Building a Strong International Real Estate Network: Where to Start
Being successful in real estate means building connections and establishing yourself. Even if you work alone, you’ll still be reliant on a chain of people to make the transaction happen.
Building a network can seem daunting and may even trigger a bout of imposter syndrome, especially for newer agents, but grit your teeth and get in touch with people - it’s well worth it as you never know when those contacts will be invaluable.
Below, I’ve attempted to break down the process into actionable steps so you can go in with a clear strategy.
Step 1: Start Local, Think Global
Your local network is a treasure trove of potential connections to the international stage. I once met an agent at a local property fair in Marbella who, it turned out, had a brother-in-law working in luxury real estate in Dubai. One coffee and a sandwich later, I had a new contact in the Middle East where I could send valuable referrals. Attend local real estate events, join professional organisations, and don’t hesitate to ask questions about who knows who —you never know where it might lead.
Step 2: Join Online Real Estate Groups
Joining established real estate organisations can be a game-changer. Many offer events, educational resources, and access to a global community. These organisations provide an invaluable platform for sharing knowledge and connecting with professionals who understand the international market. Have a look at what's available in your area.
Step 3: Attend International Property Events
Global property expos and conferences are goldmines for connections. Many years ago at SIMA in Madrid, I struck up a conversation with a developer who was launching Brazil, which later led to a partnership on a beachfront project. He also put me in touch with several other developers over there. These events are perfect for getting your face out there and connecting with agents, developers, and even investors from around the world.
Step 4: Build Relationships with Local Agents
Local agents in your target markets are invaluable allies, even if they will one day end up as direct competition. They know the terrain, the culture, and the market trends better than anyone. Partner with them for your initial sales and they will help navigate legal complexities and the rest. But, be warned, choose an unethical agent and your reputation can be damaged by proxy. Relationships like these help make or break your entry into a new market.
Step 5: Social Media Sells
Social media isn’t just for posting pretty pictures of homes (though that helps). I’ve connected with countless international clients through Facebook and Instagram. Share your expertise, engage with your audience, and as mentioned above, join real estate-focused groups to connect with useful contacts.
Step 6: Cultivate Cultural Awareness
Understanding cultural differences is a must. Get the nuances wrong and you can easily lose a sale - people are tense and misjudging something can send them over the edge. If you’re not sure, then it only takes a minute to research customs, traditions, and communication styles in a given region. Also, just learning how to say "Hello, how are you?" in their language can go a long way in building trust.
Step 7: Stay Educated
The global real estate market is always evolving. I attend free webinars every at least every couple of weeks on something related to the property industry and always come away with new insights. Sometimes these insights directly influence the strategies I encourage my clients to implement.
Step 8: Offer Value First
Networking is a two-way street. When I meet new contacts, I always ask myself, "What can I potentially bring to the table that will get their attention?" Client referrals, market knowledge or even job offers will make you the most interesting person in the room - but subtlety is the word - nobody likes a show off . Do it right and you’ll have people eating out of the palm of your hand.
A World of Connections
Building an international real estate network takes time, effort, and a genuine willingness to connect (by which I mean getting over your shyness!) By starting local, leveraging global resources, and investing in relationships, you can create a network that supports your goals and helps you get into the global market. Remember that every connection is a potential partnership with potentially big earnings.
