By Michele Gillis, Staff Writer
If you stand in any grocery store in Jacksonville and listen closely you will hear several different languages floating in the air.
International real estate business is here in your backyard and the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors’ Global Business Council focuses on helping Realtors capture that business as well as incoming international business.
“People say they don’t do international business. But, on a daily basis, we work with people from all over the world right here in our town,” said Marie Farrell of Farrell International Realty and chair of the council.
This year, Farrell has worked with people from numerous countries, including China, Peru, Mexico and India.
“People think they don’t need to learn about his because they don’t work with international buyers,” she said “But you do, because you work with other cultures. If you educate yourself and understand their traditions and cultures, you can service them much better.”
Farrell said every Realtor could benefit from the council, a group of Realtors/affiliate members dedicated to providing opportunities for members to grow their knowledge in the field of global real estate. That includes everything from working with buyers and sellers to enhancing their expertise with real estate and real estate practices around the world.
Though the council started several years ago, it wasn’t always so strong. People joined then left or got involved in other councils, but Farrell said the last two years she has seen a vast improvement in membership and participation from NEFAR members.
Farrell took over as chair mid-year and has signed on to be the chair again next year. She is also dedicated to bringing in quality speakers to educate the members on the intricate details of international real estate.
Because Farrell is from Panama and speaks Spanish, she has experience working with international customers and can give insight to the members of her council.
The council provides resources for professional assistance from international attorneys, international accountants, translation assistance, real estate resources, demographics and cultural awareness presentations.
The council recently held an all-day seminar where almost 100 Realtors and affiliates listened to speakers addressing issues including financing foreign nationals, European real estate marketing, diversity, immigration laws and visas, worldwide money transfers and the Certified International Property Specialist designation.
The council also brings in speakers to address such topics as international business coming to Jacksonville, The Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act, financial issues, and panel discussions addressing cultural issues.
The council’s meetings are held quarterly at the NEFAR office, and are 8:30-10:30 a.m. There are usually 30-45 members in attendance.
There is a $25 yearly membership fee to join the council. Yvonne Moody is the NEFAR staff liaison for the council.