Stateside Realtors Specialized U.S. real estate agents can arrange property purchases in Asia. The Chicago-based National Association of Realtors provides an online database of Certified International Property Specialists. CIPS certification means a Realtor has training, and at least some experience, in foreign real estate transactions. To find an agent familiar with a specific country of interest, visit www.realtor.org/international and click on Find an International Specialist.

Overseas Real Estate Agents In much of Asia all it takes to be a real estate agent is to print a business card. Some countries, however, do have formal associations, which can provide at least some reassurance. The International Consortium of Real Estate Associations (worldproperties.com) deals with a few Asia-Pacific countries.

International Lawyers It is essential to have a good international lawyer. David Simister of CB Richard Ellis (Thailand) says two firms with a strong presence in Asia are Baker & McKenzie and Johnson Stokes & Master.

Government Information A few Asian governments offer English-language websites with useful information:

• Thailand: www.dol.go.th (Department of Lands)
• The Philippines: pra.gov.ph (Philippine Retirement Authority)
• Malaysia: mm2h.motour.gov.my (Ministry of Tourism)
• Singapore: www.sla.gov.sg (Singapore Land Authority)

Photograph by CB Richard Ellis (Thailand)

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