Buying International Real Estate
Andrew C. Weitnauer
1-2-2008

Have you ever thought about buying a second home in a foreign country? Most of us have spent a few minutes online drooling over some of these properties. However, most of us quickly let the dream fade away when we realize how complicated and risky this venture can be.

The hardest part about buying property abroad is that every country, state, and city has different rules and conventions. So to be smart about it we usually start by researching foreign ownership restrictions, tax ramifications, currency issues, etc. This can be very time consuming, costly, and may even lead to out dated and incorrect answers. Along with this, doubt usually sets in; what if the property is over priced and I’m the only idiot in the world who doesn’t know it?

The best way to purchase real estate in foreign places is to contact a trustworthy, local, real estate professional. A local real estate agent will be familiar with the market value of properties in the area you are searching, and they understand the local laws. Your next question is probably; how do I find a trustworthy local real estate agent?

There is a website called UniFersal.com, http://www.unifersal.com/index.php . You can find properties, look at property pictures, and even chat, call, or message a pre-screened, local real estate professional who speaks your language and specializes in the particular city you are searching in.

UniFersal.com does a background check on all of the real estate professionals that would love to help you buy real estate in their city. They confirm the professional’s real estate expertise in that city, and even ask for references.

If you are serious about buying a property in a foreign country, don’t try to do it alone. Use the internet to drool over properties, then get serious and contact a local professional.