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International Interest
Why foreign buyers are betting on real estate
#96
WELCOME
In San Jose, nearly 94% of online home searches were for outside the city. Not just in a different neighborhood—out of the metro entirely. That’s what happens when the average home sits at around $1.4 million, and “starter house” is more like “starter mansion”. It’s not just San Jose, either. Across the country, nearly 3 in 5 buyers are expanding their search beyond their current city, looking for better affordability, lifestyle upgrades, and in some cases, just a little more space.
Maybe the new American Dream comes with a moving truck?
Luxury real estate clients have one big thing in common: they usually own multiple properties in a variety of markets. Long Island, Miami, LA, Denver—these A-listers and moguls are multi-state buyers with unique needs. That’s what drove Carl Gambino to build his massively successful real estate empire that connects clients with agents who are licensed to sell and exceptionally knowledgeable across city and state lines. Tap to hear Carl’s take on multi-state licensing, plus his advice for scaling to new cities, in the latest Glennda’s Guru.
TRACK THE MARKET: International Demand Heats Up
After years of declining interest, foreign buyers are making a big return to the US housing market. Experts attribute the boost in demand to a post-pandemic economic recovery, the strong value of the dollar, and the stability of the housing market. Warm-weather states, urban metros, and high-end homes are the most popular among international buyers, but rising insurance costs, stricter immigration policies, and restrictive local laws are still causing some deals to fall through.
By the numbers:
Over 78,000 homes were purchased by foreign buyers between April 2024 and March 2025, a 44% increase year-over-year.
The total dollar volume of international purchases jumped to $56B, up 33% from the previous year.
The median purchase price for foreign buyers was $494,400—compared to just $408,500 for US buyers.
Nearly half (47%) paid all-cash.
The top buying countries were Canada, China, and Mexico, while the most popular states were Florida, California, and Texas.
For agents, these statistics show international buyers are just as valuable—and maybe even more—to pitch and pursue, especially if you’re in a luxury or vacation market. Brush up on your cross-boarder deal details to take full advantage of this niche market.
DIVE IN
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WHAT’S NEW FROM ESTATE MEDIA
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TIPS & TAKEAWAYS
New brokerage, big bonus?
Glennda Baker has a word of warning for any agent tempted to flee to a new brokerage with a big signing bonus: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably comes with a clawback.
That upfront money might look like opportunity, but the fine print can lock you in with restrictions that cost you leverage, earnings, and your freedom to walk away when you need to. Before you jump ship, ask yourself: at your new brokerage, will you own your business, or will someone else?
Before you sign on the line, read Glennda’s been-there, done-that advice.
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HANGS & HAPPENINGS
Inman Connect | San Diego, CA | July 30 - August 1. Sharpen your real estate game with immersive discussions, interactive workshops, top-tier networking, and more, alongside some of the biggest players in real estate, proptech, and lending.
RE/MAX Broker Owner Conference | Washington, DC | August 3 - 5. Connect with RE/MAX leaders and fellow broker-owners for three days of strategy sessions, networking, and fresh ideas to drive brokerage growth and your team’s success.
Tom Ferry Success Summit | Dallas, TX | August 26 - 28. Join thousands of top-producing agents for Tom Ferry’s signature event, packed with actionable strategies, mindset shifts, and high-energy coaching.
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