By Rita Santamaria
International buyers of United States property represent a $66 billion sales market! Four states attract the most buyers – Florida, California, Arizona and of course, Texas.
Demographic comparisons in the entire United States vs. Texas. Black or African American population is 12% for both Texas and the US; Asian is 4.4% in the US and 3.4% for Texas; Hispanic or Latino US population is 15% whereas in Texas it is double that at 36%. In many Texas counties the Hispanic population is the majority and white the minority.
Two simple steps to going Global are the following:
- Become a trusted advisor to a nitch group. Be genuine.
- Remain sensitive to cultural differences for ethnic groups.
Why be aware of and strive to cross cultural market?
The immigrant population in Texas has the largest majority of first time homebuyers than non-immigrant. The first time homebuyer accounts for about 58% of the market in residential sales.
Once you are a trusted advisor you become a referral source for the family and friends of the clients you worked with. Your business will increase through word of mouth referral.
Remember our common American values are:
- Individuals should be judged by their merits or lack of them.
- Men and women should be allowed to have equality of opportunity.
- Freedom to fulfill our own purposes.
- We are rewarded by a justly earned place in society if our values shine through.
There is no place for stereotyping, generalizations, biases. All clients have the same expectations. These are personal service, respect, accessibility to the properties, and honesty from their agent.
Rita Santamaria is the owner of Champions School of Real Estate in Houston TX. Champions have campuses in Houston, Austin, Dallas, San Antonio and On-line Campus. For more information www.ChampionsSchool.com
