Suncoast Global Council (SGC)
Welcome Bienvenidos Добро пожаловать Bem–vindos Ἀσπάζομαι Willkommen Benvenuti ようこそ Witam Välkommen أهلاً و سهلاً Tervetuloa ברוכים הבאים
As a long-time member of the Suncoast Global Council, and your 2023 Chair, it is my honor to share with you our exciting outlook for 2022-2023 for all our current and future members.
As we rebound and adjust to a new era, fresh ideas are called for and it’s absolutely necessary to increase participation from members like you. You now have more opportunities than ever to engage with the global real estate community by attending our in person and hybrid trade missions, our local networking gatherings or any of our exclusive events we have planned for you.
We are an award-winning council, year after year, and we focus on ensuring each of our members have the opportunity to increase their business and learn how to do so globally. If you haven’t joined SGC yet, I invite you to take part of our fascinating group of REALTORS®, invite your colleagues, and together we can support each other in our journey while having fun along the way. Join our committee and be part of the planning and masterminding every aspect of all these fun and important events, from inbound and outbound trade mission with other countries to collaborate with our sister global councils and organizations across the state and the nation.
As a valued member of our council, we invite to come with us to some of the world’s largest real estate trade shows around the world as we have attended year after year bringing crucial and up to date information related to the international real estate market.
Our council continues to work along with PRO/CPRO’s professional development department on bringing to our members the highest quality education opportunities to help you advance your business in a very comparative global market and locally learning unique techniques that will stay with you for a lifetime.
I look forward to seeing you at our events. On behalf of our leadership council, we welcome you to your global team.
Sincerely,
Ana Smith, 2023 Chair
Suncoast Global Council
Local Expertise. Global Reach.
The mission of the Suncoast Global Council (SGC) of the Pinellas REALTOR® Organization & Central Pasco REALTOR® Organization (PRO/CPRO) is to further enhance the professionalism of REALTORS® serving foreign and U.S. customers engaged in international real estate transactions by providing education, information, networking and marketing resources.
Chair
Kristina Williams
kristina@tampabaykey.com
Vice Chair
Yolanda Hodges
yolandahrealty@gmail.com
Staff Liaison
Angela Emerson
aemerson@pinellasrealtor.org
Join our global family
Florida real estate is global real estate! Learn why joining SGC can propel your international business.
Resources
Our exclusive communications ensure you’re first to receive news on international issues, events, and opportunities.
Networking
Trade Missions
Participate in inbound and outbound trade missions — both in-person or virtual — to immerse yourself in the culture and opportunities of other countries.
Learn more
Trade Shows
Get your name in front of potential clients and international REALTORS®! We offer both in-person and virtual ways to participate in events that draw global consumers.
Learn more
Education
Professional development is a cornerstone of PRO/CPRO, and our award-winning global classes play a huge part. Look below for more information or visit our class calendar.
Honored Programs
We’re proud the be an NAR Platinum Global Achievement Award recipient and the Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) course provider of the year!
Education tailored for global real estate
Suncoast Global Certification Program
The premier global certification recognized by SGC and PRO/CPRO, which is awarded only to those professionals who can demonstrate an exceptionally high standard of dedication and training in regards to the business of international real estate.
This is a points-based open-ended program (no due dates or set order of requirements). Points are earned through class participation, SGC events, and REALTOR® involvement at the local state, and nation levels. As soon as requirements are met, you may apply for your certification any time.
Points start collecting as of Jan 1, 2020. Classes and events from previous years are not applicable.
[Application link coming soon.]
Certified International Property Specialist
Learn from the 2020 CIPS Course Provider of the Year! CIPS designees are connected to an influential network of over 3,500 professionals who turn to each other first when looking for referral partners. Presented by the National Association of REALTORS®.
Through NAR’s Green Designation, the Green REsource Council provides ongoing education, resources and tools to help real estate practitioners find, understand, and market properties with green features.
Learn to work effectively with – and within – today’s diverse real estate market. Learn how to conduct your business with sensitivity to all client profiles and build a business plan to successfully serve them.
Every year, SGC hosts THE can’t-miss global real estate event of the area. Special guests from key areas of the industry cover news, insight, tips, and tools to help you grow your global business.
SGC Cultural Awareness Events
Our education and events line-up includes fun and engaging cultural activities which includes everything from local point-of-interest tours, shows, to international cooking classes and videos. Exposure to the sights, sounds, and tastes of worldwide culture is a key part of our mission.
Helpful Links
Tampa Bay Area facts
International real estate
Foreign buyers purchased nearly $23 billion of Florida’s existing homes.
53% of foreign buyers purchased a condominium or townhouse.
9% of foreign buyers who purchased property in Florida purchased in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area.
National Association of REALTORS®Foreign buyers originate from:
Europe: 29%
Canada: 25%
Latin America/Caribbean: 16%
Asia/Oceania: 14%
Unknown: 16%
Business
Home to 20 corporate headquarters with over $1B in annual revenue. Eight are Fortune 1000 companies.
Nearly 500 foreign-owned companies representing more than 40 nations
Tampa Bay Economic Development Council
Real estate is 16% of Florida’s economy, at $173 billion per year.
U.S. Dept. of Commerce
Port Tampa Bay is the largest seaport in Florida with an $17.2 billion economic impact.
34 million consumers are within an eight-hour drive.
Tampa International Airport hosts over 20 direct international flights.
Climate
Average high: 82°F / 27.8°C
Average low: 65°F / 18.3°C
Population
Hillsborough County: 1,409,000
Pinellas County: 970,000
Pasco County: 526,000
