What is a CIPS?

A Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) is an individual who has proven their expertise in international real estate practice by completing CIPS program requirements. CIPS designees are from Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bermuda, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Russia, Singapore and the United States. Several hundred more are currently working toward the designation.

Consumers can benefit from the representation of real estate professionals who have earned the CIPS designation. NAR International administers the CIPS program and designation which focuses on ownership and transaction principles of international real estate, including specifics on real estate markets in Europe, the Americas and the Asia/Pacific region. Topics covered in the CIPS classes also include cultural diversity, market data, investment trends, marketing strategies, currency issues and financing.

NAR studies show that CIPS designees tend to be highly experienced both in real estate and in dealing with clients from diverse cultures. For example, 85 percent of CIPS designees have been working in real estate more than 10 years; 35 percent have more than 20 years experience. Over 30 percent of CIPS designees were either born outside the US or are now based outside the US. CIPS designees are increasingly relied upon by local community and business organizations — including Chambers of Commerce and boards of REALTORS® — as international business resources.