ShareMost Frequently Used Member Services
- CIPS logo and brand
- Global Perspective newsletter
- Profile in CIPS online directory
- CIPS-only Facebook group
- Access to networking events at REALTOR® conferences
Breaking Barriers
No doubt, there are challenges to conducting global real estate business, including:
Language
Solutions: Your listings on realtor.com/international are automatically translated into 11 languages.
Also, ask your state REALTOR® association about translated copies of real estate contracts. Even though signatures are still needed on official English versions, this can be a helpful resource.
Many translation apps and tools exist to help with language barriers as well, such as Google Translate, iTranslate, Reverso Context, and many more.
Marketing as a CIPS designee
Solutions: The new Global Marketing Center simplifies communication to the world about your CIPS designation and the benefits it provides buyers and sellers.
Go to printingstorefront.com/narglobal to order customizable CIPS-branded postcards, flyers, and business cards, and to access many other marketing resources.
Lack of foreign buyers in my market
Solutions: In many cases, simply knowing where to nd global business in your local market can tip the scales in your favor. Check out NAR’s Local Market Assessments (nar.realtor/global/local-market- assessments) and International Research (nar.realtor/internationalresearch) for key insights.
Better connections with other CIPS designees
Solutions: The Official Group: NAR CIPS Designees on Facebook o ers a vibrant online community where CIPS designees exchange tips and referrals on a daily basis. It’s a great place to start building your own personal CIPS network.
Understanding foreign laws/ international regulation
NAR has formed relationships with 93 Cooperating Associations outside the U.S., which can be valuable resources for explaining legal issues in many countries. For an online directory, visit nar.realtor / intlnet.nsf.
For more barriers and solutions, see Breaking Barriers on NAR’s blog, theglobalview.blogs.realtor.org.
Wish List: Answered!
Designees are always looking for more referrals, business, networking, and income from the designation.
Here’s how to use your CIPS designation to achieve three top goals:
Goal 1. More Referrals
You have to give to receive! Make sure you are looking to your fellow designees rst when referring business (even domestically).
Get active! Use the CIPS Facebook page regularly to promote your market and expertise. Establishing awareness and credibility in social media platforms lets other designees know you are their go-to resource in your market or business niche.
Complete your profile on the CIPS Online Directory. Members are more likely to send referrals to designees who display a photo and have added key facts and details to their profile.
Goal 2: More Business
Virtually all CIPS survey respondents are aware of and value the CIPS logo and brand as a key member benefit. However, only 56 percent are using it!
If you don’t tell prospects about your designation, how will they know? We’ve made it easy to use the CIPS logo and brand to promote your international expertise. Here’s how:
Visit the Global Marketing Center. Go to printingstorefront.com/narglobal, where you’ll find these and other resources:
- Customizable Postcards and Flyers – Versions for buyers and sellers
- Digital Marketing Tools – Banner ads, CIPS website “badge,” and social media cover photos
- PowerPoint Presentation – Customizable for various audiences
- Press Release – You earned your CIPS; announce it!
Goal 3: More Networking
There are many ways to build your global network, including:
Attend international meetings held at the national, state and local level.
Join your local or state association’s Global Business Council and get clued in to the global networking events in your area. Global Business Councils are groups dedicated to globally themed education, programming, and networking for their members. Search for one in your area at nar.realtor/ndaglobalcouncil.
Meet with designees and other international professionals at NAR partner meetings in other countries.
Visit nar.realtor/global/global-meetings-and-events for dates and locations.
Did we mention the CIPS Facebook group? Members are exchanging referrals and knowledge every day in this closed group! Join the networking taking place at Official Group: NAR CIPS Designees.
Using Facebook for Referral Marketing
“As the new broker for Aurora Granada, Nicaragua, I decided to use Facebook to market properties and stories about Granada, and Nicaragua, to prospective agents and clients.
Since we cannot post actual properties in the CIPS Facebook group, I decided to cultivate relationships by telling our story why we moved from Kansas to Nicaragua, and why other potential investors or retirees should follow our lead.
Using social media networking, we developed relationships with several agents, and in less than two weeks had a solid lead for our office to help sell a property in Playa Coco, provided by a fellow CIPS. This was not only a listing, but also the potential to manage rental properties for the seller.
It’s easy working with fellow CIPS designees since we all understand how international business and marketing works, including expectations regarding referral income upon completion of a transaction.”