CREBA, NAR to reopen Certified International Property Specialist course
Posted last 2015-06-12  |  

The global market for real estate is still ripe for the reaping.  Big time investors from the US, Canada, China, India, Europe, the UAE, among others, are voraciously buying up real estate around the world for commercial, residential, or office use.  Collectively, these global buyers purchased over $92 billion in US residential real estate last year.

 

Even the Philippines has recently seen a spike in foreign real estate sales due to increasing number of foreign retirees moving into the country.

 

For real estate professionals, this is the time to strike.  However, selling property to global buyers requires additional insight and knowledge of real estate laws and practices around the world. 

 

To equip Filipino real estate practitioners with pertinent skills to sell to a global market, the Chamber of Real Estate and Builders’ Associations, Inc. (CREBA), the largest umbrella organization of Filipino real estate and housing industry associations, in cooperation with the Chicago-based National Association of Realtors (NAR), will once again offer the Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) course from July 21 to 25.

 

According to CREBA national president Noel Toti Cariño, working with global buyers can be more complicated than a domestic transaction, but it can be well worth a real estate professional’s time.

 

“Several factors can hinder in closing major deals: language barriers, changes in currency exchange rates, acquiring financing, understanding foreign transactions and differences in laws and practices.  Hence, education and information are key,” Cariño says.

 

“Together, CREBA and NAR bring the CIPS brand to Manila for the third time since 2012 to prepare licensed brokers, appraisers, consultants, and other professionals in taking full advantage of international opportunities that abound,” he adds.

 

The intensive five-day CIPS course provides real estate professionals a unique, hands-on experience in international real estate transactions.  The course focuses on critical aspects of the global real estate business including currency and exchange rate issues, promotes cross-cultural relationships, provides an actual feel of regional market conditions and investment performances, and covers detailed presentations on country-specific tax issues from the Americas, Europe, Asia and Oceania.

 

CIPS is open to REALTORS and non-REALTOR practitioners worldwide.  By completing the course and becoming a CIPS designee, one earns the prestigious distinction of being a real estate professional recognized by NAR to conduct international transactions seamlessly and with reduced risks.

 

Real estate professionals who have completed the coursework and demonstrated considerable experience in international business can call themselves a CIPS designee and use its name and logo.

 

“Earn your CIPS designation and learn about cultural communications, international business, customs, current events and market trends that impact the global real estate market,” Cariño invites.

 

The CIPS course also serves as a precursor to the first International REALTOR Conference in Manila, which will take place from July 28 to 30 at the City of Dreams in Pasay City.  The event, which CREBA will likewise host, will gather real estate industry leaders and practitioners from all over Asia for a chance to conduct business globally and to enhance their knowledge and skills in real estate sales through a series talks and lectures from influential experts in the industry.

 

Limited slots for the CIPS course are now available.  To reserve a seat, contact CREBA at 3732270 to 74 or e-mail info@ircasia.org and crebanar@yahoo.com.  For more info, visit www.ircasia.org.

 

 

The Philippine Star | Business

June 5, 2015