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Prudential Palms International Division

[1] [2]Prudential Palms Realty
International Division

by Tracy Eisnaugle

lifestyle photography by Chad Spencer 

With over thirty years of experience in the real estate industry Helen Sosso has maintained her commitment to provide outstanding customer service. Leading the way by utilizing progressive marketing plans, innovative web design and sound business practices Helen strives to keep the Prudential Palms Realty team supplied with the latest technologies, tools and strategies to stay ahead of the game.

Maintaining first hand involvement with buyers, sellers and Prudential Palms’ sales team allows Helen to stay abreast of current market trends, adjusting and growing to meet the continually changing needs of their clientele. The result is a “rock-solid” comprehensive business model devoted to providing outstanding customer service and agent satisfaction. Now Helen and Prudential Palms Realty are taking on real estate globally.

In March of 2008 the international division of Prudential Palms was introduced to the world. Prudential Palms’ International Division is one of the first Florida-based internationally focused agencies not only working to provide global access to our lucrative area but also providing a gateway for those interested in investing in foreign based properties.

To anchor the International Division Helen recruited two agents that possess proven international experience and success. Carla Rayman joined Prudential Palms as director of international business development and Patricia Tan as international sales director. Both are deeply involved in the international market. Understanding the unique aspects of the global market Carla and Patricia can assist foreign investors in our market while also helping local buyers invest abroad.
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“You can’t be international by being here in the states. It’s all about relationships. Carla and Patricia have outstanding reputations abroad. They travel, network, learn and through their international rolodexes facilitate putting people together. For them international is a lifelong commitment not a short term fad,” says Helen.

Commenting on the international division’s launch, Carla notes “It was an opportune time to do this for a number of reasons, including currency fluctuations and prospects interest to venture outside of their own markets. International is never easy and is consistently a challenge. The process is ever evolving and you have to be up to date on new trends; what is happening where, where is the next emerging market, how do you best reach your clients and for us the International Division provides a sound foundation to tap the global market.”

Carla and Patricia direct a team of dedicated and qualified professionals to promote an array of international business transactions including; the listing and selling of land, commercial and residential properties.  The team currently represents local properties worldwide and spans the globe with listings in Argentina, the Bahamas, the Caribbean Islands, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Malaysia, Mexico, Nicaragua and Panama. The International Division joins together the distinguished Prudential Palms Realty business model with skilled international professionals to provide exceptional global customer service.

“There are a significant number of agents in Sarasota who are foreign born,” Helen points out. “They understand cultural differences and have a sphere of influence abroad. Most of these agents aren’t utilizing this resource. Our international program enables them to leverage this sphere of influence and expand their business.”

Here at home, beyond investors, baby boomers are retiring and many of them are looking overseas for their next homes. A lack of familiarity with title or contract procedures by the agent or by the buyer can be just one of the problems when different languages and cultures are involved in a transaction. Navigating the legal landscape of a foreign real estate market can be daunting, especially in developing countries that have only recently opened their property markets to limited foreign investment.
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And such challenges have never been more evident, especially in the United States. The dollar’s position, particularly against the euro, is luring many second-home buyers and investors from abroad. Many are looking at luxury real estate as a safe, good investment, more than simply a second home. “People are buying in the U.S. not necessarily because they think it’s affordable; they’re buying because they see it as a safe haven for their money,” offers Patricia.

“Whether assisting foreign investors, or helping local buyers invest abroad, our international property specialists appreciate the unique aspects of global real estate,” says Helen. “They understand worldwide economic trends, marketing and selling practices of other countries and issues important to international clientele, such as tax implications, the effect of exchange rates on investments and cultural differences.”

To promote Prudential Palms internationally, Carla and Patricia travel abroad, attending international property shows, seminars, conferences and networking events. They concentrate on learning the business practices and cultural differences of other nations, while building lasting professional relationships overseas. These relationships have blossomed into a team of international professionals including; attorneys, agents, and finance experts with expertise in immigration, tax consequences, currency exchange and portfolio building. Concurrently their travels have gained valuable global exposure for Prudential Palms Realty’s local listings and available services.

For example recently Patricia visited Malaysia and Singapore. “We worked to establish links with China over the last two years and felt it was time to further expand our presence in the region,” Patricia explains. “We chose Singapore because it is the financial center of the region, and the strong economy of its neighboring country, Malaysia, made it a logical choice. We have seen an increase in investor activity from this region, primarily due to the strength of their currencies against the US dollar. Much of their investment to date has gone into the New York/Manhattan marketplace, but the drop in Florida property prices has brought attention to our market. I lived and worked in Asia for several years. Building trust over a long period of time, and face to face contact is very important in Asia. The trip reinforced relationships already in place as well as establishing new ones.”

Locally Carla and Patricia were instrumental in assisting the Sarasota Association of REALTORS in hosting the Sarasota International Real Estate Congress. The congress was a three day event featuring a certification program for REALTORS and panel presentations covering topics such as trends in international real estate, meeting the needs of foreign investors on the Florida Gulf Coast, and planning international real estate transactions. Over 130 people attended the congress. Many attendees and presenters came from other countries and outside of the state of Florida.

With a shared passion and vision for the industry Helen recruited veteran Chris Harrington to join the Prudential Palms management team. Chris is a very familiar face in the Sarasota real estate community. Up until 2007 he was the managing broker for the Coldwell Banker Previews office on Longboat Key and is credited by many for helping to achieve record sales volume for the office. As Prudential Palms Realty’s chief operating officer, Chris oversees the company’s seven brokerage offices and over two hundred and fifty agents. “Helen’s vision and commitment to the global market were key components in my decision to join the firm,” states Chris. “Many firms just adopt an international banter. Helen has concentrated on putting all of the pieces together. Our international program is very exciting, but more importantly, it is a significant resource for our customers and agents.”

In support of the International Division Prudential Palms updated its web site into 12 different languages covering the majority of the world’s most active buyer markets. “This service is important to me as an international property specialist. Not only can my clients view properties in the language of their choice but they can also read my biography in this language as well,” says Carla. “This is a great tool to use with both buyers and sellers prior to meeting them so they understand a little about you. Some words cannot be translated but it gives them a general idea of who you are and what you do.”

Further cementing global reach Prudential Palms opened a London U.K. office. The office is in affiliation with Stefano Lucatello of The International Property Law Centre, one of the largest international property law practices in the United Kingdom. Stefano is experienced in commercial and international property law and is the Italian Consular Agent for Kingston-upon-Hull and the North East of England, where he represents the interests of the Italian government. Stefano and The International Property Law Centre also have a reciprocal office with Prudential Palms in Sarasota.

Prudential Palms Realty strives to give all of its local listings equivalent international exposure. Through their creative marketing division Prudential Palms agents are able to customize their listing’s marketing plan to best suite the individual needs of their clients and the unique features of their properties. A wide array of marketing options are available to promote listings to the world, Prudential Palms Realty launches unparalleled marketing campaigns including; print advertising, far-reaching internet search engines, international website portals, critical language translation, use of foreign media outlets, coordination of special events and relocation services to provide outstanding property recognition.

With the dedicated efforts of the International Divisional team Prudential Palms continues to enhance its international exposure. To handle your next real estate transaction, trust the experienced Prudential Palms Realty professionals to assure exceptional results.

Carla Rayman
+1 941-487-5106
carlarayman@prudentialpalmsrealty.com [5]

Patricia Tan
+1 941-487-5107
patriciatan@prudentialpalmsrealty.com [6]

Prudential Palms Realty
130 North Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34236
USA
Tel: +1 941-926-7000
Fax: +1 941-552-1366

www.prudentialpalmsrealty.com [7]

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