RE/MAX Celebrates 38 Years in Real Estate
RE/MAX, one of the largest real estate franchises in the world, and its Co-Founders, Dave and Gail Liniger, are celebrating its 38th anniversary in 2011 along with a year of significant success in 2010 despite a challenging housing market.

“It’s been an exhilarating ride, through the ups and downs of every type of market imaginable,” said RE/MAX Chairman Dave Liniger who pioneered the maximum commission concept when he opened his first RE/MAX office in 1973. “We’ve accomplished a lot of things in 38 years but by far our greatest success is having an impassioned network of the most professional agents in the business helping buyers and sellers around the world. They’re making a difference every day and I couldn’t be more proud of their accomplishments.”

In 2010, RE/MAX worldwide franchise sales were up nearly 30% from the previous year and RE/MAX agents were ranked the most productive in the industry by two notable industry surveys.

Peter Gilmour, Chairman of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, says that locally the brand has also been making great strides in gaining market share, with 18 new franchises sold in the Southern Africa region during 2010 to take the number of franchised offices over the 150 mark. In a year where the agent numbers nationally dropped, RE/MAX showed a 20% increase in the number of experienced agents joining the group across Southern Africa.

RE/MAX now operates in more than 80 countries around the world, a presence greater than any of its competitors, and building on four decades of tradition, the global network continues to set the pace for the real estate industry.

RE/MAX has logged a number of milestones in 2010. RE/MAX expanded internationally into eight new countries including Bolivia, Tunisia, Dominica and Suriname. In addition, two national US surveys ranked top-performing RE/MAX agents above all other national franchise agents in average transaction sides. In the 2010 REAL Trends 500 survey, RE/MAX agents averaged an impressive 14.4 transaction sides, 46% higher than the next closest competitor. The 2010 RISMedia Power Broker Report put RE/MAX agents at an average of 15.1 transaction sides, 26% higher than the next closest competitor.

“Similarly in Southern Africa, RE/MAX agent productivity saw an increase of 40% in national sales during 2010, which can be attributed to the quality of service and the expertise of our experienced agents in a challenging market. Proprietary training systems were introduced specifically to help agents better manage their day to day business and their client relationships,” says Gilmour.

In the US, RE/MAX continues to lead the industry in the number of agents trained in dealing with Distressed properties with the most agents holding the international Certified Distress Property Expert Designation of any Real Estate grouping. Gilmour notes that it is no different in South Africa. “Another exciting first for RE/MAX of Southern Africa is offering the Certified Distressed Property Expert (SA) training exclusively to our agents. An agent holding a CPDE (SA) designation is a trained real estate professional with specific understanding of the complex issues confronting the industry today, and the options and effective methods for dealing with homeowners facing financial hardship.

To date, over 300 RE/MAX agents in South Africa have attended the course and are now CPDEs. They join over 30 000 agents in North America who have benefited from the information and knowledge gleaned from the course.
Other milestones achieved by RE/MAX in 2010 include the fact that Reader’s Digest Canada named RE/MAX the Most Trusted Brand in Real Estate. RE/MAX University (RU), the propriety network for RE/MAX agent training and education, also launched a new On-Demand Platform, making its award-winning training available 24/7 online. In addition RE/MAX also launched the RE/MAX University Mobile Application to give agents access to training on the go, along with the RE/MAX YouTube Brand Channel that features hundreds of RE/MAX videos and a geo-targeting map for consumers searching for listed properties, local RE/MAX agents, offices and community videos.

Choosing a home for each life stage

Your home is usually an extension of yourself and mostly reflects your current and/or future lifestyle requirements. Adrian Goslett, CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa discusses the different property investment options for each life stage.

THE STUDENT
"A low-maintenance, lock-up-and-go unit, featuring a communal pool and/or entertainment area that enjoys proximity to the tertiary institution of choice and other amenities such as shopping centres and entertainment areas is ideal for these care-free years of one's life," says Goslett. He advises students to consider the following affordable options:
• Renting a garden cottage in someone's back yard
• Renting a room in someone's home
• Renting a room in a student commune
• Renting an apartment
Other options that are slightly more expensive but highly popular among students include renting or buying a unit in a secure student village. Buying an apartment or home where the other rooms can be rented out to students, especially if parents have one or more children who study or intend to study at the same tertiary institution, can be a good long-term real estate investment.

THE YOUNG EXECUTIVE
"Now is the right time to start thinking about buying your first property, especially if you don't have other big financial commitments such as paying off a student loan, for example," says Goslett. He adds that this is certainly one of the most important buying and investment decisions the young executive will ever make, seeing that the market value and prospective price appreciation of one's first property will have a financial impact on just how much one can spend on future real estate investments.
Commenting on the type of property that will suit the fast-paced lifestyle of the young and upcoming executive, Goslett says that an apartment, sectional or full-title unit in a 24-hour security complex or estate is ideal. "Lock-up-and go units that require little maintenance and upkeep are also perfect for this stage of one's life," he says.

THE YOUNG COUPLE
Most people tend to buy their first property once they've got married or committed to a long-standing relationship. "And although young couples' lifestyle requirements may be similar to that of the young executive, their property requirements, however, would be slightly different in the sense that they may consider a property that can also serve as their future family home as they start to settle down," comments Goslett.
Types of properties to consider include:
• Buy-to-renovate properties
• A freestanding full-title home in a security estate or complex
• A sectional-title unit in a security estate or complex

THE FAMILY
"Buyers purchasing a family home are looking for stability because they usually have many responsibilities and commitments in this stage of their lives. Comments Goslett: "The number of bedrooms and other features such as a swimming pool and size of the garden should play an important role in the decision-making process, while proximity to good schools and easy access to shopping, health and medical centres should also be taken into careful consideration. "
He says that buyers looking to purchase a family home mostly seek larger, freestanding full-title properties with features such as a swimming pool and entertainment areas.

THE RETIREE
Respective retirees tend to downsize because a large family home with a garden and/or pool no longer meet their lifestyle requirements. "Aside from the fact that a smaller property will enable the retiree to lock-up-and-go at any time of the year for any given period of time because little maintenance is required, retirees can also look forward to monthly cost savings on rates and taxes, utility bills, insurance and security as well as maintenance and repair costs," notes Goslett.
He advises prospective retirees to consider properties in proximity to shopping centres, 24-hour medical facilities as well as sport, leisure and health centres that appeal to their interests. That said, a sectional or full-title unit, or a small, freestanding home close to other residential property in a 24-hour security or retirement estate is ideal for retirees. He adds that upmarket retirement villages that offer 24-hour access to on-site frail or health care facilities are also a good choice.

Overall, Goslett concludes that location, security and easy access to facilities of choice should always be considered when purchasing or renting any property. "This is especially important for buyers who want to commit to a long-term real estate investment, such as a family home," he says.

RE/MAX April 2010 Regional Results

Congratulations to all our RE/MAX Offices & Associates on their prestigious Awards and recognitions!!

TOP 5 Eastern Cape Offices based on Registered Comm 2010

1. RE/MAX Independent Properties (Lorraine)
2. RE/MAX ABM (New Brighton)
3. RE/MAX Sunshine Coast (Berea)
4. RE/MAX Outeniqua (George)
5. RE/MAX Independent Properties (Walmer)

TOP 5 Eastern Cape Associates based on cumulative Registered Comm 2010

1. Christo Slabbert, RE/MAX Independent Properties (Lorraine)
2. Marcel du Toit, RE/MAX Independent Properties (Lorraine)
3. Hanneke O’Sullivan, RE/MAX Lakes
4. Alexis Bowker, RE/MAX Frontier
5. Dawn Liebenberg, RE/MAX Independent Properties (Lorraine)

Christo Slabbert; Marcel du Toit; Dawn Liebenberg

We at RE/MAX Independent Properties are proud of you all. Thank you for the long hours, smiles all the way and the little extra you put in for your clients.

HELP HEAL ASHLEIGH

Fibro Muscular Dysplasia is a rare disease for which there is no cure or prevention to stop it spreading through the arteries. South African doctors do not have the experience or knowledge to treat this disease and if it is not managed correctly, there can be major complications.

Ashleigh Botha, was diagnosed with FMD at the very young age of only 12.

At 16, Ashleigh is a beautiful young lady with big dreams and bigger heart.

Ashleigh Botha at a recent photo shoot

Following is a letter from Ashleigh’s parents:
Colin and Colleen Botha write;
In addition to Ashleigh's FMD she also suffers from Spondylolithosis of the spine, which has caused her spine to become unstable at the base and to curve by 39 degrees. Her Spinal Surgeon in Cape Town has told us she will possibly need a metal rod, with plates and screws inserted into her spine in the near future.

Ashleigh's doctors have told us to take her to America for treatment.There is a Clinic in Cleveland, USA where FMD treatment is available, which will make Ashleigh's life easier and help with the pain and symptoms she suffers from the disease. Doctors there are willing to help Ashleigh, and also to assess her spinal condition.

We are trying to raise funds with the help and support of Kobie Potgieter from RE/MAX Independent Properties, due to the very high cost of medical treatment and expenses, as well as the bad Dollar/Rand exchange rate, to enable us to take Ashleigh to America as soon as possible. Your assistance in way of a monetary donation, prizes for lucky draws, or any other possible help will be very greatly appreciated.

Kobie Potgieter, Ashleigh & Colleen Botha

With grateful thanks Colin and Colleen Botha
Home: +27 41 378 1714 Fax: 041 378 1714 Cell: +27 82 570 3183


If you would like to Help us Heal Ashleigh, you can contact her parents on numbers above or contact our RE/MAX office for more information.

Your support will be much appreciated

Kobie Potgieter


RE/MAX Independent Properties
Port Elizabeth
South Africa
Office: +27 41 368 1100
E-mail: potgieter.kobie@gmail.com

It starts with YOU

If I recieve a Rand for every time I hear about how important Recycling is, there would be no need for me to sell houses. Until recently I thought it would not help having one person in a home or office wanting to Go Green and save the planet.

How silly of me. Ofcourse it will help move on to "Greener" pastures.
We want to fight against global warming and keep our home, our planet safe and beautiful.





In the tiniest of ways YOU can contribute. It will change your life and the lives of those around you for the better.





We at RE/MAX are proud to say we are helping to save the planet by recycling and being more aware of wasting resources.

Tips on how to make your office "Green"
1. Use recycled paper
2. Print on both sides, where possible
3. Recycle unwanted or used paper
4. Turn off the lights in spaces that are unoccupied
5. Rather than printing or faxing, use scanning facilities - Think before you print
6. Recycle printer cartridges
7. Use biodegradable cleaners in the kitchen
8. Allocate recycle bins in your office for paper, plastic & glass

In practicing only a few of the tips mentioned, you will be making the world a "Greener" place.

Coast 2 Coast 4 Cansa

Every year RE/MAX does something special to show we care. Whether a Reach for a Dream Childrens Function or CANSA Shavaton, we are proud to say we give back to the Community.

On 22 April 2010, six adventurers on jet ski's will travel over 2800km's of South African Coastline in order to increase awareness and raise funds for CANSA as part of the C2C4C campaign.

The pilots, Barry Lewin (SA Surfski paddler), Jason Ribbink (SA Surfing and big wave rider), Lance Klusener (SA Cricketer), Darryl Cullinan (SA Cricketer), Mark Addison (Marine Conservationist & Shark expert) and Russel Symcox (Dolphins Cricketer) will begin their journey in Ponto e Oura, Mozambique and end at the Orange River on the West Coast border of Namibia.

During the journey, the crew will stop over in the major South African cities of Durban, East London, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town. On these stop over days, media interviews with local radio stations and newspapers will be facilitated through the media liasons and, with the assisitance of CANSA, educational visits to schools, hospitals, clinics and special care facilities will be organised. All this to promote awareness about Cancer and draw attention to the C2C4C campaign.

RE/MAX is proud to be an associate sponsor for this initiative and wish the crew the best of luck.
We would liket o encourage all RE/MAX Associates, staff, friends and family to support the team by welcoming them at their stop off points along the coast if in your area. A full Calender is available on RE/MAX Connect.

http://www.cansa.org.za/ to get latest updates, news, pictures etc.

RE/MAX Awards for the first Quarter of 2010

Congratulations to all RE/MAX SA Agents for showing once again that we are

Outstanding Agents with Outstanding Results.

TOP 5 OFFICES PER REGION BASED ON REG COMMISSION
EASTERN CAPE
1. RE/MAX Independent Properties (Lorraine - Port Elizabeth)
2. RE/MAX ABM (New Brighton - Port Elizabeth)
3. RE/MAX Property Professionals (Queenstown)
4. RE/MAX Sunshine Coast (Berea - East London)
5. RE/MAX Outeniqua (George)

TOP 5 ASSOCIATES PER REGION BASED ON REG COMMISSION
EASTERN CAPE
1. Alexis Bowker (RE/MAX Frontier)
2. Ruanda Rossouw (RE/MAX Outeniqua)
3. Christo Slabbert (RE/MAX Independent Properties)
4. Nadia Gerber (RE/MAX Outeniqua)
5. Panayiota Batsis (RE/MAX Independent Properties)

I am proud to congratulate Christo & Panayiota on their Awards for our RE/MAX Independent Office.

This is only the tip of the iceberg in proving
- "Nobody in the world sells more Real Estate than RE/MAX"

Visit our website for all Awards www.remax.co.za