Posted on Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Naples, Florida and Florida in general was discovered by the international buyer a while ago. Our sleepy little ocean side hamlet from the late 1800’s – pre-interstate state highway system – has grown mightily with some of the best ocean side living experiences in the world.In 1976 when I fist arrived the place was still “small” and the growth in the last thirty-five years was remarkable – yet Naples still keeps her charm.
International buyers over the last ten to twenty years have discovered Naples and account for an estimated 21% of all local Naples real estate buyers. Most of these buyers are from Canada with the United Kingdom and Germany (with direct flights thank you) running for second and third place.
The Naples News http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2012/sep/18/northern-flight-canadians-southwest-fla-property/) reported on the strong influx of Canadian buyers in southwest Florida. Florida Realtor reported the State of Florida accounts for 26% of all international sales. They found that “almost one in five Florida sales in the 12-month period ending in June involved an out-of-country buyer.” See their complete article at http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?p=1&id=280333.
What does all this mean for sellers? You better market to the international buyer or you are a going to miss a big part of the market. How do you do it? Here are a few ideas:
Start with a known brand. When the international Naples real estate buyer is in town or online are they going to be careful with a Realtor Brand they do not know? It is estimated Coldwell Banker sells more internationally than any other brand – a network of 80,000 agents in 51 countries. Sure the local boutiques are good, but why not capture an edge with a great international brand?
Why Naples? Understand why the international buyers are looking here in the first place. they have a lot of world-wide choices. Be ready to re-enforce their thinking. First world economy, stable currency (so far), other countryman are here, ease of travel (for some Naples is closer than a remote Mediterranean hamlet by total travel time), and our clincher – our weather is just better than the Cote D’Azure or Lake Como or many other destinations – this is what they tell me!
Social Networks. Yep international buyers are there too. With NaplesBestAddresses.com and Coldwell Banker our listings reach over 15,000,000 buyers daily with reserved search words, network web sites, nearly 1,700+ twitter followers, Facebook, linked in – all of this combined with a known brand packs a huge punch.
Parlez-Vous? Knowing the language is important, but not all of it. Make an effort, offer native tongue speakers and just make sure they feel welcome. Yesterday afternoon a Normandy born Parisian and I stumbled though my high school French, enjoyed discussing the latest in Paris and started off on a good foot.
If you are selling or buying a home today in Naples, Florida or are interested in international marketing in Naples gives us a call at 239.595.3921 and let us help you out.
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No legal, investment, or tax advice is being given in this Blog. Consult with legal, financial and tax professionals before acting on any real estate transaction. Actual real estate price and sales results are subject to market forces and are not completely predictable. The writings of this Blog are intended for the sole use of our clients.
Some of the data relating to real estate for sale on the NaplesBestAddresses.com website comes in part from the Broker reciprocity program of M.L.S. of Naples, Inc. The properties displayed here may not be all the properties available through the MLS reciprocity Program. This information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. Buyers and sellers are responsible for verifying all information about their purchase prior to closing.
Mark Goebel, PA is a REALTOR with Coldwell Banker on 5th avenue in Naples, Florida with 35+ years of visiting and living in Naples. After 25 years at Accenture, Mark retired as a managing director and spends his time helping non profits and building a Naples real estate team with his wife Nan. Talk to Mark and Nan about life in Naples and why they chose this place to live full-time over all others and enjoy Naples real estate.
Mark Goebel, PA
REALTOR Coldwell Banker 5th Avenue South
Mobile: 239.595.3921
NaplesBestAddresses.com
Facebook: NaplesBestAddresses
Twitter @mcgoebel
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