FAQ
The questions my clients ask me most often.
Every situation deserves its own attention. If your question isn't here, let's talk it through together.
I'm a foreigner — can I buy in the US?
Yes, absolutely.
You don't need to be a US citizen — or even a resident — to buy property in the United States. And financing is possible, even from abroad.
What changes compared to a resident: lenders typically ask for a larger down payment, proof of income and assets, and documentation adapted to your country of residence. You can buy in your own name or through a structure like an LLC, depending on your goals.
The process is different — but it's well-structured, and I know it well.
My role is to adapt your file to US requirements, help you avoid common mistakes, and guide you through every step — in French or English, remotely if needed.
The simplest next step: let's talk through your situation to see what's possible for you.
How much should I budget to buy in Florida?
The down payment isn't a fixed rule — it's a strategy.
As a guideline, here are the typical ranges: 5% to 20% for a primary residence with a conventional loan, starting at 3.5% with an FHA loan if you're eligible, and typically 25% to 35% for an investment or a non-resident foreign buyer.
These numbers are reference points, not certainties. The actual amount depends on your situation: income, credit history, residency status, type of property. Two similar profiles can land on very different solutions.
My role is to help you structure your financing optimally — not just hand you a number, but build the right approach with you, around your goals.
The simplest next step: let's talk it through.
How long does the process take?
It all depends on how prepared you are — and that's exactly where I can make a difference.
As a rule of thumb: count one to three weeks for preparation and pre-approval, a few weeks to several months for the home search, then 30 to 45 days from accepted offer to closing.
But these timelines aren't fixed. I like to work with my clients early, building a strong file well before the right property comes up. When the moment arrives, you're ready — and time becomes an advantage, not a constraint.
Worth knowing: the moment you sign a contract with the seller, the bank process kicks off. From there, 30 to 45 days is usually enough to finalize the financing and become the owner.
Anticipate, structure, accelerate at the right moment — that's part of the service too.
Can I invest in Florida without traveling there?
Yes — and it's more common than you might think.
Most of the process can be handled entirely remotely: communications, documents, coordination, follow-up — everything is set up to move forward efficiently without being on-site. Many of my French-speaking clients have closed their purchases from Europe or Canada without ever crossing the Atlantic for the paperwork.
The one stage where your presence is ideally recommended is the final signing. And if you really can't travel, a power of attorney can be put in place. The key is to plan for it early, because not all lenders accept this option.
Anticipating this from the start is part of preparing the file — so your project moves forward without surprises, wherever you are.
What documents do I need to prepare?
The list depends on your profile, but certain documents come up in most files.
The most common documents:
- ID: passport, visa, ID card
- Income: pay stubs (last 2 months), tax returns (last 2 years), W-2 or 1099 forms
- Assets: bank statements (last 2 to 3 months), savings or investment accounts
- Employment: letter from your employer confirming position and compensation
- Self-employed: 2 years of tax filings, recent balance sheet or profit and loss statement
For a purchase from abroad, international equivalents are often required.
A well-prepared file means faster financing. I guide you through every step, so we structure the right documents from the start and avoid unnecessary back-and-forth.
Do I have to pay US taxes on a rental property?
Yes — rental income earned in the US is taxable in the US.
But international taxation is a real specialty, and it isn't mine. As a mortgage broker, my job is to structure your financing — not advise you on your tax obligations. For that, I strongly recommend working with a CPA who specializes in international taxation, especially if you live abroad.
This is an important point to plan for at the outset — before the purchase, not after.
I work regularly with professionals in this space and can point you to the right people for your situation.
Fixed-rate or adjustable-rate — what's the difference?
In the US, two main loan structures exist. The choice between them depends less on the market than on your personal strategy.
The fixed-rate loan is the most common option. Your rate stays the same for the entire life of the loan, giving you full visibility on your monthly payments — whatever the market does.
The adjustable-rate loan — or ARM, Adjustable Rate Mortgage — works differently: the rate is fixed for an initial period of three, five, seven, or ten years, then can adjust based on market conditions. It's worth considering if you plan to sell or refinance before the fixed period ends.
No option is universally better — it all depends on your time horizon, your risk tolerance, and your medium-term plans. That's exactly what we analyze together before structuring your file.
What loan term should I choose?
A 30-year loan doesn't mean you're going to pay for 30 years.
It's a structure — and also a strategy. The longer term gives you lower monthly payments and more room in your budget. But nothing stops you from speeding up repayment by making principal payments whenever your situation allows.
In practice, many of my clients combine both: they start with the flexibility of a 30-year loan, then adjust their pace based on their income, projects, and opportunities.
A loan isn't a fixed constraint — it's a tool you adapt over time. My role is to help you choose the structure that best fits your goals today, without closing doors for tomorrow.
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