Barbara Saunders with John L. Scott Real Estate in Port Townsend has successfully completed the educational requirements for the designation of Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) awarded by the National Association of Realtors® (NAR).

Having received her training in Thailand and France, the program of study focuses on critical aspects of international real estate, including currency and exchange rates, cross-cultural relationships, regional market conditions and tax issues. The designation is awarded when candidates who have completed the educational requirements also complete a set of practical requirements. There are currently nine (9) Realtors® in Washington State who have earned the CIPS designation. There are approximately 2,000 real estate practitioners worldwide that hold the CIPS designation.

In addition to the CIPS designation, Barbara has trained, tested, and received Transnational Referral Certification (TRC). This certification is awarded by the International Consortium of Real Estate Associations, an affiliate association of the National Association of Realtors® that provides training and services to facilitate international transactions. Barbara Saunders is among 12 Realtors® in Washington that have received this certification.

I started my CIPS (Certified International Property Specialist) training after realizing that many people are traveling and vacationing in Central America, Eastern Europe and Asia, the way people used to vacation in Southern California and Florida. Some are attracted by the tropical weather or Old World charm and sometimes it is the value for their dollar that is most enticing. Friends and clients are discussing their interest in "getting a place" but concerned about not understanding the process of purchasing and owning property in the various countries.

The value I bring to these real estate shoppers is the know-how and resources to provide the pertinent information about the country and it's business and real estate practices. This is not only from CIPS class work and networking, but also from extensive international travel, language and culture studies and living abroad. Also, I am connected to real estate agents all over the world through my membership in the Transnational Referral Network. This can give us up to the minute information about a region and a particular property and a local contact.

Of course, the U.S. is still a fantastic place to buy real estate and I remain connected to the Northwest and to Port Townsend. I will continue to broaden my local and international education and connections so I can help my clients buy and sell real estate here in Jefferson County and around the world. Please give me a call. Thank you for your business and support!

Barbara L Saunders, GRI
John L Scott Real Estate
2219 W Sims Way
Port Townsend, WA 98368
360-301-3431
800-869-7834 ext.569

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