Breaking Borders: How to Expand Your Real Estate Business Internationally

You don’t have to stay local just because you got your real estate license in the U.S.

The truth is, expanding into international real estate isn’t some luxury dream reserved for top-producing agents with multimillion-dollar portfolios and teams of assistants. It’s actually very doable. You don’t need to move to Paris or start posting Instagram photos of villas in Bali to get started either. In fact, you don’t need to leave your home office at all.

Let’s talk about what it actually looks like to go international real estate, and why you should seriously consider it.

Why You Should Care About International Real Estate

For starters, international buyers are out here. People are moving to and from the U.S. every single day, students, retirees, military families, investors, entrepreneurs, digital nomads. And guess what? They need help navigating real estate on both sides of the transaction.

The U.S. has long been a hot market for foreign investors, but we’re also seeing a growing number of Americans looking to buy second homes abroad, invest in international properties, or relocate permanently.

If you’re already helping people buy or sell property here, you’re halfway there. Expanding your reach just means learning how to connect the dots internationally and do it the right way.

But Don’t Get It Twisted—There Are Challenges

This isn’t something you just jump into because it sounds sexy or you want to travel more. Every country has its own set of laws, customs, restrictions, and processes around real estate.

Here’s what you need to know going in:

• You can’t just “sell” real estate in another country because you have a U.S. license. In many countries, you need to partner with a local broker or agent.
  
• Real estate law varies drastically. Some countries don’t allow foreigners to own property at all. Others require buyers to form a local corporation, apply for specific visas, or follow complex tax rules.
  
• The risk of breaking laws is real. You can’t afford to skip due diligence. Period. One wrong move and you could land yourself in legal trouble.
  
• Cultural differences matter. What feels like a “normal” real estate process to you might come off as aggressive or confusing to someone in another country.
  

That said, challenges don’t mean “don’t do it.” It just means do it smart.

How to Expand Internationally (The Right Way)

If you’re serious about becoming an international real estate professional, here’s what it looks like step-by-step:

1. Get Educated

Start with a solid foundation. The CIPS (Certified International Property Specialist) designation through the National Association of REALTORS® is the industry standard for agents looking to work globally. You’ll learn about international laws, financing, culture, and how to build a network of global partners.

You can learn more about CIPS here.

2. Partner With an International Brokerage

Don’t try to go at it alone. Work with a brokerage that already has a global footprint—like Keller Williams Worldwide, eXp Global, RE/MAX Global, or Sotheby’s. You’ll gain access to tools, resources, and international networks that would be nearly impossible to build on your own.

3. Understand Local Laws (or Know Someone Who Does)

Before you market or advise anyone on international property, take the time to learn the local rules. Or better yet, partner with someone who already knows them. Whether it’s an attorney, tax advisor, or real estate broker, build a team of professionals who specialize in international transactions and stay in your lane.

4. Leverage Referrals

You don’t have to be the agent closing the deal in another country. Most international business can be done through referrals. That means connecting your client with a trusted agent abroad and earning a referral fee. You stay compliant and still get paid.

5. Market Yourself Strategically

Let your clients know that you handle international transactions. That might mean helping foreign investors buy in the U.S. or helping U.S.-based clients buy property abroad. Position yourself as a connector, an educator, and a problem-solver. Start using content that speaks to global investors, relocation clients, and international lifestyle buyers.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Never give legal or tax advice unless you’re licensed in that country. It’s not worth the risk. Refer your clients to the right professionals.
  
• Due diligence isn’t optional. It’s the backbone of successful (and legal) global transactions.
  
• Respect cultural norms. Learn how people negotiate, what paperwork looks like, and how communication works in that market.
  

Final Thoughts

The idea of going global might sound overwhelming, but it’s not out of reach. Not by a long shot. If you’ve got real estate knowledge, some hustle, and a willingness to learn, you can absolutely build a global business.

Start small. Take the course. Make the connections. Build your team. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to take the first step.

You don’t need permission to go international, you just need a plan.

Want help figuring out how to make your real estate brand global? I’m happy to help. I’ve done the research and I’ve seen what works. Whether it’s through referrals, partnerships, or expanding your service offerings, the opportunity is there, and it’s bigger than you think.

Don’t let geography limit your business.