Q& A
(Most frequently asked questions)

Q: Who started RE/MAX?

A: Dave Liniger, at age 27. founded RE/MAX in 1973. In 1974 he formed RE/MAX of America, Inc. In 1981 RE/MAX of America Inc. became RE/MAX International. In 1998 RE/MAX achieved a world record when audited figures of sales associates production showed RE/MAX associates were involved 1 million transaction sides - the first real estate organization to ever pass that milestone. This achievement was translated into an advertising slogan that allows RE/MAX to claim that "no one in the world sells more real estate than RE/MAX." RE/MAX now has associates and offices in over 38 countries on 6 continents and counts more than 3993 offices with more than 64,000 associates worldwide.

Q: Who owns RE/MAX?

A: Each office is independently owned and operated. RE/MAX is a franchise. It is the world's largest real estate network. The RE/MAX system has International, Regional and local offices worldwide.

RE/MAX International Franchise is owned by co-founders and Realtors Dave and Gail Liniger of Denver, Colorado. They serve respectively as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer for RE/MAX International, Inc.

RE/MAX is "main street" - not "wall street". Our primary customer is the RE/MAX Sales Associate. RE/MAX is the only leading real estate system owned and managed by Realtors!

Q: What is the "RE/MAX Concept"?

A: RE/MAX means "Real Estate Maximums". RE/MAX is a concept which offers Sales Associates the highest possible compensation in exchange for their fair share of the business overhead expenses. The RE/MAX philosophy is that if you earn a commission - you should keep it!

RE/MAX offers Sales Associates professional freedom and a "power partnership." Some of the office expenses are shared and paid for by the Sales Associates. All Sales Associates have a vested interest in controlling expenses, and this will assure that the Owner/Broker and Sales Associates will be In business for the long term.

The role of the Owner-Broker is to provide and manage services and systems which enable Sales associates to do what they do best- list and sell real estate. Compensation for that role, called the management or administrative fee, is a modest fee added to the associates' monthly business expenses to provide compensation for the Broker/Owner's financial risks, a return on investment, and a modest income.

"RE/MAX" stands for:

Maximum commission
Maximum image
Maximum support services
Maximum value for the public
Maximum professional conduct
Maximum service rendered by the associate

Q: What is the RE/MAX culture?

A: RE/MAX promotes a performance culture.

At RE/MAX you get a return on effort. Top agents don't support the bottom percentile because office expenses are divided equitably among all agents. In fact, RE/MAX is the perfect "experienced agent" company. Agents are in charge of their own business and receive the benefits of every lead their marketing efforts generate.

RE/MAX is the perfect co-op because it allows the agent to enjoy all the advantages of owing their own business without all of the disadvantages. Agents are provided the environment and support that promotes competition, professionalism, and maximizes the opportunity to succeed.

RE/MAX promotes high standards, ethics, and professionalism in our industry by offering training events and opportunities for agents to network and enhance their knowledge and skills.

RE/MAX agents are distinguished by holding more real estate professional designations than agents with any other real estate company. And it is true that a correlation between designations held and increased earnings has long existed in our industry.

The RE/MAX brand has become synonymous with the best service in real estate. One of the primary benefits of RE/MAX affiliation is the brand recognition and use of the trademarks, slogans and trade names.

Q: Why is the hot air balloon an official corporate logo for RE/MAX?

A: The hot air balloon became an official corporate logo after the RE/MAX Balloon debut at the Albuquerque Balloon Festival In 1978. Today RE/MAX has the world's largest corporate hot air balloon fleet (over 90). It is one of the top ten most recognized logos in North America, and one of the most widely recognized logos in the real estate industry.

Q: How do referrals work?

A: RE/MAX has a vast and efficient referral network that is a major Source of additional income to RE/MAX Sales Associates. Within The RE/MAX system referral selections are made directly to the agent and not to the office or to affiliate service providers or other company profit centers. Mailing lists, referral directories are available to all Sales Associates, and there are numerous impressive web sites at all levels (International, National, Regional, and local) to direct referrals.

Compare the RE/MAX website (www.REMAX.com) to other real estate company websites to notice how the primary focus is to locate a Sales Associate and direct the business to our Sales Associate- not other company profit centers and service providers!

Q: Are there alternative commission plans to paying monthly fees?

A: Yes. "RAPP" is the abbreviation for "RE/MAX Alternative Payment Plan" which was designed to assist Sales Associates Overcome fear of paying monthly expenses. Please refer to "Commission Programs" offered at RE/MAX Independence on this website.

There is a 70/30 split offered that provides Sales Associates with a draw against commissions to be earned. A Sales Associate may stay on this plan or switch to a fee schedule If it is more advantageous for Sales Associate.

Q: What are some of the unique programs RE/MAX has to offer?

A: They include:

• "ServiceMagic" which is an online resource to locate local service professionals for more that 485 types of home services, including painters, plumbers, electricians, roofers, maid services, etc. "ServiceMagic" locates the right local provider and offers neighbor rating and reviews about these local professionals.
  
  
• Websites like www.REMAX.com
  
  
• Intranet "Mainstreet" for member Sales Associates only! You can download listing presentations, market share statistics, etc. from various national and district website "intra-nets"
  
  
• Customized RE/MAX software "RE/MAX Agent 2000"
  
  
• RE/MAX Satellite Network "RSN" v RE/MAX 2001 Closing Gift Program
  
  
• National advertising & name recognition
  
  
• National discounts on goods and services
  
  
• Programs for E&O insurance
  
  
• Benefit programs for medical, dental, 401K retirement plans
  
  
• Sponsorship of national charity and special events
  
  
• Regional, National, and International conferences and conventions
  
  
• RE/MAX Roster Explorer - looking to send or receive a referral? This data supplied by agents provides detailed information on all RE/MAX associates and offices around the world.