Connecting REALTORS® to a World of Opportunity

by Doreen Spagnuolo, LIBOR CEO

As the real estate market becomes increasingly interconnected, global awareness is essential. LIBOR recognizes this and has made global engagement a priority by expanding international connections to help our members tap into new markets, serve diverse clients, and stay ahead of what’s next. Through multilingual resources, cross-border partnerships, global education programs, and culturally rich events, LIBOR is giving REALTORS® the tools and confidence to thrive in a marketplace that knows no borders.

Global Connections At a Glance

In October, we were honored to host representatives from Tokyu Livable, a leading real estate company in Japan, for an engaging exchange on market trends and practices in both countries—the first international delegation welcomed to our new Melville headquarters. This month, our Global Committee will visit the Philippine Consulate in New York City to strengthen collaboration and deepen cross-cultural understanding. We’re also proud to serve as one of 10 host associations for the NYC Global Real Estate Summit at Fordham University this month, where global industry leaders gather to explore market trends and cross-border opportunities.

Our Global Committee has been honored with the Platinum Global Achievement Program Award from the National Association of REALTORS®, recognizing outstanding leadership in advancing global real estate opportunities. This year, the Committee hosted a full Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) Institute and expanded its “Going Global” webinar series, featuring experts from Nigeria, Spain, Mexico, Thailand, Malaysia, and Italy.

LIBOR’s mission is to inspire growth, promote fairness, and empower opportunity, and that naturally extends to fostering connections within the international real estate community. Our global initiatives open doors for members to grow their businesses, connect with international clients, and strengthen relationships within our diverse local communities.

LIBOR on the Global Stage

Recent LIBOR international collaborations and events have significantly enhanced our members’ visibility on the global stage. Highlights include the signing of multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with international real estate associations, participation in NAR’s International Night, and hosting global-themed events that celebrate specific regions, cultures, cuisines, and professional connections.

LIBOR also organizes an annual delegation trip to a partnering international real estate organization, fostering meaningful relationships, cultural understanding, and long-term collaboration opportunities that benefit both global partners and our members at home.

The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with members expressing great pride in representing LIBOR internationally while gaining valuable insights into global real estate trends to help them better serve international buyers and sellers in our local market. 

Reflecting the Inclusive Spirit of LIBOR and Our Community

LIBOR’s website and communications are designed to engage members in multiple languages, as part of our commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Our website offers multilingual functionality, allowing users to view content in their preferred language. We also provide event materials and flyers in various languages, host programs conducted in different languages, and offer interpreters to ensure meaningful participation and understanding.

We’re also using social media to communicate global opportunities to our members and the broader real estate community, and empowering our Directors to serve as LIBOR ambassadors to share information, encourage participation, and extend our mission throughout the greater community. These efforts align with LIBOR’s mission to empower opportunity and serve the diverse communities that make up our membership.

Staying Competitive in a Global Marketplace

As global connections play an increasingly vital role in real estate, LIBOR is committed to staying forward-thinking and developing new initiatives, partnerships, and educational opportunities. This includes offering classes in multiple languages, hosting a variety of multicultural events, and actively engaging with international partners to foster networking, relationship-building, and shared learning across all channels.

We measure the success of our global outreach through several key indicators: the growing number of attendees at our events and educational programs; feedback from members on LIBOR’s progress and ideas for future initiatives; and increased participation in classes that promote cultural awareness and competence when serving clients from diverse backgrounds. We have also noted the professionalism and heightened cultural awareness of our leaders and members when navigating multicultural transactions. Their ability to serve clients with understanding, respect, and cultural sensitivity shows how global education and outreach translate into meaningful results within our local markets.

Get Involved and Grow Your Business

For members who have not yet taken part in LIBOR’s international programs or events, I encourage you to get involved. The knowledge, connections, and education you’ll gain far outweigh the time invested. The international market is expanding, and by learning how to serve multicultural clients, you can grow your business and strengthen your professional expertise. As your cultural awareness and global understanding deepen, you’ll become the go-to REALTOR®—recognized for your professionalism, sensitivity to global nuances, and ability to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse clientele. To learn more about LIBOR's Global Committee and to get involved, visit lirealtor.com/global.