Big news just came out of Vancouver, B.C., in which Katrina Amurao and her husband Neil Bellosillo have moved the Katrina & The Team powerhouse, the No. 1 RE/MAX team in British Columbia and Metro Vancouver, to eXp Realty.
Katrina & The Team spent over 18 years with RE/MAX, putting up impressive numbers in one of the world’s most competitive real estate markets, closing $365 million (CAD) in sales on 402 transactions in 2022 and $400 million in sales on 501 transactions in 2021. They will bring 20 agents and 18 support staff to eXp.
But whatever Katrina and Neil were doing very right in this high-value Canadian metro market, they recognized that eXp’s model had the tools, technology and support they were looking for.
“As our team grew, we got asked quite a bit if we would consider opening up our own brokerage. We started doing research and exploring our options. We considered several options including staying with our current brand, exploring different brands or going independent. That’s when we became curious about the eXp model,’’ she said.
Katrina Said eXp’s Ibrahim Hussein in Waterloo, Ontario Was a Huge Resource
“We joined eXp Realty because we saw an opportunity to bridge the gap between the traditional brokerage model and an innovative approach that inspires success. The eXp model aligned with our vision for creating a culture of growth and empowerment, providing us with a platform to take our business to new heights.
> Read why Ibrahim Hussein moved his 25-agent team from Keller to eXp Realty
“We were inspired by the collaboration, resources and tools offered by eXp, it will allow us to better serve our agents and clients alike. We know that eXp is the right choice for us, and we are excited to continue our journey of growth and success as a part of this inspiring family.”
Building on a Lifetime of Hard Work and Success
Katrina was born and raised in the Philippines and said she has been entrepreneurial since she was a child.
“When I was 12 years old, my family was still in the Philippines and I was helping my family manage their business. I moved to Canada at 17, and my career started in financial planning, life insurance and investments. When my parents purchased a home in Surrey, my mother thought I would be good at it and advised me to become a Realtor,’’ Katrina said.
Entrepreneur, Realtor, Leader, Wife & Mother
Running a multimillion-dollar real estate team has prompted Katrina to challenge the prejudices and double standards successful businesswomen face. She is a mother of three, but eschews the notion that mothers have to be all things to their kids. “Mom guilt” is not something she wants to waste time over.
“There’s a stereotype that mothers need to be doing all the cooking, cleaning and laundry, but I believe women should feel free to choose,’’ she said, adding that she can order dinner and spend quality time with her kids for a “healthy balance” between family and career.
> Read why independent brokerages are flocking to eXp Realty
Likewise, her husband Neil is 100% an equal partner in Katrina & The Team, so it’s frustrating when too much is made of the fact the company bears her name.
“We are the left and right wings of this business. If one of us were not here, we wouldn’t be flying. I’m always coming up with new ideas and innovations, and he’s figuring out how to implement them. So I’m grateful for my husband and his partnership in this business. The bottom line is we are both here to make an impact in our community, the lives of our team members, staff, clients and our own family,’’ she said.
Katrina & Neil’s Philanthropic Efforts Make a Difference
In addition, Katrina & Neil are very proud to be the top donor to the BC Children’s Hospital for four straight years (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022) in which a portion of their commissions was donated for about $200K in contributions to date.
“We believe that it is essential to invest in organizations like the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, as they have a tremendous positive impact on the lives of thousands of children and families throughout British Columbia. By contributing to these initiatives, we hope to make a real difference in our community and bring joy into the hearts of those who need it most.”
Brokerage history:
- eXp Realty (March 2023 – present)
- RE/MAX 2000 Realty (November 2004 – March 2023)
Key Stats:
- Production in 2022: $365 million in firm sales on 402 units. (CAD)
- Production in 2021: $400 million in firm sales on 501 units.
- RE/MAX Circle of Legends (2021)
- Fraser Valley Real Estate Board President’s Award (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022)
- FVREB Top Team Award (6+ Members) (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022)
- FVREB Top Selling Team (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022)
- FVREB Top Listing Team (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022)
- RE/MAX Lifetime Achievement Award (2016)
- RE/MAX Hall of Fame Award (2009)
- RE/MAX Top Donor for BC Children’s Hospital (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022)
- RE/MAX #1 Team in BC (2019, 2021, 2022)
- RE/MAX #2 Team in Western Canada (2021, 2022)
- RE/MAX Pinnacle Club – Team (2021, 2022)
- RE/MAX Pinnacle Club – Individual (2021, 2022)
- RE/MAX Diamond Club Team (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)
- RE/MAX Diamond Club Individual (2018, 2019, 2020)
- Chairperson of St. Matthew’s Pastoral Council (2022 – Present)
- Chairperson of St. Matthew’s Parish Education Committee (2012-2020)
- Finalist – Surrey Women in Business Award (2020 & 2023)
- Mother of three children
Learn More About Katrina Amurao and Neil Bellosillo:
How long were you considering the move to eXp?
“We have seriously considered looking at our options when the market changed and found that our team members are finding it difficult to keep up with the financial commitment of being with the traditional bricks-and-mortar style brokerage. It took several months of research, discussions and prayers.”
What are your impressions of eXp so far?
“eXp has a unique business model. Its innovative approach provides more flexibility to Realtors and teams which allows us to grow better and faster. The additional earning potential through revenue share is a bonus. The company also has an amazing leader in (eXp World Holdings Founder, CEO and Chairman) Glenn Sanford. His strong commitment to values like community, innovation, sustainability, collaboration and integrity is something we align with.”
What excites you most about eXp?
“Technology in real estate excites us! So the eXp virtual brokerage model was very appealing. The rise of video has really leveled up the customer experience. It’s easier for buyers to determine if they are truly interested in a home before walking through it. We’re not dependent on traditional open houses anymore. That’s an amazing convenience for clients.
“We can showcase homes and promote properties with 3D tours. It helps both us as agents and the end users. It’s great for sellers as well, because better pictures and videos help homes sell for more money. They also decrease the need for people to walk through homes, and that’s a great convenience for sellers who don’t have to vacate for as many showings and open houses.”
What are some things that concern you most about the industry?
“I would love to change the perception that real estate is easy and agents are in it for a quick payday. While there are agents out there who are just chasing commissions, so many people in our industry are very skilled and really want to help. “Real estate is a lot more than putting a sign in a yard, and I wish more people knew that before they entered the market. We hear from so many grateful clients who tell us they had no idea the amount of work that is involved in a real estate transaction. Our solution-focused mindset serves us well, and I wish more people knew how necessary it is.”
What advice would you give to other leaders to help their team to thrive?
“It sounds simple, but I’d say to be a better leader. It’s very easy to look at your team members and think about what they are doing wrong or what they could be doing better. But, I’ve learned how productive it is to take a good look at myself when I want my team to thrive or level up. Inspire your team by continually working to improve yourself. We also need to understand the people we are leading are human beings like us. Don’t just tell them what to do. Ask them questions. Discover what makes them tick and how they learn best. Learn to listen. I have learned the importance of getting to know my team in a way that I truly understand them.”
__________
Interested in jump-starting your real estate career? Learn how eXp Realty puts agents first.
