BY JANET RUSHIN, RUSHIN REALTY
In June, local Realtors® gathered at the Fort Myers Education
Center for the 3rd annual International Day. The event is all
about providing crucial information to those who conduct
business with foreign buyers and sellers. The day was loaded
with informative presentations designed to assist Realtors®
in dealing with international clients.
Gary Butler (Real Estate Law), Richard Jacobson (Tax Law),
and Dilip Patel (Visa Law), of Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney,
started the day’s program with an overview of some of the
legal matters international buyers and sellers face. Most
Realtors® are familiar with FIRPTA, but there are many
more issues to consider including types of ownership,
what qualifies for immigration status, and structure of legal
entities just to name a few. As Realtors®, we do not deal
with these matters ourselves, but it is helpful to realize their
existence and to be able to refer customers to get their legal
questions answered before proceeding with a property sale
or purchase.
practices in our buyers’ and sellers’ home countries, and
trends of the international market and how they affect our
local markets. He also provided an economical outlook on
real estate from an international view.
If you missed International Day, there is another option to
help you become an international expert.
From October 12th - October 18th we will bring back the
CIPS (Certified International Property Specialist) Designation
course. To become a designee, you will need to complete
five classes. See flyer (on the left) for dates and pricing.
If you’ve already taken some of the classes, or are only
interested in th e course topic for one of the sessions, there
is an option to take a single class. There will also be both
a welcome and a farewell reception, which will give you a
chance to network with your classmates.
The CIPS Designation is very beneficial for all of us working
Lunch featured food from a variety of countries like Greece, with international clients. The National Association of
Italy, Cuba, and China.
REALTORS® has a CIPS database that lists designees from
around the world with whom you can exchange referrals.
After lunch, Brian Bernal of Moneycorp followed with
a presentation on how they facilitate international fund When thinking international, don’t forget that we also have
transfers and monitor exchange rates for clients. Next up Americans buying overseas! That’s another source of income
was Renay Crawford from Paul International Consultants - a you may not think about.
Mortgage consulting firm with offices in Fort Myers, Miami,
and Aschaffenburg (Germany). She talked about how they We look forward to having you all as part of the international
advise buyers from around the world on all matters related Realtor® community and taking your business to the next
to purchasing and financing in the US.
level.
Ted C. Jones, PhD, Chief Economist from Stewart Title
Guaranty Company, finished off the day with his presentation,
“Things Change.” He offered insights into global real estate,
so attendees can be aware of the real estate markets and
For any questions about the CIPS course, you can email
[email protected]. If you’re a member who would like to
sign up, visit dashboardmls.com and click on “Register for a
Class.”
RPCRA.ORG | SEPT/OCT 2017
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