10-agent boutique brings agent-focused model and luxury focus to Real

MIAMI–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Real Brokerage Inc. (NASDAQ: REAX), a real estate technology platform focused on innovation and agent culture, today announced that NŌVEM Real Estate, a New York City-based boutique team led by Ethan Leifer, has joined the company. The addition expands Real’s presence across key New York markets, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island and Westchester County.

Founded approximately two and a half years ago as 74 West, the newly launched NŌVEM Real Estate is a 10-agent team that operates with a boutique approach, serving a range of clients from everyday homebuyers to luxury clientele.

Prior to launching his own brokerage, Leifer led a successful team at Compass. He established his own brokerage with a vision of delivering high-level service and support to agents at all stages of their careers, creating an environment where agents can build and scale their personal brands while receiving the resources typically reserved for top-producing teams.

“I set out to create a more supportive, agent-focused environment where everyone has access to the tools and guidance needed to grow,” said Leifer. “As we look to scale, having the right economic model allows us to reinvest in our agents and our business in a meaningful way. I was truly blown away by the technology and the culture. It’s the complete package, and those elements are what really set it apart.”

Leifer brings significant industry experience to Real, having closed more than $1 billion in real estate transactions over the course of his 13-year career.

“NŌVEM represents the kind of entrepreneurial, agent-first team that thrives on our platform,” said Jason Cassity, Real’s Chief Growth Officer. “Ethan’s focus on supporting agents and building a scalable, sustainable business aligns closely with Real’s mission, and we’re excited to welcome him and his team.”

About Real

Real (NASDAQ: REAX) is a real estate experience company working to make life’s most complex transaction simpler. 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 across the U.S. and Canada, Real supports over 34,000 agents who use its digital brokerage platform and tight-knit professional community to power their own forward-thinking businesses.

Forward-Looking Statements

Some of the statements in this press release are “forward-looking statements,” as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the Company’s growth. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including the risk of slowdowns in real estate markets, economic and industry downturns and Real’s ability to attract new agents and retain current agents. Accordingly, these forward-looking statements should be evaluated with consideration given to the many risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. They include the risks discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Information Form dated March 4, 2026, a copy of which is available under the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. It is not possible for management to predict all the possible risks that could affect Real or to assess the impact of all possible risks on Real’s business.

Contacts

Investor inquiries, please contact:

Loren Irwin

Director, Investor Relations and Financial Reporting

investors@therealbrokerage.com
908.280.2515

For media inquiries, please contact:

press@therealbrokerage.com
201.564.4221

CDE unifies project data, workflows, BIM models, and asset information in one trusted environment—creating the foundation for AI agents to amplify the reach of construction teams

• Procore is the solution to fragmented data, helping ensure information integrity from approved design to handover
• Connects the full project lifecycle in one trusted environment with a single source of truth across BIM, Documents, Quality, and Assets
• Transforms BIM into a live execution workspace via BIM Model Manager, streaming models of any size directly to mobile devices to connect real-time project data with 3D coordination
• Leverages Procore AI with embedded Datagrid capabilities to turn project data into an actionable foundation, powering agentic AI coworkers that can help automate construction workflows and execute work directly within the platform

LONDON & CARPINTERIA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Procore Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: PCOR), the leading global provider of construction management software, today announced the launch of its connected Common Data Environment (CDE)—a purpose-built CDE from the ground up on a single platform to unify and verify project data from approved design to handover, capturing evidence in the flow of work to help keep the digital record aligned with site reality. This trusted data foundation allows agentic AI to act across the full construction lifecycle.

In an industry where fragmented information continues to slow decision-making and contribute to costly delays, connected data is increasingly defining top-performing organizations. New research from Dodge Construction Network* found firms with optimized data practices achieve up to 23% higher productivity, manage 27.8% greater construction volume using the same resources, and reduce project delays by more than six days. Those firms also report up to 40% stronger overall performance, highlighting why a trusted data foundation is becoming essential for AI adoption, operational efficiency, and ultimately, better project execution.

Procore’s connected CDE directly addresses this challenge—transforming document storage into an active governance environment that connects the approved design to site execution across the full project lifecycle—all powered by AI. For European teams operating under ISO 19650 and the Building Safety Act, this connected record helps provide the defensible audit trail required to meet compliance obligations at every stage.

“While construction has made significant progress in digitizing workflows, many organizations still operate across disconnected systems and siloed project data,” said Lee Miles, General Manager, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) at Procore. “The challenge is no longer simply moving from paper to digital, but ensuring information flows consistently across teams, processes and the full project lifecycle. As regulatory expectations rise, projects become more complex, and firms adopt AI, connected data is becoming a competitive advantage. Organizations are moving beyond simple document storage and toward trusted and connected information environments that help improve performance today and enable agentic AI to operate with confidence.”

Creating the Trusted Environment Required for Agentic AI

Procore’s CDE creates the foundation for AI to move beyond surfacing information and toward executing work.

The expanded Procore AI experience embeds Datagrid directly into Procore, introducing agentic AI coworkers designed to automate construction workflows and take action within the platform. Built to help eliminate administrative friction rather than replace professional judgment, this approach accelerates execution while project teams retain control, accountability, and final decision-making authority. These AI capabilities can reason across project context, understand relationships between workflows and data, and support execution in complex construction environments.

“We’re on track to reduce construction administration work with respect to RFI creation, response, and submittal review by 50%,” said Alain Waha, Chief Technology Officer of Buro Happold. “By embedding AI directly into project workflows, teams can spend less time navigating information and more time advancing the work.”

By connecting AI to structured project datasets—including BIM models, drawings, specifications, RFIs, submittals, and field activity—Procore AI gains a deeper understanding of both spatial and operational context. This enables teams to turn fragmented project information into immediate, actionable insights.

The Procore AI experience with Datagrid intelligence embedded directly into the platform can surface answers already contained within project records before new RFIs are created, identify discrepancies between approved designs and field execution, and accelerate issue resolution by connecting related workflows, documents, and historical project context. Tasks that previously required hours of manual searching and coordination can be completed in minutes, with transparent source attribution.

Unlike horizontal AI tools, Procore AI is purpose-built for construction and grounded in verified project data. When teams encounter coordination challenges, project risks, or emerging safety concerns, Procore AI does more than retrieve information—it helps identify root causes earlier, recommend next actions, and reduce the downstream impacts that drive delays, rework, and cost overruns.

Procore will be showcasing its new CDE and Procore AI offering at Digital Construction Week (stand D200) in London, June 3-4.

Market Availability

Developed specifically for European market requirements, Procore’s CDE will initially launch in the UK and Ireland before expanding across EMEA.

Procore has established a localized UK Data Zone, with a dedicated EU Data Zone planned for launch in fall 2026. The platform supports key industry standards, including ISO 19650 and the Building Safety Act–with Cyber Essentials certification targeted for year end.

*Dodge-Procore Research Methodology

The ‘Quantifying The Value Of Construction Management Software’ study was conducted in 2025 to investigate the return on investment that clients and contractors experience from their use of construction management software. An online survey was used to gather the responses of contractors and clients on whether they experienced 62 specific benefits from their use of the software. Nearly half (45%) of the 62 benefits included a follow-up question on quantifiable outcomes or more detailed findings.

The survey was fielded by Dodge Construction Network. Procore also invited its users to participate. The findings include users of 11 different brands of construction management software. 688 responses were received from construction management software users in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

About Procore

Procore Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: PCOR) is a leading technology partner for every stage of construction. Built for the industry, Procore’s unified technology platform drives efficiency and mitigates risk through AI & data-driven insights and decision making. Over three million projects have run on Procore across 150+ countries. For more information, visit https://www.procore.com/.

Contacts

Media Contact

press@procore.com

LADERA RANCH, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Strategic Storage Trust VI, Inc. (“SST VI” or the “Company”), a publicly registered non-listed real estate investment trust sponsored by an affiliate of SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. (“SmartStop”) (NYSE: SMA), in partnership with SmartCentres (TSX: SRU.UN), is pleased to announce the opening of its second self-storage facility in the Greater Montréal Area.

Located at 5500 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest in Montréal, Québec, the facility occupies a highly visible corner site approximately three miles from downtown Montréal, with convenient access to Autoroute 15 and Route 136. Positioned along a major urban corridor with approximately 100,000 vehicles passing daily, the property serves a dense and growing trade area characterized by strong urban demographics, a high concentration of rental households, and long-term demand drivers within a three-mile radius.

The Class A, five-story facility offers approximately 124,000 net rentable square feet and approximately 1,450 climate-controlled storage units. Purpose-built to deliver a modern customer experience, the facility features three elevators and premium amenities designed to meet the evolving needs of residential and commercial customers alike.

Strategically located within Montréal’s urban core, the facility is positioned to serve a broad and diverse customer base spanning high-density residential communities, established rental markets, and growing mixed-use neighborhoods across the city. The facility is well-positioned to serve surrounding communities, including Saint-Henri, Little Burgundy, Griffintown, Pointe-Saint-Charles, Ville-Émard, Verdun, West Island, Westmount and Downtown Montréal.

“We are excited to further expand our presence in Montréal with the opening of our second facility in the market,” said H. Michael Schwartz, President and CEO of SST VI. “This facility represents more than simply adding another location. It immediately strengthens our market presence and advances our strategy of building in high-demand urban markets. Montréal continues to demonstrate attractive long-term fundamentals driven by density, strong demographics, and barriers to new supply. As we continue to grow across North America, we remain focused on creating high-quality assets and delivering a secure, convenient and customer-focused storage experience in the communities we serve.”

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

SST VI is a public non-traded REIT that 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 May 28, 2026, SST VI owned 25 operating self-storage properties of which 13 are located in seven states (Arizona, Delaware, Florida, Nevada, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Washington) comprising approximately 9,015 units and 1,079,395 rentable square feet (including parking) and 12 properties located in three Canadian provinces (Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario) comprising approximately 11,185 units and 1,158,015 rentable square feet (including parking) in addition to joint venture interests in five operational properties in two Canadian provinces (Ontario and Québec) and one wholly owned development property in Florida.

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

SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. (“SmartStop”) (NYSE: SMA) is a self-managed REIT with a fully integrated operations team of more than 1,000 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 and, through its Managed Platform, offers third-party management services in the U.S. and Canada. As of May 28, 2026, SmartStop has an owned or managed portfolio of approximately 460 operating properties in 35 states, Washington, D.C., and Canada, comprising over 270,000 units and more than 35 million rentable square feet. SmartStop and its affiliates own or manage 51 operating self-storage properties across four provinces in Canada, which total approximately 45,000 units and 4.5 million rentable square feet. Additional information regarding SmartStop is available at www.smartstopselfstorage.com.

Contacts

Investor Relations Contact:
David Corak

Senior VP of Corporate Finance and Strategy

SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc.

IR@smartstop.com

Media Relations Contact:
Spotlight Marketing Communications

949-427-1391

Julie@spotlightmarcom.com

The recognition underscores consistent trust across Cintas’ business

CINCINNATI–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Cintas Corporation (Nasdaq: CTAS) is proud to have earned a spot on Newsweek’s Most Trustworthy Companies in America 2026 list.

“Trust is foundational to how we operate at Cintas and to the relationships we build with our customers, employee‑partners and shareholders,” said Todd Schneider, President and CEO of Cintas. “Being recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Most Trustworthy Companies is meaningful because it reflects the consistent way our teams show up every day to deliver on our commitments and care for the people and businesses we serve.”

The evaluation took into consideration trust from customers, investors and employee-partners. To compile the list, researchers analyzed surveys from 25,000 U.S. residents who rated companies they were familiar with across three dimensions of trust. Next, researchers conducted a social listening analysis across various media segments to determine companies’ public sentiment.

In the past year, Cintas has received two trust‑focused recognitions from Newsweek, reflecting sustained confidence from customers, employee‑partners and investors. Recent wins include:

• Most Trustworthy Companies in America 2025
• World’s Most Trustworthy Companies 2025

About Cintas Corporation

Cintas Corporation helps more than one million businesses of all types and sizes get Ready™ to open their doors with confidence every day by providing products and services that help keep their customers’ facilities and employees clean, safe, and looking their best. With offerings including uniforms, mats, mops, towels, restroom supplies, workplace water services, first aid and safety products, eye-wash stations, safety training, fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems and alarm service, Cintas helps customers get Ready for the Workday®. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Cintas is a publicly held Fortune 500 company traded over the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol CTAS and is a component of both the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index and Nasdaq-100 Index.

Contacts

Cintas Media Contact:
Michelle Goret, Cintas Vice President of Corporate Affairs | media@cintas.com, 513-972-4155

  The Ownright Operators Report Finds That Economic Uncertainty, Not Interest Rates or Affordability, Is the Defining Force Behind Buyer and Seller Hesitation in Canada’s Housing Market

TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–A new report from Ownright, Ontario’s trusted company for closing real estate transactions, finds that Canada’s housing market is defined by hesitation as buyers and sellers delay decisions amid economic uncertainty.

The Ownright Operators Report, based on responses from more than 1,000 real estate professionals across Canada, examines how economic uncertainty is impacting deal activity and how the real estate industry is adapting to consumer sentiment.

The findings show a clear shift away from the fast-moving, pandemic-era market:

• 67% of professionals say clients are more risk-averse than they were pre-2022
• 40% cite broader economic uncertainty — such as recession fears — as the primary driver of hesitation, compared to employment or income stability (17%) and interest rates (15%)
• Nearly one in four professionals (23%) say U.S. political or economic instability frequently impacts transactions, while 69% say it plays a role at least occasionally

“During the pandemic, people felt pressure to move quickly because they were worried prices would keep rising or rates would change overnight. That urgency is gone,” says Joel Fox, co-founder and COO of Ownright. “Even as prices decrease in some markets, buyers are taking more time, asking more questions, and trying to understand where the economy is headed before making a major financial decision. Uncertainty itself has become a market force.”

How are real estate professionals advising clients in today’s market?

In an uncertain market, the safest advice is also the most telling: stability over upside.

41% recommend fixed-rate mortgages, compared to 30% who would recommend variable rates, indicating a preference for stability in an uncertain environment.

Looking ahead, sentiment on the market remains mixed. 43% of professionals say they are confident the market will rebound in the next 12 months, while 25% are pessimistic and 28% remain neutral, highlighting the industry’s fragmented perception.

The divide in outlook reflects just how much the real estate landscape has changed: in a market where confidence used to be a given, nearly half the industry is hedging its bets. Until there’s a clearer signal on the economy, these fractures are likely to persist.

What’s causing failed transactions in 2026?

Closing deals is becoming more complex for real estate professionals, with 34% saying financing failure is the leading cause of collapsed transactions.

Both behavioural and financial factors are slowing down timelines: client indecision is the top cause of transaction delays (38%), followed by financing and mortgage approvals (28%). More broadly, 38% say more deals are collapsing due to financing issues compared to two years ago.

The combination of indecision and financing challenges is a compounding problem. When buyers wait longer to commit, conditions change and financing windows close, turning hesitation into a deal risk of its own.

The hidden pressures facing Canadian real estate professionals

Beyond market conditions, real estate professionals point to increasing operational strain in their work.

More than half (56%) of professionals say compliance or administrative demands reduce the time they can spend with clients. However, these pressures are impacting day-to-day operations more than earnings, with only 10% reporting lost income as a result.

The findings do point to concerns about long-term sustainability in the industry: 30% say they have considered leaving the industry due to regulatory or administrative burdens.

Losing nearly a third of the industry to burnout shows a structural problem. As transactions become more complex and client demands increase, the administrative load that hasn’t kept pace with modern tools impacts capacity.

How AI is impacting real estate

In response to these pressures, professionals are increasingly turning to new tools.

Six in 10 (60%) say they are using or testing AI-enabled tools, reflecting strong interest in the technology across the industry. However, 28% believe the real estate transaction system is outdated, suggesting that while there’s an openness to tech adoption, it has not yet translated into widespread structural change.

Adoption is outpacing transformation. Professionals are reaching for new tools, but the underlying infrastructure of how deals get done has been slow to follow. The technology is there — the question is whether the industry is ready to build around it.

About Ownright

Ownright is Ontario’s trusted law service for real estate transactions, designed to simplify home transactions through seamless automation, expert legal guidance, and a client-first approach. With thousands of transactions completed and over $1 billion in total transaction value, Ownright is the trusted legal partner for homebuyers, sellers, and real estate professionals across Ontario.

About the Ownright Operators Report

The Ownright Operators Report is a bi-annual poll of real estate professionals across Canada, designed to capture how transactions are unfolding on the ground—from buyer behaviour and financing challenges to administrative complexity and technology adoption.

Methodology

This survey was conducted by Ownright, Ontario’s trusted law service for real estate transactions, between March 27, 2026 and April 29, 2026. The results are based on responses from 1,015 real estate professionals across Canada (excluding Quebec), including sales representatives, brokerage managers/administrators, and brokerage owners.

Contacts

MEDIA CONTACT
Jessica Galang

Senior Account Executive

jessica@categorycomms.com