Foreign buyers are not a “tiny niche” if the listing and marketing are structured for global transactions. According to the National Association of Realtors®, international buyers purchased $56 billion worth of U.S. existing homes from April 2024 through March 2025, with 78,100 properties, and a record median purchase price of $494,400. The same release notes that 47% paid all-cash (compared to 28% among all buyers), which changes how agents should position urgency, proof of funds, and remote viewing.

This matters for a real estate agent because a global buyer is often comparing the property in the U.S. against options in Canada, Germany, Australia, the UK, or even other U.S. states. When a listing lacks clarity, buyers imagine problems: hidden costs, unclear square footage, uncertain neighborhood context, or complicated closing steps.

Step 1: Pick the right international buyers (country, intent, and budget)

Attract international real estate buyers starts with understanding who is likely to buy and why. International buyers are not one audience. Some are buying a home internationally for relocation, some want a second home, and some foreign investors want cash-flow or long-term asset growth. NAR distinguishes international clients as resident foreigners and non-resident foreigners, which helps clarify their buying constraints and timelines.

A simple segmentation that works in real estate marketing:

• relocation buyers (schools, commute, visa timeline, community fit)

• investment buyers (rentability, taxes, property management, yield expectations)

• lifestyle and luxury buyers (amenity, privacy, luxury lifestyle narrative, brand-level presentation)

• diaspora buyers (language, cultural comfort, family proximity)

This is where a real estate business should align its message and listing structure. If the listing is aimed at investment, it should show rental comps, HOA rules, and property management options. If it is luxury real estate, it should “lead with lifestyle, not just features,” because global buyers need an emotional anchor when buying a home remotely.

Step 2: Make the listing globally understandable (the “remote buyer test”)

Many listings are written for local clients who already know the city, the style of homes, and the process. International clientele do not have that context. They want clarity.

A global-ready listing should include:

• high-quality photography and videography (consistent lighting, wide angles)

• floor plans with square footage clearly shown

• walkthroughs and video tours that show flow, not just highlights

• drone footage for neighborhood context (where relevant)

• clear “what’s included” notes for appliances, fixtures, parking, storage

• an amenity list that is specific and measurable (not vague)

AgentFire emphasizes visual content, multilingual accessibility, and lifestyle benefits when attracting international buyers.
A luxury marketing view also supports the same concept: if a property cannot be understood remotely, it struggles to attract international buyers.

Small details reduce hesitation:

• convert or display measurements clearly (sq ft, lot size, room sizes)

• add a short neighborhood explainer (transport, safety, shopping, schools)

• include a short “buying a home in the U.S.” timeline summary for buyers from abroad

Step 3: Use video tours that feel like a decision tool, not a promo

Video tours are not optional for global buyers in 2026. They are part of the decision workflow. A real estate agent who records a slow, complete walkthrough with stable camera motion, labeled rooms, and natural lighting creates confidence.

A high-performing video tour stack:

• 60–90 sec highlight reel (social + ads to reach)

• 5–10 minute full walkthrough (serious buyers)

• 3D tour (when property type supports it)

• short clips for bedrooms, kitchen, view, and amenity features

GoCRR specifically highlights professional photography and videography as essential to bridge the distance for buyers who cannot tour in person, and also recommends partnering with international real estate agents.

Step 4: List where global buyers search (not only local MLS)

MLS visibility is important, but it is not the same as a global listing strategy. International buyers may search online on portals that serve their country and language habits. Some platforms matter more in specific regions, and the safest approach is to use a multi-channel “global listing” distribution plan.

Practical approach:

• keep MLS correct and complete (it feeds many syndications)

• build a dedicated landing page per listing on your site (fast, clean, translated sections as needed)

• syndicate to luxury and international portals (market-dependent)

• use YouTube + Google Business Profile posts for reach and credibility

• retarget engaged viewers with ads (only after the listing page is strong)

AgentFire’s guide stresses “list where they search” and suggests region-specific portals, plus multilingual support and international SEO to help foreign buyers discover listings.