Why go international when you are a local Realtor?
This is probably what you are asking yourself right now when you are reading this headline. Think about it, I am sure you know a few people that are bilingual, don’t you? Now ask yourself where are they from, and do they still have family that lives in the country of their origin.
Here is how I started:
I was born and raised in Bremen Germany and immigrated to the US in 1996. I obtained my real estate license in 2003 and moved to the Valley of the Sun in 2004. I wanted to connect with other people that where in the same situation as me, so I could assist them with more insight on buying a home in a foreign country, something that I did not have when moving to the US. I did some researched and stumbled on an international Real Estate Trade show that was held in Madrid Spain called SIMA.
I booked my flight and my ticket to attend SIMA. NAR had a presence there as well. Not many American Realtors , I would say about 70 in total. This is when I found out about the CIPS Designation and the TRC certification what helps with placing referrals on a global level. I was intrigued by all the possibilities and all the resources that were presented to me. After 5 days of networking with builders, developers and brokers from all over the globe, I left with 100’s of business cards, many great memories and friendships. Now came the real work, the follow up after returning back to Arizona.
Just a few months after SIMA, we got a Broker invite from a developer in Panama who thought what he had to offer would be a great fit for retiring Americans. Indeed he did, I strengthened my business relationships over the next few years with referrals send to my Panamanian colleges. This opened the door for me to other countries like, Germany, Mexico and Argentina.
You don’t need to go as far as Madrid Spain to go international. Its right here in your backyard. Look at Companies that do international business, connect with your local embassies or consulates. Join a club that interest you like international foods or foreign art or music, maybe you love to vacation in Mexico or another country you have traveled a lot to. Make this your starting point to connect with likeminded people and you will be surprised what opportunities will arise.
With a warm smile,
YPN Top 40 under 40 - 2013
SEVRAR Realtor of the Year 2010
Real Estate Special Commissioner appointed by the court
CIPS- Certified International Property Specialist
Global Business Alliance Chair 2014/2015
Director of International Business Development
ABR, GRI, e-PRO,CIPS, AHWD, TRC, ASP, REOS, SFR, GREEN,CRMS
REALTOR / Mentor Trusted Advisor
National REO & Short Sale Instructor
Transnational Referral Certified
Military Relocation Specialist- Certified Military Residential Specialist
Military Affairs Chair 2010/2012
Certified REO & SHORT SALE Resource Specialist
MRE Society 2007-2008 & 2010-2011 & 2013-2014 & 2015-2016
