ABOUT THE CIPS DESIGNATION

This material is from the ABOUT CIPS and CIPS EDUCATION Web pages

CIPS Network:

The Certified International Property Specialist Network (CIPS Network) is the specialty membership group for international practitioners of the National Association of REALTORS®, the world’s largest trade association. The CIPS Network is comprised of 1,500 real estate professionals who deal in all types of real estate, but with one common element: they are focused specifically on the “international” market. Whether traveling abroad to put deals together, assisting foreign investors, helping local buyers invest abroad, or serving an immigrant niche in local markets, CIPS members are consumers’ best resources to ensure they are dealing with a professional skilled in the unique aspects of international real estate.

Through NAR’s alliance with 70 national and regional Cooperating Associations around the globe, the CIPs Network is attracting a growing number of members from outside the U.S. The Network has over 1,500 CIPS designees with approximately another 300 CIPS Network members working to complete their course work and other requirements for designation status. 300 CIPS Network members live and work outside the U.S. and belong to one of NAR’s international partners.

Network Benefits – CIPS Designees
• Global Networking-When you engage a member of the CIPS Network to help you with your International real estate transactions, you employ an Informed, Far-Reaching, Reciprocal practitioner working to find your best options
• Investing-In this environment, the possibilities for investing in offshore real estate and in development projects that contribute to world economic growth are increasing rapidly. The CIPS Network is dedicated to the expansion of venture property opportunities for investors worldwide
• Moving- If you want to buy property in a foreign land, but need help navigating the complexities of a cross-cultural real estate transaction, you’ll want to engage a CIPS to ease the transition for you
• Diversity- The language barrier is holding you back from owning a villa in Tuscany. Who do you turn to? If you want to buy or sell foreign property but are baffled by the complexities of cross-cultural transactions, you probably want a CIPS to inform and represent you.


You can locate a local CIPS Broker by going to our local MEMBER page or find an International Council Network member through the NAR Web site ONLINE DIRECTORY.

CIPS Education:

The Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) course curriculum is the educational foundation of the CIPS Network. It distinguishes CIPS designees as individuals who have both hands-on experience in international real estate transactions, as well as successfully completed an intensive seven-day program of study focusing on critical aspects of transnational transactions, including currency and exchange rate issues and cross-cultural relationships, regional market conditions, investment performance, tax issues and more. A more detailed description of the six courses is provided below. For courses being offered through the Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS® go to our CIPS CLASSES page.

U.S. REALTORS® must complete the two-day "International Real Estate for Local Markets" (formerly Essentials) before joining the CIPS Network. Non-U.S. practitioners are also encouraged to take this course, but it is not currently a requirement. Whether or not a practitioner intends to work toward the CIPS designation, this course is ideal for anyone who may encounter opportunities in their local market to assist in an international transaction, e.g., assisting an immigrant or foreign investor, or helping a U.S. resident purchase property abroad.

Course Descriptions:

Six courses (five of which are required - only three of the four one-day regional courses are necessary) comprise the education program of the CIPS Network. The prerequisite "International Real Estate for Local Markets" course is required for CIPS membership and the remaining courses must be completed within two years of declaring candidacy for CIPS Network members. Following is a description of each course and a link for those classes being offered locally. To see a comprehensive current course schedule and classes in all locations including international locations please click SCHEDULE to go the the REALTOR.org listings.

CIPS I: International Real Estate for Local Markets (formerly Essentials) - is the two-day prerequisite introductory course to the CIPS international real estate courses. The course is an analysis of the international real estate business environment, including capital flow, currencies, government regulations and cultures. The practical aspects of international brokerage, networking, marketing and selling are discussed. Students must take this course before taking any of the other CIPS courses. Students will receive At Home with Diversity Certification (except when taking the online course which does not give AHWD credit) in addition to ABR, RSPS, and CRS elective credit with successful completion of this revised course. Register for CIPS ONLINE "International Real Estate for Local Markets" by clicking the link.

CIPS Institutes concentrate four international CIPS courses into a one week format, allowing students to save travel costs and complete the education program quickly. Three of the four regional courses are required (Europe, Asia, Americas, and Middle East/Africa). Many Institutes include a variety of special events in addition to the required classroom time. Property tours, networking events with local businesses, panel discussions and social functions may be incorporated into the week's program to provide a well-rounded and exciting learning experience. These courses also may be offered individually.

1. Europe and International Real Estate (1 day) – Provides information on working with clients in Western and Central Europe. The European Union and its impact on international real estate are covered, along with economic and real estate trends, networking and relationship building, plus marketing and selling practices.

2. Asia/Pacific and International Real Estate (1 day) – Covers real estate practices in Asia and the Pacific with emphasis on cultural influences, economic trends and assessment of investment opportunities. A special chapter on working with the Japanese is included. This COURSE is tentatively scheduled through RRAR in 2009.

3. The Americas and International Real Estate (1 day) – Practical information for professionals who work with Caribbean, North, Central, and South American investors. Historical and cultural influences, regional relationship, and investment opportunities are covered along with a special focus on Mexico. This COURSE is tentatively scheduled through RRAR in 2009.

4. Middle East/Africa and International Real Estate (1 day) - Learn the logistics of how to conduct real estate transactions with clients from the Middle East and Africa at the Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) Network’s new one-day designation course. The course will introduce attendees to cultural differences you need to know when working with clients from the Middle East and Africa.

5. Investment and Financial Analysis (2 days) – Provides the tools needed to present investment information to international clients--in their currency and area. You will learn how to measure investment performance, prepare financial projections, and understand the effects of taxes and exchange rates on investment. This course is waived for students who have passed the CCIM Intro, CCIM 101, or CRS 204 courses. An HP-10BII calculator is REQUIRED for this course. Attached is a special calculator guide designed to familiarize you with this calculator.

Taking International Real Estate for Local Markets (formerly Essentials) Online: In addition to the many live classroom offerings throughout the year, the "International Real Estate for Local Markets" (formerly Essentials) prerequisite course is available online through NAR's REALTOR® University. Internet-based, the course is instructor-led, but allows students to move at their own pace and "attend class" any time or place of their choosing during the month the student is registered. E-mail and threaded discussions allow students to network – just like in a real classroom. Register for CIPS ONLINE "International Real Estate for Local Markets" by clicking the link.