Jonathan Thomas

The history story RE/MAX Wales, Cheshire & Merseyside was founded in January 2001 by Co-regional owners, Jonathan Thomas & Rob Lock. Having both worked in the estate agency business for many years, they were disillusioned with the industry and the bad name that poorly trained novices and part-timers were giving the estate agency profession. They wanted to build a company where only full time professionally trained sales people were hired so homebuyers and sellers could be confident that they would receive the level of professionalism that a transaction of such magnitude demands. This had been the RE/MAX philosophy for over 30 years, so why try and reinvent the wheel, they approached RE/MAX in the summer of 2000 with a view to buy the first franchise in Wales, but when the opportunity presented itself to develop the RE/MAX brand throughout the whole region of Wales, Cheshire & Merseyside it was to good an opportunity to miss. ...Continuous growthThe first franchise was opened on 10th January 2001 in Morriston, Swansea and from here the network began to grow. By the end of 2001 eight more franchises had opened along the M4 corridor between Carmarthen and Bridgend and the RE/MAX brand began to establish it’s self as one of the leading names in Welsh estate agency.  In 2003 the first RE/MAX franchises open in Merseyside and Cheshire.  Currently in Europe there are over 10,000 sales associates and approximately 1,500 open offices....the most productive AgentsInternationally RE/MAX is the most productive organization the estate agency industry has ever seen. RE/MAX agents on average have more experience and sell more homes than any other agents in the industry. The RE/MAX system is setup so that agents equally share expenses of the operation. This means each agent has to be skilled enough to generate the income needed to pay a set fee every month, but in return receive up to 80% of the commission they generate. The Traditional UK estate agent is salaried with very little commission and no incentive to go that extra. Here in the UK the RE/MAX system was like a breath of fresh air and started to attract top sales professionals who could see the advantages of being affiliate with the worlds leading estate agency brand....Success breeds successInterestingly, once true professionals start working together in the same office, their skills improve even more. That’s the power of association. Globally, the RE/MAX approach has had a profound impact on the industry, and today there are many imitators. But none has yet been able to match the level of professionalism held by RE/MAX agents. Indeed, both consumers and others in the industry continue to perceive RE/MAX as the ultimate organization with which top real estate professional affiliates. RE/MAX agents, around the world average 12 years of experience, far exceeding the industry average. They also surpass their peers in professional designations - a sign of advanced education in real estate sales and marketing....changeWe know how important it is to keep pace with change - to anticipate new trends in the market and integrate new technologies. At RE/MAX, we recognise that to stay ahead we must provide the most comprehensive service and deliver the best results.… education and trainingWe encourage our Sales Associates to refresh their skills and update their knowledge - to be in tune with their customers changing needs. Education and training is key, as only the most qualified Sales Associates are capable of delivering the level of service that RE/MAX customers have come to expect...high customer satisfactionRE/MAX receives some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in virtually any service category, providing a wide range of support including: customised marketing plans designed to attract the greatest number of "qualified buyers" in the shortest period of time top performer networking to help buy or sell your home professional relocation and commercial real estate services ...a worldwide referral networkA referral network around the world provides customers with assistance in finding the best! From the RE/MAX agent selling your home, to mortgage financing, moving and storage facilities, as well as a wide range of associated services related to buying or selling a home. Above all, RE/MAX Sales Associates are independent business people with a direct stake in selling your home....Children’s Miracle NetworkWhile individual RE/MAX offices and regions have distinguished themselves in various community projects and charities, the official charity of the RE/MAX organization is the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN). RE/MAX Sales Associates have raised millions of dollars for CMN hospitals world-wide.