5 Reasons Canadians Buy Property in the U.S. – Insights into how International Investors view US Real Estate Markets

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RBC Bank of Canada article written for Canadian Investors, but offering great insights for every Investor.

A home purchase in the U.S. is attractive for Canadian buyers – whether they are looking for a primary residence, vacation home or investment property.

1. Affordability

Canadians see great value when purchasing U.S. property, particularly relative to the booming real estate prices back home in Canada – where buying homes, cottages, townhomes or other vacation properties is becoming almost impossible.

2. Lifestyle

Canadians – particularly retired Canadians – flock to the U.S. for the day-to-day lifestyle. Warm weather and an abundance of outdoor activities means they can enjoy being active, which is especially important in retirement. And because many Canadians will retire close to friends and family, they can experience a full social life where it’s easy to get out for shopping, dining, golfing, hiking and more.

3. Investment Security

The U.S. continues to be a secure and attractive location for Canadians looking to diversify and invest in real estate in the short and long-term. U.S. home prices have rebounded from the recession and have been appreciating consistently since 2012- with no end in sight.

4. Strong U.S. Economy

A strong U.S. economy translates to stable housing prices and steady long-term appreciation – so Canadians feel secure making a real estate purchase. It also means the home building industry is expected to continue growing, so more new units will be available for Canadians to purchase.

5. Healthy Rental Market

Many markets across the U.S. are experiencing healthy rental environments- a key consideration for Canadians who plan to rent their property for a portion of the year to offset costs. Canadians earning rental income on their U.S. property can fund their U.S. lifestyle without concern for the U.S exchange rate. Many Canadians buy homes ahead of retirement, rent it out most of the year, and pay it off before they retire.

BRENT LEATHWOOD, MBA

LICENSED REAL ESTATE BROKER | BK 3300751

CROSS BORDER REALTY LLC | CQ1046895
2100 CONSTITUTION BLVD. #207
SARASOTA, FL, 34231
(941) 882-2995
Contact
3 Big Mistakes Buyers make:

  1. 1. NOT KNOWING THE NEIGHBORHOOD...ContinuedReal estate always has been and always will be a local business. Know your neighborhood is a cardinal rule in this business. A real estate professional knows what is going on in their local market area. Hire a knowledge, local professional. When we see folks wandering around with a notebook and a list of questions, we know they are the most likely to make a costly mistake. A PROFESSIONAL Realtor, (please note the word professional), can spend 15 minutes listening to your needs and wants, and probably rule out 90% of the local market options, and focus your attention, on the 3 or 4 or 5 communities that will meet your needs, and make sense from both a financial and lifestyle point of view. I am amazed at how many people from out of State, go it alone, end up buying in the wrong community, and come to regret it. I meet people like this everyday, and everyone single one of them will say to me: “I wish we had met you first.”
  2. 2. GETTING STUCK IN AN HOA NIGHTMARE...ContinuedHome owners association nightmares are the stuff of legend in our State. Do not buy the wrong property in the wrong community. A knowledgeable real estate professional can explain to you upfront, the ins and outs of the HOA regulations of the community you are considering, and help you avoid 99% of these potential pitfalls. This is another very costly mistake.
  3. 3. THINKING YOU DO NOT NEED A REALTOR WHEN BUYING A NEW HOME...ContinuedEverybody knows you need a Realtor to represent you, when buying a resale home. Many do not know, you also need a Realtor to represent you, when buying a new home. The new home sales person in the model home works for the Builder, not the Buyer. They are paid to look out for their employer’s interests, not yours. You will not save $1 by going it alone. You will lose money. A lot of money. One of our largest local builders reported 872 annual sales, of which, 762 were handled by Realtors representing the Buyer. That is 87% of the total. The Builder has already factored paying a finder’s fee into the price. The Builder will not rebate $1 of this money back to you. Builders laugh under their breath, when Buyers try this negotiating tactic, even though they will politely agree with you. Professional representation costs you $0, why would you fend for yourself, in a market you know almost nothing about? Buyers know less than 20% of what they actually need to know, to get a great deal. Having gone through the new home buying process hundreds of times with clients, we know all the pitfalls to avoid, and how to make the process go smoothly. Do not go it alone, get professional representation, it costs you $0. Not doing this is the most costly of the 3 mistakes. But everyone has heard the old saying, you can lead a horse to water. We are in the business of helping our customers solve a problem. Our ability to do that, is the sole reason we have a thriving business. We are here to help you through the entire process, and get a great deal.

4 Big Mistakes Investors make:
  1. INCOME... ContinuedThe rental income does not justify the $/sq. ft. purchase price.
  2. EXPENSES... Continued The monthly expenses are too high, relative to the property type and rental income produced.
  3. CAP RATE... Continued The capitalization rate is too low to justify the investment.
  4. HOA REGS... Continued The home owners association regulations are too restrictive, or do not permit the intended use. Frequently overlooked or glossed over by some sales people, the long run financial consequences are catastrophic if a mismatch occurs.
Avoid Costly $$$ Mistakes: Hire Brent. Costs you $0.