NAR Library & Archives has already done the research for you. References (formerly Field Guides) offer links to articles, eBooks, websites, statistics, and more to provide a comprehensive overview of perspectives. EBSCO articles (E) are available only to NAR members and require the member's nar.realtor login.
Working with International Clients
Navigating International Real Estate Transactions (RealTrends, Mar. 5, 2025)
Working on complex international transactions can prove tricky at times, but with some creativity, patience, use of technology, and a strong network, international transactions can seamlessly close.
What Real Estate Agents Need to Know About Working with International Buyers (A Brilliant Tribe, Jan. 24, 2025)
Three big tips: Know Your Audience: Most foreign buyers hail from Canada, China, Mexico, India, and Colombia, with an average purchase price of $314,600.; Offer Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding cultural nuances and customs builds trust.; and Hire Multilingual Staff: A team fluent in multiple languages can bridge communication gaps effectively.
Strategies to Attract International Clients to Your Real Estate Business (BidHom, Apr. 30, 2024)
“The real estate business is opening its doors to international buyers, broadening the scope for global transactions. More and more international buyers are showing interest in buying properties overseas. Not being aware of local norms of real estate, areas around, market prices, and compliance aspects, they will need a local expert they can rely on. This opens a myriad of opportunities for REALTORS® who want to go global and explore bigger markets. Be it building a real estate listing platform or an online auction tool, they must take every essential point from an international perspective. The first and foremost thing should be removing any kind of language and cultural barriers. The real estate business is different in different countries. A real estate broker or agent can enter this open space and position themselves as credible catalysts for international real estate buying.”
How to Market Your Home to Foreign Buyers: A Complete Guide (Clever Real Estate, Jan. 30, 2024)
If you want access to well-funded, all-cash buyers, marketing your home internationally can pay off. In 2024, foreign buyers invested $42 billion in US residential real estate, with half of them paying in cash, and a global strategy can help your house stand out. To advertise your home internationally, you’ll need a strong digital marketing strategy, targeted outreach, and a globally minded approach. Learn about practical strategies and tips on how to successfully find a foreign buyer for your home.”
Tips for Working With International Clients (The Residential Specialist, Mar. 24, 2022)
“Just as your clients rely on you to be an expert in real estate, you need to rely on experts in other fields to help support transactions. And this is even more important when working with international clients. “You definitely need to vet the people you’re working with,” says Galavis. “You don’t want your client to be the first international client they’ve worked with.””
CFIUS Real Estate Instructions (Part 802) (U.S. Department of the Treasury)
Pursuant to FIRRMA, CFIUS is authorized to review certain transactions involving the purchase or the lease by, or a concession to, a foreign person of certain real estate in the United States, beginning on February 13, 2020.
The Basics of International Business Etiquette
Overcoming Cultural Barriers in Negotiations and the Importance of Communication in International Business Deals (Program on Negotiation, Harvard Law School, Apr. 15, 2024)
“Respect for cultural differences will get you a lot farther than ignorance, so it’s important to do your research when entering into negotiations with unfamiliar counterparts.”
17 International Business Customs That Could Make or Break a Deal (Business News Daily, Jan 16, 2024)
“Sometimes business can bring you out of your home country. You may find new opportunities overseas, and ambitious entrepreneurs shouldn’t be afraid of growing beyond their borders. However, conducting business with people from other cultures means being aware of ways in which they do things differently. While effective communication is one component to succeeding internationally, adapting to local protocol and etiquette is also essential. Seemingly small things, like how you accept a business card or what you order for lunch, can make or break a business relationship. Learn about everything you should know for international business deals.”
Business Culture (US Department of Commerce International Trade Administration, 2025)
“Learn about the business culture in another country to have a positive impact on your export success. Face-to-face connections are still valuable in this age of advanced technology and virtual connections. Before you hop on a plane, research the other country. Learn about their history, culture, customs, and business practices. It can be the difference between making and losing a sale, and can go a long way in making you stand out among the competition. Some of the cultural differences U.S. companies often face involve the following: business styles, attitudes toward business relationships and punctuality, negotiating styles, gift-giving customs, greetings, significance of gestures, meanings of colors and numbers, and conventions regarding the use of titles. For country-specific business culture information, read the Country Commercial Guide.”
Foreign Investment Trends in the U.S.
Foreign Investment in the US: Growing, but Slower (Economists' Outlook, Sep. 8, 2025)
“So, why should REALTORS® keep an eye on foreign investment data? Because it's not just about global finance. It's about local opportunities. More foreign capital means more warehouses, industrial parks, and offices being built. More jobs mean more families moving in and looking for homes, affecting housing demand in those markets. Thus, when a foreign auto manufacturer announces a new plant in Georgia, this translates to more buyers looking for homes, more renters needing apartments, and more demand for commercial space.”
Foreign Buyer Activity Rebounds—And Agents are Taking Notice (REALTOR® Magazine, July 14, 2025)
“For the first time since 2017, the number of existing U.S. homes purchased by foreign buyers has increased, possibly signaling a turning point for international interest in U.S. real estate, according to the National Association of REALTORS®’ newly released “2025 International Transactions in U.S. Residential Real Estate.” That said, while the number of properties purchased by international buyers surged 44% compared to the previous year, the total remains the second-lowest level since NAR began tracking such data in 2009.”
Tampa Heads the List of Best Places for Foreign Businesses in Latest FT-Nikkei Ranking (Financial Times, 2025)
“Tampa is the best US city for foreign multinationals to do business according to the third edition of rankings newly compiled by the Financial Times and Nikkei. It gained the top spot thanks to its strong performance across a range of indicators: a competitive business environment has been boosted by falling utility costs, while in terms of quality of life, the city has experienced a major reduction in crime.
The FT-Nikkei Investing in America ranking showcases the top US cities for international business. The ranking measures cities across more than four dozen metrics important to foreign investors.”
Investing in Foreign Markets
Looking for a Home Abroad? The Top 10 Cities for American Expats (realtor.com®, Nov. 9, 2024)
A list of the top countries to live abroad, ranked by five indices: quality of life, ease of settling in, working abroad, personal finance, and expat essentials. Panama tops the list, while Kuwait, Turkey, Finland, Germany, and Canada are the top five to avoid.
Best Countries to Buy Property as an American: 2025 Guide (Wise, Jul. 8, 2024)
“Costa Rica is one of the best countries to invest in real estate, thanks to its natural beauty, warm culture, and thriving economy. It's often called the "Switzerland of Central America" because of its commitment to peace and stability. With its beautiful beaches and lush rainforests, it's no wonder that many Americans go on a vacation to Costa Rica and never leave. Costa Rica's local real estate agents will tell you that the country has strong property laws and opportunities for a high rental income.”
What to Know Before You Buy a House Overseas — and 3 Steps to Smooth the Process (CNBC, May 10, 2024)
“Almost 40% U.S. millionaires plan on buying a home overseas within the next 12 months, according to the latest Trend Report by Coldwell Banker Global Luxury. Another two-thirds of respondents plan to purchase a home abroad within the next five years, according to the report. The survey polled 1,053 U.S. consumers of ages 18 and up, with a household income of more than $1 million, from November 27 to December 11, 2023. Buying a property abroad can be a dream for many Americans. But it’s not a decision one should make on whim; multiple factors can easily complicate the process, experts say.”
Reports & Global Resources from NAR
International Transaction in U.S. Residential Real Estate (National Association of REALTORS®, 2025)
“The 2025 Profile of International Transactions in U.S. Residential Real Estate presents the information regarding REALTOR® transactions with international client who purchased and sold U.S. residential property during the 12-month period of April 2024-March 2025.”
Local Market Assessments (National Association of REALTORS®)
“The key to finding global business, even in unexpected areas, begins with adopting a global mindset. The reports are broken into the thirteen NAR regions and highlight information about the market in the states in each region. You can apply the business strategies discussed here in many other markets and learn how to identify and cultivate global opportunities in any local market.”
NAR in Español is NAR’s resource kit for Spanish speaking REALTORS® and their clients. Find the Membership Marks Manual on how to use the trademark, Window to the Law with Spanish subtitles, webinars on business practices, and more all translated and available to all members.
Center for Real Estate Development is an Internet-based education delivery system where real estate professionals can take courses online.
Unlock global real estate opportunities through the Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) designation, catering to diverse audiences such as international investors, U.S. residents exploring new markets, and local clients eyeing overseas property investments. The CIPS designation equips you with essential knowledge, research capabilities, a valuable network, and tools for business expansion.
The Certified International Property Specialist Network (CIPS) is made up of real estate professionals in over 60 countries, who focus on an international clientele. Through NAR's alliances with 81 national and regional Cooperating Associations worldwide, more and more members are joining the network from outside the United States. You can locate a CIPS Network member through our online directory by specific business, location and language specialties. Also follow CIPS on Facebook.
Global Alliances — NAR maintains formal relationships with more than 100 organized real estate associations around the world, giving REALTORS® confidence in working with professionals that abide by a code of ethics. These bilateral partnerships exist in 77 countries to help you establish business partnerships and referral opportunities.
Global Perspectives — a bimonthly newsletter, which serves as a resource for global professionals who wish to globalize their local market. Requires CIPS login
Global Resources for Association Executives — The first step toward building global business is to raise awareness among REALTORS® that opportunities exist at the local level. Nearly every REALTOR® in America has access to global and multicultural clients, but many are unaware of the possibilities that engagement of those groups can create. Association Executives can promote global awareness and business in many ways.
International REALTOR® Membership — Members of NAR bilateral partners throughout the world can join NAR and take advantage of the power of a million-plus member organization. In an industry where relationships are key to business success, this membership helps you stand out among other professionals.
International Real Estate Research — from The National Association of REALTORS® Find out about international transactions in U.S. residential real estate, state-by-state international business reports and much more.
Resort Area & Second Home Specialty Resources on nar.realtor — Find out about the Resort and Second-Home Property Specialist and connect with other members working in this real estate segment.
For more resources and information on global issues visit: www.nar.realtor/global.
Books, eBooks & Other Resources
eBooks & Other Resources
The following eBooks and audiobooks are available to NAR members:
Business Across Cultures (eBook)
Communicating Globally (eBook)
Global Color: Clues and Taboos (eBook)
Internet Resources and Services for International Real Estate Information (eBook)
International Real Estate Handbook (eBook)
Multicultural Manners (eBook)
Understanding the Global Market (eBook)
Cross-Cultural Selling for Dummies (eBook)
Chinese Business Etiquette and Culture (eBook)
Doing Business in China (eBook, Audiobook)
Emerging Market Real Estate: Investing in China, India, and Brazil (eBook)
Understanding China's Real Estate Markets (eBook)
The AFIRE Guide to U.S. Real Estate Investing (eBook)
The Brazilian Economy (eBook)
Business Without Borders: A Strategic Guide to Global Marketing (eBook)
Buying a Property in Eastern Europe for Dummies (eBook)
The Global Etiquette Guide to Africa and the Middle East: Everything You Need to Know for Business and Travel Success (eBook)
Global Etiquette Guide to Mexico and Latin America (eBook)
The Global Property Investor's Toolkit (eBook)
Foreign Language Study eBook Collection (eBook, Audiobook)
Investing in International Real Estate For Dummies (eBook)
Risk in the Global Real Estate Market (eBook)
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