RE/MAX Expands into Caribbean, Central America Markets

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The RE/MAX network continues to expand its reach around the world, announcing five new offices in four countries in the Caribbean and Central America.  RE/MAX is now in more than 80 countries, after increasing franchise sales nearly 30 percent in 2010 and outdistancing all competitors.

"We are changing the way real estate business is conducted in many of these countries," says Ricardo Cardenas, Regional Vice President, RE/MAX Latin America and Caribbean.  "Our blueprint for the industry is based on training and professionalism and that is what is drawing so many new offices to RE/MAX."

In Honduras, the Broker/Owners of RE/MAX Bay Islands in Roatan have opened a second office in West Bay.  Larry Schlesser and Janine Goben have named the new office RE/MAX Western Sunsets, and staffed the location with experienced agents who are long-time residents.  Schlesser and Goben hope to double the staff at Western Sunsets this year.

"Tourists are returning to this area and many of them are prospective investors," says Goben.  "We expect to see as many as a million prospective clients come in on cruise ships this year and we have to be ready for them."

In Puerto Rico, one new office is open and another will launch in June.  Enrique Morales is the Broker/Owner of the new RE/MAX Divine office in greater San Juan.  Broker/Owner Sandy Ramos will open RE/MAX Real Estate Group, in the heart of the island's tourist area.  The office will serve the townships of Rio Grande, Canovanas, Luquillo, Fajardo and Humacao.

"The buyers we see in the area around Rio Grande are second home buyers that live outside Puerto Rico," says Ramos.  "RE/MAX is a name they know and trust, and we're thrilled to be able to bring first class customer service to them."

In Panama, Yenci Milano converted her independent office in Panama City to RE/MAX Golden Dream Realty.  Milano believes the change will help her agents better serve their buyers and sellers.

"The market has started to move again and there is great interest from investors from other Latin American countries, especially from Venezuela," says Milano.  "RE/MAX will give us more exposure to better serve the growing international clientele."

And, in Costa Rica, a new office is scheduled to open in Playa Dominical, in the province of Puntarenas.  New Broker/Owners Dave and Debra West are long time real estate professionals.  They're looking forward to helping buyers who are searching for properties along Costa Rica's pristine southern Pacific shoreline.

"We're focusing on the coastal region surrounding Playa Dominical and extending to where the mountains meet the ocean," says Dave West.  "This area is truly unique and once you've experienced it, it's hard to leave.  We'll be busy assisting families in finding the home of their dreams."

 

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