International Buyers
If you are outside the United States and/or a non-US citizen and are seeking a new home or investment property in the USA, I have prepared the following FAQ to answer the most common questions about buying real estate in the USA by non-citizens, immigrants or foreign investors. If you need further information, please feel free to contact me and I will be happy to help!
John Merritt is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Previews, Beverly Hills.
Q: Can people from outside of the US or non-US citizens buy and own real estate in the US?
A: Yes. The United States does not place any restrictions on non-US citizens buying and owning real estate in the United States. Many people from outside the US buy real estate here as investments, for vacation homes or for future relocation. Currently we are seeing lots of buying from people from other countries due to the favorable exchange rate between the US dollar and other currencies such as the Yen and the Euro. Buying real estate in the US is also very safe and secure, as all transactions are subject to US contract law and are handled by neutral third party escrow companies who oversee all aspects of the transaction between seller and buyer.
Q: Which countries and citizens do you work with in helping to buy real estate or relocate to the Los Angeles area?
A: I work with clients from all over the world, and some of my past and present clients include citizens of western Europe, Canada, Russia, Asia, and the Middle East among others. No matter what country or part of the world you are from, I am happy to learn about your needs and assist you as a new client.
Q: What are the best areas of Los Angeles to buy property or to relocate and live?
A: Los Angeles is a very diverse city and a community can be found for just about every taste and lifestyle. Some of the more popular communities in the Los Angeles area for relocating or buying investment property include Beverly Hills and Bel Air on the West Side of Los Angeles, the Hollywood Hills and in the San Fernando Valley from Studio City to Calabasas. Among these communities are desirable school districts, beautiful homes, safe neighborhoods and world class shopping and dining.
Q: What are typical expenses for owning a home in the Los Angeles area?
A: As you would expect with owning a home in any other area, you should plan for utilities such as electricity, gas, water and sewage. Depending on the size of the home and your usage, these expenses can range anywhere from $100 to $1,000+ a month. Please note these amounts are estimates only, and actual expense can vary from home to home and community to community. It is recommended you verify all expenses before buying any home. Property taxes are another expense, and the typical rate can range from 1% to 1.25% of the assessed value per annum. As with utilities, you should verify the taxes for the particular area and home you are thinking of buying prior to purchase. Condominiums and even some single family homes also come with an added expense of a homeowners association. The homeowners association covers all expenses related to maintenance and upkeep of common areas of the property, as well as the operating budget of the homeowners association itself. Monthly HOA fees can range from under $200 a month to over $1,000+ per month for luxury communities.
Q: What types of visas are available for immigration and permanent citizenship to the United States?
A: The most common visa is a work visa, but an investor visa EB-5 is available to individuals who can qualify and invest a minimum amount of money in the United States, which can range from $500,000 to $1,000,000. This visa can eventually lead to permanent citizenship if desired. For more information on this type of visa, here is a link to a great article.
Q: Can you help me with referrals to US lawyers who can advise on Visas, immigration and financial aspects of US real estate or relocating?
A: Yes. Part of my experience and service as a real estate agent assisting non-US citizens in buying real estate or relocating to the US is helping with immigration, visa, tax issues, and other questions or concerns you may have. If you do not have your own legal counsel in the US, I can refer you to attorneys I have worked with in the past and have provided excellent service to my clients.
Q: How can I buy real estate in the USA?
A: The best way to get started is to provide me with all the details of the type of home or real estate you would like to purchase. Once I have those details, I can start a search for properties that match your criteria, and I can provide you with photos and information about the property. I can answer any questions you have such as neighborhood information, maintenance costs, property taxes, security, and other expenses related to a particular home. From there, once you decide which area you would like and type of home, it is best to plan a trip to the US so you can actually tour the area and view properties. It’s recommended to plan on spending about 5 to 10 days on your visit, especially if you would like to purchase property while you are here.
Q: Do you work with investors as well as individuals in acquiring or selling US real estate?
A: Yes. If you plan to invest in US real estate I can help with acquiring the real estate, and in addition my firm also can work with you on leasing/renting property, screening tenants and listing and marketing property for sale.
If you have any questions on this process or would like to get started on finding real estate in the Los Angeles area, please feel free to leave your contact information on my contact form and I’ll get back to you within 24 hours. Or you can call me directly at (310) 717-2232. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you!
About the Author
John Merritt – (310) 717-2232. John is a real estate agent/Realtor serving the Los Angeles communities of Studio City, Hollywood Hills, West Hollywood, Sherman Oaks, Beverly Hills, Bel Air, and all surrounding areas. If you would like to see any properties in the LA area or have any real estate questions please call
