RE/MAX Co-Founder at BOC: Success is All About Confidence

Coming out stronger on the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic depends largely on one thing, says Dave Liniger.

“It’s all about confidence. Period,” said the RE/MAX Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board during the 2020 BOC@Home Opening General Session.

Kicking off the virtual broker/owner conference alongside CEO Adam Contos, Liniger said RE/MAX office leaders have good reason to stay positive despite the difficult environment.

“[RE/MAX has] the best agents. We have the best network. We have the highest knowledge of any network that’s out there,” he told the audience of nearly 2,000 virtual attendees. “If anybody can succeed under these circumstances, it’s us.”

RE/MAX, which Liniger co-founded with his wife Gail in 1973, was born during a recession, he noted. It’s now survived seven recessions, and Liniger credits RE/MAX affiliates for the network’s longevity.

“I believe the culture of RE/MAX was created by the best agents in the history of the business,” Liniger said. “It is the culture that will succeed long term in the future.”

Liniger stressed the importance of successful broker/owners, managers and leaders realizing there will always be “rainy days” – and to be ready for them.

“Our brokers are doing a better job right now than any other network out there because we’re better prepared, better managed, better led and have a better sales force to help keep the company alive,” he said, emphasizing that business cycles are always going to happen and having cash on hand is imperative.

Contos, referencing a piece of advice Liniger had recently given him – “Keep your eyes open and look for opportunities” – asked the industry legend what he saw for the future of broker/owners.

“What’s happening is those who are short-sighted or undercapitalized are paying a terrible price, and the stock market always goes up and down – it doesn’t always just go up,” he said. “Now is our time to take more market share. Our agents are extremely well-trained, they’re experienced. This is the time to take business away from people who aren’t quite as well prepared. There is enough business. For some, we just have to take more than our fair share.”

Linger also noted that in real estate, the pendulum swings back and forth. That although the industry and its clients are relying largely on virtual experiences now, homebuyers and sellers will always want to see and feel houses, walk the neighborhoods and return to a more “normal” experience. RE/MAX agents – who are out there, continuing to work hard every day – are ready. 

“RE/MAX agents have decades of proven quality service, and they have clients who want that quality service,” Liniger said. “We’ll get through this, just like we have all seven recessions.”