented areas where Canadians want to shop, live and work. As at September 30, 2024, our portfolio is comprised of 186 properties with an aggregate net leasable area of approximately 33 million square feet (at RioCan’s interest). To learn more about us, please visit www.riocan.com.

Contacts

RioCan Contact
Kim Lee

Vice President, Investor Relations

(416) 646-8326

CALGARY, Alberta–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Westphalia Dev. Corp. (the “Corporation”) today announces a restructuring filing initiated in the Alberta Court of King’s Bench (the “Court”). On January 14, 2025, the Corporation obtained an initial order (the “Initial Order”) from the Court commencing proceedings under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act of Canada (“CCAA”). Pursuant to the Initial Order, a 10-day stay of proceedings has been granted in respect of the Corporation to allow the business to continue to operate without disruption while the Corporation pursues potential strategic and restructuring alternatives under Court supervision for the benefit of its stakeholders. The Court-ordered process will be continued on January 23, 2025 where the Corporation anticipates seeking further order(s) from the Court extending the initial stay of proceedings, among other things.

The decision to commence CCAA proceedings was made following careful consideration by the Corporation’s Board of Directors and management. The Corporation has operated and can only continue to operate with the ongoing financial support of certain stakeholders, including its manager, Walton Global Investments Ltd. (“Walton Global” or the “Manager”). The Corporation has been unable to pay management fees owing to the Manager (and the Manager’s predecessor) since 2016. The Manager has now advised the Corporation that it cannot continue to provide services and funding on a go forward basis unless a plan is put in place to address the Corporation’s liquidity and outstanding debts to the Manager and others. The CCAA process will provide an opportunity to prepare and file a plan of arrangement and compromise for consideration by the Corporation’s creditors and other stakeholders with respect to the restructuring of the Corporation. Under the Initial Order, the Corporation will continue carrying on business in a manner consistent with the commercially reasonable preservation of their businesses and assets.

Overview of the Corporation

The Corporation is the shareholder of the largest co-owner of the Westphalia Town Center in Prince George’s County, Maryland. The property includes residential, commercial and industrial land uses. The Property Master Plan is designed as a pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use community. Westphalia Town Center includes family-friendly neighborhoods, and in the near future community shopping, restaurants, and potentially an elementary school, a veteran’s hospital, and a hotel.

Through the CCAA process the Corporation received a Court Order that will allow it to pursue a restructuring of its affairs to improve its balance sheet while allowing streamlined reporting. The Manager of the project, Walton Global will assume full operational responsibility for taking the project through to completion, arranging for payment of the secured and unsecured creditors through the proceeds of sale, with the objective of completing the project to maximize recoveries. The Corporation, with the assistance of the Manager, has achieved a great deal to date:

• Much of the required infrastructure is deemed substantially complete, including roadways and interchanges for Route 4, Route 223 and Presidential Parkway East.
• Unanimous approval of the Detailed Site Plan from The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission for Parcels A and B, streamlining and accelerating the approval timeline for the future mixed-use development.
• Purchase offers have been received for Parcels A and B from best-in-class retail developers to build a first-class mixed-use commercial development. Deal terms are currently being negotiated, and an agreement is expected in 90 days.
• Hired a best-in-class engineering and planning firm to complete the entitlements for the remaining 96 acres (approximately), which includes the adjacent land to the north owned by a related party. The expectation is that this work will take 2 to 3 years to complete and receive full approval.
• Lastly, there is a parcel under contract for industrial use and another being considered for a future Veteran’s hospital.

About Walton Global

Walton Global is a privately-owned, leading land asset management and global real estate investment company with more than 88,000 acres of land under ownership, management and administration in the United States and Canada, totaling $4.5 billion. With more than 45 years of experience, Walton has a proven track record of land investment projects within the path of growth in the fastest-growing metropolitan areas. A total of ~$2.7 billion has been distributed to investors located in 87 countries. The company works closely with top U.S. home builders, developers and industry partners. Business lines include exit-focused pre-development land investments, builder land financing, development projects, DST offerings, and various fund structures. For more information, visit walton.com.

FTI Consulting Canada Inc. is the Court-appointed Monitor in the Corporation’s CCAA proceedings. During the CCAA proceedings, management of the Corporation will remain responsible for managing day-to-day operations under the general oversight of the Monitor. Copies of any filed Court materials and updates will be available on the Monitor’s website:

http://cfcanada.fticonsulting.com/westphaliadevcorp

This news release contains forward looking information, and actual future results may differ from what is disclosed in this news release. Forward-looking information is based on the current expectations, estimates and projections of the Corporation at the time the statements are made. They involve a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties which would cause actual results or events to differ materially from those presently anticipated. The risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause the Corporation’s actual results and performance in future periods to differ materially from the forward looking information contained in this news release include, among other things, the outcome of the CCAA process, expectations with respect to the receipt of additional orders and authorizations from the Court, the preparation and filing of a plan of arrangement and compromise, the ability of the Manager to successfully manage the project under the oversight of the Monitor, the development of Westphalia Town Center, general economic and market factors, including interest rates, a decline in the real estate market, changes in government policies and regulations or in tax laws, changes in municipal planning strategies and whether certain development approvals are obtained and changes in the Canadian/U.S. dollar exchange rate, in addition to those factors discussed or referenced in documents filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and available online at www.sedarplus.ca.

Contacts

Media Contact:
waltonglobal@allisonworldwide.com

LADERA RANCH, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Strategic Storage Trust VI, Inc. (“SST VI”), a publicly registered non-traded real estate investment trust sponsored by an affiliate of SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. (“SmartStop”), is pleased to announce the successful refinancing of loans for four of its Canadian properties. This strategic move addresses the loans’ upcoming 2025 maturities and will effectively reduce SST VI’s interest rate by approximately 100 basis points (bps) as compared to the previous loans.

The refinancing includes three properties in the Greater Toronto Area, Ontario and one in Edmonton, Alberta, which are integral to SST VI’s portfolio. These four properties continue to lease up and perform well. They were acquired in various stages of lease-up with an average occupancy of approximately 57% at acquisition, which has increased to an average occupancy of approximately 87% as of December 31, 2024. By securing more favorable terms, SST VI continues demonstrating its commitment to financial prudence and enhancing shareholder value.

“We are thrilled to have completed this refinancing, which not only addresses our near-term maturities but also significantly reduces our interest expenses,” said H. Michael Schwartz, Chairman and CEO of SST VI. “This achievement underscores our proactive approach to managing our balance sheet and our dedication to driving long-term growth.”

National Bank of Canada served as the Lead Arranger and Sole Bookrunner for the completed loan. The new financing arrangements reflect SST VI’s strong credit profile and the continued confidence of its lending partners. The company remains focused on optimizing its capital structure and exploring further opportunities to enhance its financial flexibility.

About Strategic Storage Trust VI, Inc. (SST VI):

SST VI is a Maryland corporation that was elected to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. SST VI’s primary investment strategy is to invest in income-producing and growth self-storage facilities and related self-storage real estate investments in the United States and Canada. As of January 14, 2025, SST VI has a portfolio of 13 operating properties in the United States comprising approximately 9,050 units and 1,080,000 rentable square feet (including parking); 11 properties with approximately 10,200 units and 1,065,000 rentable square feet (including parking) in Canada, joint venture interests in one operational and four development properties in two Canadian provinces (Ontario and Québec) and one wholly owned development property in Ontario.

About SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. (SmartStop):

SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. (“SmartStop”) is a self-managed REIT with a fully integrated operations team of approximately 525 self-storage professionals focused on growing the SmartStop® Self Storage brand. SmartStop, through its indirect subsidiary SmartStop REIT Advisors, LLC, also sponsors other self-storage programs. As of January 14, 2025, SmartStop has an owned or managed portfolio of 211 operating properties in 22 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada, comprising approximately 151,000 units and 16.9 million rentable square feet. SmartStop and its affiliates own or manage 38 operating self-storage properties in Canada, which total approximately 32,900 units and 3.4 million rentable square feet. Additional information regarding SmartStop is available at www.smartstopselfstorage.com.

Contacts

David Corak
VP of Corporate Finance

SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc.

IR@smartstop.com

TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Slate Grocery REIT (TSX: SGR.U) (TSX: SGR.UN) (the “REIT”), an owner and operator of U.S. grocery-anchored real estate, announced today that it will be releasing its fourth quarter and year end 2024 financial results before market hours on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. Senior management will host a live conference call at 9:00 am ET on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 to discuss the results and ongoing business initiatives of the REIT.

Conference Call Details

The conference call can be accessed by dialing (289) 514-5100 or 1 (800) 717-1738. Additionally, the conference call will be available via simultaneous audio found at https://onlinexperiences.com/Launch/QReg/ShowUUID=FCDFB061-11E5-4AA4-B192-152A1985E211&LangLocaleID=1033. A replay will be accessible until February 26, 2025 via the REIT’s website or by dialing (289) 819-1325 or 1 (888) 660-6264 (access code 31360#) approximately two hours after the live event.

About Slate Grocery REIT (TSX: SGR.U / SGR.UN)

Slate Grocery REIT is an owner and operator of U.S. grocery-anchored real estate. The REIT owns and operates approximately U.S. $2.4 billion of critical real estate infrastructure across major U.S. metro markets that communities rely upon for their daily needs. The REIT’s resilient grocery-anchored portfolio and strong credit tenants are expected to provide unitholders with durable cash flows and the potential for capital appreciation over the longer term. Visit slategroceryreit.com to learn more about the REIT.

About Slate Asset Management

Slate Asset Management is a global investor and manager focused on essential real estate and infrastructure assets. We focus on fundamentals with the objective of creating long-term value for our investors and partners across the real assets space. We are supported by exceptional people and flexible capital, which enable us to originate and execute on a wide range of compelling investment opportunities. Visit slateam.com to learn more, and follow Slate Asset Management on LinkedIn, X (Twitter), and Instagram.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information herein constitutes “forward-looking information” as defined under Canadian securities laws which reflect management’s expectations regarding objectives, plans, goals, strategies, future growth, results of operations, performance, business prospects and opportunities of the REIT. The words “plans”, “expects”, “does not expect”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “does not anticipate”, “projects”, “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements to the effect that certain actions, events or results “may”, “will”, “could”, “would”, “might”, “occur”, “be achieved”, or “continue” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations.

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management as of the date hereof, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. When relying on forward-looking statements to make decisions, the REIT cautions readers not to place undue reliance on these statements, as forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties and should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not the times at or by which such performance or results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ, possibly materially, from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Additional information about risks and uncertainties is contained in the filings of the REIT with securities regulators.

SGR-FR

Contacts

For Further Information
Investor Relations

+1 416 644 4264

ir@slateam.com

TORONTO & NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Real Brokerage Inc. (NASDAQ: REAX) (“Real” or the “Company”), a technology platform reshaping real estate for agents, home buyers and sellers, today announced that its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Tamir Poleg, will present at the 27th Annual Needham Growth Conference in New York on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. ET.

Conference Details:

Date: Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Time: 1:30 p.m. ET

Webcast link: https://wsw.com/webcast/needham143/reax/2252448

Real’s remarks will be broadcast live, and a replay will be available for one year at the link above, and on the investor relations section of the company’s website at https://investors.onereal.com/.

About Real

Real (NASDAQ: REAX) is a real estate experience company working to make life’s most complex transaction simple. The fast-growing company combines essential real estate, mortgage and closing services with powerful technology to deliver a single seamless end-to-end consumer experience, guided by trusted agents. With a presence throughout the U.S. and Canada, Real supports more than 24,000 agents who use its digital brokerage platform and tight-knit professional community to power their own forward-thinking businesses. Additional information can be found on its website at www.onereal.com.

Contacts

For additional information, please contact:

Ravi Jani

Vice President, Investor Relations and Financial Planning & Analysis

investors@therealbrokerage.com
908.280.2515

For media inquiries, please contact:

Elisabeth Warrick

Senior Director, Marketing, Communications & Brand

elisabeth@therealbrokerage.com
201.564.4221

High-volume team, led by industry influencer Shane Burgman, expands Real’s presence throughout Florida’s Space Coast

TORONTO & NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–$REAX #therealbrokerage–The Real Brokerage Inc. (NASDAQ: REAX), a technology platform reshaping real estate for agents, home buyers and sellers, today announced it has expanded its presence throughout Florida’s Space Coast with the addition of The Burgman Group. Led by industry influencer Shane Burgman, the three-person team has built a reputation for its tenacious work ethic, which has made it one of the top-producing teams in the market. During his 10-year career, Burgman has averaged 50 home sales a year valued at more than $200 million in total sales.

Burgman began his real estate career in 2015 following 10 active-duty years in the U.S. Navy as a Nuclear Submarine Missile Technician. He credits his military service for his passion to make a difference in people’s lives and core values of hard work and high ethical standards, qualities that enabled him to make a successful transition to real estate. In addition to his strong track record, Burgman has built a loyal social media following based on his high-quality production value, market insights and real estate advice. He currently has 22,000 followers on Instagram and 5,000 on YouTube with more than 1 million views.

Having experienced multiple military transfers during his time in the Navy, Burgman understands the difficulties that relocations pose and has used this experience to help other military families looking to settle on Florida’s Space Coast. At Real, he will be part of the company’s Military Division, which specializes in serving the needs of Veterans and active-duty service members and their families.

“Shane’s unwavering honesty and relentless work ethic have earned him a reputation as one of the most trusted names in real estate and a leader among his peers,” Real President Sharran Srivatsaa said. “I’m thrilled to welcome Shane and his team to Real and look forward to seeing how our platform helps them elevate their impact on clients while inspiring their peers.”

Burgman said Real’s collaborative community, technology and entrepreneurial focus are what drew him and this team to Real.

“I’ve been following Real for a while. I’m stoked about this new opportunity and thrilled to enhance my clients’ overall experience. Real’s commission structure and revenue share provide upside potential that allows us to build long-term wealth, while the company’s technology platform is designed for teams like ours that are always looking to better serve clients. We couldn’t be more excited to make the move to Real,” Burgman said.

About Real

Real (NASDAQ: REAX) is a real estate experience company working to make life’s most complex transaction simple. The fast-growing company combines essential real estate, mortgage and closing services with powerful technology to deliver a single seamless end-to-end consumer experience, guided by trusted agents. With a presence throughout the U.S. and Canada, Real supports more than 24,000 agents who use its digital brokerage platform and tight-knit professional community to power their own forward-thinking businesses.

Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “seek”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “plan”, “estimate”, “expect”, “likely” and “intend” and statements that an event or result “may”, “will”, “should”, “could” or “might” occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. These statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as of the date hereof. Forward-looking information in this press release includes, without limiting the foregoing, expectations regarding Real’s ability to continue to attract agents.

Forward-looking information is based on assumptions that may prove to be incorrect, including but not limited to Real’s business objectives, expected growth, results of operations, performance, business projects and opportunities and financial results. Real considers these assumptions to be reasonable in the circumstances. However, forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Important factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to, slowdowns in real estate markets, economic and industry downturns, Real’s ability to attract new agents and retain current agents and those risk factors discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Information Form dated March 14, 2024, a copy of which is available under the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. These factors should be carefully considered and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, Real cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and Real assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.

Contacts

Investor inquiries, please contact:

Ravi Jani

Vice President, Investor Relations and Financial Planning & Analysis

investors@therealbrokerage.com
908.280.2515

For media inquiries, please contact:

Elisabeth Warrick

Senior Director, Marketing, Communications & Brand

elisabeth@therealbrokerage.com
201.564.4221

LADERA RANCH, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. (“SmartStop” or the “Company”), a self-managed and fully integrated self-storage company, is pleased to announce the acquisition of two premier Class A storage facilities in the New York Metro region.

The first facility, located at 1204 Broad St. in Clifton, New Jersey, encompasses approximately 116,100 net rentable square feet. Boasting a traffic count of approximately 158,800 vehicles daily from State Highway 3 and Broad Street, this prime location is conveniently situated across from a well-established retail store. The property features a three-story building with a basement, offering exclusively interior climate-controlled units accessible via two elevators, making it an ideal choice for consumers seeking premium storage options.

The second facility, situated at 591 N. Union Ave. in Hillside, New Jersey, spans approximately 111,600 net rentable square feet. With excellent visibility and accessibility and a daily traffic count of approximately 202,281 vehicles, this property benefits from its location near Garden State Highway. The six-story building offers a versatile mix of non-climate-controlled drive-up units and interior climate-controlled units. Additional amenities include two elevators and a covered loading bay, ensuring convenience for customers.

The two facilities sit in a densely populated submarket with an average three-mile population of approximately 266,000. The Clifton facility will serve the communities of Athenia, Passaic, Wallington, Rutherford, Delawanna, Nutley, Brookdale, Bloomfield, Montclair, Upper Montclair, Verona, Cedar Grove, Little Falls Township, and Totowa, while the Hillside facility will cater to neighborhoods of Millburn, Maplewood, Ivy Hill, Vailsburg, Irvington, Upper Clinton Hill, Weequahic, Dayton, Roselle Park, Roselle, Union, Springfield, and Vauxhall.

“The acquisition of these Class A facilities represents an additional step forward in our growth strategy to expand SmartStop’s footprint in major metropolitan markets,” said Wayne Johnson, President of SmartStop. “Their strategic locations, state-of-the-art features, and strong market fundamentals align with our commitment to providing exceptional storage solutions for our customers.”

About SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. (SmartStop):

SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. (“SmartStop”) is a self-managed REIT with a fully integrated operations team of approximately 525 self-storage professionals focused on growing the SmartStop® Self Storage brand. SmartStop, through its indirect subsidiary SmartStop REIT Advisors, LLC, also sponsors other self-storage programs. As of January 7, 2025, SmartStop has an owned or managed portfolio of 211 operating properties in 22 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada, comprising approximately 151,000 units and 16.9 million rentable square feet. SmartStop and its affiliates own or manage 38 operating self-storage properties in Canada, which total approximately 32,900 units and 3.4 million rentable square feet. Additional information regarding SmartStop is available at www.smartstopselfstorage.com.

Contacts

David Corak
VP of Corporate Finance

SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc.

IR@smartstop.com

Real begins the year with more than 24,000 agents throughout North America

TORONTO & NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–$REAX #therealbrokerage–The Real Brokerage Inc. (NASDAQ: REAX), a technology platform reshaping real estate for agents, home buyers and sellers, today announced that Harvest Realty, a high-producing independent brokerage serving Southern California, has joined Real. This addition brings 550 agents who specialize in serving the Chinese community to Real, pushing the company’s agent count above 24,000.

Led by Christine Li and John Zhang, Harvest Realty has a proven track record of excellence. After immigrating to the U.S. and earning master’s degrees from the University of Southern California, Li pursued a successful career in banking while Zhang began his real estate career as an agent and developer. The husband-and-wife team launched Harvest Realty in 2014, focusing on guiding clients in Southern California’s Los Angeles and Orange counties. Since its founding, the brokerage has closed 5,210 home sales totaling $6.8 billion, including 1,627 sales valued at $2.4 billion in 2024.

“Christine and John’s journey is the kind of story that inspires anyone chasing their version of the American Dream. After rock-solid careers of their own, they decided to combine their skills and their shared passion to help Chinese home buyers, sellers and investors navigate Southern California’s competitive real estate market,” said Real President Sharran Srivatsaa. “They’ve set the gold standard for service to the Chinese community. Their story isn’t just about success—it’s about making a difference, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome this incredible duo and their entire team to the Real family.”

Harvest joins Real under the company’s Private Label program, which enables independent brokerages to maintain their own brand while benefiting from Real’s resources and compensation programs. At Real, Harvest’s agents will also gain access to the company’s virtual community platform, which features automatic translation in more than 90 languages, fostering seamless communication and connection.

“Real provides the technology and programs that will help our agents increase their production and become more efficient, while also providing revenue share and stock options that tie their success to that of the company,” said Li. “However, what was most important was Real’s leadership. They are great leaders, and we are confident that the Real platform will allow us to continue to grow and serve our agents and clients.”

About Real

Real (NASDAQ: REAX) is a real estate experience company working to make life’s most complex transaction simple. The fast-growing company combines essential real estate, mortgage and closing services with powerful technology to deliver a single seamless end-to-end consumer experience, guided by trusted agents. With a presence throughout the U.S. and Canada, Real supports more than 24,000 agents who use its digital brokerage platform and tight-knit professional community to power their own forward-thinking businesses.

Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “seek”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “plan”, “estimate”, “expect”, “likely” and “intend” and statements that an event or result “may”, “will”, “should”, “could” or “might” occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. These statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as of the date hereof. Forward-looking information in this press release includes, without limiting the foregoing expectations regarding Real’s ability to continue to attract agents.

Forward-looking information is based on assumptions that may prove to be incorrect, including but not limited to Real’s business objectives, expected growth, results of operations, performance, business projects and opportunities and financial results. Real considers these assumptions to be reasonable in the circumstances. However, forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Important factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to, slowdowns in real estate markets, economic and industry downturns, Real’s ability to attract new agents and retain current agents and those risk factors discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Information Form dated March 14, 2024, a copy of which is available under the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. These factors should be carefully considered and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, Real cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and Real assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.

Contacts

Investor inquiries, please contact:

Ravi Jani

Vice President, Investor Relations and Financial Planning & Analysis

investors@therealbrokerage.com
908.280.2515

For media inquiries, please contact:

Elisabeth Warrick

Senior Director, Marketing, Communications & Brand

elisabeth@therealbrokerage.com
201.564.4221

Belleterre Partners Creates Affordable Student Rentals Walking Distance From NBCC

MIRAMICHI, New Brunswick–(BUSINESS WIRE)–As tuition fees rise alongside the country’s cost of living crisis, students are an underrepresented factor in today’s housing markets. In a neighbourhood critically lacking affordable opportunities for student living, New Brunswick’s premier non-profit real estate developers have created a new place for students to live, grow, and learn in Miramichi, NB at 1400 Water Street, Chatham.

Together with New Brunswick Community College, Uni Financial Cooperation, and Aequus Construction (Miramichi), Belleterre Community Partners is prepared to unveil its very first Student Rental community. Offering 18 units just in time for the winter semester, Phase 1 will open for occupancy January 13th. Phase 2 is set to open for the fall semester in Q3 of 2025, increasing capacity to allow even more students to enjoy convenient rentals close to campus.

Blair Martin, founder and President of Belleterre Community Partners, shared that “Belleterre Community Partners is honoured to open Phase 1 of its housing for students in Miramichi. In addition to meeting the critical need for student housing in the community, the project fulfills Belleterre’s commitment to repurposing functionally obsolete properties in New Brunswick and expands the scope of services the organization can deliver to communities throughout the province.”

With a goal to address the urgent need for affordable housing in his hometown of Miramichi, Blair created Belleterre to use his experience in real estate development to give back to the community in a sustainable manner.

These dual goals of sustainability and affordability require a unique approach to community development. Belleterre repurposes existing infrastructure to give new life to neighbourhoods in and around Miramichi, reducing construction waste, time, and budget through efficient renovations of landmarks like the Bata Shoe Factory in Battawa, Ontario.

In the case of Miramichi’s new Student Rentals, Belleterre has transformed the former Miramichi Senior Citizens Home into an affordable off-campus residence for students of New Brunswick Community College. Located only 3 minutes from the Chatham/Miramichi campus by car, students now have an incredible opportunity to live close to school while taking steps towards independence. Public transit is also available in the area, allowing residents to access campus in just 15 minutes.

Belleterre’s Student Rentals are a collection of single and double rooms, each with access to their own toilet and sink, while residents will share kitchen, shower, lounge, and laundry facilities. Rooms are fully-furnished with a bed, desk, chair, nightstand, and dresser, providing the same lifestyle experience as typical student housing traditionally found on campus.

As their first foray into student housing, 1400 Water Street is a new step in Belleterre’s goal to provide affordable housing across the province. To learn about this new opportunity for student housing in Miramichi, visit BelleterrePartners.com for more information.

Contacts

To learn more about Miramichi Student Housing o/o by Belleterre Community Partners –

Contact Blair Martin at (416) 316-7263 or visit belleterrepartners.com
Corporate office: 550 Bayview Ave. Suite 403, Toronto, ON., M4W 3X8

MONTREAL–(BUSINESS WIRE)–KOZEStays.com, a global powerhouse in short-term rental management, is starting the year with a milestone achievement—cementing its position as Montreal’s leading short-term rental management company. With a portfolio spanning hundreds of ultra-luxurious properties and thousands of reservations per quarter, KOZE generates over $10,000,000 in bookings every quarter for their clients. From humble beginnings with a single investment property, KOZEStays.com has become a dominant force in the global market.

Global Reach, Local Expertise

Managing properties in premier destinations worldwide—including Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Mont-Tremblant, Laurentians, Lanaudière, Dubai, Mexico, Ecuador, and many more—KOZEStays.com provides unmatched services to property owners and travelers alike. With a proven track record of success, KOZEStays.com delivers comprehensive solutions designed to maximize revenue and optimize property management.

Exclusive Benefits for Property Owners:

• Unrivaled Visibility: Over 1,000,000 monthly views from global travelers ensuring your property gets noticed.
• Dynamic Pricing Optimization: Continuous rate adjustments maximize returns for owners while delivering value to guests.
• Transparent, Flexible Contracts: Customized agreements adapt to each owner’s unique needs.
• Superhost and Exclusive Luxe Access: Privileged host status and early access to exclusive features attract premium clientele.
• 24/7 Dedicated Support: Personalized account management and on-site teams ensure smooth operations.
• Quick Payments: Owners receive earnings within 24 hours of guest check-in through direct transfers.

Adding to its unique edge, KOZEStays.com leverages the services of North America’s largest cleaning company—operating in over 1,000 cities with a network of 150,000 cleaners—to maintain impeccable property standards, documenting each clean before and after with pictures and videos for their clients to see.

A Vision Turned Reality

From its humble beginnings, KOZEStays.com has evolved into a global powerhouse, redefining short-term rental management. Its unwavering commitment to transparency and superior returns continues to set industry benchmarks, making KOZEStays.com the trusted partner for property owners worldwide.

Experience the KOZE Difference

Discover how KOZEStays.com can maximize your property’s potential. Contact us today for a free revenue projection and experience the KOZE benefits firsthand. Visit www.KOZEStays.com to learn more.

Property owners in regions not currently listed are encouraged to contact us here: KOZEStays.com/ContactUs to explore how KOZEStays.com can bring our industry-leading services to their area, with exclusive preferred rates available for early adopters.

Contacts

Media:
Kimberly Eid – Director of Marketing / PR

Kimberly.Eid@kozechalets.ca