Re/Max Central: Two Decades of Unparalleled Real Estate Dominance in Calgary
Imagine a feat so monumental in the world of sports that it seems almost mythical. Picture a professional team, year after year, conquering all challengers to claim the championship title for two full decades. Such consistent excellence is nearly impossible to conceive, often deemed beyond the realm of possibility in highly competitive arenas. Yet, in the bustling and often unpredictable landscape of the real estate industry, one Calgary-based brokerage has not only achieved, but sustained, a level of dominance that mirrors this extraordinary scenario.
Re/Max Real Estate (Central), a name synonymous with peak performance in the Canadian real estate sector, recently cemented its legacy by being recognized as the top-producing single Re/Max office in the entire world for an unprecedented 20th consecutive year in 2018. This astounding achievement was celebrated at the prestigious annual Re/Max R4 Convention held in Las Vegas, where the Calgary office was lauded with a remarkable six awards. These accolades weren’t just for a single category, but spanned across critical performance metrics, solidifying their global and national leadership. Central proudly secured titles for the top office in Canada and the top office in the world for transactions, top office in Canada and top office in the world for dollar volume, and was also recognized as the largest single office in Canada and the largest single office in the world. This consistent recognition is a testament to their unwavering commitment to excellence, even amidst the fluctuating cycles that define the real estate market.
A Legacy Forged in Numbers: Tracking Re/Max Central’s Consistent Excellence
The numbers behind Re/Max Central’s remarkable streak are not just impressive; they tell a story of relentless effort, strategic prowess, and a deep understanding of the market. In 2018 alone, the brokerage facilitated an astonishing 4,179 transactions, connecting countless buyers and sellers across Calgary. While this represents a slight adjustment from their 2017 peak of 5,046 transactions, it highlights their continued strength in a challenging market. Similarly, their total sales volume, a key indicator of market impact, stood at $2.297 billion in 2018, following a robust $2.765 billion in 2017. These figures are not mere statistics; they reflect the trust placed in Re/Max Central by thousands of clients and the tireless work of their dedicated agents.
What makes this two-decade run even more compelling is its origin story. Re/Max Central first earned the top-producing award in 1997, marking their initial ascendancy. They briefly relinquished the title in 1998, a momentary pause that perhaps only fueled their resolve. Since reclaiming the top spot in 1999, they have held it firmly, year after year, building a dynasty unmatched in the global Re/Max network. This resilience, the ability to bounce back and not just maintain but elevate their performance, speaks volumes about the intrinsic values and operational excellence embedded within the organization. It’s a journey that transcends simple business success, evolving into a narrative of sustained leadership and market mastery.
The Visionary Behind the Victory: Pat Hare’s Enduring Leadership
At the heart of Re/Max Central’s staggering success story stands owner Pat Hare, a figure whose vision, dedication, and unwavering commitment have guided the brokerage through two decades of unprecedented achievement. Hare, who co-owns the business with his wife Denise, embodies a leadership philosophy rooted in fundamental principles of client satisfaction and deep market insight. His personal involvement and passion are palpable: “I take personal satisfaction in making sure the buyer or the seller gets the best deal possible. There’s nothing better than having a buyer and you take them out there and you get them the best deal they can afford. To be a really good Realtor you have to know the market,” Hare emphasizes.
This client-centric approach isn’t just a motto; it’s the bedrock of the brokerage’s operational ethos. Hare believes that true success stems from empowering his team and fostering an environment where agents can excel. When asked about the secret to their incredible two-decade run, Hare’s answer is clear and consistent: “We always say it’s the Realtors, number one. We motivate the Realtors and help them be successful. Then we always say we have a great support staff and always have. Then we go to the management team and say our managers are the best out there… And we work all together as a team.” This three-pronged strategy – focusing on exceptional Realtors, robust support staff, and elite management – creates a synergistic ecosystem where every component contributes to the collective success.
The atmosphere within Re/Max Central is meticulously cultivated to encourage continuous improvement and collaborative effort. Hare describes it as “an atmosphere of hard work, working together and bettering your career.” This isn’t just about closing deals; it’s about professional growth and collective aspiration. Hare’s commitment to his agents’ development is profound. Over the years, he has championed and introduced numerous training programs and initiatives specifically designed to enhance Realtors’ skills. A significant emphasis is placed on personalized, one-on-one training, recognizing that each agent’s journey and learning style are unique. This investment in human capital ensures that Re/Max Central’s agents are not only highly skilled but also continually adapting to market changes and client needs.
Pat Hare’s journey into real estate leadership is as compelling as the brokerage’s success. Born in Tillsonburg, Ontario, the 65-year-old laid a strong academic foundation, earning his Bachelor of Commerce degree in accounting from the University of Ottawa. His foresight was evident even during his university years, as he simultaneously pursued the Ontario real estate course at Algonquin College. After graduating in 1977, Hare embarked on a two-year journey traveling throughout Europe, an experience that undoubtedly broadened his perspective and cultivated a resilient, adaptable mindset.
His eventual move to Calgary in 1979 was prompted by a suggestion from a university friend, Paul Mair, marking the beginning of his illustrious real estate career. Hare started at Mair’s company, Westmoreland Real Estate, initially a small downtown organization where he served as a partner. This early experience in a burgeoning market laid the groundwork for his future endeavors. In 1984, Hare, Mair, and two other partners co-founded Re/Max Real Estate (Central) with an initial team of 35 Realtors. Under Hare’s visionary guidance, that team has blossomed into a formidable force of more than 280 agents today, a testament to the growth opportunities and supportive environment the brokerage offers. Hare’s early conviction about the industry proved prescient: “I probably read enough books about real estate during my commerce course. I just knew that real estate was the future and if you bought and sold properties you’d probably make some money over the lifetime of your career,” he reflects, highlighting his deep understanding of market fundamentals from the outset.
Navigating Calgary’s Unique Market: Resilience in the Face of Volatility
Calgary’s real estate market is famously characterized by its cyclical nature, intricately tied to the fortunes of the oil and gas industry. When oil prices surge, the city often experiences boom periods, driving up property values and demand. Conversely, downturns in oil prices can lead to economic slowdowns, job losses, and a cooling residential market. This inherent volatility presents a unique and formidable challenge for any real estate firm seeking sustained success, making Re/Max Central’s consistent achievements even more extraordinary.
The past few years have painfully underscored this reality. The dramatic collapse of oil prices in the latter half of 2014 triggered significant economic recessions in Calgary throughout 2015 and 2016. This period resulted in thousands of job losses, impacting consumer confidence and residential real estate activity. While 2017 saw some positive economic shifts, the lingering effects of those recessionary years continue to be felt. Economic growth has remained slow and cautious, with numerous challenges persisting in the market. Consequently, the residential real estate market has remained sluggish, grappling with decreased demand and a more conservative investment climate.
Despite these exceptionally tough economic headwinds, Re/Max Central has not only maintained its dominant position but has continued to sweep the annual Re/Max awards. Their ability to consistently perform at such a high level in a constrained market environment speaks volumes about their adaptability, strategic foresight, and the resilience of their team. Hare himself admits to a degree of surprise at their recent victories, acknowledging the difficulty: “I think we were a little surprised this year,” he says, a candid admission that further emphasizes the competitive nature of their achievement even for a seasoned leader like him.
Cultivating Excellence: The Re/Max Central Advantage and Future Outlook
The sustained success of Re/Max Central isn’t just about market knowledge or strategic planning; it’s profoundly about people. Pat Hare’s philosophy on team building and the qualities he seeks in a Realtor are critical to the brokerage’s winning formula. He looks beyond résumés, delving into the core attributes that drive success: “Motivation. Work ethic. What field they’re coming out of. Why they’re becoming a Realtor. Then we work around that,” Hare explains. This holistic approach ensures that potential agents are not only skilled but also deeply aligned with the values of the brokerage.
One of Hare’s most insightful observations is the adage they live by: “To be a Realtor, you have to be a little different.” He elaborates on this, stating, “Every Realtor is a little different. I don’t expect one Realtor to be the same (as another). And every Realtor identifies with a different section of the population.” This embrace of diversity among his agents is a strategic asset. By fostering a team with varied backgrounds, perspectives, and specializations, Re/Max Central can effectively cater to the entire spectrum of the market. “We love that because we can hit all aspects of the market,” Hare affirms, highlighting how this diverse talent pool allows them unparalleled reach and understanding across Calgary’s varied communities and client segments.
Looking ahead, Hare offers a nuanced yet optimistic perspective on the Calgary real estate market. He acknowledges the recent challenges: “The Calgary market has been soft for the last couple of years but we needed that. You can’t have a market that continues to go up and up and up.” This period of softening, he argues, has been essential in restoring balance and improving affordability, particularly for first-time buyers who might otherwise be priced out. He anticipates 2019 to be “a levelling year,” suggesting a period of stabilization where prices and demand find a sustainable equilibrium, setting the stage for future growth.
Hare’s long-term vision for Calgary’s real estate future is notably bullish: “Calgary’s the future of real estate in Canada because of its affordability and its population growth.” This bold statement is backed by compelling fundamentals. Compared to other major Canadian cities, Calgary continues to offer a relatively accessible entry point into homeownership. This affordability, combined with steady population growth driven by both internal migration and new arrivals, positions Calgary as a prime market for sustained expansion. As the city matures and diversifies its economy beyond its traditional energy ties, its appeal as a vibrant, opportunity-rich urban center will only strengthen. Re/Max Central, with its two-decade legacy of unparalleled success and its forward-thinking leadership, is undoubtedly poised to continue leading the charge in this promising future, adapting and excelling regardless of the market’s ebb and flow.