Real Property Management (RPM) and RE/MAX have agreed to exchange property and client referrals to assist renters, distressed homeowners, and investors.

Through the agreement, RPM will connect RE/MAX agents with investors ready to sell, and RE/MAX agents will recommend clients to RPM who are ready to rent. RE/MAX agents may also refer properties to RPM for management.

This alliance marks the first time a major real estate franchisor and one of the country’s largest property management franchisors have joined forces, according to a statement from RE/MAX, which is based in Denver.

“Record numbers of foreclosures, high unemployment, and stricter lending practices have resulted in lower home-

ownership rates,” said RE/MAX chairman and co‐founder Dave Liniger. “RE/MAX agents need to provide the best solution for each of their clients, and for many, homeownership may still be a few years away.”

Nearly half of today’s U.S. home sales are distressed properties, and investors represent a fifth of current buyers, RE/MAX reports. The RPM-RE/MAX union is an attempt to redirect marketing efforts to address the needs of a changing homebuyer demographic.

“This cooperative agreement has significant benefits for consumers, investors, loan servicers, renters, RE/MAX agents, and our franchisees,” said Kirk McGary, president of Real Property Management. “RE/MAX and RPM are joining forces to offer the highest quality of service to consumers while providing an effective solution to the increasing number of distressed properties on the market.”

Based in Layton, Utah, RPM created an interactive online portal to facilitate the implementation of the new alliance. Agents and property managers can make referrals and track transaction progress via the portal.

“The technical capability to simultaneously connect with thousands of franchisees within both organizations is a tremendous advantage,” said Mike Ryan, SVP of media and training at RE/MAX. “Also, real‐time updates will provide transparency and offer an invaluable resource to lenders and servicers.”