by David Chapman
Staff Writer
While recent sales numbers might make Northeast Florida Realtors want to turn away, they could be looking abroad for relief.
International markets can offer opportunities for Realtors to broaden their client horizons, and area industry members can soon learn more about the benefits and practical aspects of foreign business at the International Real Estate for Local Markets course being offered through the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors Jan. 7-8.
“International components are important because its become more and more prominent in today’s marketplace,” said Joy Hubert, NEFAR’s education director. “This call is a biggie.”
The course, a prerequisite to becoming a Certified International Property Specialist, will touch on topics like currency differences, government regulations, international real estate analysis and most importantly, according to Hubert, cultural differences.
“The normal everyday things we do here can be insulting to people from other cultures,” she said.
The course will be taught by Tony Macaluso, a South Florida Realtor who specializes in international real estate who has been the Realtor of the Year for the Florida Association of Realtors.
“A social misstep in dealing with foriegn nationals can cost you the deal,” said Macaluso. “You can have the right property in the right location and at the right price and still lose the deal because of something that was misunderstood by your foriegn customer and you may be unaware of what happened.”
The course counts as 11 hours of continuing education credit and costs $375. Breakfast and lunch is included both days.
The lack of international business in the area compared to other areas of Florida and the country is something that has Hubert concerned.
“What worries me is Northeast Florida is going to be left in the dust if we don’t get caught up on the topic,” she said.
She is confident that area Realtors will learn a lot and notes that the course is beneficial even to those who are not seeking CIPS designation.
“It’s a great tool to get more work by tapping the international market,” she said. “I really do recommend it to everyone.”
Calendar
DECEMBER
Dec. 17: EAH Part 2- Presentation Skills. NEFAR main office. 9 a.m.-noon.
Dec. 19: EAH Training - Extra. NEFAR main office. 9 a.m.
Dec. 20: EAH Training. NEFAR main office. 8:30 a.m.
JANUARY
Jan. 7: Flex MLS Introduction. NEFAR main office. 9 a.m.
Jan. 7-8: International Real Estate for Local Markets. NEFAR main office. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Jan. 8: Flex MLS CMA Presentation. NEFAR main office. 1 p.m.
Jan. 9: Flex MLS Open Lab. NEFAR main office. 9 a.m.-noon
Jan. 9-10: 14-hour Mainstream Residential Course. NEFAR main office. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Jan. 10: FlexMLS Contact Management. NEFAR main office. 9 a.m.
Jan. 14: FlexMLS Tax. NEFAR main office. 9 a.m.
Jan. 17: Flex MLS CMA Presentation. NEFAR main office. 9 a.m.
Jan. 21: FlexMLS Introduction. NEFAR main office. 9 a.m.
Jan. 21: Flex MLS CMA Presentation. 1 p.m.
Jan. 21, 22, 28, 29, 30 and 31: GRI I. NEFAR main office. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Jan. 22: FlexMLS Contact Management. NEFAR main office. 1 p.m.
Jan. 23: Flex MLS Open Lab. NEFAR main office. 9 a.m.
Jan. 24: Ethics for the Real Estate Professional. NEFAR main office. 9 a.m.-noon.
Jan. 29: Flex MLS CMA Presentation. NEFAR main office. 1 p.m.
Jan. 30: Flex MLS Open Lab. NEFAR main office. 9 a.m.
Jan. 30: FlexMLS Introduction. NEFAR main office. 9 a.m.
Jan. 31: FlexMLS Contact Management. NEFAR main office. 9 a.m.
(Send Calendar items to [email protected].)