Network With the World Using Facebook Groups
Reach more global buyers and build your referral network by joining — and participating — in specialized Facebook Groups.
After posting in the CIPS Facebook group—a private group for Certified International Property Specialists designees (CIPS)—about her experience working with Brazilian sellers, a Realtor® reached out to Roseli Homem, a global real estate advisor with Keller Williams On The Water in Sarasota.
“She saw my post and referred me to a another CIPS designee who was looking for agents who could help a Brazilian seller she was working with. Soon after, I received two more referrals and sold homes to Brazilian buyers,” she says.
The CIPS Facebook group is just one of many that Homem uses to reach global buyers and earn referrals from agents all over the world.
Some 80% of Homem’s business comes from global buyers and investors from Brazil, Canada and Dubai. She is also a Dubai International Property Consultant and president of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) Sarasota chapter.
“Due to the pandemic, we have many people relocating to Florida from other parts of the U.S. and Canada. Buyers from Brazil are slowing down right now but staying in front of them using Facebook groups is important,” she says.
Here are some of her tips:
1. Network
Homem networks with real estate agents around the globe using private Facebook groups such as NAR CIPS, CREA Global, FIABCI, Global Real Estate Council of Orlando and others.
“With trade missions canceled, social media is the best way to stay connected,” she says. On these pages, she’ll post listings, interesting information about her niche and connect socially with others in the groups.
2. Expand your education
“I go to groups such as Global Virtual and Global Virtual-Brazil to learn about the global market, financing and get updates on doing business with global buyers and investors.”
3. Connect with buyers
To reach buyers from other countries, Homem looks to Facebook groups such as Brasileiros nos Estados Unidos and Brasileiros no Canada.
“I answer questions, post information about my listings, including virtual tours and share information about moving to the United States,” she says. She will post informational articles about renting a property in the U.S., what’s involved in purchasing a U.S. property and more. “I will personally reach out to people who are asking about moving to the U.S. They also want information on financing, so I help them connect with accountants and attorneys who can help them,” she says.
Most importantly, says Homem, “It’s important to be active and post every few days.” She also says to be authentic. “Be interested in offering value in the form of education. People will be grateful.”