ALTA, American College of Real Estate Lawyers Develop International Transactions Library

November 12, 2015

ALTA’s International Development Committee with the help of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers (ACREL) have developed an online reference tool for American real estate attorneys and title professionals handling international real estate transactions.

The International Transactions Library describes the customs, practices and procedures for real estate transactions in the major commercial centers around the world.

According to Mark Winter, chair of the International Development Committee, the library provides a crucial framework for American real estate professionals when approaching international transactions. Every country has its own language, culture, customs and legal and financial system within which a real estate transaction will occur. Accordingly, such transactions present unique challenges and risks for the client and real estate counsel that must be clearly understood and dealt with if the transactions are to be successfully and safely consummated. The challenges increase as one moves from the fully developed nations such as those in Western Europe, Canada and Japan to the so-called “emerging nations” such as China, Brazil, India and Russia.

The database contains information on several topics, including ownership restrictions, closings, taxes, title searches and escrow. The library also presents related documents to provide the maximum amount of information. This allows for the American professional to effectively manage risk while engaging in international business.

If you’d like to help develop content in the library or provide input, please contact Wayne Stanley, ALTA’s director of public affairs, at wstanley@alta.org.


Contact ALTA at 202-296-3671 or communications@alta.org.