I am excited to announce that I have earned the designation of a Certified International Property Specialist. This designation is awarded to Realtors who have completed  two core courses, three elective courses, have  successful experience involving international real estate transactions, and have demonstrated other global professional experience. There are over 14,000 members of the Oregon [...]

I’m proud to be a member of FIABCI. It provides excellent value-added services for my clients, and has provided me a wealth of professional and educational opportunities. (You may have to zoom in) or click here for the pdf file

I just returned from our FIABCI Spring Business Meetings in Alexandria, VA, and as always the meetings proved to be both educational and great business. A quick recap…. Most of my clients and friends know that I work in the international real estate market, but not all know how that applies directly to my business [...]

“The least a democratic society should do is to offer people wonderful public spaces. Public spaces are not a frivolity. They are just as important as hospitals and schools. They create a sense of belonging. This creates a different type of society—a society where people of all income levels meet in public space is a [...]

Many of us know someone, or know someone who knows someone, who owns property in higher-profile foreign destinations – such as Mexico and Costa Rica. In fact, hundred of thousands of North Americans already own property outside the U.S., and the numbers will only increase.  I plan to feature both established and up-and-coming destinations.  I [...]

Just sharing an article I wrote for the December, 2009, issue of Oregon REALTOR Magazine.

My friend Gary just returned from a trip to Nicaragua and Costa Rica, and was nice enough to share some pictures with me. This gallery has various scenes from San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, inlcuding Piedras y Olas Resort and the beach. [flagallery gid=8 name="Gallery"]

FIABCI meeting Last week was the annual reception and meeting at the United Nations for members of FIABCI (the International Real Estate Federation). FIABCI maintains a Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the UN, the top ranking of any non-governmental organization. In addition to being a networking event, we enjoyed a [...]

What I learned or reminded myself of this week: Meeting face to face is always better than online. When someone doesn’t get back to you timely, don’t assume they’re ignoring you. Shouldn’t a “public option” for healthcare be exactly what us free market types want? Competition! The weather is irrelevant to me. I need to [...]

The weak U.S. Dollar is good news for foreign investors! Now foreign investors can buy more real estate for their same financial investment because of their increased purchasing power.  Even in comparatively strong residential markets like Portland, prices can be considerably lower than in competing cities. And with direct flights to major hubs like Tokyo [...]

I’ve been asked why I am involved in both local and international real estate, coming out of such a global economic crisis. First, it’s because the real estate world is becoming smaller and it’s what people expect. But perhaps more importantly, it’s because of events over the past several years that I have become so [...]

“All markets are local” is a phrase often used by the National Association of Realtors during our Public Awareness Campaigns. This is very true, and it underscores the need to contact a local market professional before buying or selling real estate. However, when it comes to selling your home, your Realtor’s marketing plan should include [...]