FAQ

Are foreigners allowed to buy a home/property in USA?

Yes, there are no US laws against foreign nationals buying properties and owning land in the United States.

Is my earnest money deposit refundable?

Buying a real estate property in the USA is very safe. After the Buyer’s offer is accepted, his earnest money deposit check is handed to a neutral third party (title company or escrow agent) which then deposits it into an escrow account. If during the inspection period, Buyer should decide to cancel the transaction, the deposit is refunded by the escrow company, after obtaining a release signature from the Seller.

Do I need to buy a homeowners insurance?

If you pay cash, the homeowner’s insurance and flood insurance is optional. However, if you’re getting a load, the Bank usually requires a homeowner’s insurance policy. Always is a good idea to have a homeowner’s insurance and flood insurance in Florida.

Do I need a lawyer to buy a home in USA ?

No, in Florida, most of the real estate transactions are conducted through a Title Company which acts as a neutral third party that facilitates and coordinates the transaction.

Why Purchase a Home Warranty?

Purchasing a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. To increase your confidence in this important decision, make sure an HSA Home Warranty is a part of your real estate transaction.

The home warranty provides:

  • Peace of mind – Any move is going to include its share of new expenses.  Take comfort in the fact that repairs of a covered system or appliance won’t be part of that.

  • Reliable service – You don’t have to worry about calling around town for service recommendations and estimates. HSA will arrange for a diagnosis by one of their qualified, prescreened service contractors. The convenience of the service is matched only by the quality of repairs.

  • Protection for years to come – You’ll have excellent protection, service and convenience from HSA the year you purchase your new home, but it doesn’t have to end there – you can renew your home warranty year after year. With a monthly payment plan option, you can continue to affordably protect against normal wear and tear that will eventually take a toll on your home’s mechanical systems and appliances.

  • HSA’s Service Guarantee – HSA is committed to not making you wait for repair service. When you call for service, HSA will provide a qualified, prescreened contractor to take care of the covered repair. If an HSA authorized service provider cannot respond within a reasonable time frame, HSA will approve the use of a contractor outside of its network to ensure the convenience of fast service.

Is a private home inspection worth the money?

It absolutey is!  For most people, a home is the largest investment they will ever make and protecting that investment by spending a few hundred dollars is well worth it.  An inspector checks the safety of your potential home.  Home inspectors focus especially on the structure, construction, and mechanical systems of the house and will provide you with a report of any repairs that need to be take care of, suggestions on how to maintain your home, and most importantly, will provide you with peace of mind.  Some sellers will allow you to make the sale of the home contingent upon completion of a satisfactory home inspection.  In this case, the seller will either make the proper repairs or compensate you for the repairs that need to be made.

Please be aware that the purpose of a home inspection is to point out repairs that can affect the safety and resale value of your home, not cosmetic blemishes.
Be sure to choose a home inspector wisely.

Be sure to ask questions and find out how many years they have been in the business.  Talk to your family, friends, and realtor to see if they can recommend one to you.

What makes up closing costs?

Closing costs are usually made up of the following:

  • Attorney’s or escrow fees (yours and your lender’s if applicable)
  • Property taxes (to cover the tax period to date)
  • Interest (paid from date of closing to 30 days before the first monthly payment)
  • Loan origination fee (covers lender’s administrative cost)
  • Recording fees
  • Survey fee
  • First premium of mortgage insurance (if applicable)
  • Title insurance (yours and lender’s)
  • First payment to escrow account for future real estate taxes and insurance
  • Any documentation preparation fees