The franchises, both due to open this week (w/c Monday 21st August) are expected to create approximately 20 jobs in estate agency in South Wales by the end of the year.

Rob Lock, regional director of RE/MAX Wales comments: "The opening of the Neath and Treherbert offices follow hot on the heels of recent openings in Cardiff and Swansea, taking the total number of franchises in Wales to 13. RE/MAX has already paved a new style in the estate agency industry in the States, not only challenging the way in which traditional estate agencies operate, but also reaping rewards for those involved - and that's something we are keen to see replicated here in Wales.

"Last year, RE/MAX Wales was responsible for approximately 60% of annual company turnover - a figure I am confident will increase as we continue to expand our network throughout Wales."

Paul Harry and Leighton Williams have been appointed as owner-managers of the Treherbert and Neath offices respectively.

Paul's background lies within the financial services market - an industry in which he has worked for more than 20 years.

Leighton's background is in IT, having worked as a Director of a London-based IT Consultancy between 1999 and 2004. More recently, Leighton was the owner of two Subway franchises in Neath and Swansea, which he recently sold before joining RE/MAX.

Paul Harry commented: "I've seen RE/MAX continue to grow in the UK in recent years and was keen to find out more about becoming part of the business. What attracts me most is being part of an organisation whose business model is unique within the estate agency industry, whilst continuing to be my own boss. It is a perfect fit for me as it combines the property market - which I have always been interested in - financial services, which is my background and the RE/MAX business model which seems so logical to me."

Leighton Williams added: "With previous experience of being a franchisee, what attracted me to RE/MAX was the unique way that the company operates. The fact the organisation has no employees in the traditional sense is appealing, not only because staff stand to benefit directly from their efforts by retaining up to 80% of the commission from the sale of a property, but more importantly because it increases motivation levels, ultimately improving the service we provide to the home moving public."

RE/MAX is one of the fastest growing franchised estate agents in the UK, with more than 200 offices across the country. The RE/MAX model works on the basis that all sales associates are self employed and benefit directly from their efforts by retaining up to 80% of the commission from the sale of a property, as their income.