Real estate has always been a people-first business, but in today’s market, relationships are being redefined by technology, data, and global reach. Few leaders understand this balance better than Chris Lim, REMAX’s Chief Growth Officer. In this conversation, Lim shares how human connection, innovation, and brand trust continue to shape the next era of real estate.
HousingWire: As a longtime real estate agent, how would you describe the art of building lasting relationships in real estate, and why do they matter?
Chris Lim: Real estate is about human connection. Over time, you learn that trust is not built in the moment of a sale, but in the quiet consistency that comes before and after it. It’s about listening more than you speak, remembering the small things that matter to people, and showing up when it counts. Homes are where people live their stories, and when you help them find one, you become part of that story too. That’s why relationships matter so deeply in this business because they outlast the transaction.
HW: When it comes to a real estate brokerage, how does global presence, innovative marketing strategies and a premier network create advantages for professionals and consumers?
CL: The REMAX global brand gives both professionals and clients a wider horizon. It means that a listing in Scottsdale can be seen in London, and that insights from Hong Kong can shape how we market in Dallas. It also gives agents access to ideas, technology, and exposure that no one market could offer alone. For consumers, it brings trust, which is at the cornerstone of the REMAX brand. They know their property is connected to a network that moves across borders with the same care and consistency. Global reach turns individual effort into shared strength.
HW: What tools, resources or new ways of thinking should real estate professionals lean into to maximize their potential and foster growth?
CL: The best agents today are the ones who stay curious. Tools and technology are changing quickly from AI to automation to predictive analytics, but the most valuable skill remains the ability to interpret what people need. Use technology to save time but invest that saved time back into relationships. The real growth comes from pairing innovation with empathy and data with intuition. The agents who do that will not just adapt to the future; they will define it.
HW: How does REMAX’s global reach translate into tangible opportunities for agents working in very local markets?
CL: Global reach does not replace local expertise; it amplifies it. When you are part of a worldwide network, your market becomes visible to audiences you could not reach on your own. A buyer in Mexico City might fall in love with a home in Austin. A referral from Paris could become your next major sale, but it also works the other way around. Global trends in design, lifestyle, and investment flow back to inform local insight. It is a conversation, not a hierarchy, and those who can translate between the two will lead.
HW: In times of market uncertainty, what role does a strong, unified brand play in helping agents stand out and build trust?
CL: When the market feels unpredictable, a strong brand like REMAX becomes increasingly important. It reassures clients that they are working with professionals who have weathered change before. It also gives agents confidence, a sense of belonging to something built on experience, not hype. A unified brand brings clarity in a noisy world. It helps agents stand out, not just because of a logo, but because of the trust it represents.
HW: How do you see the next generation of agents defining what it means to be part of a larger real estate community?
CL: The next generation of agents is redefining what community means. They are not just selling homes; they are building ecosystem spaces that reflect inclusion, sustainability, and purpose. They see real estate as part of culture, not apart from it. For them, being part of a larger network is not about hierarchy; it is about shared values and collective progress. They remind all of us that success in this business is measured not only in sales, but in the communities we help shape.
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