Buying a home is probably the most important purchase you will ever make…  these ten tips will help you better understand what you can expect from contract to closing.

 1. Determine Your Needs

The process of purchasing a home can be especially daunting if you don’t take the time to determine your needs. A real estate professional will be able to best assist you if you are willing to answer a few important questions:

• What is your current lifestyle and how will that play into the neighborhood or community you choose? e.g. sports enthusiast that requires hiking trails within the neighborhood
• Size of home including bedrooms, bathrooms, and specialty rooms such as media or pool room.
• Style of home: Ranch vs. Two-Story and Tudor vs. Cape Cod
• Schools, Religious institutions, commute to work all influence the area you choose to focus on

2. Consider the Cost of Homeownership

There are various financial commitments to consider, most importantly how a new home will fit into your budget.

You need to ensure that you can afford the monthly mortgage payment, as well as any expenses including utilities, taxes, insurance, maintenance, and/or possible homeowner’s association fees.

3. Interview an Exclusive Buyer Agent
A Buyer’s Agent will share valuable and essential information with you, if known, such as:

• • The seller’s reason for selling and timetable
  • Length of time the home has been on the market
  • Previous offers and counter offers for the property
  • Strengths and weaknesses of the property
  • Determining an offer price based on past comparable sales
  • Locating suitable property not currently on the market

You owe it to yourself to be the most knowledgeable buyer you can be. You can ask a buyer’s agent for advice and assistance in setting your offering price and structuring the other terms of your offer. What’s more, you’ll have peace of mind knowing an advocate is working on your behalf to help you buy at the best possible terms. 

Ask for references and listen to what other people have to say about their experiences with a particular agent. Ultimately, you want to find someone that knows your area, has a good grasp on current market conditions and that you feel comfortable with.

4. Decide if You Will Build or Buy Resale

Are you going to buy an existing home or build something new? There are pros and cons to both, with each a reflection of your lifestyle and needs.

This calls for thorough research to identify which of the above is beneficial to you as an aspiring homeowner.

 5. Location, Location, Location

Location is one of the key factors to consider in any home purchase. Make sure that you buy a home in areas where the value of property is set to increase as opposed to those with low prices and high chances of stagnation.

 6. Understand Mortgage Options

Speak with a mortgage professional about your options and make sure to share details about your current financial situation, including your monthly budget for a new home. They will be able to offer guidance on which loan program will work best for you.

  7. The Benefits of a Home Inspection

A home inspector will inspect the home prior to purchase to examine for structural and safety issues. An inspection is not required, but a wise choice as it will determine if the home is structurally sound and wiring and pluming are up to code.

They will also check for safety hazards, including loose railings, rotted or damaged porch or entryway steps and broken windows.

 8. Get Everything in Writing

The best way to protect yourself is to ensure that every part of your transaction is captured in writing. An example of this would be repairs the seller agrees to make prior to closing.

Your real estate professional is there to make certain those repairs are added to an addendum which becomes a part of the purchase agreement. You do not want to have a casual conversation with the seller that could be left to interpretation when it comes to the largest purchase you will probably ever make.

9. Finalize the Purchase

To avoid problems at the closing table, make sure you have a clear understanding of what to expect. Go through your loan details one last time so there are no surprises when it comes to interest rate, loan amount or mortgage term.

There will be a substantial amount of paperwork to sign so give yourself plenty of time to adequately review the details.

10. Home Improvements

Your home is a valuable asset. Once you close, continue to put aside money on a monthly basis for any necessary repairs or maintenance.

It’s also important to note that certain upgrades may contribute to lower insurance premiums. This makes it important for you to stay in touch with your real estate professional. They can provide guidance on value boosting renovations.

Filed under: Blog, Exclusive Buyer Agent, Home Buyers, Home Financing, Real Estate by Kim Bregman
Comments Off on 10 Tips Every Homebuyer Needs to Know

There is often a misconception of what a final walk through is and why it’s important.  A final walk through can sometimes be referred to as a pre-closing “inspection.”  Although you are probably excited and anxious to close on your new home, the final walk through is important and many things should checked and inspected and not overlooked.

The final walk through is NOT a home inspection.  In most cases, a buyer has had the opportunity to perform a thorough home inspection prior to finalizing the contract for purchase.  It is a common contract contingency that you should be aware of when purchasing a home. The final walk through is the time to ensure that the personal property items that were agreed to be included in the sale, are still present, that the condition of the home is substantively the same or better than the day you went under contract, check the functionality of the home’s features, and that any agreed to repairs have been made to your satisfaction.

Oftentimes, buyers negotiate sale terms to keep new appliances, light fixtures, window treatments and other installations as part of their purchases agreements. Bring your contract to purchase with you and begin your walk-through by confirming all agreed upon features are still present and in the same condition as the time of inspection.

When homes are transferred from a seller to a buyer, they are supposed to be in “broom-clean condition.”  The term “broom-clean” is a very vague, as it can mean one thing to the buyer and a different to the seller.  If there is garbage, boxes in the attic, old paint in the garage, or personal belongings from the seller in the storage areas or in the home, they should be removed by the seller at their expense prior to closing.  It is not the responsibility of the buyers to remove or dispose of the seller’s possessions that were not specifically identified as personality that was to stay with the property.

When a seller’s furniture is moved out, it’s much easier for buyers to recognize damages they may have overlooked during their initial inspections. Review surfaces, ceilings, walls and floors for any new damages such as scratched or soiled flooring and carpet, look for water damage, and cracked windows and walls.

Possibly the most important part of the final walk through is to complete a checklist of the home.  Your real estateagent should supply you with a thorough checklist and assist you with the walk-through.  The checklist should include, but not be limited to the following:

•   Check gas features, including fireplace inserts, stove and oven

•   Does the fireplace turn on with the switch

•   Do the burners warm when lit

•   Does the oven heat properly

•   Flip switches on the garbage disposal

•   Check all ceiling fans

•   Ensure the exhaust fans work properly

•   Check the AC and heat thermostats

•   Open the refrigerator; is it cool and cleaned out. Is the icemaker making ice?

•   Turn knobs on each faucet to test the handles work

•   Is the water warm indicating the water heater is functioning correctly

•   Is there proper drainage down each drain

•   Look below each sink for moisture or leaks

•   Flush each toilet and ensure they fill back up with water instead of running or leaking

•   Peer around bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms for water damage

•   Check along flooring or base molding and spot any indicators of mildew or mold

•   Walk around the entire home testing each light switch

•   Are all switch covers present

•   Open and close every window

•   Make sure the windows and doors lock shut properly

•   If screens and storm windows are expected, account for each before moving to the next window.  If there are hurricane shutters that remain with the house make sure they are all in place.

•  Test to make sure the pool pump is running

•   Is the landscaping in good shape, has the grass been watered?

•   Check the garage door openers and try each control

•   Ring the doorbell

•   If an alarm system is included in the purchase agreement, test entry and disengagement

•   If the property has a sprinkler system, start it to make sure it’s functioning

•   Look at the exterior siding, roofing, chimney, or any other exterior features that the home may have.  If there has been severe weather recently this is extra important, as it’s not uncommon for roof shingles or siding to be damaged.

•   If there were items that were agreed upon between the buyer and seller to be repaired or fixed, make sure they have been completed.  A good buyers real estate agent should ask for receipts or records from any repairs that were agreed upon.

•   Look for owner’s manuals to accompany all appliances and remote controls for ceiling fans, lighting, sound systems or any other features.

Buyers agents can require sellers to meet the terms of the purchase agreement prior to closing or renegotiate new terms to cover costs of repairing any missing features or damages found during the final walk-through. This is often accomplished in conjunction with the buyer’s attorney.  If there are problems that arise from the final walk through, it’s important to address them quickly.  The final walk-through is the last chance for buyers to critically review properties before signing closing paperwork. Buyers who use the opportunity wisely tend to have the highest probability of buyer satisfaction

Filed under: Blog, Florida Real Estate, Home Buyers, Kim Around the Web, western north carolina real estate by Kim Bregman
Comments Off on The Importance of a Final Walk-Through

The obvious advantages to residing in Florida is the weather and no state income taxes.  Another lesser known, but equally as important, advantage is Florida’s homestead laws.

“Homestead” can be a deceptively complex issue in estate and tax planning when individauls finally decide to become Florida residents, including asset protection, property tax savings, and restrictions on the estate plan.

Florida’s asset protection for homesteads is anchored in the state’s constitution (Article X, Section 4). Homestead property owned by a natural person is protected from forced sale under process of any court or judgment lien (except for obligations relating to the real estate itself, such as property taxes, mortgage principal and interest, and contractors’ liens).

The asset protection for homestead includes land and improvements on the land, with an acreage limit of up to 160 contiguous acres outside a municipality, and one-half acre inside a municipality.

Florida also offers two sorts of property tax savings for homestead property: (1) the “$50,000 exemption“ and (2) the “Save Our Homes” limit on annual property tax increases.

The “$50,000 exemption” is a reduction of up to $50,000 in the assessed value of the homestead property. A homeowner can apply for this exemption by filing a Form DR-501 at the county appraiser’s office.

The $50,000 homestead exemption is helpful as far as it goes, but it doesn’t go very far.  The “Save our Homes” advantages for homestead property approved by Florida’s voters as a constitutional amendment in 1992 are much more economically significant. ” Save our Homes” limits annual increases in property assessments to the lesser of 3% or the annual increase in the Consumer Price Index.  Over time, especially when Florida’s real estate market is appreciating, annual “Save Our Homes” advantages can be substantial.

Filed under: Blog, Florida Real Estate, Home Buyers, Uncategorized by Kim Bregman
Comments Off on Florida Homestead Exemption Advantages

For many a foreign national, the United States has always been a great place to invest in.

Buying Real Estate in the United States does not give foreign owners any rights or privileges regarding legal stay or status. If you’re interested in staying in the states longer than allowed by a standard visa, contact an immigration lawyer.

By determining the primary use for your property and how long you plan to own it, you’ll be able to provide information to your real estate agent that will help guide the search and sale.

How will you use the Property?

Before you start your property search, it’s important to think ahead to how you’ll use the home once the deal is done.

• Will this be a vacation home?
• A home to stay in while doing business in the United States?
• A home for your children while they attend college in the States?
• An investment?
• An eventual long-term residence?

The way U.S. real estate transactions are carried out may differ from your home country. Each State in the US has its own set of rules regarding the purchase of real estate, including the type of purchase contract used, the method of closing the sale and even the duties and titles of the individuals involved.

Several important U.S. real estate practices that are worth noting are:

• In the United States, real estate listing information is shared by agents using multiple listing services ( MLS) and consumers can access that same information using real estate sites such as com or Realtor.com. In many other parts of the world, real estate is a fragmented business and buyers have to go from agent to agent to find a property.
• In some countries, it is typical to pay a fee to the agents who are scouting properties on your behalf and showing you around. In the United States, the sales commission is paid by the seller who has a listing agreement with the Seller, so buyers don’t pay anything to have an agent work on their behalf if it is being advertised in the MLS system. It is always advisable for a buyer to work with an Exclusive Buyer Agent who will protect the buyer’s interest in the transaction. Make sure you ask any agent you contact what their “agency relationship” is to you. Each state has different forms of agency and many agents do not work for the benefit of the Buyer.
• In the United States, real estate agents need licenses to operate. The licensing laws of each state differ regarding how much education is required, the type and depth of licensing examinations, and whether continuing education courses are required once an agent becomes licensed. The licensing system was designed to ensure real estate agents are qualified to guide consumers through the maze of finding, evaluating and financing real estate.

Foreign buyers will also want to give consideration to issues such as currency exchange rates, international wire transfers, banking systems, multi-national taxation and accounting issues, and import/export restrictions regarding currency and household goods. It is recommended that you consult with an accountant and attorney before finalizing any transaction.

Foreign buyers are eligible to buy single-family homes, condominiums, duplexes, triplexes, quadru-plexes and townhomes. Housing cooperatives or co-ops often have rules prohibiting foreign ownership. That’s because co-ops generally require that a buyer’s source of income be from the United States and that most of the majority of the buyer’s assets be kept in the U.S.

Financing or Paying Cash?

Qualified foreign buyers with a 30 to 40 percent down payment can often obtain financing for their U.S. real estate purchases. MANY BANKS REQUIRE FOREIGN BUYERS to have a specific amount ($100,000 or more) on deposit with the bank while others set loan limits of $1 million to $2 million. You may also be required to present a minimum of three months of bank statements.

The U.S. home loan market offers an array of safe, affordable mortgages, including some that will allow Muslims to buy a home without violating Islamic laws against paying interest.

Before applying for a U.S. mortgage, you must first establish credit and earn a good credit score. You can start building your credit score by opening U.S. bank and credit card accounts. You’ll also want to be sure to report all income on your tax returns. Lenders use this income information to determine how much money they’re willing to loan you to buy a home.

While you don’t necessarily need to be a citizen or even have a green card to buy a home in the U.S., you will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

All cash purchases are permitted, but U.S. law mandates that cash transactions over $10,000 be reported to the federal government. The requirement for reporting involves everyone connected to the transaction (purchaser, real estate agents, attorneys and title companies). The government wants to know how you earned the money and that it was legally obtained. Cash buyers can potentially save money on mortgage application fees, loan origination fees, appraisals and title insurance.

Should I purchase U.S. property in my name?

Foreign investors can purchase property directly – in their own names – or through some sort of business entity, such as a domestic corporation, foreign corporation, limited partnership, joint venture, real estate investment trust or limited liability company.

How the property will be used should play into your decision. Additionally, the structure through which you purchase your property can have dramatic tax consequences. Your real estate attorney and accountant should be able to provide counsel concerning your options.

Do I have to travel to the U.S. for the closing?

While you may very well want to attend your real estate closing, it is not necessary. In the event that you cannot or choose not to attend your closing, you must execute a “Power of Attorney.” This is a written document authorizing another person to represent you and sign on your behalf.  Some lenders may require that you be present in the US to sign their loan documents.  This is something you should inquire about when selecting a lender if you do not plan on traveling for the closing.

How will a U.S. real estate purchase affect my taxes?

A foreign property owners’ tax liability in his home country will vary depending upon where the purchaser is from and whether that country has a tax treaty with the United States. Consult a tax attorney familiar with your home country’s treaty to get answers to tax-related questions.

The United States government requires that foreign nationals pay U.S. income taxes (state and federal) on any net income (rental revenues less expenses) received from rental property. If tax returns are not filed in a timely fashion, a tax of 30 percent of the gross rental income may be assessed. Even if you’re incurring losses in the early years of your investment and you don’t owe any taxes to the government, you still must file your tax returns in a timely manner or be subject to financial penalty.

What is FIRPTA?

FIRPTA refers to the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980.  This ruling authorizes the United States to withhold income tax when property is sold, exchanged, gifted, transferred or liquidated by a foreigner. The Internal Revenue Service takes 15 percent of the proceeds and the state government will also take a percentage (if applicable). When a US tax return is submitted reporting the capital gains tax, if there is any refund due, that money will be refunded to the filer.

If the buyer of the home from the foreign national investor will reside in the home more than 50% of the time and the home sales price is under $300,000.00, the purchaser is not obligated to retain the 15% tax.

Filed under: 20 Blogs, Blog, Exclusive Buyer Agent, First Time Homebuyers, Florida Real Estate, Foreign Home Buyers, Foreign Nationals, Home Buyer Advice, Home Buyers, Home Financing, Homebuyer Advice, International Home Buyers, International investors, Real Estate, Real Estate Closings, Real Estate Investment, real estate news, Real estate trends, Relocation, Retirement, South Florida Real Estate, western north carolina real estate by Kim Bregman
Comments Off on The Foreign Buyers Guide – What you need to know about buying real estate in the United States