Global Business Council
ABOUT GBC
The SFAR Global Business Council is the one-stop shop for international real estate investors and professionals looking to do business in the great city of San Francisco. Through our partnership and collaboration with CAR and NAR, San Francisco GBC serves as a platform for SFAR members and international visitors to connect and learn about all the global opportunities offered. Our members organize and lead international trade events, seminars of global importance, and networking opportunities meant to connect international professionals with everything in San Francisco real estate.
Check below to see a list of upcoming and past events the GBC has coordinated. Some notable past events include APEC, a Korea trip, a Vietnam trip, discussions regarding AI and its impact, and conversations with the SelectUSA Department of Commerce.
Contact our GBC Chair or Vice Chair to learn more about us. You can also follow us on our social media platforms: Facebook Instagram.
Oleg Verbitski is the GBC Chairman as well as a Senior Advisor at the Pacific West Advisory Group at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Drysdale Properties. He spent 3 years on the Calgary Real Estate Board and has a residential, a commercial and a rural real estate license for Canada. Oleg has conducted transactions for commercial and residential real estate in Canada and European countries and currently works with multiple foreign investors in the United States and Canada. He has provided business valuation and financial consultancy in both markets. Oleg speaks English, Ukrainian and Russian. Oleg joined the GBC to learn more about international transactions in the Bay Area and to provide his expertise to others where needed. He believes that the Bay Area is not properly promoted and works with the GBC to change that trend.
If you are interested in hearing more about the GBC, please get in touch with Oleg (ID: 02067848) by calling him at his office: 415-236-3767 or on his cell: 415-470-4541, or by emailing him at oleg@thecrevo.com.
Sonny Chan is the GBC Vice Chairman and a seasoned real estate professional with over ten years of experience in the industry. Throughout his career, he has specialized in residential properties, leveraging his expertise to deliver exceptional results for his clients.With a track record of success both in buying and selling properties, Sonny has developed a deep understanding of local and international markets. This knowledge allows him to provide valuable insights and guidance to his clients, helping them make informed decisions. Known for his exceptional negotiation skills, Sonny consistently secures lucrative deals, ensuring optimal outcomes for buyers and sellers.
In addition, Sonny actively engages with real estate associations and organizations, recognizing the value of collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the industry.
- 2018, 2019 AREAA San Francisco Peninsula Chapter President
- 2021 SFAR GBC Chair
- 2024 AREAA San Francisco Peninsula Chapter Treasurer
- 2024 AREAA Global Business Development Chair
- 2024 SFAR GBC Vice Chair
- 2023-2024 Hong Kong Association Northern California Board of Director
If you are interested in hearing more about Sonny or the GBC, please get in touch with him via email at: sonny@sequoia-re.com
Upcoming Events
Real Estate Passport to Europe and Latin America
Friday, September 20
10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Zoom Webinar
Dive into the vibrant world of international real estate with a focus on developments across Europe and Latin America. In this comprehensive webinar, you’ll gain valuable insights into key areas such as visa requirements, financing options, and other essential aspects, equipping you with the knowledge to confidently manage cross-border transactions.
Resources
- International Payments
- Tax/Accounting
- Legal Professionals
- Languages Spoken
- Mortgage Brokers
- 1031 Exchange
- Title Companies
Amanda Dunn
Currencies Direct
Amanda.dunn@currenciesdirect.com
Cristina Delgado
cristina@elcerroinc.com
Joe Bray
josephmbray@gmail.com.
916-798-6943
French – Amanda Dunn
Chinese Mandarin – Michael Young
Vietnamese (conversational) – Michael Young
Spanish (basic) – Michael Young
Ukrainian/ Russian – Oleg Verbitski
Mandarrin/Cantonese – Tina Cen
Cantonese – Angela Ma
Fujian – Haley Zhao
Ed Diaz
Angela Ma
Weiming Peng
Ron Ricard
Joanne Wong
First American
Past Events
Beyond Selling SF – Communities Shaping the Future of the City
Tuesday, May 14, 2024
In-Person Event
International Insights: Choose Your Brew
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
7:00 – 8:00 a.m. PST
Zoom
View event photo album
SF Global Summit
Unlock Productivity: AI & Empowering Agents in The Business of Global Real Estate
October 18, 2023
View event photo album
Investment Incentives in Panama & Colombia:
The How and The Why
August 17, 2023
Watch the Recorded Webinar
International Insights: Choose Your Brew w/Ireland
March 29, 2023
A collaboration with local real estate associations around the U.S. (Austin, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, New York City, and San Francisco).
View webinar slides