Top 5 Tips for Surviving Your First Year as an International Estate Agent
As someone who has worked for over 20 years in international real estate, 🌍🌍, I can tell you first hand that this is where the big money’s at. Nail your niche selling to people from overseas in a sought after location, and we’re talking other level income opportunities. But, like all good things, the competition will be brutal.
“So how do I get started?” I hear you ask. Because setting yourself up in international property is not just learning how to navigate a new market; you’re adapting to different cultures, legal systems, and ways of doing business.
Well you start here, with my top 5 tips to help you survive—and thrive—in your first year as an international estate agent:
Swot up on the Local Market to Look like you’ve been there Forever🏡
Success (and not falling flat on your face!) starts with knowledge, knowledge brings confidence, and confidence brings clients. So before you jump in head-first, take a little bit of time to really understand the fundamentals of the local property market. This means studying market trends, pricing, and buyer behaviors unique to the area. Nail these and before you know it, you’ll be managing objections before they arise. Get your head around legal requirements which differ from your home market—things like taxes, fees, and contracts can vary significantly. Being prepared now will help you advise clients confidently and build your reputation as a go-to knowledgeable agent in your new location.
2. Culture Vultures R Us🌍
In international real estate, understanding the local culture is just as important as knowing the market. Each region has its own customs, traditions, and ways of doing business. Learn about these cultural nuances in order to build trust and rapport with your clients. A small effort—like learning a few phrases in the local language or taking your clients to local events/the best local eateries —can make a huge difference in how you’re perceived and make your buyers feel “safe” with you.
3. There’s no “I” in team, as they say 🤝
You might want to, but at first at least, you can’t do it alone. Surround yourself with a strong network of local professionals—lawyers, mortgage brokers, notaries, and other agents. They’ll help you navigate complex transactions, fill in gaps in your knowledge, and provide valuable referrals and even extra income streams (especially welcome in the first year). Building these relationships early on will REALLY save you from unnecessary headaches later.
4. Probably the Most Important Tip of All 🌟
When you’re working internationally as the new kid on the block, things will take longer than you want to get going and won’t always go to plan. A deal might fall through due to unforeseen legal issues or a low valuation, or you might face delays for a myriad of reasons you couldn’t predict, but might be getting the blame. Flexibility is key here, as is having savings behind you so you don’t panic and make bad decisions. Teach yourself (no, it ain’t easy) to roll with the punches and focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on setbacks. Resilience, and keeping your eye on the prize, are what will carry you through the toughest moments in your first year.
5. Patience is a Virtue ⏳
Your first year will not be about closing a million deals; it will be about learning and laying the groundwork for long-term success. There are times you’ll want to throw in the towel and get a paid 9-5, even though that 9-5 will never pay as much as a string of good deals in international real estate. So please, be patient with yourself as you deal with new challenges that threaten your sanity and make sure you celebrate small wins along the way. Building a solid reputation in a new market takes time, but keep ploughing away, knowing that every effort you put in now will pay off later (pay off your car, your credit card, your house, …..)
Becoming an international estate agent is no small feat, but on the plus side, do it right and you’ll get to live in a fabulous place, make good money and meet an endless string of new people. Self belief, perseverance and a reliable network all mean you’ll be ready to handle whatever comes your way. Because come your way it will.
