Key facts
- Real REMAX Group will cease offering new Motto Mortgage franchises.
- Existing Motto Mortgage franchisees can choose to mutually terminate their agreements.
- The company plans to consolidate its mortgage operations onto a single platform.
- Vic Lombardo, former president of REMAX's mortgage services, has stepped down.
- Kate Gurevich has assumed Lombardo's responsibilities.
- REMAX CEO Erik Carlson has joined the Real REMAX board of directors.
Real REMAX Group has decided to stop investing in the growth of its Motto Mortgage franchise system, a strategic shift following the recent acquisition of Real Brokerage and REMAX. The company confirmed that it will no longer offer new Motto Mortgage franchises, aiming instead to concentrate on building a unified, scalable mortgage platform.
Existing Motto Mortgage franchisees will be given the option to mutually terminate their franchise agreements or continue under their current terms, with Real REMAX Group committed to honoring existing obligations. This decision contrasts with earlier assurances made to franchisees that the brand would remain unchanged post-acquisition.
The move is accompanied by several leadership changes. Vic Lombardo, who previously led REMAX's mortgage services, has stepped down and been succeeded by Kate Gurevich, CEO of Real's mortgage operation, One Real Mortgage. Additionally, Chris Lim, REMAX's president and chief growth officer, has also departed his role, with Jenna Rozenblat appointed as the new president of Real REMAX Group. Former REMAX CEO Erik Carlson has transitioned to the Real REMAX board of directors.
At the close of 2025, REMAX reported 171 Motto Mortgage offices, a 24% decrease from the previous year. The company had also terminated approximately 80 underperforming franchisees in the fourth quarter of 2025. In early 2026, a new financial model was introduced for Motto franchisees, shifting from a fixed monthly fee to a combination of a fixed fee and a percentage of closed loan value.