What Remax’s Chris Lim Wants To Build At The American Real Estate Association

REMAX president and chief growth officer Chris Lim created a stir late last month when the American Real Estate Association (ARA) announced his appointment to the fledgling trade group’s board of directors. 

“I’ve always believed real estate is an industry where people should be working together,” Lim told HousingWire via email regarding his decision to join the board, “ARA stood out to me as it’s an organization focused on practical issues facing agents today but also on where the industry is headed, and I want to be part of those conversations.”

According to Lim, as he has watched ARA grow over the past few years, it became clear to him that the Mauricio Umansky and Jason Haber-founded association was one he wanted to be involved in. In practical terms, ARA is part of a broader push to give agents and brokerages more choices in professional representation — especially as MLS access becomes less closely tied to mandatory Realtor association membership. According to ARA, it is less NAR replacement and more an emerging challenger with ambitions.

“With more than 20 years as an agent and now working closely with a large network of real estate professionals, I know about and see firsthand the challenges, opportunities and changes shaping the business,” he said. “This felt like the right time to step in and help ensure those perspectives are part of the conversation as real estate continues to evolve while being part of any decisions that may impact agents and our industry.”

Focus on education 

In announcing his appointment to the board of directors, ARA said Lim would be focused on helping to shape an educational framework for ARA members. Lim told HousingWire he is looking to build “something practical and accessible that helps real estate agents operate at an even higher level in today’s market.” 

“Whether it’s an initiative on communication, negotiation or how to position themselves as trusted advisors, I would like to provide tools they can immediately put into practice for their clients,” Lim said. 

In addition to his work on member education initiatives, Lim said he will also be focused on “supporting the organization’s advocacy work and helping advance initiatives that strengthen the real estate profession.” 

“That means making sure agents are represented, that their value is clearly understood and that the work they do is protected and elevated. If we can create an environment where agents are better supported and better positioned for the future, that’s a meaningful outcome,” Lim said. 

According to Lim, one of the greatest challenges facing agents right now is staying on top of “evolving policies, practices and market dynamics while also helping consumers understand what those changes mean for them.”

“There is a lot of change happening across the industry right now, and it is happening quickly,” he said. “Advocacy that helps bring clarity to the process, supports agents through that change, and reinforces the value of professional guidance for consumers navigating an increasingly complex process is critical.”

More options for REMAX agents

In conjunction with Lim’s appointment to the board, ARA also announced that it will provide all REMAX agents in the United States with a complimentary first-year membership to the association. Lim said this is a wonderful opportunity for REMAX agents to explore the growing association and the benefits it offers members at no additional cost. 

“For those who choose to participate, I hope they gain access to meaningful advocacy, valuable educational resources and opportunities to connect with other professionals who are committed to strengthening the industry,” Lim said. 

The future of ARA

Looking ahead, Lim said he would feel like success for ARA in the next few years would be for the association to be “recognized as a trusted voice within the industry and as a valuable resource to members.” It is through this that he says ARA would have a meaningful impact on the industry and the consumers that interact with it. 

“It would mean ARA is seen as a place where real collaboration happens, between agents, between brokerages, and throughout the business, all working toward making the industry stronger.”

While some may view ARA as a competitor to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), Lim sees it as providing another opportunity for agents. 

“Having another choice where real estate professionals can access resources, education and advocacy is ultimately a good thing. ARA is creating space for modern, agent-focused advocacy, and it’s another option for agents who are looking for an emphasis on collaboration and innovation in a shifting market,” he said. “There is a real opportunity to strengthen the profession and support the real estate professionals who help consumers navigate one of life’s most important financial decisions. I’m looking forward to contributing to an organization that is focused on helping agents adapt to an evolving industry.”