Posts from January 2015

The acclaimations for 2014  continue to roll in and word has been received that RE/MAX LLC has ranked as the #1 Real Estate Franchise according to the latest Franchise Times Top 200 report.

Re/Max Publicist Ronda Scholting explains the highly competitive criteria,

“The exhaustive annual survey is based upon 2013 world-wide sales and growth and includes franchisors from a wide variety of business sectors.”

The report outlines that real estate sales are based on total volume of homes sold.

For the 6th year running Re/max dominates their category, and while worthy of celebration, the honours comes as no surprise to the worldwide real estate powerhouse. The company, ranking twelfth overall, moved up two full slots from the previous year. As a top 20 competitor, Re/Max holds a prestigious spot amongst such franchises as Tim Hortons (#18), Marriott Hotels & Resorts (#11), and McDonald’s, who secured the number one slot on the list.

The astonishing jump from position 14 to 12 in just a year can be attributed to incredible sales growth. The 15.6% increase seen this year is more than triple that of nearly any of the top ten franchise’s reported numbers.

As far as industry competition goes, Re/Max certainly doesn’t need to be watching their back, according to the internal press release, “The closest real estate franchises were ranked #28 and #45.”

Additionally, the company made the top ten cut for sales growth, securing the #2 position in the ‘Fastest Growing Franchise‘ category, second only to Circle K.

Re/Max CEO Margaret Kelly has a straightforward approach to franchising.

Re/Max CEO Margaret Kelly commented on the straightforward nature of the company’s enduring success:

“Our philosophy at RE/MAX has always been very simple. Attract new franchisees by providing support services and competitive advantages that help them succeed. It’s why we continue to grow, innovate and evolve.”

CLICK HERE to read about Re/Max Edmonton agents and homes for sale.

In early fall our sister blog at Re/Max North posted the Infill Trend detailing the current influx of residential development in the city. This trend is in response to skyrocketing population growth in Alberta, as well as the rest of Canada.

This issue is far from resolved, according to recent reports by Canadian Real Estate Magazine, stating that within the next 3 decades “Canada will actually need another 4.5 million homes for incoming generations”. Historical predictions were proven inaccurate when baby boomers continued to stay in their residences, rather than an expected mass exodus, causing a previously unforeseen housing shortage.

City Official Peter Ohm Discusses Infill Initiatives. Image Credit: Metro News

The City of Edmonton took initiative when implementing the “Evolving Infill” plan to create more residential space in existing established neighbourhoods. However, with any project there are bumps along the way. The city has recently created a ‘compliance team’, as reported by the Edmonton Journal, to physically inspect infill projects, assuring they are built according to permit guidelines. The inspections are necessary before new tenants can take up residency. According to City Councillor Michael Walters:

“The compliance team is needed to win public support for further infill housing”.

This is necessary based on the public mistrust created when community members felt corners were being cut on projects being rushed to completion.

Edmonton Infill Projects. Image Credit: John Lucas, Edmonton Journal

The Journal reports on the process:

  “the new six-member team will visit all new developments in existing low-density neighbourhoods to ensure the infill house was built according to the development permit approved by the city.”

Issues arose due of the complaint-driven nature of the currents development compliance system, meaning a neighbour or concerned bystander would have to call to report an issue with a project before its investigation. The new compliance team takes a proactive approach to the system, which addresses the public concern over previous rule bending by developers.

If you are looking to develop or become a homeowner CLICK HERE to search for properties currently available.