Examples of LeadingRE members sharing cross-borders referrals abound. One recent instance involves a sales associate from Willis Allen Real Estate in San Diego, who was working with a client purchasing a high-end home there. The client had a son studying in Berlin and a daughter practicing law in London. When the Willis Allen agent learned that they had several homes around the world, she mentioned her global capabilities through LeadingRE, thinking they might wish to buy a property for their son in Berlin. Ironically, even though the husband is actually German, the couple was referred to LeadingRE affiliate Zabel Property Group in Berlin by their U.S. agent. In the end, they bought three units: one for themselves and two others that will be used for rental income.
“This and other stories are great illustrations of how clients may be looking for real estate on the other side of the world,” O’Connor explains, “and by being mindful of global real estate needs, our affiliates are tapping into our network to build business and, even more importantly, extend the service they offer clients for an expertly-managed experience. This would not be happening without LeadingRE’s frequent global events that allow our members from around the world to meet and develop relationships. Our members are not just dots on a map; they are true colleagues.”
“We see great opportunity through LeadingRE to build business relationships with clients around the world,” comments Charles-Marie Jottras, owner of Daniel Féau Conseil d’Immobilier in Paris, France. “The organization’s brand, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, appealed to us because of what it implies, and we have not been disappointed in the quality and business acumen of our fellow LeadingRE affiliates.”
In the U.S., while the influx of international buyers is certainly more prevalent in some parts of the country—particularly New York, Miami, L.A. and San Francisco—the global influence is not just a coastal phenomenon. Recently, West Virginia member Old Colony Real Estate sold a farm to a Chinese buyer, and given the propensity for Chinese middle-class buyers to purchase condos for their children being educated abroad, college towns across middle America are also seeing foreign real estate investment.
Even for markets that are not strong destinations for cross-border activity, the global influence can be felt. As Boomsma explains, “The multicultural world we live in requires a greater understanding of different customs. It’s not just about people relocating to or from different countries; it’s about trying to understand the cultural influences of first-generation Americans. Real estate may be local, but buyers are increasingly global, and today’s sellers demand that their homes be exposed around the world.”
While LeadingRE has built an unmatched global presence, the uniquely local character of each of its member firms remains paramount to the network’s distinctive personality—succinctly conveyed in a theme popular with its members: “I’m local. I’m global.”
As Boomsma explains, “We have achieved a healthy balance between supporting our members’ independence and providing them with a tangible global experience. Ten years after adopting our name, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, we have truly lived up to it. Our members are leaders in their individual markets, and collectively we are leaders in the global real estate market.”
LeadingRE has the numbers to prove it. The network has a higher sales volume than any other—with over one million transactions valued at $314 billion in annual home sales. Affiliates within the top 500 U.S. companies out-performed all other networks by 18 percent last year, and members’ local brands have the No. 1 marketshare in more of the top 100 cities across the U.S. than any national brand.
As noted in a 2014 NAR survey, independent brokers—firms not affiliated with a large franchise brand—are more prevalent now than they were a decade ago. And in another industry survey, 97 percent of indie brokers say they aren’t considering joining a franchise brand, while 71 percent of franchise brokers report that they have at least thought about going independent. LeadingRE has helped many former franchisees make the “soft landing” to independence, which is more appealing today because the Internet has changed the way consumers search for real estate firms, and millennials are attracted to the personality and community roots of local brands. LeadingRE’s mastery in the independent real estate space has positioned it to attract strong players for years to come.
O’Connor shares her thoughts on what creates this remarkable success. “Our brokers are known for their agility, expertise and superior knowledge of both local and global markets. We help strengthen them even further by advocating on their behalf and offering targeted services, resources and support—connecting them to broader markets, both nationally and globally. It’s a formula that works.”
For more information, visit www.LeadingRE.com.
