Real estate is happening all over the world, whether we are following other markets or not. When we connect with agents from other countries, they can help us understand culture and client expectations, which in turn helps us successfully conduct business globally. This episode is all about the benefits of being an International REALTOR® Member (IRM). Our guests Tarun Bhatia and Ana Beatriz Muñoz Ruiz join Monica to share their experience as IRMs, some of the different real estate practices and traditions in their respective countries, as well as their favorite membership benefits. There are several important links mentioned in this episode — please make sure to visit the “Guest Links” section for all resources discussed in this episode.   [3:00] NAR’s international department helps agents from around the world learn different ways to practice real estate, and provides networking opportunities.   [4:30] Tarun introduces himself and his work in India.   [6:30] Anna introduces herself and her work in Mexico.   [9:52] Indians invested almost 7.8 billion dollars in the U.S. in 2017; Indians living in India are investing in the U.S. real estate market, and Indians living in the U.S. are investing in the Indian real estate market.   [13:07] The REALTOR® brand is still a growing thing in India — there is a difference between a REALTOR® and a real estate agent.   [16:00] Many people who go to visit Cancun decide to live there as well; Ana joined NAR to connect with buyers and brokers to be more comfortable working with other people in the organization.   [20:29] The top five foreign buyers in the U.S. are Canada, Mexico, China, India, and the UK, but these only account for a third of all buyers in the U.S.   [22:00] Vastu Shastra is an interesting part of the real estate culture in India that comes over when Indians invest in U.S. real estate.   [26:47] Another difference between the U.S. and India is how they use (or don’t use) a CRM or MLS.   [29:02] Culturally, personal relationships come before business relationships in Mexico. They also have legal rules where the bank is involved with foreign buyers as an extra layer in the process.   [33:05] In both Mexico and India, personal relationships matter the most.   [36:30] Ana shares tips for U.S. agents and buyers for how to buy real estate in Mexico — please visit the links below for the CIPS landing sites, which have information on finding the right agent in Mexico.   [41:35] Many Indians are investing in the U.S. to bring back into the country of India, and there are a lot of business opportunities as people try to make it big between India and the U.S.   [44:30] Tarun talks about how Indian laws help protect people during transactions, as well as the real estate laws that restrict who can buy property.   [47:43] Ana and Tarun share some of the many benefits of being an International NAR member.   Tweetables:   “NAR U.S. has been around for more than 100 years, so they have perfected the art of training education courses, which we are still trying to learn in India. We get access to your training programs and a number of valuable business tools.” — Tarun   “Relationships are still crucial in both markets. Knowing the people so you can connect to find what you need is still crucial.” — Monica   “Most importantly, the broker should be someone who has experience, knows the market, and is ethical. I think that’s the most important.” — Ana   “It is not only about learning and networking with REALTORS® in the U.S., it’s also about telling your clients back in India that you are open for business throughout the world.” — Tarun   Guest Links:   For the Global Real Estate Summit: Nar.realtor/videos/2021-nar-real-estate-forecast-summit-global-update   Youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJ8nxcZniP63CYknxxweCc2Y-y8UA4Y5i   For more information on certification in Mexico, visit: CIPS Designation Page Nar.realtor/education/designations-and-certifications/cips-designation   To find a reputable agent i