Staten Island Board of Realtors to host annual event on May 6

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Business visions are focusing far beyond U.S. borders in anticipation of  Staten Island’s upcoming International Real Estate Symposium.Marking its fifth anniversary, this year’s annual event will feature renowned global-commerce experts, who will discuss the ins and outs of attracting and servicing clients in the worldwide marketplace.

Kathy Tsao, a certified international property specialist with Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate, Manhattan, discusses global business transactions during last year's International Real Estate Symposium on Staten Island.

The symposium, hosted by the Staten Island Board of Realtors (SIBOR), will be held on May 6, 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m., in SIBOR headquarters, 1535 Richmond Ave., Graniteville.

The event is free to SIBOR members who pre-register; same-day cost of admission is $15 for members and $20 for non-members. Breakfast and lunch will be provided free of charge.

“We’ve assembled an extremely knowledgeable panel for next month’s symposium,” said chairwoman Sari Kingsley, who inspired the creation of the yearly gathering. “Realtors and other business people interested in global business-networking will want to take advantage of this once-a-year opportunity.”

GUEST SPEAKERS

The symposium once again will feature prominent international-business experts, such as moderator Sharon K. Young, CEO of Sharon K. Young & Associates, Oklahoma City, Okla., who will present overviews of “Building an International Business” and “Identifying Hot Spots in the International Markets.”  Ms. Young is president and CEO of the Global Housing Federation, and a board member and vice president of the  International Real Estate Federation, USA (FIABCI-USA).

Other guest speakers include: Robert Eychner, Eychner Associates, Manhattan, discussing “Servicing the International Commercial Investor;” international and commercial attorney Eran  D. Grossman, Manhattan, presenting “The Agent and Lawyer Working Together” and “Financing Transactions and Recognizing Potential Pitfalls;” Carol Kope, Keller Williams Realty, Yorktown Heights, N.Y., targeting “Issues Impacting the International Transaction” and “Immigration and International Visas;” Kathy Tsao, a certified international property specialist with Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate, Manhattan, and secretary of the Asian Real Estate Association of America, explaining how to “Transact Business Globally” and “How to Bring Foreign Business Successfully to the United States,” and Frederick Wohlfarth, president of Wohlfarth & Associates real  estate, Manhattan, focusing on “Tapping Your Local Market For Global Awareness.”

TRIED, PROVEN RESULTS

SIBOR’s International Real Estate Symposiums annually provide Realtors with the tools they need to enter the worldwide arena.

Realtor Tatiana Koyfman’s first international deal, for example, was made possible by the information she received at last year’s event.

“Thanks to the symposium, I was able to handle the transaction and make arrangements for the transfer of funds from abroad to the United States,” said Ms. Koyfman, who arranged for a client in St. Petersburg, Russia, to purchase a home on Staten Island. “Without the knowledge I acquired at the symposium, I wouldn’t have been able to help my client.”

Knowledge gained at last year’s symposium also helped Realtor Bella Grossman, who helped a Russian family purchase residential property on the Island.

 “It’s common that many real estate purchases originating from other countries involve cash transactions,” Ms. Grossman said.

Realtor Barry Levine credits past symposiums with providing the useful information he needed to attract overseas clients. He currently is in negotiations to develop warehousing and distribution sites for foreign manufacturers seeking to establish or expand their U.S. presence.

“These agreements provide my foreign clients with real estate-investment opportunities in the United States,” said Levine, whose plans also include the development of time-shares and other business investments in Turkey.

But business people needn’t cross an ocean to acquire an international presence, Realtor Maria DiDia said.

“The symposiums inspired me to expand my territory, and I’ve has begun taking steps to obtain a Realtors license in Canada,” Ms. DiDia said.

MAJOR SPONSORS 

The major sponsors of this year’s International Real Estate Symposium are: PrimeLending, HSBC, Staten Island Multiple Listing Service, Shinok Restaurant, Mitoushi Sushi Restaurant and  Desserts by Linda Sercia.

Raffle prizes are donated by: A.F. Bennett Salon & Wellness Spa, Agatha Realty, Carlo Hair Salon, Centralized Showing Service, Claire Properties, COBY Electronics, Compass Realty, Empire State Bank, Gillani Homes Inc., Lesley Whitfield, Relevant Public Relations, Staten Island Advance, SI Bank & Trust, Signature Bank, United Realty, Wonica Realtors & Appraisers and Your Professional Development.

Proceeds from the raffle will be contributed to Hopes & Heroes children’s cancer fund.

For additional information, contact Annmarie Izzo of SIBOR at 718-928-3223.

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