There’s big change in Edmonton’s real estate sector, as David St. Jean Real Estate Group of Re/Max strategically moves its 18-agent team to eXp Realty, the world’s largest independent brokerage with almost 90,000 agents.

Over the past year, the David St. Jean team generated over $67 million in sales volume and is currently the only Edmonton Mega ICON team at eXp (defined by the brokerage as, among other things, one that “documents a minimum of $40 million and 175 closed transactions in the prior 12 months”).

Why eXp?

The team’s leader, David St. Jean, sees Edmonton’s current market as “low on inventory and high on demand for a leg up in the bidding process”. In a release, he says, “This calibrates seamlessly with eXp’s superior technology to ensure that clients are consistently at the front of the line to quickly bid on a property.”

Aside from the technology aspect, eXp’s speed and efficiency for Alberta home buyers and sellers align with the team’s priorities for a quick, streamlined real estate experience in a market done with bidding wars.

Reputation of high-producing, elite teams

St. Jean was also attracted to eXp for its other high-producing Canadian teams and the fact the brokerage promises higher compensation for agent production along with huge growth.

Some of the brokerage’s most notable industry names include Justin Havre of The Justin Havre Real Estate Team, Katrina Amurao and Neil Bellosillo of Katrina and the Team, and Ibrahim Hussein with Affinity Real Estate Group. These folks have helped to cement eXp’s reputation as “the go-to platform for elite real estate professionals in Canada”.

St. Jean feels, “They are among the largest producers in the country and to collaborate with them to empower agents is what sealed the deal for us. Learning about eXp and how it supports teams and growth has opened our eyes to the future of collaborating with other elite Canadian teams.”

Large cost savings thanks to lower fees along with eXp’s revenue share and agent equity programs were a huge plus for St. Jean.

“We also want to give our agents the opportunity to participate in the success of their efforts. eXp offers best-in-market technology, a greater pool of desired listings, entrepreneurial fuel and unprecedented opportunities for our agents to grow their income.

Our move to eXp isn’t just a business decision; it’s evolutionary to attract and embolden top-drawer talent and foster exponential team growth in Alberta.”

A lucrative, hybrid model

St. Jean is pleased to offer his team financial advantages that large, traditional brokerages simply can’t. 

“As eXp Realty continues to strengthen its foothold in Canada, more top echelon agents will begin to look at the benefits and advantages of a hybrid model to help them grow their business. The team positions itself to mentor and invest in high-functioning agents who may be struggling with the pervasive financial strains and stresses in the current real estate business landscape.”

What’s next

When asked what his immediate goals are after the transition, St. Jean indicates, “Our first order of business is to expand our office by nearly 10,000 square feet. It will include a larger training facility, and we will also offer Edmonton’s only eXp ‘hub’, where all agents can collaborate. This is a brokerage of collaboration.”

The industry leader says he’s most excited about the greater earnings and growth potential for his agents: “2024 is going to be a banner year and we cannot wait to celebrate their successes.”