ORLANDO, Fla. – Feb. 6, 2008 – International buyers accounted for more than 7 percent of home sales in Florida in 2006, and the Sunshine State was responsible for over 25 percent of national sales to foreign buyers last year, reports the National Association of Realtors® (NAR). However, NAR reports a 65 percent drop in sales to international buyers to 28,900 in 2006 from 81,900 in 2005.

Still, Florida real estate professionals believe foreign clients could bolster their business, pointing to the weak dollar and political concerns in some nations. To gain a competitive edge when it comes to international buyers, Michael Saunders and Co. markets its Florida listings to buyers in the United Kingdom and other European nations as the result of a partnership with the European Real Estate Network and Mayfair International Realty.

Meanwhile, Coldwell Banker beefed up its referral relationships in Central America and South America. And Kissimmee-based broker Teri Isner of Keller Williams plans to visit China later this year to broaden her buyer base.

Realtors who deal with international buyers note that they do not make rushed purchases, but rather, take their time examining the available inventory.

Source: Florida Trend (02/01/08) Westlund, Richard

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