USA property buyers guide

The actual legal purchase process in the USA varies slightly from state to state.  Generally speaking, the process is quite straightforward.

Resale properties

If you are buying a resale property, you will work with us as well as an estate agent registered in the USA.  Estate agents in the USA need to hold a licence in the state where they work.  They are professionals who must be members of the state real estate association, and therefore, are bound by a code of conduct of the profession.  They work to represent your interests and will work with your chosen solicitor.  

Much like in the UK, you can make an offer on a resale property.  This is normally done in writing under seal.  The offer is presented to the seller by the estate agent and then a written reply is given. Everything normally has to be done in writing for it to be legally binding.  Once the seller accepts an offer in writing, they cannot accept any more offers.

You will receive an agreement of sale which will need to be reviewed.  You can make amendments to this by form of negotiation with the vendor.  The types of things you may wish to amend include date of handover of keys, inclusion of certain fixtures, etc.
We will only have to work with a state-registered estate agent if you are interested in buying a resale property.  You need not worry about finding an agent, as we already work with quite a number in a number of ski regions.  If the property you are interested in is off-plan (a new build), Ski Safari will not need to liaise with an estate agent.

You do not need to find the estate agent, we already work with them. 

Off plan (new build) properties

Unlike a resale property, there is normally no estate agent involved.  Ski Safari works directly with a number of developers.  The process is much simpler when buying an off plan property, because the contract offered is standard and is the same offered to all buyers at the same development. 

There is no room for negotiation on price with an off-plan property. The price asked by the developer is the price - sometimes there can be negotiation in terms of upgrades, etc.

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Solicitors

You will need a solicitor to assist through the purchase process whether you are buying a resale or off-plan property.  This is legal requirement only once you have reserved a property. This makes the process much easier as you can liaise with your lawyer by email from Europe.

The steps

        1.    Research areas to determine where you would like to invest
        2.    Determine your budget
        3.    Obtain a mortgage pre-approval (this does not tie you to a mortgage, it simplifies the process later)
        4.    Ensure you have the funds in place for a deposit
        5.    Find a property in the region you have chosen
        6.    Make an offer
                   o     if it's a resale, make an offer in writing and wait for acceptance
                   o     in the case of a new build, you will send the required deposit with attached contract
        7.    Contact a lawyer (Ski Safari can assist with this) who will assist with the purchase
        8.    Payments
                    o    In the case of a resale, you will send a deposit on acceptance of your offer
                    o    For new builds, there will be a payment schedule whereby all monies are put in trust until completion

Ski Safari can help with this process from your initial enquiry through to completion of the sale.  We can assist with contacting solicitors on your behalf if you haven’t the time and we will liaise with the estate agent in the USA.  We have a vast range of properties to offer, not all of which are on our website.

If you would like to do a site visit, Ski Safari can also assist.  We can organise flights, car hire, accomodation and much more.

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