If
you are a foreign buyer wanting to make a real estate purchase in Naples, then
you will not be alone. Nearly 20% of home purchases in second home communities
are foreign owners, of which Canadians make up the majority share.
It
makes no difference whether you are from the United Kingdom, Russia, Germany,
Brazil ,New York or Naples Fl, the process for purchasing a home is the same.
There are no additional fees or expenses involved with the home purchase
transaction. The steps of home purchase are described to provide you with an
understanding .
Working
with a real estate broker in Naples is sometimes different than in other
countries. Real estate brokers cooperate through the local Multiple Listing
Services (MLS). Where they share all their listings with each other. So a real
estate broker in Naples will have access to not just their listing, but all
listings in the Naples area.
Upon
a sale, the seller pays the real estate commission to their broker, who then
shares it with the selling broker (buyer’s broker). The buyer does not pay any
commission related to the sale. Through this cooperation, the seller get the
greatest amount of exposure, to the greatest number of potential buyers.
I am happy to help all of you get the home you deserve here in Naples!
Foreign
buyers can take advantage of a wide range of services provided through me to
help locate the right property, submit a purchase agreement and negotiate with
the seller. This is all at no cost to them.
Other
Very Important Information for Foreign Buyers
- Once
a property is purchased, it would be more convenient to open a US bank account
to make bill paying easy. Naples has plenty of banks to choose from!
- Mortgage
Financing – Foreign Buyers will either have difficulty getting a mortgage, or
pay a high premium for one. The best course is to work with a bank in your own
country that has US
subsidiaries
that lends.
- Rental
Income – If the property is rented, then the rules are the same as for US
citizens. A tax return needs to be filed showing the income or loss. (Note some
countries might have tax treaties, so it is always best to check with a tax
advisor).
- Selling
– FIRPTA (Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980) requires that 10%
of the selling price of a foreign own property, be withheld to cover taxes on
any potential gain (Selling price, less original purchase price). The foreign
owner would then have to prepare a tax filing to get a refund, for the excess
amount held.
- Always check with an Attorney and a Lawyer first!
