RE/MAX Broker Spotlight: Q&A with North Carolina’s Ray Evans

In 2005, I started as an agent that needed to sell two houses a month to make ends meet, and I fell in love with the business so much that now it doesn’t feel like work. It feels so natural and easy to help others. Over time, I found out that the greatest joy comes from helping and inspiring agents to create their own success in real estate, and the difference it can make to their clients, their families and their future. In 2016, I opened RE/MAX Elite Realty Group so I could continue to focus on that joy of helping others.

Before I found RE/MAX, I owned my independent brokerage and later worked as an agent. Once you’re a business owner, it’s hard to go back to working for someone else. When I got into real estate, I wanted to be in charge of my business. I liked that RE/MAX was the biggest and most recognizable brand – but what really attracted me was the level of support I was provided while still running my business my way. Top level support is always there.

It was all about persistence, follow-up and relationships. There was a longtime independent brokerage in town whose owner was coming up on retirement. I had envisioned buying the entire operation and converting it to RE/MAX. Unfortunately, that deal didn’t work out. But because of my relationship with that broker, and my routine check-ins, I learned of another brokerage and management company for sale. I formed a relationship with that broker and after months of follow-ups, I got a phone call saying, “Let’s talk.” We closed in November and my persistence definitely paid off.

I live in Jacksonville where we have a very large military base in town, and it is a key economic driver. Our new office is the very first real estate and management company anyone will see when leaving the base, so the location alone made it an ideal acquisition for us. Additionally, now with a combined total of over 800 rental properties under our management, we are the largest property manager in the area.

Assistance was available to me whenever I needed it. [When I ran into an issue beyond my control] I called my RE/MAX rep right away and said I needed help and there they were. Talked me through our options, found a plan, and I’m so thankful I had that support.

We are not bigger than everybody else, but the perception is we are huge. Our location really helps. Some agents who originally left the company at the point of sale have now returned.

Since I opened my office, I’ve almost doubled my agent count. And I continue to recruit and ride the momentum of opening the new office. I think the RE/MAX brand, being so well-known, has a powerful presence and helps create momentum. It adds tremendous value and has definitely helped me make a name for myself in the market and draw attention to what I’m doing locally.

Every single tool in the RE/MAX toolbox is valuable, but I personally love the First app. To me, that is absolutely the top tool everyone should use. It’s currently underutilized by agents, but I am preaching to all of my agents to use it. That app is just the tip of the iceberg of valuable tools RE/MAX has.

Support. Agents are looking for the same thing I’m looking for and that’s support. I found a RE/MAX broker social media group and joined – it’s a great space to share ideas, ask questions and get feedback. I value that group and I’m trying to provide that level of support to my agents.