

How RE/MAX Broker/Owners in Greece and Turkey are transforming real estate and improving customer service
In a world where borders often seem to define our differences, it’s refreshing to hear stories of cross-border cooperation. Such stories remind us that, as humans, we are more alike than we are different, and that our commonalities can be the foundation of great partnerships. This is the case with the remarkable collaboration between two RE/MAX Broker/Owners, Yiannis Ziavras from Greece and Sinem Özücler from Turkey. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at their inspiring story and learn how we can all benefit from more cross-border cooperation across Europe.
Yiannis and Sinem’s story is proof that when people come together to share their knowledge and experience, great things can happen. They first met through the RE/MAX Ambassador Program, which promotes collaboration among agents and broker/owners across Europe. “As two sister countries, we found a lot of common ground,” says Sinem.
Their collaboration began with a focus on bringing Turkish buyers to Greece to take advantage of Golden Visa opportunities. However, they quickly realized that they could benefit from each other’s expertise and knowledge. Through joint activities such as workshops and office visits, they shared management techniques and tactics for recruiting and developing agents. “Sinem has very effective management techniques that she shares with me, which I can implement in my own offices,” says Yiannis.
One of the most significant benefits of cross-border cooperation in the real estate industry is the potential to expand your network and enhance your professional development. Sharing information and training between offices can lead to new ideas and innovations that can help take your business to the next level.
“We can learn new things from each other on many subjects,” says Sinem “such as recruiting, retention, new ideas for social media – innovations that our businesses require.” By exchanging ideas and strategies, agents and broker/owners can develop new skills and knowledge that can help you stay ahead of the competition.
Sharing information on negotiation patterns and styles can also help broker/owners to better serve their clients, particularly those investing in foreign markets. “Many Turkish buyers are investing in the Athens greater area,” says Yiannis, “so it’s helpful to share information on their negotiation patterns and style.” By tapping into this knowledge base, broker/owners can better navigate complex cross-border transactions and provide the best possible service to their clients.
Innovation is vital in any industry, and the real estate sector is no exception. By working collaboratively across borders, professionals can foster creativity and develop fresh ideas to enhance customer experiences. According to Sinem, customer needs in real estate are universal, regardless of where they live. “People are the same in every country. Our differences are only in the ways of doing business,” she explains. By collaborating and sharing ideas, businesses can learn from each other and develop new approaches to better serve their customers.
Cross-border cooperation can also streamline the way business is conducted, which makes it easier for buyers. When doing business in other countries, “customers receive the same level of service they are used to in their own country,” notes Yiannis. This boosts customer satisfaction and trust, which can lead to positive reviews and repeat business.
Collaborating with real estate professionals from different cultures provides a unique opportunity to stay informed about global trends and expand one’s knowledge of international investments. This cross-border collaboration can help agents and broker/owners gain a competitive edge and identify emerging real estate markets before their competitors.
Understanding cultural differences in real estate practices is crucial when working with international clients. “Knowledge of other cultures creates more confidence in providing them with the right service and achieving sales,” says Yiannis. By working with colleagues in other countries, agents can learn about the cultural habits of buyers and tailor their approach to provide more personalized service, leading to increased customer satisfaction and trust.
Moreover, collaborating with international colleagues can lead to international relationships and referrals, which can help build a strong reputation within the industry and open up more business opportunities in the future. “If we can adapt our similarities to our work correctly,” says Sinem, “we can achieve very good results.”
Yiannis and Sinem’s story showcases the power of collaboration in breaking down barriers and achieving success. They have shown that, within the RE/MAX Europe network, borders do not exist and that broker/owners and agents from different countries can work together for the benefit of all. “Working together across borders has been an incredible experience,” says Yiannis. “By sharing techniques and insights, we’ve gained more experiences and insights that can be applied to our own practices. It’s a win-win situation for both of our offices,” says Yiannis.
As Yiannis and Sinem have proven, there is much to be gained from working together and learning from different cultures. By breaking down barriers and building bridges, we can achieve greater success and provide better service to our clients. “As a Turkish broker/owner, I believe this type of cross-border cooperation can play a significant role in the growth of our business. We can learn so much from our Greek colleagues, and vice versa,” says Sinem.
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