RISMEDIA, January 29, 2010—Even in a year when the real estate industry continued to feel the effects of a recession, RE/MAX International, Inc. sold 630 franchises worldwide, while extending its global presence into eight new countries, the company has announced. In North America, several former competitors joined the RE/MAX Network, bringing with them more than 650 individual sales associates.
“We continue to sell franchises in this economy, because RE/MAX offers the best value in the marketplace,” said Vinnie Tracey, President, RE/MAX International Inc. “By joining RE/MAX, our new franchisees and our former competitors know they’re getting the power of a world-class brand, and all the cutting edge technology and training that comes with it.”
A closer look at RE/MAX international franchise sales in 2009 shows explosive growth in several regions; southwest Germany increased 200%, Portugal grew 100%, and Israel was up 45%. With the addition of eight new countries, including the Bahamas, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Jamaica, Morocco, Peru, and Uruguay, RE/MAX continues to have an international presence greater than any of its competitors. RE/MAX experienced additional success in the U.S., selling 21 new franchises in California, a state with one of the most challenging real estate markets. There was also impressive growth in other regions. The number of new offices in New England and southeast Michigan increased by 100%, in Georgia by 80%, and in the Mountains States region, franchise sales were up 40%.
“Achieving this type of growth despite a recession is the true test of any company,” said Tracey. “And the fact that RE/MAX continues to exceed expectations and surpass the competition is the reason we’re still going strong, after 37 years.”
Conversions from competing real estate companies to RE/MAX are also increasing. A conversion in Denver allowed Prestige Real Estate Group, a major independent brokerage with 250 agents, to merge with RE/MAX Professionals, creating the third-largest real estate firm in Colorado. With significant economic and real estate improvements in 2010, RE/MAX is looking forward to another successful year of franchise sales around the globe.
