Year End Reflection | 2025

Hello real estate world! It is hard to believe that we have reached the end of 2025. What a year it has been. A year filled with change, emotion, and more than a few unexpected turns. Yet through it all, I continue to be inspired by the strength and resilience of the people who make up this industry.

Across Canada, we have seen significant shifts that have shaken trust in our industry. Ongoing challenges at RECO, combined with high-profile situations involving organizations such as iPro and Homelife, have had a negative impact on the profession as a whole. These incidents have created uncertainty and eroded confidence, not only for agents and brokerages, but for consumers as well. It has been a bumpy road, and one that has prompted important conversations around transparency, accountability, and leadership. In response, the provincial government has stepped in, marking the first time in our history that direct government intervention has occurred within what has long been a self regulated industry.

This moment raises important questions. What does this mean for the everyday agent trying to serve their clients with integrity? How will brokerages adapt their oversight, compliance, and leadership models? And most importantly, how will these changes affect the consumer experience and public trust in real estate? While many of these answers are still unfolding, it is clear that this is a defining moment for real estate in Canada.

Beyond our borders, the sale of Anywhere Real Estate in the United States has also prompted reflection here at home. While the transaction occurred south of the border, many Anywhere-owned brands operate in Canada, albeit differently. Naturally, there are questions about what this could mean for those brands, their people, and their businesses. Could this lead to renewed focus and opportunity, or introduce new challenges? I explore this topic further in the latest edition of Open House Magazine.

Against this backdrop of change, 2025 at The Real Estate Source has been a year of resilience, growth, and clarity of purpose. Like many of you, we navigated our own challenges, but we remained focused on our purpose: to support brokerages, teams, and vendors with the tools, strategy, and partnership they need to keep moving forward.

A Year of Growth and Connection

Our Fractional Services team has continued to expand, helping brokerages and teams fill part-time roles, cover absences, and ensure consistent marketing support. We know that finding and keeping talent can be difficult in today’s market, and we are proud to offer seamless, flexible solutions that adapt to our clients’ needs.

Open House Magazine also continues to grow and expand. What started as a vision has grown into a respected platform for conversation, insight, and connection within the industry. Looking ahead, we are excited to share that advertising opportunities will be available in 2026, creating new ways for vendors to connect with brokerages and real estate professionals across the country.

We are also actively working on new resources for brokerages, with some exciting opportunities on the horizon. If you are a vendor interested in collaborating or contributing, I would love to connect.

Reflection and Gratitude

This year has been deeply personal as well. There have been losses in my family and circle of friends that have reminded me of what truly matters. Through those moments, I have learned to slow down, appreciate connection, and find light in the people around me.

I am so proud of my children, who continue to be my greatest joy and accomplishment. They remind me every day that growth and love are what matter most.

As we look ahead to 2026, I feel a strong sense of hope and opportunity. Change is rarely comfortable, but it often creates space for progress, innovation, and renewed purpose. How we respond as an industry matters, and I truly believe that together, we can emerge stronger.

To our clients, partners, and colleagues, thank you for your trust, collaboration, and openness throughout this year. If this post resonates with you, or if you are navigating change and looking for support, please reach out. The conversations we have now will shape what comes next.

Here is to a new year filled with clarity, resilience, and opportunity.

Here is to a new year filled with hope, strength, and opportunity.

With gratitude, hope and optimism, I look forward to 2026.

Melissa Lewandowski

Owner | CMO, The Real Estate Source