November 01, 2025

Texas is home to six global ambassadors appointed by NAR to represent the REALTOR® association in other parts of the world.

These Lone Star leaders, a quarter of NAR’s ambassador team, help you by serving as a resource at home and by promoting best practices and engagement with NAR’s partners abroad.

Turning connections into business

Karen Arbelaez says the program does more than connect real estate professionals. “As global ambassador to Brazil, Colombia, and Chile, I’ve seen these partnerships transform into real business—helping REALTORS® guide clients investing in Texas while also opening doors for Texans exploring opportunities abroad,” she says. “The program builds bridges between people, cultures, and markets.”

Expanding referral networks

Eyad Salloum, ambassador to Lebanon, Turkey, and United Arab Emirates, calls international connections one of the most underutilized assets in real estate.

“REALTORS® can tap into these relationships to expand their referral network, attract foreign buyers, and serve clients with international ties more confidently,” he says. “For example, in markets like Texas, where we see continued global migration and investment, having a direct link to foreign real estate professionals can open doors to cross-border transactions, relocation clients, and even commercial investment opportunities.”

Connecting clients to local expertise

Global ambassadors can help connect REALTORS® with international agents to enable them to exchange referrals, ensuring their clients investing abroad receive the necessary local expertise. Brenda Taylor, ambassador to Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico, says some of the most frequent questions clients have are what’s required for foreign buyers and sellers, what are the taxes and fees, whether they should buy in their own name or as a corporation, and whether they can get a loan without a credit history.

Building trusted partnerships

REALTORS® can have confidence when passing along clients to partner organizations. “By partnering with countries that have bilateral agreements with NAR, we can trust that their professionals follow a code of ethics within their own associations,” says Betty Arguello, ambassador to Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru. “This gives us confidence that when we refer clients internationally, they will receive professionalism, integrity, and high-quality service.”

Building new skills and resources

Anna Post, ambassador to Australia and New Zealand, says REALTORS® who want to work with international clients can start by earning a Certified International Property Specialist designation and connecting with knowledgeable professionals, such as lenders and attorneys. “Above all, clear communication and cultural sensitivity are essential to building trust and helping international clients feel confident and well-supported throughout the process,” she says.

Serving as the bridge

Ed Eakin, ambassador to Barbados, Belize, and Trinidad and Tobago, stays connected to his region through visits and conferences, as well as video calls and webinars. “The world is moving to Texas,” he says. “Referrals are a great benefit from forming partnerships with our global friends. It’s also a great way to learn about global real estate practices so that I can always have something valuable to share with our clients.”