It seems that the unspoken motto for real estate is “location, location, location.” In my opinion, the motto for any professional REALTOR® should be “education, education, education.” There are so many valuable designations and certifications offered by Houston Association of REALTORS®, Texas Association of REALTORS® and National Association of REALTORS®. It is essential that we as REALTORS® continue schooling ourselves in our ever changing industry. I am proud to say that I am a 2012 graduate of the Texas REALTORS® Leadership Program (TRLP). Aside from that, earning my Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) designation has, by far, been one of the greatest accomplishments in my real estate career.
The CIPS Institute is a five-day course focusing on the key aspects of international real estate, providing you with the knowledge and essential tools to globalize your business.
The first lesson analyzes Global Real Estate for Local Markets. You will learn about how the global economy shapes our local market, which countries international buyers are coming from, the types of properties purchased by foreign buyers and their motivations for buying. Also discussed is cross-cultural business skills, qualifying and serving foreign clients and customers, networking strategy and purposeful travel to various destinations.
Day Two covers Europe and International Real Estate. You will gain knowledge about Europe being a source as well as a prime destination of real estate investment with emphasis on social, political and geographical characteristics of European countries.
The Americas and International Real Estate on Day Three focuses on Canada, Mexico, Central America and South America. Discussions include real estate licensing and practices of countries such as Brazil, Honduras and British Columbia; language issues and negotiation practices in Mexico; lifestyle benefits in Panama such as tax, immigration and labor incentives.
Day Four includes Asia/Pacific and International Real Estate. This session comprises China, Japan, and India and their cultural influences and social values. You also learn interesting facts about the economy and businesses of Korea, Australia, Singapore and New Zealand.
The final class is Global Real Estate Transaction Tools which includes useful information about exchange rates, currency values, income tax for foreign real estate owners and methods for moving money between countries.
With Houston as diverse as it is, the benefits of the CIPS designation are multiple. I have only touched on a few of the topics included in each class. The entire week is taught by excellent instructors with a wealth of knowledge for you to capture every day.
With my earned CIPS designation, I was able to secure a listing for my company with the developer of Las Verandas Hotel & Villas located on a 400-acre master planned community in Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras. I have also participated in transactions with buyers from Mexico, Russia and China for properties here in Houston. Additionally, I am provided with technology, marketing and networking tools offered exclusively to our CIPS membership. I have had the pleasure of meeting and networking with agents in the real estate industry from around the globe — Japan, Vietnam, France, the U.K. and Mexico, just to name a few. And let’s not forget to mention all that HAR provides for our members, including MLS Area 82, HAR International and the International Advisory Group.
The CIPS Institute will be offered July 28 through August 1 at HAR Central. I urge you to think globally and sign up today for this elite designation. It will truly be a beneficial investment for your career as a real estate professional.
Theresa Hughes-Hill, Broker, CIPS, CRS, RSPS, TRLP, e-Pro
Sudhoff Properties – Marketing Director
By Theresa Hughes-Hill, Broker, CIPS, CRS, RSPS, TRLP, e-Pro
Sudhoff Properties – Marketing Director
