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Dealing with Immigrants

We wish we could speak their language. At least 200 and some dialects too. In my community we have mexicans that speak tarasco as their first language.

But our expertise is listing and selling houses, and that take all of our time. Yes, would be great having no "language barriers". Most of the time they bring their interpreters , even the fifth grade child.

If we notice that there is a substantial number of immigrants nearby would be better to have at hand a good interpreter, it could avoid so many miscommunications that can end up in court.

No redlinning. I prefer to give them a list of houses, after they sign and u n d e r s t a n d what a buyer representation mean, so they can go around and look on their own for properties and neighbourhood that they like.

If you or them find a lender that speaks the language, it would be better, if not , make sure someone in the family speaks English enough to interpret them at the lender's office. And always stay in touch with the lender.

Be patient, explain all details of the transaction up the front. Avoid JOKES, smiling may be interpreted as "taking advantage of them for not knowing the language". Laughing is not sign of frendship , it's just nervous. Just be courtios and professional.

Be ready and willing to imerse in a world of different culture, behaviours and values. Talk with someone that has been here longer and ask about signs and gestures that should be avoid. Win the confidence is more important than the commission. A well pleased client is referal to many others.

If a lawyer does the closing, make sure you have an interpreter at table, do not let young child or people without a good knowledge of the language be interpreters.

Don't be afraid in dealing with immigrants, just do your home work before and be professional all the time. High profesionalism will win the trust they need.

Broker "E"

Evaristo Lacerda

www.RebateNC.com

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Posted by Evaristo Lacerda on 02/28/2007 11:08 PM

Comments (23)

23 Comments on Dealing with Immigrants

FEB

2007

Como brasileiro vivendo já a quinze anos por aqui, sei como é dificil para nós até pensarmos que podemos comprar uma casa por aqui, agora como corretor imobilário sei como gostaria de ser tratado e por isso trato bem àqueles que além de tudo teem a barreira do idioma.

MAR

2007

Evaristo,

Thank you for a thoughtful post about an area in the industry which is growing rapidly. It's helpful to have simple guidelines particularly regarding differences in language and culture. We need more people who have experience in this area or who are like you & myself are immigrants working in the real estate industry to help bring the American Dream into reality for ALL Americans. Thank you for including this post in Fraiche Aire!

I would actually recommend having a bilingual attorney present throughout... then no one risks trouble.

Biligual clients are a great oppurtunity. If you treat them right it will open the floodgates to referrals and long standing business relationships.

Much Gusto Evaristo,

Eddy

I have quite a bit of immigrant clients as I am one myself too. The good thing is that I do somewhat speak the language but not in its entirety. When I do have problems, most of the time I could sense it. I really dont know how to explain it. Before they finish their sentence, I would know what they are trying to say. But I definitely agree with you on the different cultures, different ways of showing houses, things to watch out for. It's a very fun experience - most of the time.

I have done one transaction with one Spanish speaking family. The 11 year old daughter did the translating for me. Thank you very much for this post. It opened my eyes. I am a happy person by nature and I smile quite a bit. I have been told it is calming . But after reading your post, I see it can have an alternate meaning. Thank you again. I will keep this in mind when I work with Immigrants again.

I have had a few clients that where immigrants, and a lot of the first time home-buyers in our area are immigrants. I found your post extremely helpful. Any other useful tips?

MAR

2007

I have had some clients that were bilingual...and they were awesome to work with.... I am truly amazed at how good it is to devote my time to 1st time buyers...they work so hard and are truly thankful for the opportunity to own a home in the USA....

=-D

My sister-in-law is Japanese and works in HR for a Toyota plant who cycles employees from Japan over here. Her job is specifically to assist the newcomers with housing, schools etc as an interpreter.

Perhaps other large companies do this too?

Sue

MAR

2007

When you connect with them...there is no better gratification than putting them into a home.

MAR

2007

To add on to what Brian Brady said, these clients are grateful and will refer you to their friends , family and acquaintances.

Eddy

MAR

2007

My first language is Spanish, and most of my clients speak Spanish. Most of them don't have a clue about the process of buying a house. You have to take the time to explain the whole process.

Honesty and good service is what ultimately wins their trust, and is true, is you do this you will keep them forever as clients.

Walter Aguirre

Loan Officer

I've been trying to build a database of people who can help with translation. So far I have two dialects of Chinese, 2 from the Phillipines, German, and several dialects of Spanish. Thank you for the reminder that I'd like to expand this! One of our local banks has several employees that speak excellent English but have small signs showing the other languages they speak. Wouldn't be a great way to help a bank teller make some extra money? They are paid so poorly for all the responsibilities they have. Same with a few big box stores. I'm going to make it a point to NOT be in a hurry the next trip to the bank.

MAR

2007

For Spanish if their English is really poor I refer them to an agent in the office that is fluent (for a referral, of course). I haven't had any clients that speak Tarasco; I don't know what I would do then!

Rita

MAR

2007

In Georgia we also have a large Hispanic population. I'm located in a college town so we really get a little of everything. I have marketing materials in Spanish, Korean, & Russian. They are basic books that help to explain the homebuying process, credit & mortgages. Our office is diverse, but I don't have a Spanish/English bil-ingual agent right now and I am in desparate need. I do have a lender & attorney who are fluent.

I'm trying to figure out the best way to recruit a bi-ligual, Spanish speaking agent and would love any sugestions!

Michelle,

Your bi-lingual attorney and lender know a few, I betcha. I would ask, and mention what a great favor an introduction would be.

I'm not a realtor, however, I found this post quite interesting. I live in Nueva York. We here, as in the rest of the country, have hispanics as our highest number immigrant group. Having Spanish as a second language these days is a great asset, no matter what business you are in. I have two teenage daughters who I insisted take Spanish in school, my older daughter is quite good at it and is going to minor in it in college. With that said, for you realtors, I would consider taking some spanish classes at night school or at the least, you should have at least one agent in your office who has a good grasp on the language. As for closings, I would think it would be crucial to have an attorney who is bilingual, as to avoid the chance of legal problems after closing. Spanish is definately becoming the second language here in the US!

Maureen Graziano

Thank you for writing this blog. I find it very frustrating to me when I cannot understand a buyer or seller. I know it is something they deal with on a daily basis. I took Spanish in High School and College and can speak a little, but not enough to really help a client.

MAR

2007

Evaristo,

Fantastic post!

I am bilingual in English and Spanish and have lived in both worlds. I have also seen, in both worlds the challenges of people who do not have the language of the dominant culture.

That's why I try to make every effort to reach Spanish-speaking clients. When you don't have the language you also don't have the tools to seek out those who can and want to help you. It is important for us with language facility or knowledge to reach out and be advocates. What would I want to happen if I were in the other's shoes? Trata como quieres ser tratado.

MAR

2007

I just closed 2 weeks ago on a deal with a spanish-speaking gentleman. I used an agent in my office fluent in spanish and gave her a 40% split. Much easier solution for me.

MAY

2007

I love to see that attitude toward Immigrants. We need to help each other. And a way to do it, is providing the necessary information they need to know about the process of buying or selling a house and the mortgage process too. Si se trata de hispanos, pues usemos algo que los ayude. Crees que es importante porveer información en español acerca del procedo inmobiliario?

Visita mi perfil en http://activerain.com/jairomalaver

frima

Thank you for posting this information. My spanish is just enough to get me in trouble. I am looking to recruit a bi lingual agent, because I am a very big advocate for immigrants in this country. I want to make sure that I am doing everything possible to 1. earn their trust 2. Keep it.

JUN

2007

I grew up in Texas, around completely Spanish speaking people, and can speak very little of it. What a shame. I do need to take a class and bridge the gap. Thanks for the reminder.

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