Think Globally, Act Locally
ABoR Global is among the fastest-growing global real estate programs in the country, delivering award-winning programming, education, and tools that position REALTORS® to better serve international buyers, sellers, and investors. The heart of our program is our Global Business Alliance Network, a community of REALTOR® members who are passionate about the global real estate market domestically and beyond.
We’re actively building connections with various cities, chambers, and real estate associations around the world. In 2020, ABoR Global developed a cross-border partnership with the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and was appointed the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Ambassador Association to Ireland.
ABoR members can access economic reports, training resources, and more in our Document Library, including our 2020 Global Handbook.
Austin is a Global Destination
Austin is a truly global city. More than 20 percent of Austinites are foreign-born, and we speak more than 100 languages. With a business-friendly tax structure; 20+ colleges and universities; and high-tech, innovative, and creative culture, Austin has become one of the nation’s most attractive destinations for tourists, families, and businesses.
A Great Place to Live
Texas ranks third in the nation for homes sold to international buyers, according to the 2019 Texas International Homebuyers Report released by Texas REALTORS®. The 18,310 home sales to international buyers accounted for 10 percent of all U.S. sales to international buyers and added $7.8 billion to the Texas economy in 2019.
Global Recognition
International companies such as Dell Technologies, Whole Foods Market, and Vrbo are just some of the Austin-based companies with global operations. In addition, tech giants like Tesla, Amazon, and Apple are increasingly choosing Central Texas to build their next campus. But we’re not just known for innovation; we know how to have fun, too. First known as the “Live Music Capital of the World”, Austin has gained global recognition for its many festivals and attractions, such as SXSW, the Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1, and more.
Foreign Trade & Investment
Ranked the top exporter in the U.S. since 2002, Texas exported a record $315.9 billion worth of goods in 2018 alone. In the Austin area, our leading trading partners are South Korea, Taiwan, Mexico, Japan, China, and Malaysia. Texas ranks No. 2 in the nation for foreign and domestic investment. According to the Austin Chamber of Commerce, Austin garners 12 percent of the state’s foreign direct investment (FDI) and has nearly 300 foreign-owned firms. Texas also ranks No. 2 in the U.S. for commercial real estate buyers working with REALTORS®, according to NAR’s 2020 Commercial Real Estate International Business Trends Report.