Husband/wife realtor team provides international services at RE/MAX The Woodlands & Spring

THE WOODLANDS, Texas – The real estate market is booming in The Woodlands – and the area has become increasingly attractive to house-hunters and investors from around the world.

“We have a large percentage of buyers and sellers who are international,” said Realtor Natalia Arjona, a buyer’s agent with RE/MAX The Woodlands & Spring.

Arjona works with her Realtor husband Ivan, who is currently ranked as the No. 1 Hispanic RE/MAX Realtor in Texas and in the Top 10 overall.

“The Woodlands is a very unique market with all the amenities an international buyer looks for – highly rated schools, a great rate of appreciation and a short drive from George Bush Intercontinental Airport. The Woodlands’ low tax rate is another factor that contributes to the community’s popularity and strong real estate market.”

Safety is another top concern for international clients, she said. “Our international clients are looking for a peaceful and safe place to live. Many of them are no strangers to a daily fear of kidnapping or being victims of violent crime in their native countries. The Woodlands’ low crime rates and modern suburban amenities in perfect balance with nature represent to them all the best that life has to offer,” she said, adding that for many foreign buyers the availability of foreign national mortgage loans has made their dream possible.

“We’re very pleased that we are able to provide bilingual, international specialists to homebuyers,” said Danna Furnace-Grimes, director of agent services and relocation director for RE/MAX The Woodlands & Spring. “Quick and easy access to an international airport has always been attractive to those clients and is just one of many benefits realized when relocating to The Woodlands/Spring area.”

Arjona said that newer homes requiring less maintenance and with open floor plans are more appealing to international buyers, so many look in Sterling Ridge, Alden Bridge and the Village of Creekside Park. But finding the perfect property can be a challenge – especially in a market that faces high demand and low inventory.

And since international clients are often out of the country when a property becomes available, Arjona said it is extremely important that they trust their Realtor.

“We establish trust so they feel comfortable presenting an offer sight unseen when we find a house we believe would be perfect for them,” she said. “They know that we do a thorough job.”

Technology has made it much easier to communicate with international clients, Arjona said. “We take advantage of all the available technology in order to make it as easy as possible for our clients. We show homes on Facetime, offer electronic document signing and create property videos.”

Occasionally, she said, they have to talk a client out of a house that may not be a good investment. “It’s never about a sale,” Arjona said. “We’re not salespeople; we’re real estate advisers. We’re looking for a long-term relationship not a transaction. That makes a huge difference.”

Ivan and Natalia Arjona can be reached at the RE/MAX The Woodlands & Spring office at 281-362-2540 or by cellphone at 713-628-6061, via email at ivan@ivanarjona.com or through their website at IvanArjona.com.

For more information, to see the latest property listings, or to contact an agent, visit thewoodlands-spring.com or call 281-367-7770.