Chinese Investors Are Still California Dreamin'

Alain Pinel Realtors predicts interest in the Golden State will not wane among Chinese home buyers

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Jan 13, 2016, 10:52 ET

Alain Pinel Realtors (APR) is the fifth largest residential real estate firm in the United States and the largest privately-owned residential real estate company in California based on its closed-sales volume.

SARATOGA, Calif., Jan. 13, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- As the Chinese stock market comes off a tumultuous week, Chinese real estate buyers continue to actively seek California properties as sound investments and homes. That's the message from Alain Pinel Realtors (APR), the fifth largest real estate brokerage in the country, whose leadership team just returned from a productive trip to China.

APR COO Rainy Hake, VP of relocation and business development Michi Olsen and 12 Realtors from around the Bay Area spent two weeks touring China to update their knowledge of Chinese consumers, media outlets, banking systems and international home buyers.

"China still has a huge amount of buying potential despite economic news about the stock market," says Hake, who specialized in international business while earning her MBA at Oxford. "In some cases that potential is actually fueled by recent economic news in China because U.S. real estate allows Chinese citizens to invest in long-term financial and family planning."

Among other stops, the tour included APR's third year at the Luxury Property Showcase, a visit to HSBC Bank in Hong Kong and meetings at the Beijing offices of Homelink, the largest real estate company in China. APR is the exclusive Bay Area-wide partner of Homelink.

International relocation services have been a core offering of APR for more than a decade, and the last several years have involved extensive work and business travel in China for its executives. During December's visits, APR representatives were updated on issues including:

Regulatory changes making it easier for Chinese investors to buy property overseas.
Canada's reduction in the number of visas it issues, making the U.S. an even more popular destination for Chinese home buyers.
Cultural shifts in China that make owning U.S. real estate both a sound investment strategy and a status symbol among Chinese citizens.
Increased attraction to the Bay Area by Chinese citizens for its quality schools, natural beauty and lifestyle.

"For investors and families alike, the Bay Area has a lot to offer, with its combination of valuable properties, big-city amenities, clean air and great schools and Universities," says Olsen. "As the Chinese middle class and investor classes seek opportunities, U.S. real estate – and in particular Bay Area real estate – is increasingly popular for their long-term goals."

About Alain Pinel Realtors
Alain Pinel Realtors (APR) is the fifth largest residential real estate firm in the United States and the largest privately-owned residential real estate company in California based on its closed-sales volume. The firm has 1,400 agents in more than 30 offices throughout Northern California. Celebrating a quarter century in Bay Area real estate, APR was founded in 1990 by CEO and President Paul L. Hulme, and is based in Saratoga, California. Visit us at apr.com, china.apr.com, facebook.com/AlainPinelRealtors, and @AlainPinel.

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SOURCE Alain Pinel Realtors