A Sea-Faring Couple Find the Perfect Home in Canadian Real Estate Association's Smooth Sailing Spot

Following up on the success of the previous two iterations of the REALTOR brand platform was never going to be an easy task, but CREA, working with agency No Fixed Address, has crafted another quirky, beautifully-crafted story that clearly demonstrates how a REALTOR’s value extends far beyond just helping you find the perfect home.

The whimsical film follows two sailors and their oversized dog as they search for a home close to the water. Or on the water. Once onboard, their REALTOR helps them navigate the ups and downs of contracts and negotiations so they can anchor down as new homeowners.

“Our previous campaigns focused on showing how a REALTOR acts as a matchmaker and guide for Canadian home-buyers.” says Claire Payette, VP, marketing and communications for CREA. “This year, it was important to communicate how a REALTOR also protects their clients, helping them navigate the inevitable ups and downs that come with securing their home and advocating for their interests along the way.”

Stuart Macmillan, ECD at No Fixed Address adds, “The REALTOR brand has become such a visually rich universe, it’s a dream for us to be able to bring their stories to life within this world. Luckily there are a lot of sailing metaphors that we could use to help us tell this story in a relatable yet compelling way for Canadians.”

No Fixed Address and CREA worked with director Ben Nakamura Whitehouse through Revolver Films to bring The Sailors to life.

“Craft has always played a big role in helping to elevate the REALTOR brand, and Ben’s commitment to crafting every corner of this film was amazing.” says Jean-Philippe Dugal, creative director Art at No Fixed Address. “It was a technically challenging shoot involving lots of practical in-camera effects and the result is seamless.”

The campaign spans linear and connected TV, OOH, digital, and social (including influencer marketing) and features a series of short-form films that bring to life different home-buying experiences. In addition to The Sailors, the campaign includes four additional stories, each highlighting a unique challenge REALTORS help clients overcome—whether it’s providing an extra dose of confidence, reading the extra fine print, or checking every inch of the house for cracks or faulty wiring.

"The home-buying journey creates a uniquely close collaboration between a client and their REALTOR. The brand platform is designed to reinforce that relationship and this campaign illustrates how that collaboration can make home happen,” adds Vanessa Cote, group account director at No Fixed Address.