The CIPS Experience
The CIPS Network is comprised of real estate professionals in over 50 countries who deal in all types of real estate, but with one common element: they are focused specifically on the international market, most often in their local area. Whether assisting foreign investors, helping local buyers invest abroad, or serving a growing immigrant population in local markets, CIPS members are consumers’ best providers of professional skills in the unique aspect of international real estate.
Through NAR's alliances with 70+ national and regional Cooperating Associations around the globe, the CIPS Network is attracting a growing number of members from outside the US. The Network has over 2,000 CIPS designees (individuals who have completed a week-long education program on international real estate) with hundreds more CIPS Network members working to complete their course work and other requirements for designation status. Twenty percent of CIPS Network members live and work outside the US and belong to one of NAR’s international partners. You can locate a CIPS Network member through the online directory at this site, using the search features to locate someone with specific business, location and/or language specialties.
Consumers can benefit from the representation of real estate professionals who have earned the CIPS designation. NAR International administers the CIPS program and designation which focuses on ownership and transaction principles of international real estate, including specifics on real estate markets in Europe, the Americas, the Middle East/Africa and the Asia/Pacific regions. Topics covered in the CIPS classes also include cultural diversity, market data, investment trends, marketing strategies, currency issues and financing.
Prerequisite – International Real Estate for Local Markets - - 2-Day Program
Before embarking on the 5-day CIPS Institute, U.S. REALTORS® must complete the two-day “International Real Estate for Local Markets”. Non-U.S. practitioners are also encouraged to take this course, but it is not a requirement. Whether or not a practitioner intends to work toward the CIPS designation, this course is ideal for anyone who may encounter opportunities in their local market to assist in an international transaction.
CIPS Institute - - 5-Day Program
The CIPS Institute is a five day course on the analysis of the international real estate business environment, including capital flow, currencies, government regulations and cultures. CIPS instructors know how foreign real estate investment has impacted your market and are eager to share their insights with you. CIPS Institutes concentrate four international CIPS courses into a one week format, allowing students to save travel costs and complete the education program quickly. Three of the four regional courses are required (Europe, Asia, Americas, and Middle East/Africa). Many Institutes include a variety of special events in addition to the required classroom time. Property tours, networking events with local businesses, panel discussions and social functions may be incorporated into the week's program to provide a well-rounded and exciting learning experience. These courses also may be offered individually.
The CIPS course curriculum concentrates four international CIPS courses into a one week format, allowing students to save travel costs and complete the education program quickly. Three of the four regional courses are required (Europe, Asia, Americas and Middle East/Africa). Most institutes include a variety of special events in addition to the required classroom time. Property tours, networking events with local businesses, panel discussions and social functions may be incorporated into the week's program to provide a well-rounded and exciting learning experience. These courses also may be offered individually. The CIPS curriculum distinguishes CIPS Institute graduates as individuals who have both hands-on experience in essential international real estate issues such as: currency and exchange rate issues, cross-cultural relationships, regional market conditions, investment performance, tax issues and more. A detailed description of the courses is provided below.
Investment and Financial Analysis (2 days) - Provides the tools needed to present investment information to international clients--in their currency and area. You will learn how to measure investment performance, prepare financial projections, and understand the effects of taxes and exchange rates on investment. This course is waived for students who have passed the CCIM Intro, CCIM 101, or CRS 204 courses. An HP-10BII calculator is REQUIRED for this course.
Europe and International Real Estate (1 day) - Provides information on working with clients in Western and Central Europe. The European Union and its impact on international real estate are covered, along with economic and real estate trends, networking and relationship building, plus marketing and selling practices.
Asia/Pacific and International Real Estate (1 day) - Covers real estate practices in Asia and the Pacific with emphasis on cultural influences, economic trends and assessment of investment opportunities. A special chapter on working with the Japanese is included.
The Americas and International Real Estate (1 day) - Practical information for professionals who work with Caribbean, North, Central, and South American investors. Historical and cultural influences, regional relationship, and investment opportunities are covered along with a special focus on Mexico.
View NAR’s CIPS page
