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At just 29 years old, Representative Jeremy Fontaine has already achieved impressive milestones in his seven-year career with EXIT Realty Associates in Dieppe, NB.
For the fifth consecutive time in his real estate career, Fontaine recently received the Top Lister in North America award from EXIT Realty Corp. Received internationally. Fontaine was also inducted into the company’s Emerald Circle, in recognition of his accumulation of 750 deals during his tenure with the brand, as well as the Titanium award for closing more than 150 deals in the company’s production year ending June 30, 2025.
With a portfolio of income properties and a renovation company, Fontaine is now expanding his real estate services to Prince Edward Island.
Real Estate Magazine: How did you first come into contact with real estate?
A: I bought rental properties for myself. If I’m doing it for myself, I might as well get a commission.
Q: When did you decide to pursue production as a solo agent – and why?
A: Efficiency. Only I can guarantee exactly the same level of quality and care throughout my company.
Current snapshot
Brokerage: EXIT Vastgoed Associates
Markets Served: New Brunswick/Greater Moncton area
Production 2024: 162 transactions. I don’t measure success in terms of volume. I’d say $40 million using the average sales price in my area.
Production YTD 2025 to date: Transactions: 117 to date and 35 pending.
Building a business
Q: What were the first three major systems or investments you made that changed your business?
A: Social media, consistency and real-life exposure (for sale signs, etc.).
Q: What are your top three sources of leads right now?
A: Referrals from previous clients, social media and sign calls.
Q: What is your approximate distribution of your marketing budget by channel?
A: Mostly run social media ads and posts with boosts, not with a fixed allocated budget. It depends on the property and what I think it will take to get it moving and sold.
Q: What is your typical response time goal?
A: However, two hours later, no email, text or phone call goes unanswered. I won’t go to bed until I’ve had contact with everyone.
Question: Estimated percentage of sales reinvested in marketing:
A: Depends on the listing, but I would say 15 percent per listing. Sometimes more, sometimes less.
Q: Do you track cost per lead, cost per appointment, and cost per deal? Which number is the most important?
A: Not me. I focus on customers and relationships, and the rest follows.
Q: How long does it typically take from initial contact to an accepted offer or signed listing agreement?
A: Depends on location, but I’d say an average of three months for this part of the province.
Question: What behavior do you reward in yourself? What is being deleted from your agenda?
A: I’m a really social person, so this doesn’t feel like work to me. I tend to limit work hours to four to six hours on weekends and ten to twelve hours on weekdays.
Q: How do you navigate Canadian compliance rules?
A: Annual training with the New Brunswick Real Estate Association (NBREA) and try to keep myself informed of new conditions.
Q: If a solo agent has $5,000 per month to invest, where should he go in the next six to twelve months?
A: Targeted ads. Based on your market/community, online or via mailings.
Quick hits
Q: Favorite Canadian market insights that people don’t believe in (but your data proves it):
A: Car sales and other recreational vehicles, such as boats, campers, campers and other recreational vehicles.
Q: One technology you would fight to keep:
A: Facebook
Q: One marketing hill you’ll die on:
A: Constant exposure on social media.
Finish this: ‘Cops fail because…’
A: Because they believe that this is handed to them and that it is easy. The truth is that hard work manifests and is consistent day in and day out.
Finish this: “Solo agents win because…”
A: They show up, work continuously, even with repeated small actions, until they achieve success.
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