International Real Estate Isn’t Just “Sexy” — It’s a Strategy (Even From Ohio)

by Mike Ferrante

International Real Estate Isn’t Just “Sexy” — It’s a Strategy (Even From Ohio)

International real estate sounds sexy and glamorous… but how do you actually take part in it—especially if you’re based right here in Ohio?

I’m Mike Ferrante with LPT Realty, leader of the Mike Team, and we serve Greater Cleveland, Northeast Ohio, and Central Ohio. If you have a real estate need here in Ohio, elsewhere in the United States, or honestly anywhere in the world, we can help you get connected with the right people.

Go to 21mike.com, click the button at the top to schedule an appointment, or email me at mike@21mike.com.

Now, let’s talk about what “international real estate” really means in practice—because the truth is, you don’t need to be in Miami, Dubai, or Manhattan to play in the global arena. You need the right relationships, communication strategy, and repeatable system.

In this Tuesday Training-style session, I brought on Jad Sandi, a key member of our team originally from Morocco, who speaks Arabic, French, English, and Berber—and who has built a niche helping overseas and out-of-state investors buy in the Cleveland real estate market.

What “International Real Estate” Really Looks Like in Ohio

Most people hear “international” and imagine luxury penthouses, beachfront villas, and high-flying glamour.

What it actually looks like most of the time is this:

A buyer or investor overseas looking for a safe place to put money
A family relocating to the U.S. who needs guidance and trust
An out-of-state investor comparing markets and returns
Someone who wants the benefits of U.S. property ownership but needs help navigating the process

And here’s the key: the deal isn’t international — the relationship is.

If you can create trust and clarity across distance, time zones, and language barriers, you can build an international business while still being the go-to Ohio Realtor for your local market.

Why Language = Trust (And Trust = Business)

Jad explained something that every real estate agent in Cleveland (or anywhere) should understand:

When someone is investing from overseas, they’re already taking a leap of faith. Add a language barrier, and the leap gets bigger.

When you speak their language—or even show cultural familiarity—you immediately remove friction.

Jad has seen it firsthand, especially with French-speaking investors. One successful relationship can turn into multiple clients quickly because investors tend to run in networks:

One investor becomes a referral engine
That referral becomes multiple investors from the same community
The niche grows faster than you’d expect

It’s not just communication — it’s comfort. People feel understood, and they trust the person who can explain the market in a way that feels natural.

“But I Have an Accent…” — Why That’s Not a Problem (It’s a Differentiator)

This part was gold.

A lot of agents hold back because they’re worried about how they sound—especially on video or social media. Jad’s advice was simple:

Go for it. Be yourself. The accent isn’t the barrier. Hiding is.

And he’s right.

If someone speaks your language or relates to your background, your “difference” becomes your magnet. The real estate business rewards clarity, confidence, and consistency—more than perfect delivery.

Here’s the reality:

People will meet you eventually
They’ll hear your voice eventually
So you might as well lead with authenticity from day one

The Simplest Strategy That Produced Real Business: One Multilingual Post

Jad shared a tactic that worked immediately: a simple social post in multiple languages.

He posted content in English, French, and Arabic—and it caught attention fast. Because if someone is scrolling and suddenly sees their native language, it stops them cold.

That’s the power of being specific.

If you’re an agent trying to grow your reach in the Northeast Ohio real estate market or even Central Ohio real estate, this strategy translates even if you only speak English:

Speak directly to a niche (investors, relocations, first-time buyers, etc.)
Make the message unmistakably “for them”
Post consistently enough that people start associating you with that niche

The Investor Advantage: Property Management Knowledge Changes Everything

Jad didn’t just sell real estate—he started in property management, and that gave him a huge edge with investors.

Investor clients ask real questions:

Which zip codes rent best?
What’s the rent range here?
What neighborhood should I avoid?
What’s the tenant pool like?
What repairs are common?
What’s the realistic return?

If you’ve lived in the trenches of rentals—even for a couple years—you can answer those questions with confidence.

This is why we’re so strong helping clients with buy-and-hold investing and buying a home in Ohio with a long-term mindset: it’s not about the purchase price alone. It’s about what happens after closing.

Self-Managing vs. Hiring a Property Manager: The Best Rule of Thumb

Jad’s stance is one I largely agree with:

If you’re a local investor, managing your first one or two properties can be a huge advantage—because you learn the business.

Not forever. Not at scale. But early on, it forces you to understand:

tenant screening realities
maintenance workflow
leasing and renewals
vacancy costs
what “good management” actually looks like

Then, when you do hire management, you can evaluate them intelligently.

But if you’re a foreign investor (or truly out-of-state), management isn’t optional. The key becomes choosing the right team and building accountability.

Which brings us to the big takeaway…

The Real “Gold Nugget” for Investors: Build Your Team Before You Buy

This is the part I’ve preached for years, and Jad echoed it perfectly:

Step one is not buying a property. Step one is building your team.

That means:

a strong real estate agent who understands investment strategy
contractors and maintenance people
(often) property management
lenders or financing partners, if applicable
a system for due diligence and market selection

If you buy first and build your team later, you’ve put the cart before the horse.

And if you think it’s “too late” to start investing? Jad nailed that too:

It’s never too late. Real estate historically trends upward. The best time to start is when you’re ready—and the next best time is now.

Why Investors Keep Eyeing Cleveland, Akron, Lorain (And Northeast Ohio Overall)

One reason international and out-of-state investors consistently look at Cleveland real estate and the surrounding areas is simple:

The math can work here in ways it doesn’t in many other markets.

You can still find scenarios where:

a ~$100,000 property rents around ~$1,000/month (depending on condition and area)
value-add rehabs create equity
cash deals or sensible financing can produce strong returns

Yes, property taxes vary and can be higher in certain pockets, so due diligence matters. But the broader point stands: Northeast Ohio can offer return profiles that surprise people who are used to higher-priced markets.

Quick Takeaways (Buyers, Sellers, Agents)

If you’re buying or investing in Ohio:

Don’t start with “What can I buy?” Start with “What’s my strategy?”
Build your team before you go under contract
Educate yourself on neighborhoods, rents, and management realities

If you’re selling a home in Ohio:

Know that global and out-of-state money does exist in our market
Marketing matters more than ever when your buyer might not be local
The right advisor helps position the home for maximum demand

If you’re an agent:

Your background, language, or culture can be your niche advantage
Post content that signals who you serve (clearly, repeatedly)
Stop hiding from video — trust is built by visibility

Want Help With International or Out-of-State Real Estate Connections?

If you want to invest in Greater Cleveland, anywhere in the Northeast Ohio real estate market, or even Central Ohio real estate, we’ll help you get pointed in the right direction.

Go to 21mike.com and click the button at the top to schedule an appointment with me or someone on the team. You can also email me directly at mike@21mike.com.

And if you’d like to connect with Jad Sandi specifically (French, Arabic, English, Berber — and investor-focused), you can find him on Facebook under Jad Sandi.

Optional if you want more content like this:

Subscribe on YouTube (Mike Ferrante Cleveland Realtor)
Listen to the Free Beer and Real Estate podcast

International Real Estate Isn’t Just “Sexy” — It’s a Strategy (Even From Ohio)

by Mike Ferrante