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Opportunities for real estate investment for foreigners is wide and varied in the United States. It doesn’t matter where you’re from and what currency you’d be using to purchase a property, you have a property waiting for you.

There are generally three kinds of real estate investment available to foreigners. These investments include the commercial estate investment and residential property investment. Residential properties are further classified into single family properties, apartments or condominiums and recreational properties. Regardless of what kind of real estate you are interested in, there are all sorts of tax ramifications, financing options and legal requirements that you have to deal with.

Why Should You Invest in the U.S. Real Estate Market?

You’ve probably heard of the increasing number of foreign real estate investments in the United States. This is not surprising. With the troubles that the real estate investment market is facing in the United States, greater opportunities in real estate investment were opened to foreign investors.

With the dollar’s value in its all time low, foreign investors are finding real estate bargains all over the United States. There are no shortages of deals in this market. More and more distressed properties are being sold everywhere and foreigners are pouring in millions buying these foreclosed or distressed properties. The United States real estate has become a fairly attractive long-term investment for foreign investors.

In November of 2006, the National Association of Realtors released a report entitled “Foreign Investments in U.S Real Estate: Current Trends and Historical Perspective”. The report showed that there has been a steady increase in foreign real estate investment in the United States. This is especially after the euro and the loonie became stronger in the face of the continuous devaluation of the US dollar. Prime bargains were opened to foreigners. Many foreigners have now looked into the possibility of retiring or settling in the United States.

If you’re a foreigner, you would find a lot of reasons why you should invest in the United States real estate market. Aside from the fact that the floating exchange rate has given you a lot of leverage over the bargaining table, the financial market is a pretty good reason why you should invest in the US real estate.

The financial market in the United States in relation to the real estate market is quite liberal and the restrictions against foreign investors are pretty reasonable. This is ideal for foreign companies that are seeking to invest in the real estate market in the United States in order to avoid tariff restrictions and are considering setting up an office or a company in the United States.

Furthermore, despite the devaluation of the US dollar and the wide foreclosures of a lot of property, the real estate market remains to be stable, though slightly shaky, due to foreign investors’ capital appreciation. Domestic real estate buyers may not necessarily share the same opinion, but the market has remained to be strong for foreign real estate buyers. This may be largely credited to the fact that there is minimal risk for them.

Why are Foreign Real Estate Investments Safe and Profitable?

There are a lot of investments you can make, but the safest you can make right now is investing your money in real properties. This is another good reason aside from the fact that you can make a pretty nifty profit, if you like, particularly now with the widespread property foreclosures and seemingly continuous US dollar devaluation. This is especially true if you are going to use the euro or the loonie when making your investment.

But why is US real estate investment safe for foreigners?

It is undeniable that stock investments are not a safe avenue at this point. The recession has not only affected the US economy; the same recession has greatly affected worldwide stock investments. Stocks values are dropping. It is also a fact that even without the current economic situation, stock values fluctuates.

On the other hand, real estate investments are pretty stable if you would compare it to stock investments – or even bond or mutual fund investments. With real estate investment, you’d be putting your money in an investment that would grow in value as years go by.

What are the Benefits of Foreign Real Estate Investment?

US state government supports foreign investments and along this line has formulated various tax breaks to encourage foreign investment on real estate. Many of these tax breaks are not available in many countries. In fact, most countries would frown at foreigners owning real properties within their territory.

Foreign real estate investment in the United States is open to everyone. As long as you can afford to buy the property or at least comply with the mortgage requirements and payments, you can secure for yourself a pretty good property in the United States. Again, with the current economic situation of the United States, this is the perfect chance for you to make an investment.

Another great benefit that you can take advantage of is the availability of mortgage financing. Lenders have opened their doors to foreign investors who are looking into purchasing a property. So, you don’t have to actually deplete your bank account. You can actually secure a mortgage loan and gradually pay it off.

I’m Canadian, What Are My Financing Options?

There is a steady increasing rate of Canadian real estate investors in the United States; and accordingly, the government has made certain that they have attractive financing options available to them.

If you’re Canadian – or if you’re a foreigner – you’d find a lot of reasons why you should buy a piece of real property in the United States. For Canadians, the parity of the currencies or the apparent devaluation of the US dollar is a pretty good reason itself. But how do you finance your purchase?

There are various financing options available to you depending on which state you are in. In Arizona, for instance, you’d get favorable financing terms if you are purchasing a property for recreational purposes, that is, you do not derive any income or benefit from your purchase or ownership. You will be required, however, to sign up a disclosure agreement and give a 30% down payment for your loan. To qualify though for a loan, you may be required to show availability of liquid reserves for a period of three to six months. You may also be required to present a minimum of 3-month bank statement.

If you are purchasing a property for investment, you’d probably meet stricter terms. Requirements may be more stringent. For instance, you could be required to give a down payment of more than 30% and you may be required to show one year worth of liquidity reserves.

Regardless of your reasons, if you feel like you can fulfill the requirements of a financing loan, you can then proceed to actually applying for a mortgage loan. Also, keeping yourself updated with the financing terms flux may be a wise idea.

Understanding the Tax Ramifications of Real Estate Investment

The first foreigner to have ever bought a real estate property in the United States was Peter Minuit. This opened the doors to foreign real estate investors. After a couple of centuries later, foreign real estate investment has grown into huge proportions, accounting for billion-of-dollar worth of industry.

The low risk attached to US real estate market, the availability of countless properties, and the steady market liquidity attract foreign investors in droves. The initial snag, however, is the process of understanding the legal ramifications of foreign real estate investment.

What you have to understand is that foreign investment in the United States can take a lot of forms. A foreigner has various options. He can acquire direct interest. He can acquire an interest in the real estate through a partnership, a corporation, or a limited liability company. The latter is the typical structure used by foreign investors.

Limited partnership or Limited Liability Company offers financial protection or indirect asset protection, especially in cases of bankruptcy, law suits and taxes. Foreign investors are generally taxed on the property as if they hold the property in direct interest.

Ideally, you should secure the services of a real estate accountant to help you out with the tax ramifications, but it would help if you, at least, know the basics before you actually talk to an accountant.

There are tax consequences that you have to deal with when you buy a real estate in the United States. You would need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number which you will use with all your tax transactions. Your investment in real estates can be treated as a portfolio investment and will be accounted for as an investment income which can either be fixed or a periodic income. This is typically taxed at 30% on gross revenues. This tax though does not apply though to all foreign investors. Tax rates would vary depending on the tax personality the foreign investor opted for. For instance, a corporation would be taxed differently.

Other things that you should take note of are availability and requirements of tax refunds and state tax laws on real estate properties as they may differ from federal laws, among other things.

By knowing all these things, you may save yourself from a lot of hassles when you finally approach a real estate accountant. You’d be in same wavelength when you finally get down to talking business. It is, however, very important that you secure the services of an accountant. You’d have an easier time dealing with the taxes ramifications. You’d also have assistance ensuring that you comply with all the accounting aspect of your investment. This is especially true if you are purchasing a real property for investment purposes.

Do You Need to Secure the Service of a Real Estate Lawyer?

If you are considering buying a property in the United States, you need to secure the services of a real estate attorney – someone who could help you with the legal issues concerning your purchase. It is tempting to forego securing the service of a lawyer to save money, but this could cost you a lot of money in the long run. Make sure that you have an experienced and trustworthy lawyer to help you out. Make sure that you have thoroughly checked out his credentials, profile, history of successful cases handled by him, and other factors that would influence your decision. You could check online and look for a lawyer working within the state where you are considering purchasing a property.

Functions of a Real Estate Lawyer

There is no actual distinctive function for a lawyer in a real estate case. However, you would really need the assistance of a lawyer for various tasks. A real estate lawyer would review the sales contract for you. He would also check on the title and other documents relating to the property. A lawyer would also review your mortgage contract and make the necessary adjustments or corrections. You could also get him to review with you the legal and tax issues concerning the purchase. A real estate attorney could also make the necessary adjustments relating to various expenses and costs involved in the purchase. He would assess your eligibility for tax refunds and draft the documents and statements relating to this.

Putting it simply, a real estate lawyer will be your watchdog. He would guide you through the whole process of purchasing a real estate in the United States in order to make sure that you will be legally protected. You will have a capable and trustworthy liaison to help you out with the contract. He will also face legal disputes if any arise.

Tips on How to Invest in Real Estate Successfully

Now, if you’ve fully bought into the idea of real estate investing in the United States, you might just want to know how to go about investing in real estate successfully. If you want to be successful in this venture, the first thing that you have to avoid is overanalyzing. Of course, it is a good idea to carefully think through your actions but it is a bad idea to overanalyze your investment to nonexistence. You might lose a great opportunity.

Before you purchase the property though, it might be wise to check the property value. If it sits well with you and you can reasonably afford the property, go ahead and make the purchase.

If you are considering the property for a quick flip, make sure that the property is in perfect condition and in good area. This is to ensure that you could double or actually triple your return of investment. If you can inspect the property yourself, do so. If not, a good and trustworthy agent can help you with this task.

Another important thing to remember when you’re buying real estate is good financing. You should take your time to carefully consider all your financing options. Foreign investors can email in their queries to various lending institutions. It is a good idea to make sure that you’ve had their terms and rates on paper because they tend to change these terms and charge you with a lot of junk. Your real estate agent can help you with reviewing the escrow charges.

The bottom line, however, is that it is very important that you do your homework before you actually buy a real property. Investing in real properties in the United States can be profitable especially during these times. In fact, it may be the wisest and most perfect investment you can make right now.

Maria Gudelis has been a real estate investor and entrepreneur for over 10 years. She has investigated or bought properties all over the world including Mexico, Ecuador, Canada and the U.S.A. Past co-founder of the Southern California ‘Forum for Women Entrepreneurs’, her passion is to help other entrepreneurs leverage technology and real estate to be successful in their businesses. Her website is at http://www.maria-gudelis.com

Let’s talk about persistence, you know, the ability to keep going when things keep holding you back? Sometimes both new investors and old need a check-up from the neck-up. This business can be tough at times! I don’t care what the guru’s tell you, this is not an easy business, though it’s simple sometimes. Once you do your first deal, it’s like the gates open and knowledge flows. The confidence from your first deal is what gets you going… but you need that confidence first.

Here’s a story I want to share with you about a miner:

Back in the gold rush days, there was a guy who wanted to be a gold miner, but didn’t want to do it alone. He wanted to hire a company and do it BIG TIME. He went out and got a loan, borrowed all kinds of money, put his life savings in it, hired some guys to go out there with picks and shovels, did tons of research to figure out where the gold is… and things got tough.

Days went on, and they dug and dug and dug and dug. They didn’t find any gold and things were looking gloomy and glum. Then, the guy got out. He backed out because he didn’t have any more money to pay his people and he couldn’t take it anymore. He finally said, “there’s no gold here!” and sold out. (I bet some of you are thinking the same thing right now in your real estate business). He sold his business to in order to pay off his loans. Now, ANOTHER guy comes in who had a little bit more education and knowledge about the business. He put HIS guys to work, and literally, 3 feet away from where the other team stopped digging, they found one of the largest gold veins in California. This guy became mega-wealthy. Go ahead and look this up online and in the history books. It’s true!

You might be “this close” to your first deal. It takes only one deal to change your life! If you could do one deal tomorrow that could make you $20,000 to $30,000… or even $5,000… how much would it change YOUR life? It only takes one deal to make a difference. Now, you couldn’t retire after one deal, but it would allow you to pay off some of your bills, maybe take a nice vacation with your family. But, you have to be persistent!

I don’t know how many of you have been in jail swinging sledgehammers breaking those big boulders. (I wouldn’t want to try it) But, from what I have read, to break them, you have to hit them hundreds of times, without seeing as much as a tiny crack first. Then, all of a sudden, with one blow, it would crumble into many little pieces because it had been weakened from the inside out.
That is what this business is like sometimes. You have to take one more smack, one more blow. I know that some of you feel like you have been knocked around out there. Be persistent. Stick to your guns. This business works! If you want to work for yourself and you don’t have a bunch of money or good credit to go around, this is the business for you! Think about if you want to open a McDonald’s or Subway, it could cost you a quarter to half a million dollars, and then it could take years to break even.

To get into a business on your own, this is an easy business to get into. You don’t pay for it out of your pocket, but you do pay with stress and nerves at times. I know where you are at, I’ve been there. Rome wasn’t built in a day. But once you “get” this business, you’re able to do it over and over again. But… you have to have “stickability”!

In this business, you won’t get any worse with practice. If you’ve been in the business for a few months and have made a few offers, started your education, put out a few signs, or run some ads, you are not getting dumber or less smart in this business. Every time you fail, you take a step forward. (of course the shortest path to success is getting help and training). I’ve known guys that have done deals for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Once you have the knowledge, the only difference is the amount of zeros on the paycheck. You do the same amount of work on a million dollar house as a $100,000 house. If you spend some money on training or bought a program or two, and put a lot of hours in it, and nothing has panned out, the only way it can go to waste is if you quit. Like I said before, it’s “stickability” and having the right attitude.

Let’s look at people who make big money. Real estate investors make big money. Athletes make big money. Actors make big money. Musicians make big money. Most of these actors and rock stars worked for $200 a week waitressing, cleaning, doing anything they had to do to put food on the table. Most of these actors and rock stars are “old” and that’s because they did gigs for $100 a night for ten years, before they became famous and successful. Most of them put years in first, while they whacked away at that stone, before they got that big break. It’s the same thing in this business. Once you get that first deal, they are going to fall like bowling pins. That’s your big break… but don’t give up. Don’t be afraid to spend a little money to get some training. You have to be trained and have some support. You have to have someone you can go to for help. Go to your REIA, meet some people, and network. I do deals now that 4 or 5 years ago would fall apart, because when there was a problem, I didn’t know how to solve it. I learned that by “doing”!

I want to share a story with you:

In 1831, a man lost his job. In 1832, he was defeated in his run for Illinois State Legislator. He opened a business after that. A year later, in 1833, he failed and lost his business. In 1835, his sweetheart died. In 1836 he had a nervous breakdown. In 1838 he was defeated in another run for Illinois House Speaker. In 1843 he was defeated for the U.S. Congress. In 1846 he was elected to Congress, finally. In 1848 he lost. He was out. In 1849 he tried to become a Land Officer, he lost. In 1854 he tried to run for Senate and lost. In 1856 someone wanted him to be his Vice President, and he lost. In 1858, he again lost. Then, in 1860 Abraham Lincoln became President! This is Abraham Lincoln we are talking about. How many times did he whack away at that boulder to get where he wanted to go?

I too had to adapt recently. It’s all about education, learning, being persistent, and just keep going! Did you know that Thomas Edison had about 1,000 ways that he failed while trying to get the light bulb to work? He always said he had 1,000 ways to make a light bulb. He only needed 1 way to make it work. But he was persistent. What if he didn’t keep on going?

Nick Cifonie is a long-time real estate investor, speaker, and mentor. Nick has bought and sold millions of $’s in single family homes and multi-family properties, using techniques including bird-dogging, wholesaling, lease-options, subject-to transactions, buy and holds, seller financing, retail flips, assignments, options, auctions, and has even flipped property on EBAY! Nick is the current host of the popular “Real Estate Investor TV”, a fun, educational series found at: http://www.realestateinvestoronline.com