REMAX Joins Forces with American Real Estate Association

By Courtney Rivera 24/07/2026 2 min read 32 views

REMAX aligns with the American Real Estate Association as its president, Chris Lim, joined the group’s board of directors, signaling a strategic partnership that could reshape agent education across the United States.

Board appointment and immediate goals

Lim, who became REMAX president earlier this year after serving as chief growth officer, said the association’s focus on “the best‑informed and best‑trained agents” matches current market needs. In a statement, he pledged to help “shape a high‑quality educational framework that improves the association’s standing with the public and ensures members are viewed as indispensable, highly skilled advisors.”

Lim also posted on social media that agents “deserve to be heard,” adding that industry progress depends on shaping the conversation. The board already includes Douglas Elliman’s CEO Michael Liebowitz, general counsel Deva Roberts, and RLTYco founder Briggs Elwell.

Investor addition and diversification

Investor Andrew Dodge was announced as another new board member. He described his role as offering “a true outsider’s perspective” to a lifelong passion for real estate. Dodge warned that housing debates have become “weaponized politically,” and suggested the association could serve as a trusted, apolitical voice.

The organization said Dodge’s presence adds “a layer of cross‑industry diversification” to its leadership.

Membership benefits for REMAX agents

All REMAX agents will receive a complimentary one‑year membership under the new alignment. Agents who have already paid dues can apply those payments toward the following year’s subscription, according to Lim. With more than 149,000 agents worldwide as of March, REMAX could boost the association’s membership base substantially.

Last fall the association reported roughly 16,600 members, a figure that rose after Douglas Elliman contributed about 6,600 professionals. Adding REMAX’s network could push total membership into the hundreds of thousands, strengthening the organization’s influence.

REMAX’s partnership marks the first time a major franchise has joined the association, a group founded in 2024 by Compass agent Jason Haber and The Agency founder Mauricio Umansky. It is often seen as a potential rival to the National Association of Realtors, though it positions itself as a more education‑centric body.

While the collaboration appears focused on training, it also arrives amid broader corporate changes. REMAX announced two months ago that it will be acquired by The Real Brokerage, with the transaction slated for the latter half of 2026 pending regulatory and shareholder approval.