The prevalence of international investment in the United States has become impossible to ignore. In fact, it’s become massive! The total home sales volume to international clients last year was nearly $92.2 billion, a 35 percent increase from the previous year’s level of $68.2 billion. Nearly sixty percent of reported international transactions were all cash, compared to only one-third of domestic purchases. Furthermore, the median price paid by international buyers is sixty percent higher than that of domestic buyers.

What this means for your members

Increased investment equates to increased opportunities, however, working with global buyers can be a bit tricky. Financing, taxes, visa laws, currency fluctuation, and developing global-friendly marketing and business strategies are all important aspects of international transactions. Working with a buyer from China is going to be very different then working with a buyer from the United States- as is working with a buyer from Canada, Mexico, India, the U.K., etc. U.S. real estate professionals who want to benefit from the surge in international investments need to have the training and expertise to successfully serve clients from all around the world.

The Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) designation

To develop the knowledge and network that will prepare agents for international nuances, the National Association of REALTORS® Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) designation is a great place to start.

The CIPS designation consists of five full days of coursework focusing on all the issues listed above, and provides an understanding of the unique business and cultural practices in multiple countries. It is the solid foundation agents need to minimize risk and maximize their potential in the global real estate market.

Following the coursework, after agents have applied and been approved as designees, the next step is to make the designation work for them. The designation offers an expansive list of resources and a global network of referral partners to help this international endeavor.

CIPS designees are part of a powerful network of nearly 2,500 professionals worldwide who turn to each other first when referring business. Many have gotten to know each other well throughout the years by attending events and online networking. But even the most seasoned and well-connected veterans are looking for new, well-qualified referral partners. To connect, designees use the following CIPS benefits:

– CIPS Directory – agents and consumers alike search this directory to find qualified global professionals. The directory includes designees’ contact information, bios and photos.

– CIPS-only Facebook Group – Only designees can be part of this group, and has proven to be an excellent source of regular referral requests.

– CIPS-only events at NAR conferences – CIPS designees are invited to a private networking events during NAR’s REALTOR® Party Convention & Trade Expo (May), as well as the REALTORS® Conference & Expo (November) each year for face-to-face networking.

In addition to networking with other designees, part of the cache of benefits is access to marketing materials and resources. One designee recently noted that he attributes nearly US$4 million in new listings to his ability to market himself as a global agent. Some of the marketing tools available to designees include, customizable print postcards, flyers and listing presentation materials; GIF/Flash banner ads; press release; and referral form.

This is only a snapshot of the benefits available through the CIPS designation – click here for more information.

Exclusive benefit for ListHub Global customers only

ListHub Global customers receive exclusive discounted rates on CIPS online courses. Normally, $147 per online course, ListHub Global customers pay just $110 per online course.

To receive the discounted rate, a coupon code will be provided to all new and current ListHub Global customers in the ListHub dashboard. To access, login to your ListHub account and click the “Marketing Choices” tab, then click the “Global Network” link for your promotional code and registration instructions.

Want to learn more about the global opportunity?

Join us this month for one of our upcoming online webinars, Global Perspectives – Tips for Expanding Your Global Reach

This FREE 30 min course will cover:

• The Opportunity and Challenges of International Marketing
• About ListHub Global Network
• International Marketing Metrics
• NAR’s CIPS Designation and Global Education and Discounts

Webinars will be held on July 17 and July 24. Click Here to sign up today, space and webinars are limited!

Presented by:

Aldana Gentinetta
ListHub Global Marketing Specialist

Katie Stouffs Grimes 
National Association of REALTORS, Director of Global Marketing & Business Development