If you live in another country and are looking to purchase a property in the Orlando area, we are happy to assist you with your purchase. Hiring a licensed Florida real estate agent that has experience working with Non U.S. Residents, will ensure that your home purchase is conducted as smoothly as possible. Our team is well versed in representing foreign nationals with their Orlando home purchase and we are happy to answer any questions you have, while locating you the perfect Central Florida home or estate.
Click on the questions below to expand the answer.
Yes, foreign nationals are able to purchase property in the State of Florida, the same way U.S. citizens are able to. There are no special Visa requirements needed to purchase a new home in Florida.
Throughout many countries around the world, a real estate agent (estate agent) may have only limited access to only a select number of listings. Here in the United States, Realtors® use the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) which provides each agent access to all available properties currently on the market. This allows you as a potential buyer, to select the agent of your choice to represent you with your real estate transaction. By selecting the licensed real estate agent of your choice, you are then able to develop a relationship with your chosen agent. Best of all, as a buyer, the fees for your real estate agent are at no cost to you, as all agent commission is paid by the seller in the home sale transaction.
RealtyInOrlando.com provides users unlimited, free access to the My Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service, (MLS) listings. Please feel free to search available homes for sale in the Central Florida region, including the local areas of Windermere, Dr. Phillips, Winter Garden, Celebration, and Winter Park. Registration on our site provides you with the ability to save your favorite properties, schedule email updates on home searches, as well as viewing the status of each individual property. Browse available Central Florida homes for sale now with our convenient and user-friendly MLS Home Search tool.
Although it is not necessary to have a real estate agent when purchasing a new construction home for sale, there are many benefits by utilizing the service of a licensed real estate agent. Most importantly, when buying a new construction home from a builder, the real estate agent commissions and service fees are FREE to the buyer!!!
The agent on staff at the home builders site is employed by the builder and therefore has the best interest of the builder in mind. By choosing your own real estate agent, you bring experienced representation to the table, evening the playing field by having an agent with your best interests in mind throughout the home buying and price negotiation process.
Knowledge of the local area market trends is just as important when buying a new construction home. Your real estate agent will have the ability to advise you with pertinent local market conditions, as well as provide you with many industry factors that may affect your new home purchase - Be Informed!
As a foreign national buying a new home, you most likely not be here during the building process. Your real estate agent should keep you updated during the construction progress of your home. Our team will keep you up to date and informed throughout the entire building process. Jeffrey Funk and his team will also assist you with home inspections.
A common misconception is that Foreign Nationals are taxed differently than U.S. Citizens. Foreign nationals are taxes exactly the same as U.S. Citizens. In the State of Florida, homeowners receive a $50,000 “homestead exemption” on their PRIMARY residence. Vacation homes and investment properties are NOT eligible for the Florida Homestead exemption, and are taxed the same for both Foreign Nationals and U.S. Residents.
Purchasing a property in Florida has no effect on immigration status or Visa eligibility of a foreign national. Most foreign nationals are able to obtain a Visa in order to stay for a period of 90 days at a time. Information on visa eligibility can be found at: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html
Purchasing a property in Florida has no effect on immigration status or Visa eligibility of a foreign national. Most foreign nationals are able to obtain a Visa in order to stay for a period of 90 days at a time. Information on visa eligibility can be found at: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html
An Attorney is not necessary to purchase a home in the state of Florida. Florida is a “Title State” which means a title company will perform all of the necessary items in order to transfer the property to the new owner. The Title company will also perform a “title search” insure that the property is free and clear of any leins and incumbrances on the subject property. A title insurance policy should always be issued to the Buyer at the Sellers cost for any items that may have been missed during the title search process. An exception to this rule is with new construction homes, in which the buyer typically pays for the title insurance policy.
Yes, financing is available for Non U.S. Residents. Although financing requirements and rates do change you can expect a minimum requirement of 30 - 40% down payment with a minimum sales price of $300,000. Be sure to contact an experienced foreign national mortgage broker.
Feel Free to contact us regarding any questions you may have when purchasing real estate, investment properties, and vacation homes in the Orlando area.
Absolutely! I've been deeply involved in the real estate industry, particularly in Florida's market, for quite some time. The process of foreign nationals purchasing property in the United States, especially in places like Orlando, involves several nuances and considerations. Let's break down the concepts mentioned in the article:
1. Foreign Nationals Purchasing Property in Florida
- Visa Requirements: No special visa requirements are needed for foreign nationals to purchase property in Florida.
- Access to Listings: In the US, Realtors® use the MLS (Multiple Listing Service), granting agents access to all available properties on the market, unlike limited access in some other countries.
- Real Estate Agent Representation: Hiring a licensed real estate agent is beneficial, especially when dealing with new construction homes, as their services are often free for the buyer.
2. Access to MLS Listings
- MLS Access: Websites like RealtyInOrlando.com provide free access to the MLS listings for users. Registration on these sites allows users to save favorite properties, receive email updates, and track property statuses.
3. Benefits of Using a Real Estate Agent
- New Construction Homes: While not necessary, utilizing the services of a licensed real estate agent for purchasing new construction homes offers benefits such as representation, market trend knowledge, and updates during the building process.
4. Taxation and Visa
- Taxation: Foreign nationals and US citizens are taxed the same in Florida. The homestead exemption applies only to primary residences, not vacation homes or investment properties.
- Visa Eligibility: Purchasing property does not affect immigration status or Visa eligibility for foreign nationals staying up to 90 days at a time. Information on Visa eligibility can be found at the provided link.
5. Legal Considerations
- Attorney Requirement: In Florida, a title company handles property transfers and performs title searches. A title insurance policy, usually paid for by the seller, is recommended to cover any missed issues during the search process, except for new construction homes where the buyer typically pays for the policy.
6. Financing Options
- Financing for Non U.S. Residents: Financing is available, typically requiring a down payment of 30-40% with a minimum sales price of $300,000. Consulting an experienced foreign national mortgage broker is advised.
Navigating these aspects can be complex, but having a knowledgeable real estate agent and understanding the specific regulations and procedures is crucial for a smooth property purchase experience.
