With 2009 described as a dismal year for property, a year when the real estate industry continued to feel the effects of a recession, RE/MAX of Southern Africa proved that when the going gets tough, the tough get going.

RE/MAX of Southern Africa sold 15 new franchises despite depressed market conditions which dominated 2009, and it is this continued growth of the brand locally which saw it form part of RE/MAX International’s Top 10 Regions for Franchise Sales outside of North America and Canada during 2009.

Says Peter Gilmour, Chairman of RE/MAX of Southern Africa: “This achievement proves the quality offering that RE/MAX brings to the local real estate market. Franchisees know they're getting the power of a world-class brand, and all the cutting edge support, technology and training that comes with it."

Looking at the RE/MAX brand on an international level, the growth trend continues. RE/MAX International, Inc. sold 630 franchises worldwide, while extending its global presence into eight new countries.

The RE/MAX international franchise sales figures for 2009 shows explosive growth in several regions; southwest Germany increased 200%, Portugal grew 100%, and Israel was up 45%. With the addition of eight new countries, including the Bahamas, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Jamaica, Morocco, Peru, and Uruguay, RE/MAX continues to have an international presence greater than any of its competitors.

RE/MAX experienced additional success in the U.S., selling 21 new franchises in California, a state with one of the most challenging real estate markets. "Achieving this type of growth despite a recession is the true test of any company,” says Vinnie Tracey, President, RE/MAX International Inc. "And the fact that RE/MAX continues to exceed expectations and surpass the competition is the reason we're still going strong, after 37 years."

With significant economic and real estate improvements in 2010, RE/MAX is looking forward to another successful year of franchise sales around the globe. And it seems this expectation for success has already begun to gather momentum locally. This year has started with a flurry of franchise sales for RE/MAX of Southern Africa, with six sales already concluded in the first four weeks of business.

Article by: www.remax.co.za