Establishing a Network in Mexico

If you see cross-border opportunities with Mexico in your market, networking may help you realize them. Here are four ways to connect.

1. Get involved in NAR groups, events and resources that put you in contact with internationally-focused agents.

• Go to realtor.org/global-alliances to find information for contacting the Cooperating Association in Mexico, AMPI. Contact NAR’s President’s Liaison for Mexico (currently Linda Neil, ABR, PIC, with The Settlement Company® in La Paz, Mexico) to ask about events and how you can get more involved.

• Participate in NAR international-focused events. “Attend the International Night Out at the NAR Annual Conference,” says Horacio Gallegos, CCIM, of Retail Solutions-RGV in Laredo and Corpus Christi, Texas. “Organizations from every country with a relationship with NAR will be there to network. Meet as many representatives as you can and follow up with them after you’re home.”

2. Participate in events sponsored by REALTOR® associations.

• Start in your market. If your association has a global business council, join it and leverage the opportunities it presents to network with professionals in Mexico. If there is no global business council at your local association, reach out to nearby associations to see if you can affiliate with them. You can also reach out to your state association or talk to NAR Global about starting a council.

• Join and volunteer in state association committees. “Joining our International Committee was the key for me,” reports Gallegos. “It allowed me to connect with individuals in a different league, network with other international real estate practitioners, and find mentors who helped me learn the business.” Volunteer as a committee member, learn your craft, and work your way up.

3. Reach out to AMPI, the Association of Mexican Real Estate Professionals, which is Mexico’s counterpart to NAR. “Mexico does not have national licensing regulations for real estate professionals,” says Linda Neil, who also serves as coordinator for AMPI’s international commission. “AMPI membership is a sign of a high level of professional and ethical behavior, and continuing education.” See below for more about AMPI.

• Attend the next AMPI Congress, October 2012 in Guadalajara.

• Connect with AMPI local associations on Facebook.

• Attend the Tourism Symposium to be held in Los Cabos in September 2012.

4. Look for ways your region is promoting itself to Mexican buyers and get involved.

• Contact local EB-5 Regional Centers. Learn more about projects in your area and get to know professionals involved in the effort, like immigration attorneys and cross-border specialists.

• Get in touch with regional economic development offices and Chambers of Commerce.

Know About AMPI (Asociacion Mexicana de Profesionales Inmobiliarios)

• The counterpart of NAR for Mexico.

• Formed in 1956 to establish laws and codes of ethics and conduct to create a reliable, trustworthy and efficient real estate environment in Mexico.

• Recognized by other international real estate organizations such as FIABCI, the International Real Estate Federation which represents more than 50 countries.

• Participates in transnational referral programs with NAR.

• AMPI members who have also joined NAR as International REALTOR® members can legally use the REALTOR® logo.

Attend expos to extend your Mexican network!

• America’s Linkage, Mexico City, May 16-18, 2012. Trade mission to Mexico led by Miami Chamber of Commerce, offering opportunity to reach out to important business and government organizations. Info at miamichamber.com.

• FIABCI-USA Spring Meeting, Miami, April 13-15, 2012. International Real Estate Federation’s USA Spring Council. Visit fiabci.org.

• AMPI Congress, Guadalajara, October 2012. More details will be posted at ampi.org.

• Touristic Symposium in Los Cabos, September 2012

• Miami International Real Estate Congress and Expo, Miami, November 4-6, 2012. Visit 2012MiamiCongress.com.