Chicago-based Urban Real Estate (Urban) senior partner Michael Emery recently contributed to a Chicago Tribune article showcasing the attraction Chicago has to fellow British expatriates looking to invest in the Windy City. Recognizing Chicago has attributes many international buyers are highly attracted to, Urban has developed officially created a niche international relocation program, geared toward the investor abroad, looking to make a piece of the Midwest, theirs.
Beginning with a customized approach to connect expatriate buyers with an Urban broker, who speak eight languages, or are assisted by a translator, to find the best way to connect with clients as they embark on the journey of homeownership in Chicago. “We offer guidance through our financial partnerships, relationship resources, and our preferred hospitality when in town, to ensure our buyers feel as informed as they can about the best way to make their purchase,” says Emery.
Urban’s other British expatriate, Justin Oliver, who joined Urban after a long-time career selling real estate in London, adds the importance of understanding cultural norms in the transaction. “Urban hosts traditional first-time homebuyer programs, and specialty first-time buyer programs geared toward British expats living in the States, contemplating buying their first home here. The message is much the same, but also very different. We know the jargon they are used to overseas varies. Assessments and condo buying here, for instance, is quite different than in England,” adds Oliver. “Our strategy is to target our message and our business to make sense for the various expats who look to us to advise their investment with confidence.”
Urban maintains a fleet of Mercedes Benz vehicles and drivers on staff to assist with its neighborhood tours, property visits, airport transfers and local transportation. Out-of-town guests can look forward to Urban concierge planning every component of their stay, from airport arrival, stay at the Urban-selected suites, and dinner at the ultimate downtown restaurants.
“Chicago is a tremendous city to call home,” adds Emery. “Our goal is to show our clients what they are missing, and leave them wanting to be a Chicagoan, as well. With smaller in-towns, to the most luxurious homes across our world-class city, there really is something for everyone coming across the pond looking to make Chicago their kind of town, too.”
See the entire release on Yahoo! Finance.