Translating great service into any language

July 01, 2023

Not every client or prospect speaks fluent English. But there are tools and resources available so you can offer real estate guidance in any language.

Download translation apps to your smartphone. Google Translate and Microsoft Translator are two of many available options. Search the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. You can also ask automated assistants, such as Siri, for translation help.

Texas REALTORS® offers Spanish and Vietnamese translations of common forms, such as the Residential Lease (TXR 2001) and the One to Four Family Residential Contract (Resale) (TXR 1601, TREC 20-17). Only English forms can be used in transactions, but the translations can help buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants better understand the English forms. Visit texasrealestate.com/realtorforms to search the translations.

NAR’s Spanish-language site, nar.realtor/nar-en-espanol, features step-by-step guides on buying and selling homes as well as NAR’s Window to the Law video series with Spanish subtitles.

The Texas Real Estate Research Center’s English-Spanish Real Estate Glossary covers 787 terms. The glossary includes pronunciation and is available as an e-book: recenter.tamu.edu/education/english-spanish-glossary.

You know your real estate market better than anyone. Consider the following actions if your brokerage frequently works with clients and prospects who speak little to no English.

Take time to learn the language your clients speak. Even simple conversations will help build rapport. Plus, the more you learn, the more skillfully you can use translation apps to say what you want to convey.
Encourage your broker to prioritize hiring bilingual agents to best serve buyers, sellers, and renters.
Join multicultural allied groups, such as the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) and the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA). You can network with fellow REALTORS®, learn more about important topics to your client base, and strengthen your community ties.
Research bilingual vendors to help with the real estate transaction. Your clients may need to hire a lawyer, appraiser, or mortgage professional. You can also provide value through your referrals.
Hire interpreters for longer or more complicated conversations. Some, such as sign language interpreters, can provide services via video call.

If you find yourself unable to help, the best option may be to refer your client or prospect to someone who can.

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