International Publications

October 2007

Success Beyond Borders

Welcome to the first issue of MORe’s new International e-newsletter: Inside Global Markets which will appear quarterly in your Inbox. Inside Global Markets is provided by the MORe International Council which was established in 2002 with the purpose of fostering global growth of real estate business and broadening multi-cultural understanding within the real estate community with knowledge acquired through training, networking and resource sharing. The network of Chicagoland REALTORs® interested and working in international real estate has expanded greatly in the past five years.  We hope this newsletter will increase your understanding of the global aspect of real estate and help you build your own international network right here in Chicagoland. Think Globally, Act Locally!

We welcome you to any of MORe’s International events (come on out to MORe International Day on October 24!) – these events are open to all real estate professionals so bring a friend with you! And use the Forward to a Friend link at the bottom of this newsletter to bring your colleagues into this burgeoning international network!

Hot Topics: From the International Chair by Jana Herdova

The opportunities in the international real estate market have grown tremendously in recent years. With the Internet connecting the world, the international real estate market has opened up areas that were only accessible previously by traveling to the country. The travel aspects of international real estate are wonderful; however, international real estate can be transacted without ever leaving the country. The tools provided in the CIPS  (Certified International Specialist) and TRC (Transnational Real Estate Certification) coursework have helped make international real estate accessible to everyone. The CIPS coursework is a foundation in international real estate and the TRC provides the essentials for making and receiving international referrals. Both programs have a database of professionals with the designation which helps when dealing with someone who has had the same training and is knowledgeable about the process and industry.  International real estate opportunities extend to outbound and inbound real estate transactions as well as the immigrant market. People are moving not just within the United States but also out of and into the US. As long as there is movement there are opportunities for real estate professionals. Why not expand your market and put money in your pocket with international real estate? Check out more on CIPS and TRC. If you’d like to contact me directly, please send me an e-mail.

Worldwide Access: Education and Events

There are unlimited opportunities for you to begin to learn about international real estate opportunities and continue to expand your international network. Many of these events are held right here in Chicagoland for you to easily take advantage of. And if you’re interested in traveling to events through the US or abroad, the opportunities multiply!

October 24, 2007-- MORe International Day – The Carlisle, Lombard, ILEarn the TRC certification in the afternoon and enjoy hors d’oeuvres and refreshments following at a networking/educational reception sponsored by the South African Consulate. The reception will feature economic and real estate updates on South Africa as well as a special performance by the Glen Ellyn Children’s Chorus who have recently returned from a South African tour. MORe >

Oct. 29, 2007 Fast Forward: AMERICA’S RELATIONS WITH A SWIFTLY CHANGING ASIA. Luncheon program sponsored by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. Presentation by Ambassador Christopher Hill, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs; Introduction by U.S. Representative Don Manzullo. 12:00 p.m., The Chicago Club, 81 East Van Buren Street, Chicago. CCGA Members - $50; Non-members - $60. MORe >

November 13-16, 2007--2007 REALTORS®Conference & Expo –, Las Vegas, NV
Connect with representatives from cooperating associations from around the world. With hundreds of programs, networking opportunities, cutting edge technology, and more, you can customize your Conference & Expo experience to your needs and interests. Grow professionally and personally while gaining inspiration to be your very best. It’s the 2007 Conference & Expo, and what happens here, helps you everywhere! See a sample schedule of Convention International Sessions and Activities. MORe >

Nov. 13, 2007 CHINESE CULTURAL BRIEFING SERIES #3: COMMUNICATING EFFECTIVELY WITHCHINESE. Program sponsored by the Chicago Chinese Cultural Institute. This program provides insights on some of the most important communication differences between Chinese and Americans.6:30 – 8:00 p.m., Chicago Chinese Cultural Institute, 2145-B South China Place, 2nd Floor, Chicago. Fee: $25. For information & registration, please call 312/842-1988 or e-mail the Chicago Chinese Cultural Institute.

Nov. 19, 2007 THE STATE OF THE U.S. – GERMAN RELATIONSHIP. Reception and luncheon sponsored by the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. Presentation by The Honorable William R. Timken, Jr., Ambassador of the United States of America to the Federal Republic of Germany. 11:15 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Mid-America Club, 200 East Randolph Street, 80th Floor, Chicago. GACCoM & CCGA Members - $65; Non-members -$75. Advance registration required by November 14. For information & registration, please call 312/644-2662 or MORe >

Nov 25-28, 2007  ReiD 2007 Global Real Estate Investment & Development , Atlanta, GA
At The Americas Real Estate Conference, join many others in exploring the latest property trends, market opportunities, and issues related to Real Estate Investment and Development on an international scale; including foreign investment interest, global real estate aquisition, institutional investment and real estate portfolio growth, land use, revitalization, creating sustainable communities, and more. Gain insight as to what experienced investors are doing in the strong markets like Panama, Costa Rica, Mexico, Brazil and in Georgia and surounding areas. Uncover approaches to new development techniques, managing your Real Estate projects, and investment and development process improvement. Thousands of qualified buyers & investors from North and South America, Europe, Asia, and other regions will attend this three day event that will offer prominent speakers, investment workshops, three special conference venues, and relationship development event evenings. Join your peers and some of the most experienced experts in Real Estate investment, development, and property management at the Americas Real Estate Conference & EXPO.

Jan. 21, 2008  LATIN AMERICAN INVESTMENT SUMMIT 2008. Event sponsored by InVest Latin America, Ltd. Meet more than 30 developers and vendors representing Costa Rica, Panama, Belize and Mexico. 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Sheraton Chicago, 301 East North Water Street, Chicago. Fee: $29. For information & registration, MORe >

On Top of the World: International Trends

Trying to get a handle on some of the global opportunities out there? Take a minute to browse through these headlines to pick up on the latest trends and international real estate developments.

All Real Estate is Local. But not all buyers are local.  NAR Research surveyed REALTORS across the United States to determine the extent to which their business is with foreign home buyers. Almost one third of REALTORS – 32 percent – report having had at least one international client between April 2006 and April 2007. Despite the recent slowdown in the U.S. housing market, U.S. real estate is still a popular option for many people outside of the country. Read the full report, 2007 National Association of REALTORS Profile of International Home Buying Activity to learn about home buying preferences of international clients.

Property Radio Podcasts are Available from “Across the Pond”.  Get a unique overseas perspective and join British broadcaster, Adrian Mills, as he interviews the top experts in the overseas property industry. Each week, the radio show  covers topics such as buying property in different countries, as well as specials on investment, retirement and emerging markets. Recent countries highlighted and available by podcast  include Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Costas in Spain, The Baltics, Montenegro and Turkey.

Panama is Paradise for Retirees according to publisher International Living in an MSN Money article. “Panama is one of the best places in the world for retirees today, combining a low cost of living, near-perfect weather and one of the world's best discount programs for retirees, with up to 50% off everything from public transport to movies, mortgage rates, doctor's visits, electricity, restaurants and airfares.

When you compare Panama with its neighbors, you'll see that it has more amenities than traditional retirement spots such as Mexico and Costa Rica, with lower costs and crime rates. In Panama, you'll encounter less red tape and less interference from local authorities.” MORe >

For Panama Fast Facts, MORe >