Author: Premela R.

Canadian businessman picks Florida for high rental yield

Mortgage Lenders Of America

The Client

Our client purchased a 4-bedroom single-family home in Florida, intending to fix and flip it. Being a Foreign National made it difficult for him to find a lender who would finance a fix-and-flip property.

How We Helped

His lack of U.S. credit made it hard for him to find a bank to lend to him. Using AM Fix-’N’-Flip program for Foreign Nationals, we were able to use his local credit, and the client was able to get a loan amount based on the ARV. Within a month, the deal was closed. (Also see Can a Canadian Buy a House in the USA?)

Loan Details

NationalityProperty ValueLoan AmountARVRate
Canadian Citizen$750,000$487,50065%7.25%
TermAddressProperty TypePurposeLoan Type
18 MonthsOrlando, FloridaSingle-Family HomeFix-and-FlipResidential

U.S. Data Scientist living in U.K., purchases second home in Honolulu, Hawaii

Overseas Mortgage Lenders

The Client

Our client wanted invest in a second property. She decided to take advantage of rental yields by fixing up a single-family home and then renting it out.

How We Helped

After researching for days, she finally reached out to America Mortgages. Using AM Fix-’N’-Flip program for U.S. Expats, closed the deal in 15 days with a rate of 6.50%!

Loan Details

NationalityProperty ValueLoan AmountARVRate
U.S. Citizen$480,000$312,00065%6.50%
TermAddressProperty TypePurposeLoan Type
18 MonthsHonolulu, HawaiiSingle-Family HomeFix-and-FlipResidential

Canadian Professor purchases Fix-and-Flip property in Texas

Fix-and-Flip property in Texas

The Client

Our client was a university professor living in Canada. He found a property in Texas that needed some repairs and wanted to take advantage of the low purchase price with the intention to ‘Flip’ it. The property being situated in a good neighborhood within close proximities to good schools and several amenities, convinced our client that he could successfully flip it.

How We Helped

Being a Foreign National caused several problems for our client as banks could not lend to him. After several rejections, our client was referred to us by a lender. Using AM Fix-‘N’-Flip loan program, our client purchased the property for $200,000, and we were able to secure a short-term loan amount of $195,000 based on the after-repair-value (ARV). (Also see Can a Canadian Buy a House in the USA?)

Loan Details

NationalityProperty ValueLoan AmountARVRate
Canadian Citizen$200,000$195,50065%8.25%
TermAddressProperty TypePurposeLoan Type
18 MonthsFort Worth, TexasSingle-Family HomeFix-and-FlipResidential

U.S. Expat buys distressed property in Oregon to fix and sell

U.S. Expat Buys Property

The Client

U.S. Surgeon living in Toronto was looking to purchase a Flix-and-Flip property in Oregon as an investment, mainly to earn rental yield.

How We Helped

Fortunately for our clients, situations like this are our specialty. We secured a loan for ARV (after-repair-value) using a short-term bridge loan. Being an expat meant that our client had no W2 and lacked U.S. credit.

Loan Details

NationalityProperty ValueLoan AmountARVRate
U.S Citizen$550,000$302,50055%6.55%
TermAddressProperty TypePurposeLoan Type
12 MonthsCorvallis, OregonSingle-Family HomeFix-and-FlipResidential

U.S. Real Estate Investor Alert: Buying property in a country where you don’t live is easier than you think!

Invest in U.S Property

How do I invest in U.S property without traveling there?

The house-buying experience is often synonymous with physically travelling to the location and exploring every aspect of the house in person. The very idea of investing in property that you’ve never seen physically is unusual – for some people. The “old” way of investing in Real Estate is becoming synonymous with the “old” way of buying socks in a store and not online. With the right partners in place – Mortgage Broker, Realtor, Property Manager, buying a property outside of the city, state, or country where you live is not only possible, it is almost as common as buying “socks” online these days.

Let’s first dispel the notion that the best property to invest in are those that are in the same country code as you. Location absolutely matters, but not in the traditional sense. Global real estate investors in the ‘know’ will tell you the most important factors are asset location and yield – their own proximity to their investment shouldn’t be a factor. Another thing they’ll probably tell you would be that the U.S is by far the best place to invest right now.

Why the U.S?

For one, it’s extremely easy – anyone can buy and own property in the U.S, regardless of citizenship. There are no restrictions (or stamp duties/extra costs) that prevent an individual of foreign citizenship from owning or buying a home in the U.S.

For another, the International Investor Survey done by AFIRE (Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate) found that the U.S. continues to lead the world in terms of offering the best opportunity for capital appreciation. The same survey also found that 58% of respondents felt that the U.S is the most stable for real estate investment. Moreover, mortgage rates are expected to stay low for some time, resulting in the ability to secure cheap loans and fuelling demand for property within the U.S.

Can I do it?

The answer to this question would be quite different if it was 20 years ago when the ability to build a portfolio in markets beyond where you live was something you could do only if you were extremely wealthy. However, what seemed impossible is easily achieved these days, thanks to the Internet making the world a much, much smaller place. The key to success here is trust in the right partners.

It is essential that you find people you can trust throughout the process – look for licensed realtors and property managers with local expertise in the markets you find the most appealing. Whenever possible, ask associates for referrals, do website searches, find locals in real estate directories and check references. If you do decide to opt for financing, it’s all the more important you find experts who understand the situation and have experience with these transactions.

American Mortgages has proven results-driven solutions for U.S Expats and Foreign Nationals. We understand the requirements of our international borrowers and provide tailor-made mortgage solutions to purchase, refinance or release equity regardless if you have U.S. credit or prior investment experience. Speak to us today to understand how you can obtain a mortgage for U.S property without leaving the comfort of your home. Visit us at www.americamortgages.com to find out more.

Most of our clients are from Canada – but where are they buying and why?

Clients are from Canada

While America Mortgages has clients from most countries globally, Canada by far is where most of our clients come from.

This is consistent with public information released by the National Association of Realtors; in year-ended March 2020, Canadian’s purchased $9.5B of U.S. residential real estate!

If we assume an average home price of $500,000, that equates to a staggering 19,000 home purchases!

As the top U.S. mortgage specialist specifically focused only on Expats and Foreign Nationals living in Canada, the customer data we have would be considered as the best representation of “real” demand.

In this article, we wanted to dig a little deeper into where they are buying and why.

Here is our data over the past 12 months for Canadian buyers:

  • – Loans funded: 137
  • – Average loan amount: $460,000
  • – Client location: Ontario 52%, Vancouver 33%, Edmonton 5%, Montreal 3%, Others 7%
  • – Top 3 purchase locations: Orlando, FL; Atlanta, GA; Charlotte, NC

Orlando, Florida

Orlando is a natural fit for Canadians, especially those living in Ontario. They share the same time zone, and it’s only a 3-hour flight from Toronto to Orlando. It’s no secret that winters in Canada (and especially Toronto) can be long and harsh, which is why many choose to buy second homes in Florida to escape the cold. Of course, Orlando’s reputation for being an affordable location with social and economic benefits also helps with its popularity. The average home price in Orlando is $293,000 vs C$870,000 for an average home in Toronto. With tourism and job market growth in leisure and hospitality at their highs, it’s no wonder Forbes ranked Orlando as their #1 Best Place to Buy a House 3 years in a row.

Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta ticks many boxes and is an underappreciated place for many but offers great value for those looking to take advantage of the recent demographic shift inwards for coastal cities. A little unknown fact is that the Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the world, with over 110 million passengers a year! Beijing #2 at 100 million passengers (2019). Let that sink in a little. A city of 500,000 people has the world’s busiest airport. That is because geographically, it’s perfectly located as a travel hub and hence a growing trend for companies to expand their headquarters there – like Google and Blackrock. Meanwhile, the population growing by 12.18% in the last 8 years – 111% faster than the national average of 5.76%. That also means the area’s annual job growth has risen to the rate of 2.15%. Affordability is a key driver for many real estate investors looking for a strong rental yield. The median purchase price of a 3 bedroom single family home at only $190,000, 15% lower than the national average of $222,000.

Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte is not an obvious choice to own property in, but digging a little deeper, we found that it has been one of the best cities to own real estate over the past 10 years. The supply of homes is at a 17 year low, 8 years of home price increases with no signs of slowing down. Another fact that surprises many is that Charlotte has the second-most banking assets after New York City, with Bank of America and Wells Fargo having their regional headquarters there. Meanwhile, CNBC recognizes Charlotte as the third-best city in the country to start a business.

It was also surprising to find out from our clients in Canada that Toronto was only a 2-hour direct flight from Charlotte!

How America Mortgages can help…

Unlike a traditional bank, which can only show you their own bank programs, which are by definition rigid and hard to qualify for, we are a solutions provider. We understand your requirements and suggest several loan options that best suit your requirements; this could be from banks or wholesale lenders, which are unknown by many accounts for 70% of the mortgage lending market. For example, if you are an entrepreneur, you can almost assume you would not be able to qualify for a bank loan. The trouble is banks will drag this on for 3-4 months before rejecting your loan. Our Loan Officers are all experts working with Foreign National and Overseas Expat clients – that is all we do! When you tell us your requirements, we already know from our database of 150 U.S. lender programs that best suits your needs. (Also see Can a Canadian Buy a House in the USA?)

For more details, please visit us at www.americamortgages.com

Vacation homes buoyant as the U.S. prepares to open up.

Vacation Homes Buoyant

Despite the slow reopening of workplaces nationwide, a new report by Redfin shows that demand for vacation homes– otherwise known as short-term rentals –is soaring at a record pace.

One reason for the rise in demand can be attributed to vacationers wanting to keep their distance from strangers in shared hotel spaces. Now, with the developing accessibility of the COVID-19 vaccines, more people are planning their future get-aways. A recent Vacasa review of U.S. vacationers revealed that 59% said they intend to vacation in spring 2021. Additionally, 52% said they would choose to stay in a vacation rental more regularly. A study by the National Association of Realtors also found a 16% increment in second-home purchases in 2020.

Rise in remote work

Another reason for the increased demand could also be due to more affluent families having more opportunities to do their jobs remotely for the foreseeable future. The increase in remote work for individuals in white-collar positions implies that families could leave urban cities and set up for business in more modest, remote towns.

Redfin chief economist Daryl Fairweather said, “The combination of the wealthy becoming wealthier, remote work turning into the new normal, and low mortgage rates is creating an ideal environment for affluent Americans to buy vacation homes,”

“As long as the economy continues to grow, I don’t foresee demand for second homes slowing down anytime soon,” she added.

Fortunes may have genuinely turned for the vacation home market since the start of the coronavirus crisis. But as a real estate investor, what does this mean for you?

From having a stable cash flow to obtaining tax benefits, investing in real estate can have several advantages. It’s also an excellent way to increase wealth over time. New investors can take advantage of this by getting in on this heightened interest for second homes being bought as vacation rentals.

America Mortgages has programs for both Foreign Nationals and U.S. Expats. Our U.S. Expats programs are exactly what you would find at your bank back home. We work with lenders in all 50 states, and we are sure to find the best loan option available for your needs. We also provide solutions for U.S. Citizens who have been “away from home” for an extended period and lack the depth of credit. No U.S. credit? No problem! America Mortgages has loan programs that accept your overseas credit and income. As Expats ourselves, we not only understand the challenges you face living abroad while trying to obtain U.S. mortgage financing, we live it.

Schedule a call with our U.S. mortgage specialist today at www.americamortgages.com

Sources: Redfin & Marketwatch

As Millennials exit states with a higher cost of living, now is the time to invest in U.S. real estate in Texas, Florida, and Colorado.

International Mortgage Specialists

The number of luxury home sales rose 41.6% in the first quarter of 2021. According to Redfin, “luxury” homes sell for an average of $975,000, while “expensive” homes sell for an average of $429,000. Low interest rates and record-low home prices are helping many Americans buy high-end houses. This strategy is also helping millennials avoid expensive cities like San Francisco and New York.

Despite high-end properties that are over the asking price are getting multiple offers, according to Redfin agent Katy Polvorosa.

As we see it, it seems like the right time to invest in U.S. real estate in Texas, Florida, and Colorado. Aside from the higher rental yields, these states can provide improved cash flow to investors.

“This is consistent with what we see in America Mortgages, especially with foreign nationals looking to buy investment properties, mainly in Texas and Florida.”

Robert Chadwick

Texas Real Estate

Due to its diverse economy, Dallas real estate is very attractive for people of all income levels. Its low homeownership rate makes it the perfect place to invest. As interest rates rise, renting is becoming more affordable than buying. The demand for rental units has increased over 14% within the last year, making it perfect for investing in Dallas real estate.

Austin, Texas, is also another excellent place to invest in real estate. In the last 5 years, it has come to be known as another tech hub making its housing market very sizable. Its home values have more than doubled since 2010.

There are tons of high-paying tech jobs in Austin. As Austin is getting older, Millennials will become the largest buyers and renters in 2021, and this trend will continue. We believe investing in Austin real estate is a great market, as there is a huge scarcity of homes for sale in Austin, and more Millenials don’t see a value in owning.

Why should you invest in Texas properties?

The Texas real estate market has plenty of investment properties for sale. The real estate market in Dallas, Austin, and Houston is very active, and volumes of trade are high, and housing stock moves fast. This means it is relatively easy to exit investments and find a buyer for your home.

Florida Real Estate

In 2021, Florida is one of the best places to invest in real estate. This metropolitan area is also one of the most visited tourist attractions in the U.S. There are plenty of opportunities in this real estate market. Investors have a choice of targeting the long-term residential or holiday markets with their properties. Both offer strong returns.

Why invest in Florida Real Estate?

Florida’s real estate market is known to some as the hottest real estate market in the U.S. The housing market in Orlando, Tampa Bay, Lakeland, and Ocala is still growing steadily, with prices remaining low. Properties have a good chance of appreciation in the next couple of years. There is a huge demand for single-family homes in Florida, and with a strong renters market, we think this is a great place to invest in real estate and reap its yields and benefits.

Colorado Real Estate

Colorado Springs is a great place to invest in real estate in 2021. Its robust real estate market has continued to grow at a fast pace.

Colorado Springs’s real estate market is relatively affordable, with a median home price of around $320,000 and a monthly rent of approximately $1,600. Its proximity to Denver will make it more attractive to people looking to buy a home there. It is also important to note that the average home price in Denver in 2018 was $500,000. In short, you can buy two homes in Colorado Springs for the price of one in Denver.

Compared to other states, Colorado Springs has proven to be one of the best places to invest in rental real estate. What better time to do this than now when mortgage rates remain low?

At America Mortgages, we have eliminated many unnecessary steps to create a simple and easy process for our clients. We focus only on U.S. Expats and Foreign Nationals living overseas, and we offer over 150 U.S. bank and lender programs direct to our international clients. Our team of U.S. mortgage specialists are ready to help you! Schedule a call with us today!

For more information, please contact [email protected].

Sources: HousingWire & Redfin

Great Real Estate Reshuffling

Great Real Estate Reshuffling

According to a survey by Zillow, 1 in 10 Americans has moved in the past 12 months. With the COVID-19 vaccine implementation and the economy and housing market recovering, Zillow predicts that this number could increase to more than 40 percent in 2021; this means that millions of households could enter the housing market in 2021.

What prompted the Great Reshuffling?

A significant cause of the Great Reshuffling is due to the fact that work-from-home became a norm during the pandemic. Homebuyers quickly caught on to the fact that they can live and work in their dream home and location as long as they have an internet connection. Approximately 75% of those surveyed reported moving for positive reasons, such as being closer to their family, friends, or simply living in their desired part of the country.

Many cities, known as “secondary cities” across the country, have seen a massive influx of movers looking to take advantage of bigger homes with lower prices. According to Zillow, there has been an uptick in the number of people moving to the South over the past year.

The rise in people moving to more affordable areas has triggered a wave of first-time buyers. This is especially true in Phoenix, Charlotte, N.C., and Austin. Zillow’s data also showed the highest for-sale inventory climb in 4 major real estate areas – Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, and New York.

We see this as an excellent opportunity for real estate investors, as over the past couple of months, the housing markets outside of the urban areas have flourished. “We have created a process specifically for our overseas clients which is easier, faster, and more transparent than international banks.” Robert Chadwick, Co-Founder of GMG and America Mortgages.

At America Mortgages, we understand our global clients’ needs, and we provide solutions to match their needs. We make investing in U.S. real estate easy. Schedule a call with our mortgage specialists today.

For more information, please contact [email protected].

Sources: Housingwire.com & Realtrends