The global real estate network, RE/MAX, expanded its international influence in the first quarter of this year with two new master franchises and an improved online experience for global.remax.com visitors, and Managing Director Michael Davoren says it is the increase in the Asia-Pacific RE/MAX reach that is of greatest interest to Australia and New Zealand.
RE/MAX sold two master franchises in Malaysia and Myanmar in this year’s March quarter.
“Technology and steady growth are enhancing RE/MAX’s industry-leading global footprint, but with these two countries taking the Asia Pacific region to 15 countries, we have massive networking opportunities to benefit our agents and our customers.
“RE/MAX unifies these countries – – Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines, Guam, Korea, China, Japan, India, Sri Lanka, Mongolia, Malaysia and Myanmar – bringing the whole region together for referral business.
“This year, for example, we have the Asia Pacific Investment Referral Program in Singapore in May and the Asia Pacific Convention in Thailand in August; then in 2017, RE/MAX Australia and RE/MAX New Zealand host the Asia Pacific Convention on the Gold Coast.
Mr Davoren said that Australia and New Zealand played a role in improving real estate practices in many countries, coming from their position as leaders in mature real estate markets.
“The conventions and the coming-together of the master franchise owners of these countries facilitates mentoring and professional development that is instrumental in creating higher professional standards within the local real estate communities.”
He said the global RE/MAX exposure in almost 100 countries, and particularly the RE/MAX presence through the Asia Pacific region, was attracting Asian applicants for franchises in Australia and New Zealand.
“We have recently welcomed highly-skilled and experienced business owners like Auckland’s Frank Choo who comes from a merchant banking background and Robin Yu in Brisbane who operated a very well-respected and successful independent business for many years.
“Having strong Asian real estate owners and teams in Australia and New Zealand aids communication and the transfer of real estate business between countries.
“RE/MAX entered four new countries in 2015 and the brand growth around the world is due to the strength of the RE/MAX business model, which attracts entrepreneurial-minded people with a variety of business backgrounds,” Mr Davoren said.
The new global.remax.com was unveiled at the international RE/MAX R4 convention in March, which was attended by more than 6,000 affiliates from around the world.
“The website allows agents to share listings and customers to access approximately 750,000 properties on average.”
He said the responsive website features properties across the globe, in 43 languages and 57 currencies. It offers an interactive map search capability and an option to search properties based on budget in addition to location.
“RE/MAX has more offices, in more countries, than any other real estate brand, and is always looking for new, vibrant ways to expand international opportunities on behalf of its franchisees and customers,” said Mr Davoren.