Chantel Ray’s story is one of determination, faith and entrepreneurial success. As the founder of CanZell Realty, a multimillion-dollar independent brokerage operating across 20 states, Chantel and CanZell Realty recently transitioned to eXp Realty. Her journey reflects her commitment to doing real estate differently, with a focus on growth, innovation, and giving back. (Read the press release here.)
A Passion for Real Estate Born from Frustration
Chantel began her real estate career in 2005 after experiencing a frustrating home buying process herself. Like many homebuyers, she was exasperated by the process, which fueled her desire to “do it a better way.” She joined a small brokerage in Virginia, William E. Wood at the Mall, selling an impressive 52 homes in her first year, earning her the title of Rookie of the Year.
For Chantel, this was just the beginning.
In 2011, she founded her own real estate company, Chantel Ray Real Estate, in Virginia and later expanded into seven other states. The brokerage was eventually rebranded to CanZell Realty with the memorable slogan, “If it needs to sell, call CanZell!”
Despite success, Chantel faced challenges with slow growth and financial strain. Inspired by the innovative business model of eXp Realty, which offers revenue sharing and robust support for agents, she tried to mirror its model. However, as an independent business, the costs were becoming too high. This was especially true because she never borrowed a single dollar to expand, making each financial decision more personal and impactful.
That’s why eXp Realty offered the perfect solution. Chantel recognized that eXp’s platform would allow her team to “launch farther, faster” within their framework.
“When you have a bow and arrow, you have to pull it back first. And when you pull it back, that’s how it launches. And the further you pull it back, the launch is even greater. By joining eXp, we’re going to be launching further, faster,” Chantel explained.
This move allows Chantel to maintain her vision while leveraging the power and scale of eXp.
A Trusted Connection With Leo Pareja and the Move to eXp
Another key factor in Chantel’s decision to join eXp Realty was her friendship with Leo Pareja, the CEO of eXp Realty. Chantel and Leo have known each other for years, having worked together during the 2008 housing crisis when the market collapsed.
“Our families are friends,” said Chantel. He came to our house for dinner and we went to their house, visiting them when they lived in Northern Virginia.”
Both were involved in selling homes for Fannie Mae during that time and remained in touch over the years and when Leo became CEO of eXp, the transition for Chantel was a natural move. She trusted Leo’s leadership and saw eXp as the right platform to take her business to the next level.
“Chantel Ray has been a force in the real estate world for many years, and I’ve had the privilege of knowing her both professionally and personally,” said Pareja. “Her focus on giving back and her commitment to making a meaningful impact in the communities she serves align perfectly with the values we uphold at eXp Realty.”
A Heart for Giving and Making an Impact
Chantel’s commitment to giving back is at the heart of her business philosophy. Deeply rooted in her faith, she has integrated tithing into her business model, donating 10% of the company dollar profit from each sale to charities chosen by her clients. Causes she supports include homelessness, foster care, clean water initiatives, and poverty relief.
As a former children’s minister, Chantel’s passion for helping others is central to her life and work. With the global reach of eXp, she’s excited about the opportunity to expand her mission of giving beyond the U.S.
“We’re going to change lives through the communities we serve through abundant giving,” she said. “That’s what we’re passionate about doing. And now, we’re just going to be able to do it, not just nationwide – we’re going to do it worldwide.”
Beyond Real Estate: An Entrepreneur, Author, and Speaker
Chantel’s entrepreneurial success doesn’t stop at real estate. Her personal journey with weight loss led her to write the best-selling book “Waist Away: The Chantel Ray Way: The Inspirational Way to Lose Weight Through Intermittent Fasting.” Her approach to intermittent fasting gained popularity, turning her into a sought-after speaker and podcast host. Chantel has authored five books so far, each reflecting her passion for self-improvement and inspiring others.
Her presence in the media extends beyond her books and podcasts — Chantel is particularly proud of her 2019 appearance on CBN (Christian Broadcasting Network), where she raised more money in a single episode than any other host had before. That episode continues to rerun due to its effectiveness in generating donations.
