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REALTOR®: REALTORS® from across the country learn to do business ‘glocally'

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Thirty-four real estate professionals from here and around the country gathered at the Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) to learn how to better serve foreign and immigrant buyers. Members from SILVAR and other REALTOR® associations from around the Bay Area, as far east as North Carolina and as far south as San Clemente in Southern California attended the National Association of REALTORS® Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) Institute November 26-30.

The CIPS Institute courses focus on ownership and transaction principles of international real estate, including information about the real estate markets in Europe, the Americas, the Middle East/Africa and the world. The courses provide training in currency conversion, cultural awareness, legal and tax requirements, and other international business issues. Upon completing the required courses and other requirements, REALTORS® may receive their CIPS designation and be recognized at the annual NAR Conference and Expo, which will be held in November 2013 in San Francisco.

The week-long courses were taught by certified NAR instructor David Wyant CIPS, ABR, AHWD, ePRO, GRI, TRC, SFR. Wyant, who is based in Florida, was recently named 2012 NAR International Instructor of the Year. He also received the same recognition in 2009.

Wyant teaches REALTORS® how to do business "glocally," so clients here and abroad and other international real estate agents can find them. "Prospecting 'glocally' requires awareness, knowledge and outreach," said Wyant.

California is second to Florida as the fastest growing destination of choice for international buyers, accounting for 11 percent of $82.5 billion foreign purchases last year. Wyant said Silicon Valley is a top choice for foreign buyers and immigrant buyers because of the weather, the proximity to the ocean and mountains.

"There is such great diversity here. It's the gateway to the world and the rest of the U.S. People choose to buy here because it's an upscale place to live, work, and especially to have their children attend its excellent schools," said Wyant.

Jennifer Tasto, who is chair of SILVAR's Global Business Council, said, "REALTORS® see international real estate opportunities everywhere, both here and abroad. New people move to the Bay Area from other countries every day and foreign-born individuals residing in the region move to new markets. Business persons invest in property overseas. No matter which international audience you cater to, the CIPS designation can provide REALTORS® with the knowledge, research, network and tools to globalize their business."

The CIPS Institute at SILVAR was sponsored by association affiliates Citi (Evelyn Figueira) and Ratecomb (Richard Miller). Each company served as a "Sponsor of the Day" and had the opportunity to speak about how their product/services could benefit REALTORS® and their foreign and immigrant clients.


The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.

The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.

Variations of this article have appeared in local area newspapers.

For further information, please contact Rose Meily at SILVAR Public Affairs, email , or phone (408) 200-0109.

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