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

STACKT, a proudly Canadian company redefining the boundaries of innovation, stands as this year’s sole Canadian honouree in Fast Company’s Economic Development Category.

TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–STACKT is proud to have been named to Fast Company’s prestigious list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2025. This year’s list shines a spotlight on businesses that are shaping industry and culture through their innovations to set new standards and achieve remarkable milestones in all sectors of the economy. Alongside the World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies, Fast Company recognizes 609 organizations across 58 sectors and regions.

STACKT has secured an impressive #4 ranking in Fast Company’s Economic Development category, the only Canadian company to land on this year’s list, a recognition of its groundbreaking role in creative placemaking. This transformative moment marks a pivotal milestone as STACKT starts the expansion beyond its Toronto flagship, launching STACKTˣ across Canada, a small business accelerator platform that’s reshaping the future of commerce and empowering Canadian small businesses.

STACKTˣ empowers entrepreneurs by tackling key challenges like access to retail space and professional networks. Through monthly storefront grants, exclusive networking events, partner perks, and educational resources, the platform equips businesses with the tools they need to thrive. With over 11,000 entrepreneurs on the horizon, STACKTˣ is fueling innovation that strengthens the Canadian economy. Since its inception, the platform has awarded 30 small business grants, helping diverse businesses take their first step into physical retail and amplifying its impact across Canada.

“We’re thrilled to be recognized on Fast Company’s list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2025 as a testament to our pursuit of innovating urban spaces and amplifying local voices,” said Matt Rubinoff, founder and president of STACKT. “This recognition comes after exciting growth for STACKT, highlighted by the launch of our Canadian expansion with STACKTˣ and the addition of new events, businesses, and partnerships at our Toronto flagship. STACKT isn’t just about making use of empty city spaces, it’s creating spaces that amplify commerce and the community for the greater good.”

Beyond the launch of STACKTˣ, STACKT market continues to strengthen its ecosystem with purpose, hosting over 300 events in 2024 and welcoming over 1,000 businesses to its flagship location in the heart of downtown Toronto. The company also secured a 10-year lease with the City of Toronto last year, solidifying its role in supporting Canadian businesses and celebrating diverse cultures. Through these initiatives, STACKT demonstrates its ongoing dedication to community engagement, inclusivity, and local business development.

The World’s Most Innovative Companies stands as one of Fast Company’s most anticipated editorial efforts of the year. To determine honourees, Fast Company’s editors and writers review companies driving progress around the world and across industries, evaluating thousands of submissions through a competitive application process. The result is a globe-spanning guide to innovation today, from early-stage startups to some of the most valuable companies in the world.

The full list of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies honourees can now be found at fastcompany.com. It will also be available on newsstands beginning March 25.

ABOUT STACKT

STACKT creates innovative ecosystems that drive a new way of thinking. From large-scale public spaces to satellite pop-ups, STACKT designs concepts that provide inspiration, opportunity and connection. The community is made up of innovators, entrepreneurs, creators, collaborators, and consumers alike. STACKT’s award-winning Toronto flagship, STACKT market, animates over 100,000 square feet with art, retail, events and public space. The dynamic space shifts alongside the brands and experiences within it. More than a market, STACKT is a SPACE FOR US. For more information, visit www.stacktmarket.com.

ABOUT FAST COMPANY

Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow business publication Inc. For more information, please visit fastcompany.com.

Contacts

Media Contact (Canada):

Samantha Berdini

Senior Account Manager, Category Communications

samantha@categorycomms.com
647-238-5256

 Nominations open for 2025 North American Female Roofing Professional of the Year

HERNDON, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–$becn #Ambition2025—Beacon (Nasdaq: BECN), the leading publicly-traded specialty wholesale distributor of roofing, waterproofing and related exterior products, announced today the launch of its fifth annual North American Female Roofing Professional of the Year campaign. This campaign celebrates women across the U.S. and Canada who are raising the bar in the roofing industry—whether on the job site, in the office, or out in the community.

Beacon invites the public to nominate outstanding female roofing professionals who demonstrate excellence, a commitment to putting people first, making safety a priority, doing the right thing, and building for her customers, her coworkers, and her community. Whether they work in operations, accounting, sales, ownership, estimating, or other key roles, every woman making an impact in the industry deserves recognition. Nominations can be submitted through April 18^th by visiting the campaign website. In May, five finalists will be announced, and the public will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite finalist. The winner and runners-up will be announced in June, with all five honorees receiving funding for professional growth, such as attending the International Roofing Expo.

“Women in roofing are making their mark on the roofing industry in incredible ways as trailblazers, problem-solvers, and leaders, and we’re proud to celebrate their contributions,” said Elizabeth Fenbert, Beacon’s Vice President of Sales. “This program goes beyond individual recognition to elevate the women in our industry who are driving innovation and inspiring future generations.”

Last year’s winner, Brooke Laizure, Owner of Whirlwind Roofing & Construction (Whirlwind) in Bixby, Oklahoma, was recognized as the 2024 North American Female Roofing Professional of the Year for her exceptional work ethic and commitment to empowering other women.

“It has been an incredible honor to be recognized among so many hardworking and talented women in the roofing industry,” said Laizure. “Roofing has allowed me to support my community and work alongside incredible women who are making a difference every day. I’m grateful to Beacon for recognizing the impact of women in our industry and supporting their continued growth and success.”

Through April 18^th, 2025, the public can nominate a female roofing professional by visiting the campaign website or emailing FemaleRoofingContest@becn.com. Nominations should include the nominee’s name, role, accomplishments, and a brief biography, along with a photo.

To learn more about the campaign and read the official rules, visit go.becn.com/femaleroofpro/rules.

About Beacon

Founded in 1928, Beacon is a publicly-traded Fortune 500 company that distributes specialty building products, including roofing materials and complementary products, such as waterproofing. The company operates over 580 branches throughout all 50 states in the U.S. and 7 provinces in Canada. Beacon serves an extensive base of approximately 110,000 customers, utilizing its vast branch network and service capabilities to provide high-quality products and support throughout the entire project lifecycle. Beacon offers its own private label brand, TRI-BUILT^®, and has a proprietary digital account management suite, Beacon PRO+^®, which allows customers to manage their businesses online. Beacon’s stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol BECN. To learn more about Beacon, please visit www.beacon-canada.com.

Contacts

INVESTOR CONTACT
Binit Sanghvi

VP, Capital Markets and Treasurer

Binit.Sanghvi@becn.com
972-369-8005

MEDIA CONTACT
Jennifer Lewis

VP, Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility

Jennifer.Lewis@becn.com
571-752-1048

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 the Board of Trustees has declared a distribution for the month of March 2025 of U.S.$0.072 per class U unit of the REIT (“Class U Units”), or U.S.$0.864 on an annualized basis.

Holders of Class U Units may elect to receive their distribution in Canadian dollars and should contact their broker to make such an election.

Holders of class A units of the REIT (“Class A Units”) will receive a distribution equal to the Canadian dollar equivalent (based on the U.S./Canadian dollar exchange rate at the time of payment of the distribution) of U.S.$0.072 per Class A Unit, unless the unitholder has elected to receive distributions in U.S. dollars. Holders of class I units of the REIT (“Class I Units”) will receive a distribution of U.S.$0.072 per Class I Unit, unless the unitholder has elected to receive distributions in Canadian dollars. Holders of units of subsidiaries of the REIT that are exchangeable into Class U Units (“Exchangeable Units”) will receive a distribution of U.S.$0.072 per unit.

If a holder of Class U Units or Class I Units elects to receive distributions in Canadian dollars, the holder will receive the Canadian dollar equivalent amount of the distribution being paid on the Class U Units or Class I Units, as applicable, based on the U.S./Canadian dollar exchange rate at the time of payment of the distribution.

Distributions on all unit classes of the REIT, and distributions on Exchangeable Units, will be payable on April 15, 2025, to unitholders of record as of the close of business on March 31, 2025.

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-Dist

Contacts

For Further Information
Investor Relations

+1 416 644 4264

ir@slateam.com