ATLANTA, GA – Foreign buyers and recent immigrants purchased 7% of the total U.S. residential market last year, paid a higher median price and paid cash 55% of the time according to a National Association of Realtors (NAR) recent survey. Additionally, the NAR reported that between April 2009 and March 31, 2010, $66 billion of residential property - 7% of the total U.S. residential market - was sold to foreign nationals, recent immigrants and those with temporary visas.
With international buyers bullish on the U.S. real estate market, Realtors who have earned the Certified International Property Specialist designation (CIPS) provide a global perspective and distinct understanding of these savvy buyers. As the only designation of its kind in the real estate community, members of the CIPS Network have access to real estate market information in nearly 100 countries. Members have an in-depth view of the global market in any type of real estate transaction.
Atlanta Realtor, Judy Harper of Harry Norman, Realtors, is one of few sales associates in recent years to obtain this designation locally. Harper was formally recognized at the recent NAR Conference and Expo in Anaheim, California. Realtors who earn this designation must complete multiple courses devoted to learning cultural differences and international business practices and prove achievement in international real estate transactions.
For more information on the global real estate market, contact Harper today at 770-490-6929 or at Judy@JudyHarper.net.
For more information on the CIPS designation, email NARglobe@realtors.org or visit the NAR website at www.realtor.org/global.