Over the next eight years, 4,000 church properties are expected to change hands. That figure might translate to big dollar signs in the eyes of some Realtors, but to others it’s an opportunity to better the communities they serve, says Corey de Villiers, managing director of Releven Realty Brokerage Foundation.
Releven says it is Canada’s first non-profit (charity-owned and operated) real estate brokerage for faith properties. Its goal is to provide consultation, evaluation, tailored solutions and community impact options for congregations that have made the difficult decision to sell their properties, de Villiers says.
As part of its service, it works with local Realtors. “Releven Realty has designed a ‘work with’ business model, not a ‘compete against’ model to scale nationwide and to partner with the best local real estate salespeople in each city.”
Releven will host an official launch event under its new brand in Cambridge, Ont., on Thursday.
Founded in 2018 as Trinity Centres Foundation, Releven’s goal is to preserve, restore and repurpose underused faith-based properties into community hubs and affordable housing. This enables church properties to facilitate positive change, while maintaining a secure financial future, its website says.
Releven, which has roots in Quebec and Europe, is secular, with engagement across faith groups.
It has helped transform more than 70 projects over its six-year history.
