International Report

One million international listings on REALTOR.com

2012-02-01T09:06:00.000-08:00

The National Association of REALTORS® reported today that REALTOR.com/international has broken the 1 million listing threshold! The site, which launched in November at NAR’s Annual Conference in Anaheim, now boasts listings in 12 countries around the globe and is translatable into 11 languages. Click here for details on this powerful new tool for both REALTORS® and their globally-minded clients

Tell Us! Take our Survey on Global Real Estate

2012-01-13T15:58:00.000-08:00

Are you interested in global real estate? Just getting started? Been doing global real estate for many years? Tell us! SBAOR is interested in learning about your experience in global real estate and what kind of services we can offer to help you improve your business. Please take a few minutes on this survey, and share it with your colleagues. Take Our Survey

Want to buy an island? Oh yes you do.

2012-01-11T10:17:00.000-08:00

The National Association of REALTORS® points you to some tips they found for checking out island deals. These are some great ideas to pass along to your clients. Our friends in the Bahamas have compiled some sage advice for folks looking to take advantage of island bargains, but their information applies to all buyers hoping to score a sound investment. We hope you will share this with your

RSPS course, November 21 in San Gabriel Valley

2011-10-28T11:05:00.000-07:00

Don't miss this great opportunity to work on your RSPS certification on November 21 brought to you by our friends at the West San Gabriel Valley Association of REALTORS®. See the attached flyer for more information.

Interested in taking your CIPS course somewhere special? Study CIPS in Costa Rica, January 2012

2011-10-20T10:26:00.000-07:00

The Costa Rica Global Association of REALTORS® is offering the popular and comprehensive Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) program January 9-14, 2012. Take this required course in order to work toward your CIPS designation and join the worldwide CIPS network. More information about CIPS is here. Check out the Costa Rica CIPS flyer here, and see the calendar of other CIPS

Looking for a TRC course in Southern California? Look no further!

2011-10-06T14:51:00.000-07:00

The Arcadia Association of REALTORS® is offering the Transnational Referral Certification course on October 20. From their website: Thursday, October 20th starting at 12:00 p.m. at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Arcadia. This certification will prepare real estate professionals to make and receive compensated referrals using the Transnational Referral system. Be prepared to work with agents in

South Bay AOR hosting international real estate mixer and fundraiser to help Japan recovery, October 13 at 4:00 p.m.

2011-10-05T15:37:00.000-07:00

International Marketing EventHelp the Recovery in JapanJoin this important fundraiser – Get an update on the Japan Recovery – Learn about International Real EstateEnter our raffle to win an iPad 2!Just $10 a ticket!Great Door Prizes! Cost: $10 at the door. $5 for SBAOR members SBAOR members can also register online here. Guest Speaker: J. Rob Handley, Keller Williams/Atlas International“

International REALTORS: Mark your calendars!

2011-10-05T09:56:00.000-07:00

Our friends at NAR Global have a great program in store for you at the upcoming 2011 REALTORS® Conference and Expo in Anaheim next month. Check out the line up: Thursday, November 10 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., International Local Council Forum: “Globalizing Your MLS,” an expert panel and roundtable discussion to help members reach global buyers at the local level 5:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m., International

Interested in international real estate? CIPS course starting soon in Arcadia

2011-09-24T14:09:00.000-07:00

Our friends at the Arcadia Association of REALTORS® are offering the popular and extensive set of classes that lead to your Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) designation. The program runs October 17-21, 2011. Click here for more details.

California REALTORS! When you go to San Jose in September, Go International!

2011-08-30T14:37:00.001-07:00

Don't miss these great international real estate events at the C.A.R. EXPO in San Jose, Calif., September 20-23. Print the flyer! Bring your colleagues! Meet your fellow REALTORS in a casual setting on Friday, September 23, at the International Networking Luncheon. C.A.R.’s International Real Estate Forum and like-minded groups around the state are making a world of difference in International

It's getting closer! Before the Anaheim NAR EXPO this fall, join the California Dreaming Tour

2011-08-17T14:50:00.000-07:00

Don’t forget! The California Dreaming Tour 2011 is coming up. As you are making your plans to attend the National Association of REALTORS® Conference & EXPO in Anaheim, remember to register for the California Dreaming Tour. Join your fellow global real estate professionals on November 6-8 to see the best that Southern California has to offer. Receive exclusive, private tours of unique

Global property buying is way up - report

2011-07-20T10:49:00.000-07:00

This past spring, Global property purchases last have sprung to new heights, as year-on-year sales last quarter increased 47%, according to Overseas Property Professional:Worldwide investment in all types of property surged by nearly 50% in the second quarter of 2011 year-on-year, with over $101 billion-worth of transactions completed.Research from Jones Lang LaSalle indicates that this figure is

Who are your international home buyers?

2011-06-08T16:11:00.000-07:00

NAR released in May its 2011 Profile of International Home Buying Activity. The new data indicate strong gains for REALTORS® seeking to do business with international and immigrant buyers. Highlights of the report include:$82 billion in U.S. real estate was sold to immigrant and international buyers between March 2010 and March 2011, a nearly 25% increase over the previous year.The median U.S.

Get your Transnational Referral Certification in Southern California - just in time for Spring!

2011-05-19T15:43:00.001-07:00

Another great course offered by the good folks at the Arcadia Association of REALTORS®Transnational Referral Certification (TRC)Thursday, May 26, 20119:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m.Arcadia Association of REALTORS®601 South First AvenueArcadia, California 91006Phone (626) 446-2115 Fax (626) 446-4072Attend the Course for FREE!If you would like the Certification upon Completion: $130Seating is Limited -

One-Day Workshop: Business Opportunities 102

2011-05-19T15:37:00.000-07:00

Don't miss this interactive workshop offered by our friends at the Arcadia Association of REALTORS®:Dramatically reduce your business liabilityBe a pro, know your stuffA must for any real estate brokerage that allows agents to do bizops.This INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP provides RESIDENTIAL and COMMERCIAL agents with the knowledge and tools needed to successfully, and with LEAST LIABILITY complete the

Get your Transnational Referral Certification at Arcadia AOR, April 15

2011-03-29T11:15:00.001-07:00

From the website for the Arcadia Association of REALTORS®:TRANSNATIONAL REFERRAL CERTIFICATION (TRC): Friday, April 15th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the AAR office. This certification will prepare real estate professionals to make and receive compensated referrals using the Transnational Referral system. Be prepared to work with agents in other countries! Cost for certification is $130.

International Marketing Event at SBAOR: Find International Buyers!

2011-02-28T09:38:00.000-08:00

The World is Your Market: Get Your Share of Foreign Buyers Coming to California!Panel Discussion: “Bringing International Real Estate Investors to California and the U.S.”• Network with REALTORS® who have global business interests• Position yourself for the coming global economic recoveryModeratorAnita Rodal: SBPI Services, Inc. / Luxury Home, International & Commercial FundingPanelistsSanda

Earn Your CIPS in Southern California this December!

2010-12-01T15:57:00.000-08:00

Expand your business (and your wallet) with the Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) Designation! The West San Gabriel Valley Association of REALTORS® is offering this amazing course, starting December 13, 2010, and space is still available! View and download this form for more information and to register.

Video: Global Business Tips for REALTORS and their Clients

2010-10-18T16:16:00.000-07:00

ASPAI’s 1st International Real Estate Congress – Lima, Peru on September 28-29, 2010

2010-09-22T14:40:00.000-07:00

The Peruvian Association of Realtors (Asociación Peruana de Agentes Inmobiliarios - ASPAI) is very excited to be announcing its first International real estate conference: Real Estate Investment: Peru.This congress is aimed to real estate professionals, real estate developers, the housing sector, real estate agents, schools, construction, notaries and all those professionals interested in real

Finding Global Business in Your Market

2010-09-09T12:00:00.000-07:00

Take a look at the demographics in your local market – chances are, you will see an increase in the multicultural population over the past 10 years. Take Milwaukee, Wisconsin for example. Located in the north-central United States, the city is considered part of the U.S. Midwest. From 1990 to 2000, Milwaukee saw the Hispanic and Asian population increase by 94% and 57% respectively, while that of

CIPS Networking Reception at Arcadia Association of REALTORS®, Sept. 30

2010-08-30T09:31:00.000-07:00

The Arcadia CIPS Reception will take place during the CIPS course offered by the Arcadia Association and California Association of REALTORS®, September 27 – October 1. The Arcadia Association of REALTORS® is offering this course, for the first time, in Mandarin Chinese.CIPS Networking ReceptionThursday, September 30, 20105:30 – 7 p.m.Call to R.S.V.P. and for directions(626) 445-8525 or (626) 446-

Cultural Awareness: Inclusive Multicultural Marketing

2010-05-19T10:18:00.000-07:00

When serving a multicultural audience, you want to make sure that your practice incorporates diversity and complies with the Fair Housing Act. While you must recognize a diverse market base, any marketing plan – including the selection of media and publications for advertisements – that indicates a preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, family

Think glocal, act glocal

2010-05-19T10:16:00.000-07:00

That is not a typing error in the headline! You might not realize it, but global real estate is happening locally, in your own backyard – it’s Glocal. If a client called you tomorrow and said, “I have been renting for six months each year when I visit the U.S. from Canada, now I’m ready to buy. Can you tell me if I need a special visa if I want to buy property while I’m here? Do I need special

In 60-plus Countries, You have CIPS Personal Contacts

2010-05-07T16:07:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, just having the right personal contact can be the spark you need to explore a new market opportunity. Through the CIPS directory, the CIPS Network provides members with the kind of personal contacts that can make that kind of difference in more than 60 countries around the world. For even more reach and visibility, Network members are also encouraged to join CIPS groups on social

Look Both Directions: Inbound and Outbound

2010-04-14T14:08:00.000-07:00

U.S. real estate attracts international buyers for several reasons: foreigners may freely own, purchase, and transfer real estate; there is a large supply of residential and commercial investment-grade real estate available; the U.S. offers a reliable system for registration of property ownership and documenting real estate transactions, and the U.S. has a resilient economy and stable political

Photos from the California Dreaming Tour, November 2009

2010-03-31T10:08:00.000-07:00

At the end of last year's California Dreaming Tour and during the November 2009 meetings of the National Association of REALTORS® in San Diego, we had the good fortune to meet with the leadership of the Australian real estate community.We are pleased that the California Association of REALTORS® has recently become the Ambassador Association for the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA). For

Cultural Awareness

2010-03-10T09:15:00.001-08:00

Whether or not you consider yourself an international practitioner, your web site is globally accessible. To make sure you are not losing a potential sale because of a cultural blunder, educate yourself on appropriate global marketing practices. Think about the pictures and colors you are using - in some cultures, photos of women or animals are discouraged. Likewise, green can symbolize hope and

Resort and Second-Home Real Estate

2010-03-10T09:14:00.000-08:00

If last month’s issue has you wondering where and how second-home and international investments fit into a smaller market, we’ll turn you into believers in this issue. While it’s true that oceans and mountains draw the largest crowds of vacation-home owners, other individuals might follow their recreational interests or job relocation. For example, Hyundai recently moved 50 Korean executives to

CAR is now Ambassador Association to the Real Estate Institute of Australia

2010-03-01T10:19:00.001-08:00

The California Association of REALTORS® is now NAR's Ambassador Association to REIA, the Real Estate Institute of Australia. CAR President Steve Goddard will be traveling to Australia March 18 - 31 to attend REIA's National Conference and Awards event in Adelaide on Thursday, March 25th.http://www.reia.com.au/real-estate-australia-national-awards-2010.phpREALTORS: Travel with Steve (or join him

Are you a commercial practitioner?

2010-02-10T10:58:00.000-08:00

NAR is conducting a survey of commercial members to find out how changes in the economy and the markets impacted your business in 2009. Analysis of these survey results will allow NAR to more effectively serve you, as well as provide valuable information that you can use to enhance your business. In addition, the results of the survey will serve as a valuable foundation for NAR’s policy and

World on the Mend

2009-12-09T15:23:00.000-08:00

While housing markets in the world’s leading economies remain distressed, hope is on the horizon. According to globalpropertyguide.com of the 27 countries which have already published their Q3 data, 16 countries have experienced rising prices and falls in only 11 countries. Economies such as the UK, Canada, Germany, Singapore, and South Africa are finally noting positive price changes

A New No. 1?

2009-12-09T15:22:00.000-08:00

The long-standing real estate top performer is on the brink of losing its status. As one of the first countries to raise interest rates since the global recession began, Israel has the market concerned that the higher rates will discourage borrowers and lead to a drop in property purchases. The rate currently stands at 0.75%, and will likely increase in an effort to fight inflation. According to

Foreign Buyers Taking Advantage of Slashed Prices

2009-12-09T15:21:00.000-08:00

If you haven't been looking outside the U.S. for potential buyers, it might be time to start. International investors bought 154,000 homes and condos in the 12-month period ending in May, and are continuing to take advantage of the weak dollar. The U.S. dollar has dropped 9 to 11 percent since June against foreign currencies like the Japanese yen, the European euro and the Canadian dollar.

Photo highlights from the California Dreaming Tour

2009-11-23T15:28:00.001-08:00

These photos from the California Dreaming Tour were brought to us by REALTOR® and SBAOR member Marija Terzic.Trump National Golf CourseAt the California Dreaming Tour opening reception on Sunday, November 8.At Blenheim Farms, San Juan Capistrano, CAAt Blenheim Farms, San Juan Capistrano, CA

Highlights from the California Dreaming Tour

2009-11-23T14:55:00.001-08:00

On November 8-10, 2009, the South Bay Association of REALTORS® and the San Diego Association of REALTORS® hosted the California Dreaming Tour, an very special event leading up to the National Association of REALTORS® Convention & Expo in San Diego, November 11-15.Attendees on this extraordinary tour got an insider's peek at properties and places that are unique to the South Bay and San Diego

Communicate Globally with the Google Web Translator Tool

2009-10-14T10:25:00.001-07:00

NAR has put into place the Google translation widget at the launch page for International REALTOR® Members. This free widget translates not only the initial web page on which it sits into 30+ languages, but also translates linked pages and subsequent linked pages and so on down the line (sort of 6th degree of separation concept). While electronic translation isn't a perfect science, it's

FDI to Decline in 2009 with Slow Recovery in 2010

2009-10-14T10:23:00.000-07:00

Global foreign direct investment (FDI) flows have been severely affected by the economic crisis. Inflows are expected to fall from $1.7 trillion in 2008 to below $1.2 trillion in 2009, with a slow recovery in 2010 (up to $1.4 trillion) and gaining momentum in 2011 (approaching $1.8 trillion), according to a new report from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The U.S.,

Tips for Buying Property Abroad

2009-10-14T10:21:00.000-07:00

Anyone who has enjoyed a visit to a local winery, sampled the wares with cheese on a picturesque day and taken home a bottle only to later wonder, "how could I have thought this was good?" will appreciate that quick decisions based on ambience do not always make for wise decisions. So too with buying property in another country. While few would purchase a home abroad as casually as a bottle of

Field Guide to International Real Estate from NAR

2009-09-09T11:09:00.000-07:00

Whether in good or bad markets, REALTORS® can always benefit from information that broadens their knowledge of the market and industry. If you are thinking about going global or have already ventured into this arena, NAR's recently updated International Field Guide provides tips for locating and working with international clients, etiquette, cross-cultural business guides and international

Breaking Down Language Barriers Between U.S. and France

2009-09-09T11:08:00.001-07:00

NAR reports that, beginning in mid-September, as many as 300,000 U.S. REALTOR® listings in Florida, California, Las Vegas and Washington, D.C. will be translated into French for display at the website of the Federation Nationale de l'Immobilier (FNAIM), NAR's association partner in France. Similarly, REALTORS® affiliated with participating local REALTOR® Association MLSs will be able to

CULTURALLY CORRECT: Open-Ended Questions Help Communication with Clients

2009-09-09T11:05:00.000-07:00

When dealing with clients and customers whose primary language is one other than English, REALTORS® are likely to get simple 'yes' and 'no' answers to questions, as this is a tendency of anyone not fluent in the language. We may think we understand the question and answer as simply as possible. This sets the stage for possible misunderstandings and, worse, failure to close a deal. To help

U.S. Housing Market Still Attractive to Foreign Buyers

2009-09-09T11:04:00.001-07:00

NAR has just released its 2009 International Home Buying Activity report. While the report shows a further decline in home sales to foreign buyers from the 2008 and 2007 studies, the percentage of decline has narrowed. According to the study, 23% of REALTORS® served international clients in 2008/2009, compared to 26% reported in the 2008 study and 32% reported in 2007. The decline mirrors the

Chinese Language Skills Can Help the Property Industry

2009-08-13T10:36:00.000-07:00

In May, U.S. Rep. Susan Davis (D-Calif.) introduced H.R. 2313, the U.S.-China Language Engagement Act, to help American workers better compete with China. The bill would give schools competitive grants to create, expand, or enhance Chinese language and cultural classes and broaden technology options to link American and Chinese schools online. China is the world's 2nd largest economy when

Eco-Cities

2009-08-13T10:35:00.003-07:00

As the world increasingly embraces green living, eco-friendly design and architecture is becoming more innovative. Existing structures worth a look for their creative design incorporating green elements include Shanghai Tower, the Madrid International Convention Centre, Lindal Cedar Homes and Seawater Vertical Farm. For a look at some more futuristic designs around the world, check out Tianjin

High Risk; High Reward Markets

2009-08-13T10:35:00.001-07:00

For those with a high tolerance for risk with the potential for reward, Overseas Property Mall has published a list of five markets identified as among the most lucrative for long-term property investors. They are: Albania, Panama, Brazil, Tunisia and Philippines. For REALTORS® and their clients looking long term, the following countries may offer the best opportunity for a big pay-out. To be

Tracking Global Housing Prices

2009-08-13T10:33:00.000-07:00

Housing prices are a bellwether of economic conditions. The Global Property Guide tracks house price changes for the year ending with the latest quarter for which they have data, compared with price changes for the equivalent previous year-long period. They publish both inflation-adjusted and nominal data. Current data available covers 2008 and through 1Q 2009.

Thailand Move Up in Ranking for Global Business Attractiveness

2009-07-08T10:35:00.000-07:00

Despite recent political turmoil, Thailand has made great strives in attracting global business investors. The country has a skilled workforce, strong supply chain, dependable infrastructure, and enjoys strong investment support. The Doing Business 2009 study by the World Bank and International Finance Corp. ranked Thailand 13th in "ease of doing business," up from 19th in

Global Demographics are Shaping Real Estate’s Future

2009-07-08T10:34:00.000-07:00

Population growth, urbanization, aging, and migration--all factors affecting land use---are examined in Global Demographics 2009: Shaping Real Estate’s Future, a new publication from the Urban Land Institute. Population and demographic shifts will continue to place enormous pressure on urban areas.Over the next 40 years, the greatest population increases will occur in China,

Governments Ease Foreign Ownership Restrictions to Stimulate Investment

2009-07-08T10:29:00.000-07:00

With global markets down, governments worldwide are looking at ways to attract investors resulting in changes in foreign and nonresident ownership laws designed to stimulate in-bound investment, according to the National Association of REALTORS®.Caribbean nations, China, and Australia have all recently loosened restrictions and the Philippines is discussing it. India and Turkey made significant

FIRPTA: Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down?

2009-06-12T11:23:00.000-07:00

Generally speaking, the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980 (FIRPTA) requires that a non-U.S. citizen have 10% of a real property transaction (typically based on selling price) withheld as a “deposit” for potential tax liability. Like most tax laws, there are defenders and detractors of FIRPTA. Recent declines in inbound foreign investment due to current market conditions has

Transnational Retirement Markets

2009-06-12T11:20:00.000-07:00

One of the major reasons for the growth in transnational real estate transactions, particularly in the Americas, has been the aging of the Baby Boomers. Older Boomers have long cast their eyes south to countries where an attractive climate has been enhanced by a lower cost of living than in the U.S. Increasingly developers have noticed this and have begun creating communities designed to attract

The Currency of Trust

2009-06-12T11:08:00.000-07:00

As business people we are all aware of our bottom line— how much we make, how much we spend, how much we owe, how much is coming in, etc. In international business, however, that bottom line is sometimes not as active as we would like it to be. Sometimes the bottom line is less a factor in our dealings globally because it can take much longer to develop the business to the point of closing a deal