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RealtyCast Global #4: Exploring International Relocation with Uli Leib

RealtyCast Global #4: Exploring International Relocation with Uli Leib

Welcome to episode #4 of RealtyCast Global – a global connection to all things real estate, hosted by Hugh Gilliam, president of Global Property Pros.

As globalization continues to shape the world, international corporate relocations are becoming increasingly common. In this episode, we had the pleasure of hosting Uli Leib, an experienced professional in international relocation. Uli assisted us in understanding the numerous reasons companies send their employees abroad, and the enticing benefits offered to facilitate these moves. From cost-of-living allowances to immigration assistance, companies go to great lengths to support their employees in these significant transitions.

Assignments can be short-term or long-term, each affecting the relocation process differently. Short-term assignments usually involve specific projects, while long-term assignments could involve establishing a new operation in a foreign country or filling technical needs. The duration of these assignments can greatly influence the types of benefits employees receive. For instance, short-term assignees might be treated like business travelers, with their accommodation and meals covered, while long-term assignees often receive comprehensive benefits packages, including housing, schooling, and even cultural training.

A crucial part of the relocation process, often overlooked, is the role of real estate. Finding a suitable home in a foreign land can be a complex process. It requires careful consideration of budget, school districts, and commute times. Uli Leib, with his expertise, highlighted the importance of real estate agents understanding the unique needs of international assignees. He emphasized the potential for agents to expand their business through relocation services and become regional experts.

For real estate agents working with international assignees, Uli offered several invaluable tips. Firstly, agents need to understand that international assignees are usually excellent tenants and a good credit risk, but they do not have US credit established. Also, the lease process for these clients may not always be straightforward, often involving longer-term leases and the need for a diplomatic clause, which allows the lease to be broken without penalty if the employee is transferred again.

Secondly, real estate agents should aim to become experts in their areas, not just in terms of the housing market and prices, but also the local schools, healthcare facilities, and other aspects that someone new to the area might need to know. This expertise can be leveraged to provide valuable advice and support to international assignees, easing their transition into a new environment.

Lastly, Uli advised agents to establish connections with local destination services consultants. These professionals can provide invaluable assistance in navigating the complexities of the relocation process, from hooking up utilities to ensuring that all medical records and vaccinations are in order for schools.

International corporate relocations present a wealth of opportunities for real estate agents willing to navigate their complexities. As Uli Leib demonstrated in our discussion, with the right knowledge and approach, agents can significantly expand their business and become indispensable partners in the relocation process. Whether you’re a real estate agent looking to specialize in this field, or simply curious about the intricacies of international relocations, this episode of RealtyCast Global is not to be missed.


For real estate agents looking to expand their business internationally, expose existing listings to a global pool of buyers, and connect with new clients, check out Global Property Pros.

For Property Buyers & Sellers seeking assistance in the international market, check out RealtyHive’s property marketing solutions.

SUBSCRIBE to the RealtyCast Podcast to be notified when new RealtyCast Global episodes air:

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About the Guest – Uli Leib:

Uli Leib is an accomplished relocation professional with expertise in practical aspects as well as adjustment strategies required for successful domestic and international relocations. As a trusted destination consultant with proven results, she delivers a range of destination services relying on her expert knowledge of the Chicagoland area. Uli is also an experienced intercultural coach.

Ms. Leib is of Austrian origin and lived and worked in Austria prior to moving to the United States. She also traveled extensively throughout Europe and continues to return to Austria frequently. She currently resides in the Chicago area.

Ms. Leib has taught German at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, and Chicago campuses. She also has extensive experience in cultural training, international relocation management, business consulting, and real estate.

After starting as a real estate sales associate, she managed a real estate office, became part owner of a real estate office, and later provided business consulting for real estate franchise owners. She also has extensive experience in the corporate relocation industry as a relocation consultant, training manager, and international operations manager. In the intercultural field, she served many years as an account manager and senior account manager for one of the world’s largest providers of cross-cultural training. Most recently, she has been working as an independent destination services consultant and intercultural coach for international families moving to the Chicago area.

Uli holds an M.A. degree in German Languages and Literature from the University of Illinois in Chicago. She is a Certified Relocation Professional and a member of the Employee Relocation Council and holds an Illinois Managing Broker’s License. Ms. Leib speaks German and English fluently.

Connect with Uli on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/uli-leib/

Contact Uli at: uleib@sbcglobal.net

About the host – Hugh Gilliam:

Hugh Gilliam co-owned a national transportation company, created a land development business, and worked as a general contractor in residential and commercial construction for over two decades. Hugh also co-founded an international distribution company and successfully negotiated and contracted with 135 sales representatives in the United States, Canada, France, Brazil, Japan, and the Netherlands.

Today, Mr. Gilliam is affiliated with RealtyHive, LLC where he serves as Director of International Real Estate and President of Global Property Pros. His duties include involvement in commercial and residential transactions, plus promoting marketing systems and lead generation platforms.

He is also co-founder of the luxury digital magazine, DOORWAYS INTERNATIONAL, powered by RealtyHive, which serves as a platform for Brokers and Buyers throughout 70 countries.

Hugh’s Designations Include:

  • Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist
  • Certified Distressed Property Export
  • Certified International Property Specialist
  • Certified International Investment & Immigration Specialist
  • Transnational Referral Certification

Hugh’s Memberships Include:

  • Georgia Association of REALTORS
  • National Association of REALTORS
  • International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI-USA)
  • Asian Real Estate Association of America
RealtyCast Global BLOG Header #2 Investing in Foreign Property with Stefano Lucatello

RealtyCast Global #2: Investing in Foreign Property with Stefano Lucatello

Welcome to episode #2 of RealtyCast Global – a global connection to all things real estate, hosted by Hugh Gilliam, president of Global Property Pros.

Are you dreaming of investing in a property abroad but unsure of where to start? Get ready to have your questions answered by the exceptional Stefano Lucattello, Senior Partner at Kobalt Law LLP. He’s not only a legal eagle when it comes to international property law, but he’s also the author of ‘Investing in Foreign Property: The Ultimate Guide to Buying Safely.’ Stefano’s insights will guide you to safely navigate the often complex world of buying properties abroad.

Our conversation with Stefano takes you on an intriguing journey from his roots in Italy to his successful career as a commercial lawyer in England and now, also an international property expert. He unpacks the intricacies of buying properties abroad, emphasizing the importance of understanding the taxation laws of the country you’re buying property in.

Stefano’s wealth of knowledge doesn’t stop there. He delves into the critical factors to consider when setting up a business abroad, guiding you through the process of declaring income tax for rental income and wealth taxes. We wrap up our enlightening conversation with Stefano sharing his excitement for opening an international cookery school and his plans for retirement. This episode is an essential listen for those considering buying property abroad. So sit back, relax, and let Stefano give you a masterclass on turning your foreign property dreams into a reality!

Those interested in purchasing a book can obtain a copy on Amazon. All profits go towards funding cancer research.

For real estate agents looking to expand their business internationally, expose existing listings to a global pool of buyers, and connect with new clients, check out Global Property Pros.

For Property Buyers & Sellers seeking assistance in the international market, check out RealtyHive’s property marketing solutions.

SUBSCRIBE to the RealtyCast Podcast to be notified when new RealtyCast Global episodes air:

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

iHeartRadio

Google Podcasts


About the guest – Stefano Lucatello:

Stefano Lucatello is the Senior Partner and Head of Kobalt Law LLP.  He qualified as a Solicitor in 1988. Languages and Law have always been a very important part of his life and practicing career as a Solicitor. Kobalt Law LLP is the culmination of many years of practice both in England and abroad. Stefano combines his knowledge of English and foreign law to advise clients from around the world.

He practiced in Gibraltar as an international partner of a Leeds-based practice, where he developed his skills in offshore tax and trust law, advising High net worth individuals to protect their fortunes.

Stefano is an accomplished author, writing on many different international property topics and platforms, as well as appearing on his own Property TV shows and seminars.  He has written an international property buying guide, entitled, ‘Investing in Foreign Property: The Ultimate Guide To Buying Safely.’

The first edition was published in 2015 and the second in 2018, with an updated chapter on “Brexit”.

The book is a generic guide about what potential foreign property buyers need to know and be aware of when considering buying property abroad. Stefano says “People never learn that buying foreign property is no less difficult than buying in the UK. How can you possibly buy in a foreign country, without specialist legal assistance, like that provided by Kobalt Law LLP, international property lawyers?

It is very hard when potential buyers don’t speak the foreign language or understand the different foreign law that applies to foreign property purchases. 

They believe the agents, who say that they don’t need this kind of assistance, and merrily follow the agent’s advice to go to a foreign lawyer, without checking them out first.”

The book is filled with great tips and advice, which apply to most countries in the world and takes you from the moment you decide to start the property search journey, to completion of the purchase and then onto living your dream in that foreign country.  It has 10 chapters and takes 2 hours to read.  It has been described by certain well-known foreign property commentators, as “incisive and well written”, explaining difficult topics in an “easy-to-read way”. It has a notepad, at the end, so that readers can take the book with them and write notes as they visit agents.

About the host – Hugh Gilliam:

Hugh Gilliam co-owned a national transportation company, created a land development business, and worked as a general contractor in residential and commercial construction for over two decades. Hugh also co-founded an international distribution company and successfully negotiated and contracted with 135 sales representatives in the United States, Canada, France, Brazil, Japan, and the Netherlands.

Today, Mr. Gilliam is affiliated with RealtyHive, LLC where he serves as Director of International Real Estate and President of Global Property Pros. His duties include involvement in commercial and residential transactions, plus promoting marketing systems and lead generation platforms.

He is also co-founder of the luxury digital magazine, DOORWAYS INTERNATIONAL, powered by RealtyHive, which serves as a platform for Brokers and Buyers throughout 70 countries.

Hugh’s Designations Include:

  • Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist
  • Certified Distressed Property Export
  • Certified International Property Specialist
  • Certified International Investment & Immigration Specialist
  • Transnational Referral Certification

Hugh’s Memberships Include:

  • Georgia Association of REALTORS
  • National Association of REALTORS
  • International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI-USA)
  • Asian Real Estate Association of America

RealtyCast Global Episode 1 - Purchasing Property in Portugal with Antonio Barbosa

RealtyCast Global #1: Purchasing Property in Portugal with Antonio Barbosa

Welcome to the premier of RealtyCast Global – a global connection to all things real estate, hosted by Hugh Gilliam, president of Global Property Pros. During this podcast feature, Hugh discusses the tips, tricks, and benefits of moving to Portugal with industry veteran Antonio Barbosa of Infinite Solutions. Whether you are a real estate agent with a client looking to purchase property in Portugal or a property buyer seeking advice on the steps to take, you don’t want to miss this discussion!

For real estate agents looking to expand their business internationally, expose existing listings to a global pool of buyers, and connect with new clients, check out Global Property Pros

For Property Buyers & Sellers seeking assistance in the international market, check out RealtyHive’s property marketing solutions.


About the guest – Antonio Barbosa:

António Barbosa is a REALTOR® living in Portugal and with more than 20 years of experience in Real Estate. He will tell you that he doesn’t sell homes; He fulfills lifestyle dreams. He’s a charming man with the most disarming smile who makes friends wherever he goes. If you are not his friend, it’s because he hasn’t met you yet!

He prides himself in being part of the decision of more than 500 families making Portugal their new home. In addition, He considers his biggest achievements in life the personal and business relationships he built, which led to long-lasting friendships not only with his esteemed clients but also amongst his distinguished colleagues!!!

He’s happiest helping people to find a home or wealth investment property in Portugal or worldwide. His company name is “Infinite Solutions”, and it’s a perfect name because he’s not problem-oriented, he’s all about solutions.  

He’s also a world traveler and foodie, so if you need a solution of where to go for dinner, on vacation, or where to buy your next lifestyle property, he’s your person! He speaks fluent Portuguese, English, and Spanish.

Antonio is a proud Member of FIABCI-USA as well as NAR® and holds the CRS® / CIPS® and ABR® designations.

About your host – Hugh Gilliam:

Hugh Gilliam co-owned a national transportation company, created a land development business, and worked as a general contractor in residential and commercial construction for over two decades. Hugh also co-founded an international distribution company and successfully negotiated and contracted with 135 sales representatives in the United States, Canada, France, Brazil, Japan, and the Netherlands.

Today, Mr. Gilliam is affiliated with RealtyHive, LLC where he serves as Director of International Real Estate and President of Global Property Pros. His duties include involvement in commercial and residential transactions, plus promoting marketing systems and lead generation platforms.

He is also co-founder of the luxury digital magazine, DOORWAYS INTERNATIONAL, powered by RealtyHive, which serves as a platform for Brokers and Buyers throughout 70 countries.

Hugh’s Designations Include:

  • Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist
  • Certified Distressed Property Export
  • Certified International Property Specialist
  • Certified International Investment & Immigration Specialist
  • Transnational Referral Certification

Hugh’s Memberships Include:

  • Georgia Association of REALTORS
  • National Association of REALTORS
  • International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI-USA)
  • Asian Real Estate Association of America