When selecting a real estate professional, buyers and sellers often look at an individual’s experience and expertise including professional designations.

One of the most valuable designations in real estate today is the Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS). Awarded by the National Association of Realtors and the only designation of its kind in the real estate community, the prestigious CIPS designation is synonymous with advanced expertise, a global perspective and a proficient understanding of international real estate.

Christy Budnick and Linda Sherrer

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is helping its knowledgeable and trusted professionals take their business to the global level. The company is offering the specialized training courses at its corporate office, making it possible for its associates to earn the designation and complete international transactions seamlessly.

“Along with global travel and commerce, international real estate transactions are on the rise,” said Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty Founder, President and CEO Linda Sherrer. “Our company has the qualified professionals, marketing network and established relationships in place to reach and serve international buyers.”

According to the National Association of Realtors, during the 12-month period ending March 2015, foreign buyers purchased more than $104 billion in U.S. real estate, a 13 percent increase from the previous year. At the same time, Americans are showing increasing interest in purchasing homes abroad.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ CIPS training includes comprehensive study covering international business in domestic markets and transactions in Europe, Asia/Pacific and the Americas. Instruction involves transaction tools, currency and exchange rate issues, cross-cultural relationships, regional market conditions, investment performance, tax issues and more. The training prepares agents for the varied and complex real estate transactions they may encounter.

“Currency issues and tax laws alone make international transactions more complex, and then there are visa laws, financing and other considerations,” said Broker/Executive Vice President Christy Budnick. “An agent who’s well-informed and prepared to handle these differences can provide their clients with the highest level of service and the knowledge to facilitate the successful outcome of the sale or purchase of a home.”

For Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty real estate practitioners, the CIPS training provides an opportunity to invest in themselves, advance their careers and serve their clients better.

“Few brokerage networks offer CIPS training,” Budnick added. “By earning the CIPS designation, our agents will have the knowledge, research, network and tools to globalize their business as well as the ability to earn more of the growing international market in the U.S.”

More information is available at www.FloridaNetworkRealty.com.