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How to buy real estate in the US as a non-resident

Julian Drago
September 15, 2023

When it comes to buying real estate in the US as a non-resident, many factors come into play. One such factor that may be of particular interest is the use of an LLC.

Buying a property with an LLC can offer increased privacy and asset protection, as well as options for estate planning.

This blog post will provide an overview of what you need to know to buy a property in the USA with an LLC, as a non-resident.

Buying real estate with an LLC as a non-resident in 6 steps

Step 1: Register your LLC

The first step is to register and form your LLC. This process can take 1-2 weeks, so it's best to start as soon as possible.

The real estate market is constantly changing, so you don't want to find a property you love only to find out that you can't buy it because your LLC isn't set up yet.

f you don't know how to set up and register your LLC, Openbiz can help guide you through the process successfully and compliantly.

Step 2: Prepare to buy

After successfully registering for your LLC, you need to open a bank account for your business and company, and you will also need an EIN.

If your LLC takes out a mortgage, expect the process to take longer because lenders have stricter requirements and ask for more information from buyers using an LLC.

Step 3: Get a real estate agent

It's important to have an experienced real estate agent on your side to help you navigate the process and find the perfect property for your needs.

A good real estate agent will listen to your wants and needs, and help you find properties that meet your criteria. They can also negotiate on your behalf to get you the best possible price.

When choosing a real estate agent, it's important to find one who is CIPS certified. CIPS stands for Certified International Property Specialist, and it's a designation that shows that the agent has the knowledge and experience to help you buy a home in any market.

Step 4: Find the right property

Once you have set up your LLC, you can start looking for a property to buy. The search process is similar to buying in your own name, but there are a few key differences.

First, you'll need to make sure that the property you're interested in is eligible for purchase by an LLC. Not all lenders will finance real estate purchases through an LLC, so you'll need to do your research before making an offer.

Second, you'll need to make sure your offer letter is written correctly. The offer letter should include the name and address of your LLC and the name and contact information of your agent.

Step 5: Get financing for your property

This can be a bit more difficult for non-residents than for US citizens, but it's not impossible.

Here are some things to keep in mind when obtaining a mortgage loan for an LLC-owned property:

  • Not all lenders will finance an LLC-owned property.
  • You may need to make a larger down payment than if you were buying the property in your own name.
  • You may need to pay higher interest rates.
  • You may need to provide more documentation to the lender.

To find a lender who is willing to finance an LLC-owned property, you can work with a mortgage broker or a real estate agent who specializes in working with foreigners.

Step 6: Closing day

The closing process for a property bought with an LLC is very similar to the closing process for one bought without an LLC. The main difference is that all documents and payments will be in the name of the LLC.

Here are the steps involved in closing on a property with an LLC:

  1. Sign the purchase contract as the LLC's owner.
  2. Provide the lender with documentation of the LLC's assets and liabilities.
  3. Pay the down payment and closing costs.
  4. Sign the closing documents.
  5. Receive the keys to the property.

The closing process of buying a property with an LLC is usually simple and straightforward. It shouldn't be any more difficult than closing on a property as an individual.

Real estate investors who are already experienced in their field should plan to buy property with an LLC because they can use the structure of the LLC to grow their business. In addition, experienced investors can own more than one property, which can protect them from personal liability.

Buying real estate with an LLC as a non-resident in 6 steps

Step 1: Register your LLC

The first step is to register and form your LLC. This process can take 1-2 weeks, so it's best to start as soon as possible.

The real estate market is constantly changing, so you don't want to find a property you love only to find out that you can't buy it because your LLC isn't set up yet.

f you don't know how to set up and register your LLC, Openbiz can help guide you through the process successfully and compliantly.

Step 2: Prepare to buy

After successfully registering for your LLC, you need to open a bank account for your business and company, and you will also need an EIN.

If your LLC takes out a mortgage, expect the process to take longer because lenders have stricter requirements and ask for more information from buyers using an LLC.

Step 3: Get a real estate agent

It's important to have an experienced real estate agent on your side to help you navigate the process and find the perfect property for your needs.

A good real estate agent will listen to your wants and needs, and help you find properties that meet your criteria. They can also negotiate on your behalf to get you the best possible price.

When choosing a real estate agent, it's important to find one who is CIPS certified. CIPS stands for Certified International Property Specialist, and it's a designation that shows that the agent has the knowledge and experience to help you buy a home in any market.

Step 4: Find the right property

Once you have set up your LLC, you can start looking for a property to buy. The search process is similar to buying in your own name, but there are a few key differences.

First, you'll need to make sure that the property you're interested in is eligible for purchase by an LLC. Not all lenders will finance real estate purchases through an LLC, so you'll need to do your research before making an offer.

Second, you'll need to make sure your offer letter is written correctly. The offer letter should include the name and address of your LLC and the name and contact information of your agent.

Step 5: Get financing for your property

This can be a bit more difficult for non-residents than for US citizens, but it's not impossible.

Here are some things to keep in mind when obtaining a mortgage loan for an LLC-owned property:

  • Not all lenders will finance an LLC-owned property.
  • You may need to make a larger down payment than if you were buying the property in your own name.
  • You may need to pay higher interest rates.
  • You may need to provide more documentation to the lender.

To find a lender who is willing to finance an LLC-owned property, you can work with a mortgage broker or a real estate agent who specializes in working with foreigners.

Step 6: Closing day

The closing process for a property bought with an LLC is very similar to the closing process for one bought without an LLC. The main difference is that all documents and payments will be in the name of the LLC.

Here are the steps involved in closing on a property with an LLC:

  1. Sign the purchase contract as the LLC's owner.
  2. Provide the lender with documentation of the LLC's assets and liabilities.
  3. Pay the down payment and closing costs.
  4. Sign the closing documents.
  5. Receive the keys to the property.

The closing process of buying a property with an LLC is usually simple and straightforward. It shouldn't be any more difficult than closing on a property as an individual.

Real estate investors who are already experienced in their field should plan to buy property with an LLC because they can use the structure of the LLC to grow their business. In addition, experienced investors can own more than one property, which can protect them from personal liability.

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