Most Thai investors purchasing properties in the U.S. with me as their agent are referral clients from local investors. The purchase is made easy thanks to today’s technological advancement that allows clients to invest in properties anywhere in the world through a visual tour of the property. For my part, I dedicate enormous time and effort to studying contracts, negotiating terms, and connecting with professionals to ensure the best benefits for all my clients, 80% of whom make a purchase for investment and the remaining 20% residential purposes. My 15-year experience and knowledge in real estate coupled with my commitment to delivering the best service with honesty and integrity has resulted in numerous satisfied client referrals. Here are some takeaways for future investors.
- No need for a visa to own a property in the U.S.
- No need to come to the U.S. for purchase or sale of a property.
- Subject to paying property taxes twice a year, monthly HOA (Homeowner Association) fees, home insurance, mortgage (if needed).
- Subject to paying income tax for the profit from selling the property. Investor can choose to do a 1031 exchange to reinvest the proceeds to defer tax.
- A purchase can be made in cash or mortgage, but the client needs to first provide proof of funds and specify the expected rate of return for their cash flow or capital gain.
- Finding rentals is not all that difficult given we do a thorough analysis and statistical reviews before making a purchase decision.
- A need for a clear goal for making an investment i.e. leveraging money abroad, cash flow, capital gain with the protection on the return of a certain type of property.
- A need for a 30-50% down payment when applying for a mortgage to buy a house.
- A property can be bought in the name of an individual or a company.
- The after-sale service of an international real estate agent may extend to selecting a tenant, check the lease and inspect the property when the lease ends, end a contract, take care of fund transfer and find a home insurance, as well as contact a home management company and an accountant.
Having worked as an international real estate agent for 15 years, I have learned that to be successful in this business, an agent needs to keep up-to-date with fast-changing market situations. Moreover, it takes knowledge, expertise, excellent negotiation skill and, most importantly, honesty and integrity to win the hearts of clients and get satisfied client referrals.
