International Financing

Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Bradenton, Sarasota and Spring Hill Florida Real Estate
Translation

                            Local, National, and International Real Estate Buyers & Sellers
   Castle Dream Real Estate, LLC 1-888-51-DREAM(37326)

FLORIDA HOMES FOR SALE

INTERNATIONAL FINANCING

THE MOST IMPORTANT FIRST STEP AN INTERNATIONAL PURCHASER CAN DO IS SET UP AN ACCOUNT IN THE COUNTRY THEY ARE LOOKING TO PURCHASE IN, AND TRANSFER THEIR TOTAL PURCHASE PRICE INTO THAT COUNTRY TO PROTECT THE VALUE OF THAT COUNTRIES EXCHANGE RATIO. THAT WAY IF THE EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES YOUR CURRENCY WILL BE VALUED AS THE CURRENCY OF THE COUNTRY YOU ARE LOOKING TO PURCHASE IN AND NOT LOOSE ANY VALUE.

Securing Financing for International Buyers

Depending on an international buyer’s visa classification, lenders may have more stringent underwriting guidelines. Mortgage lenders are more cautious about financing second homes and investment properties for foreign nationals for a very practical reason. If a non-U.S. citizen were to leave the country and default on a mortgage loan, the lender would have little or no recourse. To hedge their risk, lenders often require that international buyers make substantially larger down payments and submit to certain requirements in order to meet underwriting guidelines.

“With the additional requirements from lenders, international buyers need to be patient with the financing process. It’s not unreasonable to expect that it may take considerably longer than it would for U.S. residents to get a loan.
One of the challenges many non-permanent residents (foreigners with working visas) face is a lack of an established credit history in the U.S. Even when mortgage lenders allow for alternative credit documentation, ”non-perms” sometimes must settle for less than optimal financing terms, then refinance later for better rates and terms once they establish a positive credit history here in the states.

Visas for foreign nationals do not allow them to work or reside in the U.S. This category includes Canadians, Europeans (or any other non-U.S. residents) who want to buy second homes for investment or vacation purposes. Before the home financing crisis, international buyers had more mortgage options available. Some lenders still offer loan programs for foreign nationals, but they carry stringent documentation requirements. Without a credit history to consider, mortgage lenders focus on documented income and other assets. To underwrite a loan for foreign nationals, lenders typically require a substantial down payment of 35% or more, in addition to closing costs. Foreign nationals can expect to pay higher interest rates and possibly upfront charges for these loans.

Requirements will vary from lender to lender, but here are some tips offered to international buyers to help them prepare for financing a property in the U.S. Following these steps can help foreign nationals secure a mortgage.

Financing Tips for International Buyers

1. Establish credit in the U.S. if possible.
2. Open up an account with a U.S.-based bank at least two months before you seek financing.
3. Start an account in your home country with a large, international bank with branches in the U.S. close to where you want to purchase a home.
4. Get three reference letters declaring you are in good standing from three financial institutions in your home country if you can’t accomplish #1 or 3.
5. Obtain verification of your gainful employment and line of work. A simple letter from a CPA or some other third-party in your resident country will suffice.
6. Apply to extend your visa or passport if it’s due to expire in six months or less.

How Do You Transfer Money From Overseas

When purchasing a property overseas you will need to transfer money. Whilst the natural inclination is to go to your local High Street bank to transfer funds abroad, this is usually a fairly expensive way of doing it. Exchange rates and commissions provided by high street banks are significantly less favorable than those typically offered by foreign currency exchange specialists.

We therefore recommend the services of our foreign currency exchange specialists. Transactions arranged are normally competitive and service is fast and efficient. An estimate of the typical potential savings over high street bank transactions are in the region of 1 to 2%, or £1,000 to £2,000 saved for every £100,000 transferred.

To learn more use the contact form below:

CLICK HERE FOR INTERNATIONAL BUYER INFORMATION

Contact Information

We understand that you may be in the information-gathering stage and may not be ready to open up about who you are or your real estate needs at this time. If you are not comfortable providing all your contact information that is perfectly OK. Just enter your email address so we can contact you to determine the information you are searching for or the level of service you want us to provide. If you prefer you can contact us at 1-888-51-DREAM (37326)

Be assured your privacy will be kept private and your information will not be shared with any third party.

If you have not been contacted within 48 hours check your spam/junk mail account because certain email programs block responses.

Items marked with * are required information

First Name:
Last Name:
Address Street:
P.O. Box:
City:
State/Country/Province:
Zip/Postal Code:
Time Zone:
Cell/Mobile Phone:
Daytime Phone:
Evening Phone:
Comments:	Enter comments here!
Email: *
Security Code: *

Corporate Offices Castle Dream Real Estate, LLC. 15449 Burbank Drive Spring Hill, FL 34604
Office 1-352-848-0663 Fax 1-352-799-0691 International Office 001 727 560 7145 Fax 001 352 799 0691

Multiple Listing Service Realtor You Can ShareThe Dream