RNC investigating Exit Realty on the Rock complaint

Still no word on what may have prompted licence suspension

The RCMP has not received any complaints related to Exit Realty on the Rock, but for the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, it’s a different story.

“The RNC has received a complaint and our economic crime unit is investigating,” stated an emailed response to questions from The Telegram Friday morning.

The police force was specifically asked if it had been asked to investigate Exit Realty on the Rock or if the force has otherwise been involved with the investigation being conducted by the province’s Superintendent of Real Estate.

“The complaint is in the very early stages and there is little to comment on at this point,” an RNC spokesman stated.

It was confirmed the complaint was specific to Exit Realty on the Rock and not connected to any other Exit Realty operations.

What remains unclear is the nature of the complaint, its merit, when it complaint was made, who made the complaint and whether or not it is related in any way to the ongoing investigation by the provincial superintendent of real estate involving Exit Realty on the Rock.

That investigation by the real estate regulator led to the suspension, as of midnight overnight Thursday, of the company’s real estate licence.

At this point, with Exit Realty on the Rock’s business suspended, many realtors from that brokerage have switched to new employers, finding a way to continue with business as usual.

Other Exit Realty franchises in the province are not involved in the current investigations, including Exit Realty Oceans Edge.

That business has taken on some of the displaced agents, while also making clear it is its own operation and is separate from Exit Realty on the Rock.

“Please be advised that while there has now been a development circulating regarding Exit Realty on the Rock, our team at Oceans Edge would like you all to know that we are in no way affiliated with this investigation and that we will continue to proudly serve you and the community at Exit Realty Oceans Edge,” reads a notice posted on Facebook.

Social media was also a place for agents to indicate where they were landing and speak directly to the current stresses.

“It’s positively overwhelming the amount of support and well wishes we’ve received from family, friends, clients, general public and especially our fellow realtors during this time. In such a competitive industry, it could be easy for others to take advantage of the situation we are going through, but the amount of support and offers from other agents is outstanding,” reads a post Friday for Nicole Roper, with Exit Realty Oceans Edge.

“I’m sure I can speak for many when I say that this little speed bump will only make us stronger and we will continue our hard work, dedication and loyalty to all our clients — past present and future!”

The Telegram spoke with agents — some formerly with Exit Realty on the Rock and some otherwise — with no indication from any as to what might be behind the ongoing investigations and licence suspension.

Messages left for Exit Realty on the Rock owner Anne Squires received no response as of press time.

“It’s unfortunate,” said wellknown realtor Gary Reardon, asked about Exit Realty on the Rock.

He made note of the company’s former roster of agents (65, based in St. John’s and Conception Bay South).

“They’re a big company,” he said.