GivEnergy Joins Trusted Energy Interoperability Alliance (TEIA) to Address Growing Demand for Secure Energy Interoperability

NEWCASTLE, England & BERKELEY, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–GivEnergy, a leading provider of battery storage solutions, today announced a strategic partnership with Intertrust to deploy secure, interoperable battery systems globally. As part of the partnership, the company joined the Trusted Energy Interoperability Alliance (TEIA) to advance this open-standards initiative.

“As distributed energy resources become increasingly essential for our energy future, the need for secure connectivity and interoperability has never been more urgent,” said Jason Osler, CEO of GivEnergy. “By joining TEIA and partnering with Intertrust, we’re committing to an open, secure ecosystem that will benefit not just our customers, but the entire industry.”

The partnership delivers three key innovations to the distributed energy market:

• Enhanced grid services. The partnership enables virtual power plants (VPPs), flexibility energy providers and distributed energy management systems (DERMs) to seamlessly integrate secure battery systems, significantly improving operational efficiency, security and grid management capabilities.
• Intertrust Connect integration. GivEnergy and Intertrust will provide TEIA-compliant secure, interoperable batteries to customers, enabling secure communication with other TEIA-compliant energy assets regardless of manufacturer using the Intertrust Connect secure TEIA system.
• Advancing Interoperability via the TEIA standard. GivEnergy’s participation in TEIA adds valuable expertise to the advancement of the TEIA specifications, adding real world technical expertise from 13 years of deployments around the world.

“We’re delighted to partner with GivEnergy to field TEIA-compatible solutions through Intertrust Connect,” said Talal G. Shamoon, Intertrust CEO. “Our collaboration delivers secure interoperability for distributed energy resources while adhering to the industry standards that TEIA represents.”

Founded in early 2024 by E.ON, GS Energy, JERA, Origin Energy and Intertrust, TEIA provides a common secure trust model for digital energy services. TEIA specifications allow digital energy systems to securely access and control Internet connected devices from different OEMs using a common security model, solving the problem of managing multiple proprietary OEM security systems. TEIA complements standards like Mercury, providing a security layer that allows interoperability.

“Security is critical to power companies and OEMs fielding AI/IoT driven digital energy systems such as VPPs,” said Cameron Briggs, TEIA’s chairman. “We welcome them to the initiative and look forward to collaborating closely with them as we advance the standard.”

About GivEnergy

GivEnergy, the UK’s leading energy storage brand, designs and distributes innovative battery systems for residential and commercial use. Our ecosystem integrates inverters, EV chargers, and energy management software, enabling customers to store renewable energy, cut bills by 85%, and reduce emissions. Recognized with awards like the EUPD Top Brand PV Awards and National Sustainability Awards, GivEnergy combines advanced engineering and sustainability. We prioritize data security with UK-based GDPR compliance. Through GivEducation, our non-profit, we inspire STEM leaders, empowering communities to adopt greener lifestyles. We focus on creating a sustainable, fossil-free future, one home at a time.

​​About Intertrust

Intertrust, a pioneer and innovator in the field of trusted distributed computing, creates solutions to persistently protect IoT services and data assets—in transit, in use, and at rest. Headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, Intertrust develops and licenses its technologies for IoT, AI, and Web3. Its digital rights management (DRM) technology continues to revolutionize the media and entertainment industry and paves the way for today’s video and music streaming services and Web3 marketplaces. For more information, visit us at intertrust.com, or follow us on X or LinkedIn.

About TEIA

TEIA, the Trusted Energy Interoperability Alliance, is a global organization that develops open standards to ensure digital security and interoperability in the energy industry. Founded by E.ON SE, GS Energy, Intertrust, JERA and Origin, TEIA’s trust model enables a more decarbonized energy future through the broad adoption of trusted digital energy applications. TEIA is open to participation from all companies and organizations active in the digital energy ecosystem. Find further information at https://www.trusted-energy.org/.

Contacts

Intertrust

Doug Uptmor

duptmor@intertrust.com

ATLANTA–(BUSINESS WIRE)–FirstKey Homes, an industry-leading provider of single-family rental homes nationwide, today announced that it was named one of USA Today’s top workplaces in the United States for 2025.

“FirstKey Homes is dedicated to being a great place to work and is proud to be recognized by USA Today for the fourth year in a row. Our culture, which values teamwork, inclusion, accountability, excellence, integrity and kindness, is a cornerstone of everything we do,” said Mark W. Smith, President of FirstKey Homes. “FirstKey Homes is dedicated to fulfilling its mission to provide communities around the country with well-kept and maintained single family rental homes. We take the responsibility to serve our residents and the communities where we are active very seriously, and it would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of our entire team.”

USA Today’s Top Workplaces award recognizes organizations that have built people-first cultures. The award highlights each winner as an employer of choice for those seeking opportunities in the industry and is based on employee feedback results captured by the Energage Workplace Survey, which rates companies based on employee feedback gathered over the previous 12 months.

FirstKey Homes was also honored at the 2024 Information Management Network (IMN) Single-Family Rental Awards, including being named Property Management Company of the Year for the second year in a row, and received awards for Woman Operator of the Year, Minority Operator of the Year, Diversity, and Rising Star.

About FirstKey Homes

FirstKey Homes, LLC, is a privately owned single-family rental home property management company with corporate headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. With a mission to give our family of residents a place to call home, FirstKey Homes manages nearly 52,000 safe, affordable, and well-maintained homes in 29 markets across the West, Midwest, and Southeast.

Contacts

Media Contact
Terry Fahn

Sitrick And Company

(310) 788-2850

terry_fahn@sitrick.com

This press release contains forward-looking information that is based upon assumptions and is subject to risks and uncertainties as indicated in the cautionary note contained within this press release.

TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–DREAM IMPACT TRUST (TSX: MPCT.UN) (“Dream Impact”, “we”, “our” or the “Trust”) today provides an update on certain financing activities.

We are pleased to announce the Trust has secured financing for the redevelopment of 49 Ontario St. The redevelopment site is located in downtown Toronto in close proximity to a future Ontario Line transit stop and will deliver over 1,200 much needed rental units upon completion. With the City of Toronto’s waiver of development charges for 49 Ontario St. announced in December 2024, and securing the construction loan, we are another step further to starting this important project for the Trust.

In addition to 49 Ontario St., the Trust continues to make steady progress on the pre-development of initial blocks at Quayside and has obtained a conditional approval for financing for approximately 1,200 rental units (at 100% project level). Both 49 Ontario St. and Quayside are projects named as part of a broader partnership between the City of Toronto and the federal government to deliver affordable and purpose-built rental housing in Toronto.

Further project updates will be provided as part of the Trust’s quarterly results expected to be released on May 5, 2025.

About Dream Impact

Dream Impact is an open-ended trust dedicated to impact investing. Dream Impact’s underlying portfolio is comprised of exceptional real estate assets reported under two operating segments: development and recurring income, that would not be otherwise available in a public and fully transparent vehicle, managed by an experienced team with a successful track record in these areas. The objectives of Dream Impact are to create positive and lasting impacts for our stakeholders through our three impact verticals: environmental sustainability and resilience, attainable and affordable housing, and inclusive communities, while generating attractive returns for investors. For more information, please visit: www.dreamimpacttrust.ca.

Forward-Looking Information

This press release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “outlook”, “objective”, “may”, “will”, “would”, “could”, “expect”, “intend”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “timeline”, “potential”, “strategy”, “targets”, “believe”, “should”, “plans”, or “continue”, or similar expressions suggesting future outcomes or events. Some of the specific forward-looking information in this press release may include, among other things, statements relating to the Trust’s objectives and strategies to achieve those objectives; the Trust’s expectations regarding the redevelopment of 49 Ontario St., including that the site will be in close proximity to an Ontario line transit stop, the number of units delivered and timing of the project; the Trust’s progress on the pre-development of initial blocks at Quayside; and the Trust’s ability to consummate financing at Quayside, including with respect to the number of units. 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 the Trust’s control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking information. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: adverse changes in general economic, market and political conditions; liquidity risk; financing and risk relating to access to capital; interest rate risk; risks associated with unexpected or ongoing geopolitical events, including disputes between nations, terrorism or other acts of violence, and international sanctions; inflation; risks related to the imposition of duties, tariffs and other trade restrictions and their impacts; the disruption of free movement of goods and services across jurisdictions; risks inherent in the real estate industry; risks relating to investment in development projects; impact investing strategy risk; risks relating to geographic concentration; risks inherent in investments in real estate, mortgages and other loans and development and investment holdings; credit risk and counterparty risk; competition risks; environmental and climate change risks; risks relating to access to capital; the risk of changes in governmental laws and regulations; tax risks; foreign exchange risk; acquisitions risk; and leasing risks. Our objectives and forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions with respect to each of our markets, including that the general economy remains stable; the gradual recovery and growth of the general economy continues over 2025; that no unforeseen changes in the legislative and operating framework for our business will occur; that there will be no material change to environmental regulations that may adversely impact our business; that we will meet our future objectives, priorities and growth targets; that we receive the licenses, permits or approvals necessary in connection with our projects; that we will have access to adequate capital to fund our future projects, plans and any potential acquisitions; that we are able to identify high-quality investment opportunities and find suitable partners with which to enter into joint ventures or partnerships; that we do not incur any material environmental liabilities; there will not be a material change in foreign exchange rates; that the impact of the current economic climate and global financial conditions on our operations will remain consistent with our current expectations; that no duties, tariffs or other trade restrictions will negatively impact the Trust; and competition for and availability of acquisitions remains consistent with the current climate.

All forward-looking information in this press release speaks as of March 20, 2025, unless otherwise noted. The Trust does not undertake to update any such forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Additional information about these assumptions and risks and uncertainties is disclosed in the Trust’s filings with securities regulators filed on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval+ (www.sedarplus.com), including its latest annual information form and MD&A. These filings are also available at the Trust’s website at www.dreamimpacttrust.ca.

Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Meaghan Peloso
Chief Financial Officer

416 365-6322

mpeloso@dream.ca

Kimberly Lefever
Director, Investor Relations

416 365-6339

klefever@dream.ca

Transaction Growth and Agent Optimism Indexes Ease but Remain Near Recent Highs

TORONTO & NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Real Brokerage Inc. (NASDAQ: REAX, “Real”), a technology platform reshaping real estate for agents, home buyers and sellers, today released results from its February 2025 Agent Survey. The findings indicate that housing inventory is rising in many markets, leading to longer listing times and increased price reductions as sellers adjust expectations. Meanwhile, Real’s Agent Optimism and Transaction Growth indexes moderated in February, though remain elevated relative to last year.

“Higher inventory levels are giving buyers more options and greater negotiating power, but affordability still remains the biggest hurdle in today’s market,” said Tamir Poleg, Chairman and CEO of Real. “While our Transaction Growth Index softened slightly from last month, the overall market continues to show signs of stabilization.”

“As more homes come on to the market agents are advising sellers to set realistic price expectations and, in some cases, invest in upgrades to attract buyers,” said Sharran Srivatsaa, President of Real. “Sellers who overprice their homes are seeing longer days on market, while those who price more competitively or enhance their listings with staging and cosmetic improvements are securing more offers and faster sales.”

Key Survey Findings: Market Trends and Insights

• Transaction Growth Index Slips Back into Contraction: Real’s Transaction Growth Index, which measures year-over-year changes in home sales activity as reported by agents, edged down to 49.1 in February, from 51.3 in January. A reading below 50 signals contraction, marking a return to declining transaction volumes after January’s expansionary reading.
  • U.S. transaction activity softened according to agents, with the sub-index slipping to 49.4 in February from 50.2 in January.
  • Canada saw a more pronounced decline, with the sub-index falling to 46.2 from 60.5 in January, its first contractionary reading since August 2024.
• Agent Optimism Index Eases but Remains Near Recent Highs: Real’s Agent Optimism Index, which tracks agent sentiment on local market conditions over the next 12 months, registered 70.4 in February, down from 74.0 in January, though still near historic highs. Forty-eight percent (48%) of agents reported feeling more optimistic about their local market compared to the previous month, with 22% feeling significantly more optimistic. Only 9% of agents felt more pessimistic, while 22% remained neutral.
• Market Conditions Remain Balanced, But Buyer Power is Growing: In February, 33% of agents described their market as balanced, down from 36% in January. Thirty-four percent (34%) still reported a seller’s market, unchanged from the prior month, while 33% identified a buyer’s market, up from 30% in January. This points to a gradual shift toward more buyer-friendly conditions.
• Affordability Remains the Top Challenge for Buyers, But Economic Uncertainty is Rising: While 53% of agents cited affordability as the biggest hurdle for homebuyers—down from 61% in January—another 15% noted concerns over economic uncertainty as the biggest challenge facing homebuyers, up from 10% the prior month. Inventory constraints were noted by 24% of agents, a slight uptick from 23% in January, while buyer competition remained limited, with just 4% of agents citing it as a key issue.

Key Survey Findings: Housing Inventory Trends

• Housing Inventory Rises in Most Markets: A majority of agents (52%) reported higher housing inventory than a year ago, with 15% citing a significant increase in their markets and 37% noting a slight rise. Meanwhile, 28% said inventory levels have remained steady, while 20% observed a decline in available listings.
• Agents Advise More Competitive Pricing as Inventory Increases: Among agents in markets with rising inventory, 49% are advising sellers to set lower initial listing prices to reduce time on market. Twenty-two percent (22%) recommend home upgrades or professional staging to improve marketability, while 12% suggest more frequent price reductions if homes aren’t selling. Another 12% are maintaining previous pricing strategies, and 2% are recommending higher list prices to allow for more negotiation.
• Buyers Leverage Higher Inventory to Negotiate More Aggressively: Forty-five percent (45%) of agents said they are encouraging buyers to negotiate harder on price due to increased inventory, while 24% report no major change in buyer strategy. Additionally, 13% suggest buyers take more time evaluating multiple options, and another 13% recommend buyers include more contingencies when submitting offers.
• Homes Are Taking Longer to Sell: Approximately two-thirds (65%) of agents said homes are sitting on the market longer than this time last year, with 50% reporting a slight increase in time on market and 15% noting a more significant rise. Twenty-two percent (22%) indicated that listing times are unchanged, while only 13% of agents reported a decrease in time on market.
• Lofty Seller Expectations Are Primary Cause of Longer Time on Market: Among agents seeing longer selling times, 41% cited unrealistic seller pricing expectations as the main cause, while 39% pointed to affordability constraints limiting buyer demand. Ten percent (10%) attributed longer market times to increased competition from other listings, 5% to outdated property features, and 1% to other property-specific challenges.

A summary presentation of these results can be found on Real’s investor relations website at the link here.

About the Survey

The Real Brokerage February 2025 Agent Survey included responses from over 500 real estate agents across the United States and Canada and was conducted between February 28, 2025 and March 11, 2025. Responses to questions regarding transaction growth and agent optimism were calibrated on a 0-100 point index scale, with readings above 50 indicating an improving trend, whereas readings below 50 indicate a declining trend. Responses are meant to capture industry-level information and are not meant to serve as an indication of Real’s company-specific growth trends. Additionally, given the smaller sample size, there can be greater variability in Canada index results on a month-to-month basis.

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 in all 50 states throughout the U.S. and Canada, Real supports over 26,000 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 the residential real estate market in the U.S. and Canada.

Forward-looking information is based on assumptions that may prove to be incorrect, including but not limited to expectations regarding 2025 market conditions. 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 and economic and industry downturns, and those risk factors discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Information Form dated March 6, 2025, 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

press@therealbrokerage.com
201.564.4221