Go Global – Coming to America By Pat Tan Many of us will remember the hilarious antics of Eddie Murphy in the film Coming to America, where he plays an African prince trying to understand the American way of life. As an international REALTOR®, I regularly work with individuals and families who wish to emigrate to U.S.A. and settle here. Having gone down that route myself in 1990s when we emigrated here from England, I try to make my clients’ journey as smooth as possible and find myself giving advice on many different matters. To emigrate to another country is […]
Go Global Panama – Is it For You? By Pat Tan We often hear stories about attractively priced properties in Central America. Regular readers may remember my articles on Costa Rica, Belize and Mexico. Well now it’s the turn of Panama to come under the magnifying glass. Panama lies between Colombia and Costa Rica in Central America, forming a natural isthmian bridge between the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south. Settled by the Spanish in 1500s, and separated from Spain in 1821, Panama became a department of Columbia. With the support of the United […]
An Overview of the Withholding Requirements for “Foreign Persons” By Steven R. Greenberg Effective January 1, 1985, Congress enacted FIRPTA (Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act). The purpose of FIRPTA is to minimize the ability of foreigners (individuals and entities) from taking the proceeds from the sale of U.S. property without paying tax on the profits. Section 1445 of the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) requires that the buyer of U.S. real property collect and pay over to the Internal Revenue Service 10% of the purchase price within twenty days after the closing, unless: 1. The seller is a U.S. […]
Go Global – When Is A Dollar Not A Dollar? By Pat Tan Currency Considerations When Buying And Selling International Real Estate. The decision to buy or sell a piece of property in another country is not one to be taken lightly. There are many aspects of an international transaction that will differ significantly from country to country. Obviously, investors need to understand the local laws and business practices of the market in which they plan to be active, and to identify trusted partners in that country to assist them with the transaction. In addition, it is vitally important to […]
Go Global …. Experience Island Living in the Bahamas By Pat Tan When Christopher Columbus first visited the Bahamas in 1492, he found Indians occupying islands surrounded by white and pink sands and crystal clear waters. Columbus was followed by a group of Puritans who landed in the Bahamas in 1648, and by Loyalists fleeing America after the War of Independence, many of whom brought their African slaves to the islands. Today, the Bahamas is a rich tapestry of African and European cultures living in harmony on those powder sands and enjoying all that the crystal clear waters have to […]
Despite recent strengthening of the U.S. dollar, interest in our area from overseas investors remains high. I am pleased to report that we continue to see very high levels of interest in our real estate market from overseas investors.
Explore what it takes to purchase real estate in European countries. Changes in currency valuation make purchasing Eurpopean real estate more affordable.
Said to be one of Mother Nature’s best kept secrets, Belize is also known as an adventurer’s paradise.
Go Global South of the Border By Patricia Tan Why is Mexico one of North America’s favorite destinations? Is it the miles of white sandy beaches, emerald-green reefs of the Caribbean, state-of-the-art hospitals and medical care, or something more? Mexico’s attractions are many and varied and will be viewed differently depending upon the motivation of the visitor to this friendly, welcoming country. Tourists will undoubtedly be drawn by the natural beauty, Mayan history and the opportunity to enjoy unspoiled beaches and water sports in the clear blue seas. Once smitten with Mexico’s attractions, many tourists visit over and over again […]
Go Global – Focus on Costa Rica By Pat Tan Costa Rica’s location at the heart of the Central American isthmus, the country’s varied landscape, mild climate, emphasis on ecology and its friendly people have made this small country a hot spot for investment, retirement and vacation. Bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south/southeast, Costa Rica benefits from over 800 miles of coastline set on the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean. Almost 20,000 square miles in area, the landscape is dominated by Cerro Chirripó, the fifth highest peak in Central America. Endless beaches, […]
Sarasota is in a prime position to attract potential Canadian home
buyers. A quick, inexpensive flight from Buffalo and they’re on the way
to experiencing Sarasota. The allure of Florida sunshine, a struggling
housing market and the Canadian dream of owning a piece of paradise are
truly affordable realities in our present economic state.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
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