The 2009 NAR Profile of International Home Buying Activity

The National Association of Realtors recently released survey of International Home Buying Activity reports that of the Realtors surveyed their level of international business was about the same in 2009 as in 2008. The top four states receiving the majority of international business are Florida, California, Texas and Arizona, respectively. And, Realtors in Arizona and California were most likely to report increased international business in 2009.

The majority of international clients originated from a relatively few number of countries: Canada, the United Kingdom, Mexico, India and China. And the top five countries of origin have been consistent over the last three years. Canadians accounted for 18% of international purchases within the U.S. so far in 2009 with the United Kingdom accounting for 11% which was consistent with last year’s survey.

By far the largest sector purchased by international clientele were single family homes at just about 70% of the total of all purchases. And the country with the highest concentration of purchases in California is China with other Asian nations concentrating their US purchases here as well. A benefit of the Pacific Rim geography.

These are some the highlights from the report. If you’d like a copy of the entire report leave a comment with your email address and I’ll forward one your way.