It was fantastic to attend the Global Real Estate Forum at RE/MAX R4 in Las Vegas today. With many of the more than 120 countries represented which make up the network, the energy in the room was a powerful reminder that real estate truly knows no borders.
One of the highlights was reconnecting with Shawna Gilbert, Senior Vice President of Global and Commercial at RE/MAX. In her role, Shawna leads the company’s efforts to expand the RE/MAX brand around the world while also overseeing RE/MAX Commercial on a global scale. Her leadership continues to strengthen the international referral network, support master franchise regions, and ensure that both residential and commercial divisions are aligned in strategy and opportunity. Shawna’s perspective on global collaboration reinforces how vital it is for markets to work together rather than in silos.
We also had a meaningful conversation about international growth and cross-border opportunity with Gustavo Caricote, Executive Director of Global Development within the RE/MAX global organizational structure. Gustavo brings extensive experience in international franchise growth, development and support, helping expand the RE/MAX footprint while maintaining strong standards and systems across diverse markets. His insights into emerging regions and long-term expansion strategy underscore the importance of thoughtful, relationship-driven global growth.
We also loved seeing Jan Repa whom we met almost 15 years ago and is celebrating 23 years with REMAX LLC this year. A senior leader within the global structure of REMAX, Jan plays an important role in expanding and strengthening the company’s international presence. As Area Vice President, REMAX Global Regions, Jan supports the RE/MAX network across multiple countries, helping facilitate meaningful global connections and drive cross-border referral opportunities. Jan represents REMAX Global at major international events, including the R4 Global Referral Exchange, where he champions agent networking and the creation of international business relationships. We can’t wait to visit the Global Referral Exchange this year and see all our international friends.
With representation from many of the 110 countries, today’s forum demonstrated the true strength of the RE/MAX global network, a community of professionals connected by shared standards, collaboration and opportunity. Events like this remind us that global real estate is not simply about expansion, it is about partnership, culture and building bridges between markets around the world. Culture was a big theme in the conversations on the stage today and it was truly felt.
The conversations reflected something bigger than transactions, they reflected unity, vision and the future of global real estate. It was super to hear from Global Leaders from REMAX Peru, REMAX Turkiye and REMAX Brasil who took the stage and spoke of recruiting, retention, training, development with a keynote from RE/MAX Brasil facilitating ‘ The Best of Disney Client Experience ‘, stay tuned for more on that! My favourite talk so far at the R4 Conference.
Global real estate is no longer a niche conversation. It is a necessity. In a world where capital, talent, families and opportunity move freely across borders, real estate has become one of the most powerful connectors between countries, cultures and economies. The brands and leaders who understand this, are not just building companies, they are building bridges.
Now for Canada! We may represent LOCAL, but we are truly GLOBAL and with 400+ Canadians represented from across our great Nation.
Few organizations embody global connectivity more than REMAX Canada. RE/MAX Canada put Global Real Estate on the map. With a huge presence across European countries and territories, the brand has created a platform where collaboration transcends language, time zones and political boundaries. A referral from Toronto can seamlessly land in Madrid. An investor in Dubai can confidently connect with an agent in Berlin. A family relocating from Canada to Portugal can feel supported every step of the way. That is the power of global real estate done well. And just today during the Global Forum, my husband took a call from an Investor Client in Dubai, who will be selling his investment property in Oakville, true story.
At the heart of REMAX’s European expansion is REMAX Europe, owned by the visionary families of Walter Schneider and the Frank Polzler Family, Founders of RE/MAX Canada. Their leadership is a case study in long-term thinking, stewardship and unity. Rather than simply growing a footprint, they have focused on strengthening relationships between countries, fostering shared standards, education, culture and cooperation across diverse markets.
Europe itself is a mosaic of languages, legal systems, currencies and customs. To build a cohesive real estate network across that landscape requires more than contracts and logos. It demands trust and cooperation, demanding cultural intelligence and families and leaders who are willing to think generationally rather than transactionally. Cooperation is something RE/MAX Europe has been trying to grow.
The Schneider and Polzler families have approached growth with that lens. Their stewardship of REMAX Europe reflects a belief that global success is not about dominance, but about partnership. Brokers in Austria, Germany, Spain, Italy or the Czech Republic are not operating in silos, they are connected through shared systems, global referral pipelines and a common standard of professionalism. When countries collaborate instead of compete, the entire network rises. Leading the charge in Europe is CEO, Michael Polzler & an extraordinary leadership Team who has grown the regions to over 30,000 Real Estate Professionals in over 40 Countries.
This global connectivity matters now more than ever. Migration patterns are increasing. Remote work has untethered professionals from traditional office hubs. Investors are diversifying internationally. Families are seeking lifestyle changes across continents. Real estate professionals who understand global markets are not just selling property, they are guiding life transitions.
A strong global network provides three critical advantages.
First, credibility. When an agent aligns with a recognized international brand, clients feel reassured. There is comfort in knowing that the standards of service are not confined to one office or one country.
Second, referral flow. Global networks create real business. Cross-border referrals are not theoretical, they are measurable revenue streams. An agent who nurtures international relationships is building a pipeline that extends far beyond their local board.
Third, perspective. Exposure to different markets fosters innovation. What works in Prague might inspire a marketing strategy in Vancouver. What succeeds in Lisbon could influence client engagement in Miami. Global dialogue elevates everyone’s thinking.
The importance of global real estate is also economic. Property markets influence employment, infrastructure, foreign investment and national growth. When international investors purchase commercial or residential assets, they are injecting capital into communities. When families relocate, they contribute to schools, small businesses and local culture. Real estate becomes a conduit for economic vitality.
But beyond economics, there is something more powerful at play, connection.
When leaders like Walter Schneider and Frank Polzler bring together countries under one collaborative umbrella, they are doing more than scaling a business. They are creating a framework where people from different backgrounds work toward common goals. They are demonstrating that cooperation across borders is not only possible, it is profitable and purposeful.
In a time when leadership and global headlines often focus on division, real estate offers a counter-narrative. It shows that commerce can foster unity. That shared standards can bridge differences. That families, like those behind RE/MAX Europe, can steward organizations with integrity and inclusivity.
The future of real estate will not be defined solely by local market statistics. It will be shaped by how well professionals understand global mobility, international investment and cross-cultural service. Agents who think globally will serve clients more effectively. Leaders who build internationally will create more resilient organizations.
Global real estate is about scale, yes, but it is also about stewardship, a word we can’t stress enough. It is about ensuring that as markets expand, values remain strong. It is about balancing ambition with collaboration.
The Schneider and Polzler families have demonstrated that bringing together countries with differences, while honouring them and creating shared opportunities Through RE/MAX Europe, they have built one of the strongest networks, a true global community that spans borders.
And in today’s interconnected world, that may be one of the most important investments of all.
Congratulations on the success of RE/MAX Europe to the Schneider and Polzler families and to REMAX LLC on the wonderful Global Forum this week.
One network, one standard, one team, we win together.
Photo – Walter Schneider, Co-Founder and Co-Owner of RE/MAX Europe, Wayne Munden, REALTOR® & Team Leader, RE/MAX Hallmark, Toronto Canada and Sebastian Sosa, Co-Owner and President REMAX Argentina and Uruguay who won Region of the Year. Congratulations!
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