Global Presence & Productivity at R4 Were Electrifying

Global Regions Preview ‘Momentum’ Training Program

During the most recent R4 held in Las Vegas, Amy Somerville, RE/MAX Executive Director of Education, held an informational seminar for Global Regional Owners. She introduced a RE/MAX training program called “Momentum” to the group. Momentum is a Broker training program created by David Scott and previewed with the RE/MAX of Texas Region in the United States. Since its inception, many of the RE/MAX U.S. Regions have introduced it to their Brokers. Scott created the program based on what Associates need from their Broker in order to be successful. The program focuses on Brokers becoming proactive in their business strategy and mastering a few of the basics that guide success in all real estate brokerages. It is a business program with a real estate focus and a RE/MAX spin. The program consists of three modules – Planning, View into Value and Recruiting. It is currently exclusive to RE/MAX and its brokerages. This was the first chance for Global Regions to see the program.

Meaningful Learning at Brokerage-Building Session

Forty Broker/Owners from Regions outside the U.S. and Canada participated in the “Build a Profitable RE/MAX Brokerage” session. Participants were asked to share some of the challenges they face in their offices. Then all participants were divided into groups, each discussing one of these subjects: recruitment, retention, lead generation and marketing, and training/coaching. Representatives from each group then reported back to the entire room about the things they discussed. All participants had an opportunity to ask questions and give more examples. The

session trainers also commented on the subjects, as well as their shared experiences and challenges in their Regions. The meeting was a great success. There was a very positive openness among the participants, good cooperation and meaningful learning.

Bus Tour of Local Offices Highlights Successful Brokerage Models

Eighty-two global Broker/Owners took advantage of the opportunity to visit two established RE/MAX offices in the Las Vegas area, connecting with local agents and getting practical ideas to improve their own office and operations. RE/MAX Central, home to a No. 1 team worldwide, opened in 1990 and currently has 39 agents. The brokerage specializes in investments and property management and has a training center where RE/MAX Associates across Las Vegas receive education. When touring the office, the global RE/MAX Affiliates who handed out their business cards were offered a 30 percent fee for their referrals. The new 2,000-square-foot RE/MAX Benchmark office, which opened in 2008, includes development and construction divisions, in addition to residential and commercial real estate operations. The 43 agents in the office who spoke 13 different languages immediately connected with the global visitors.

Empowering Session for Women in Real Estate

Virginia Munden moderated a panel session called “Women Who Rock.” The panelists were Lorraine Mulligan of Ireland, Peggy Su of the United Kingdom, Dotti Sosa of Argentina, Kati Israel of Estonia, Beatrice Rubio of Portugal, and Chantelle Limon of the U.S. The session emphasized that women should be heard in the real estate industry. The panelists offered their experiences on how to dominate your marketplace, how to be respected as an industry leader, how to take customer service to the next level, how they’ve dealt with discrimination, and how to succeed as a successful businesswoman no matter your background.

You Have to Give to Get

John Turley of Belize explained how, working in a very small market, he has been able to become the No. 3 Top Producer outside of the U.S. and Canada. His focus: providing exceptional value to his customers and clients. John recommends education-based marketing and learning more than everybody to become the market expert. “Be generous, share freely, create content,” he said. By extensive use of Internet tools such as webinars and Google Ad Works, and also by conducting investor trips, he has been able to bring his market to the world and reach out to North American buyers and sellers. “Look for opportunities to leverage your own brand and build your network,” he said. “I increased marketing during the recession and increased my market share.”

Packed Session: Pumping Up Your Tyres

Tony Williamson, the self-proclaimed RE/MAX King of Australia, didn’t disappoint when he delivered his unique and hilarious views of the real estate world to a packed house at R4. From the moment the sounds of AC/DC’s song “Thunderstruck” blared through the room during his intro, he captivated his audience and continued to entertain them with his humor, quick wit and storytelling. Tony led the room through his 3 Pillars: Have Fun, Make Money, Go Home. He reminded everyone to “use your ears and mouth in proportion,” and urged all to “get the kittens back in the box.” Tony left his audience with this quote from Fred DeVito: “If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you!”

Latin America and Caribbean Regional Directors Focus on Business

Regional Owners and Directors from Latin America and Caribbean – representing 11 countries – attended this valuable session. Gustavo Caricote, RE/MAX Director, Global Development, presented a regional overview with 2014 results and 2015 goals. The Latin America and Caribbean Region experienced combined agent net gain of 20 percent in 2014, ending the year with over 4,200 Associates. Franchise sales totaled 90 during the year. Sebastian Sosa and Dotti Peñate Sosa from RE/MAX Argentina – who won Global Region of the Year for the second year in a row – presented their vision and culture of service that have helped them develop one of the largest and most successful regions outside of the U.S. and Canada. Ricardo Cardenas, Regional Director of RE/MAX Caribbean and Central America, introduced a new FIRE/UP training manual for Brokers in Spanish. Larry Oberly, RE/MAX Vice President, Global Franchise Development, provided details about a new office franchise agreement model for use in Global Regions.

Pacific Rim Meeting Covers Many Topics

RE/MAX Regional Owners and Directors from Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Micronesia, India, Japan, Osaka, China, Korea and Mongolia attended the Pacific Rim Summit. Some topics that were discussed included reporting, collection, technology, benchmarking, general regional updates and future events.