
Sophia Streeter · August 18, 2026
Luxury real estate has never been confined by borders—but today, global connectivity is shaping the market in ways we've never seen before.
A buyer searching for a waterfront home in Marin may also be evaluating opportunities in London, New Zealand, Italy, or the South of France. Likewise, a homeowner preparing to sell in Mill Valley or Tiburon isn't just competing for local attention—they're competing for the interest of buyers whose search spans continents.
Today's high-net-worth buyers are increasingly mobile. They relocate for business, lifestyle, family, education, tax considerations, or simply the freedom to live wherever they choose. As a result, luxury real estate has become part of a much larger global conversation.
For buyers and sellers alike, this changes one important thing: local expertise is essential, but it's no longer enough on its own.
When most people think about marketing a luxury home, they picture professional photography, beautiful staging, digital advertising, and local exposure. Those elements remain incredibly important—but the most qualified buyer may never see your home if your marketing stops at the local market.
Many of today's luxury transactions begin through trusted relationships long before a property reaches the public.
A financial advisor in Singapore. A family office in New York. A broker in London. A real estate advisor in Aspen. These relationships create opportunities that traditional marketing simply can't replicate.
For sellers, that means access to a broader audience of qualified buyers. More exposure often translates into stronger competition, greater negotiating leverage, and ultimately, the potential for a stronger sale.
At Dara + Ames, our approach combines deep local knowledge with an extensive international network.
As advisors affiliated with Engel & Völkers, REALM Global, and Engel & Völkers Private Office, we're connected to thousands of top luxury real estate professionals around the world. Those relationships allow us to introduce properties to qualified buyers well beyond Marin County while also helping our clients explore opportunities across the globe.
Whether a client is considering a second home, relocating internationally, investing abroad, or returning to the Bay Area after living overseas, we have trusted advisors ready to assist virtually anywhere their journey leads.
Real estate is no longer limited by geography, and neither are we.
Ken's perspective on international real estate began early. Growing up, he watched his mother help luxury overseas buyers relocate to the United States, giving him firsthand insight into the complexities—and opportunities—of cross-border real estate.
Jennifer has built her career around serving a sophisticated clientele, many of whom have lived, worked, and invested internationally. Her strategic approach ensures every listing is positioned to attract attention not only locally, but through a carefully curated network of professionals and marketing channels that reach buyers worldwide.
Together, we understand that exceptional representation extends far beyond a single market.
Technology has made it easier than ever to showcase a property anywhere in the world. But luxury real estate is still a relationship business.
The most successful transactions often happen because the right advisor knows the right person at the right time.
Those introductions, referrals, and trusted partnerships can't be replicated by an algorithm. They are built over years of collaboration and shared success.
That's why we continue to invest in the relationships that allow us to serve our clients at the highest level—whether they're buying a home in Marin, selling a legacy property, or exploring opportunities across the globe.
If you're considering buying or selling luxury real estate, it's worth asking an important question:
Is your advisor simply marketing your home—or are they connecting it to the global audience most likely to appreciate its value?
In today's luxury market, the difference can be significant.
At Dara + Ames, we believe every client deserves both exceptional local expertise and the power of a trusted international network. Because sometimes, your next opportunity—or the perfect buyer—is closer than you think, even if they happen to live thousands of miles away.
Ken Dara + Jennifer Ames