Why One of Rhode Island’s Largest Brokerages Chose REMAX^®

A six-office brokerage with more than 300 agents aligns with REMAX to strengthen brand recognition, technology and long-term growth.

Broker/Owners rarely make decisions about brand alignment lightly. Changing the name on the front of the office means evaluating the future of the brokerage, its agents, clients and long-term growth potential.

That’s the process Dean deTonnancourt went through before making a move that brought new light to Rhode Island’s real estate market.

His six-office brokerage, formerly HomeSmart Professionals, has officially rebranded as REMAX Revolution — with more than 300 agents expected to join the global REMAX network.

The move positions the brokerage to leverage the brand’s global reach, technology platform and industry-leading recognition.

A Leader Who’s Built Brokerages Before

deTonnancourt has spent more than three decades in real estate, and his career reflects a pattern of identifying opportunities early.

Licensed in 1989, Dean was a former REMAX agent before moving into brokerage ownership with other brands, and leadership roles across the industry.

Over the years, he built and scaled a six-office operation with more than 300 agents — one of the largest brokerages in the region and ranked No. 3 in Rhode Island for closed transactions in 2025.

But deTonnancourt saw the next stage of growth requiring a different kind of platform.

“A brand like REMAX brings instant credibility,” said deTonnancourt. “When clients see a name they already recognize and trust, it creates confidence from the very first interaction. As our industry continues to evolve, that kind of brand recognition becomes even more valuable.”

The Value of a Brand Clients Already Know

In real estate, consumer trust plays a central role in attracting both clients and agents.

REMAX continues to stand apart in that area, holding the No. 1 brand awareness in real estate¹. That kind of recognition can significantly influence how quickly consumers connect with a brokerage.

For Broker/Owners, the value often extends beyond marketing.

“REMAX stands out not only for its tools, but especially for its brand recognition,” deTonnancourt said. “As a broker, having access to a larger network and robust resources for both myself and my agents is critical. The global reach of the REMAX brand makes this move an easy choice.”

A Network That Extends Far Beyond One Market

Another factor in the decision was the reach of the REMAX system itself.

With more than 145,000 agents and a presence in more than 120 countries and territories, REMAX operates one of the largest and most connected real estate networks in the world.

That global footprint provides opportunities for referrals, shared learning and collaboration across markets.

Within the network, Broker/Owners regularly exchange insights on recruiting, operations and industry changes.

“The REMAX network provides support at local, regional and national levels. A larger network provides collaboration at a higher level in navigating industry changes.”

For Broker/Owners navigating a rapidly changing market, that kind of connectivity can be invaluable.

Where Productive Agents Want to Be

Beyond scale, REMAX has long been known for attracting productive, entrepreneurial agents.

The brand’s model centers on providing marketing, technology and solutions designed to help agents operate at a high level while maintaining the independence that top performers enjoy.

According to REMAX CEO Erik Carlson, that agent-driven philosophy continues to attract high-performing brokerages.

“Dean’s decision to convert his operation echoes the moves of several other Broker/Owners this past year,” Carlson said. “They’re seeing the massive value REMAX offers their agents – for both now and the future.

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