Question 1

Can a foreign national buy property in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There are no citizenship or residency restrictions on foreign nationals owning real estate in Florida. You can buy in your own name or through a company.

Question 2

Do I need a visa or green card to buy?

Accepted Answer

No. Owning property does not require any immigration status. Note that buying property does not by itself grant a visa or residency.

Question 3

Can I buy remotely from another country?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many international buyers tour by video, sign digitally, and close using a power of attorney without traveling to Florida.

Question 4

Do I need a Social Security number?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. Cash buyers often need none; financed buyers can frequently use an ITIN instead of an SSN.

Question 5

What is FIRPTA?

Accepted Answer

A federal law requiring withholding when a foreign owner sells US real estate. Planning ahead, including a withholding certificate, can protect your cash flow. See the FIRPTA guide.

Question 6

Can I get a mortgage without US credit?

Accepted Answer

Often yes. Foreign-national and ITIN loan programs are built for buyers without traditional US credit history.

Question 7

How much down payment will I need?

Accepted Answer

It varies by program and is usually higher for non-residents. Once we talk, I connect you with a specialist for exact numbers.

Question 8

Do I really need pre-approval?

Accepted Answer

Yes. It defines your budget and makes sellers take your offer seriously. It costs nothing to get.

Question 9

How long does closing take?

Accepted Answer

A cash purchase can close in a few weeks once under contract; financed deals take longer due to lender review.

Question 10

What are typical closing costs?

Accepted Answer

Usually about 2 to 5 percent of the purchase price, varying by loan and property.

Question 11

Who holds my deposit?

Accepted Answer

A neutral third party — the title company or closing attorney — holds it in escrow, released only under the contract terms.

Question 12

How do you decide my home's price?

Accepted Answer

With real comparable sales and a marketing strategy, not guesswork. See the Home Value page for a starting point.

Question 13

What if I'm a foreign owner selling?

Accepted Answer

FIRPTA withholding applies at closing, but a certificate filed early can reduce over-withholding. We set it up before closing.

Question 14

What languages do you work in?

Accepted Answer

English, Portuguese, and Spanish — fluently, from first question to closing day.

Question 15

What areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

Miami-Dade, Broward, and the Orlando area.

Frequently Asked Questions

International Buyers

Financing

Buying

Selling

Working with Eddy

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