Ilana Klochkov is out to change that perception.
Klochkov, founder and CEO of RealtiesAbroad.com, is dedicated to making the world’s property markets accessible to all Americans seeking retirement options, second homes, or investment diversification. And, with the U.S. State Department estimating that only about 8 million Americans are living abroad, there is plenty of room for Americans overseas and lots of opportunities in international residential real estate.
“I have always been drawn to the transformative potential of real estate as a vehicle of wealth creation and lifestyle enhancement,” Klochkov says. “And international real estate can transcend borders and build bridges between cultures.”
Those deep-seated beliefs and entrepreneurial spirit are the driving forces behind RealtiesAbroad.com, the website Klochkov launched in 2023 with the goal of breaking down barriers by democratizing access to international property markets for ordinary Americans.
A self-described real estate fanatic with an “absolute passion” for global real estate, Klochkov has been one of the first to recognize the untapped potential of bringing foreign residential real estate opportunities to American buyers, pioneering new pathways to help them navigate the complexities of cross-border transactions so they can invest with confidence overseas. With a powerful website featuring a global property search engine and access to English-speaking professional services, Klochkov says that foreign property ownership can become a reality for anyone. “Our mission is to educate and empower individuals to explore offshore options for retirement, vacation homes, or portfolio diversification.”
According to Klochkov, there are many good reasons to consider international real estate, including portfolio diversification, experiencing diverse cultures and customs, and enjoying a different quality of life. “And this is not just for high-net-worth individuals,” she says. “International real estate can be a solid investment in a strong global economy for individual investors and can often provide a higher standard of living and better retirement.”
At RealtiesAbroad.com users can do a free search for properties by country, property type, or budget – and new properties are being added all the time. “Think of it as ‘Zillow’ but for the entire world,” Klochkov says. “Zillow doesn’t list properties outside of the United States, but we do.”
In addition to full property details, beautiful photography, and maps of the property location, the site provides a wealth of information on the country of interest, including the political system, economic data, climate information, the process of dual citizenship, and much more. Users can also search for English-speaking local professionals to assist with legal, financial, and other property-related needs.
Klochkov is working on the first and only International Property Show in the United States, an event that will feature exhibitors from around the world, as well as professionals who will provide vital information on property ownership abroad. “From villas to condos, fixer-uppers to new developments and so much more, this will be a fantastic place to see what the world property market has to offer,” Klochkov says.
“Don’t let fear of the unknown stop you from exploring the possibility of owning property abroad,” Klochkov advises. “Whether you want to generate rental income, relocate permanently, or simply vacation abroad, you might find that buying a home abroad is a lot easier than you thought.”
To start a free international property search, visit RealtiesAbroad.com.