What FIRPTA actually does
FIRPTA withholds 15% of the gross sale price when a foreign seller disposes of US real estate. It's not a tax — it's a prepayment of the tax you might owe. You file a US return to reconcile it. Most foreign sellers overpay because they don't file.
LLC, trust, or personal name?
The right structure depends on your country of residence, your estate planning goals, and your liability appetite. A single-member LLC is simple and offers some liability protection. A foreign grantor trust is better for estate tax. A multi-member LLC can be optimal for shared ownership. Get a cross-border tax attorney before signing anything.
Financing as a foreign national
Foreign nationals can get 60-70% LTV mortgages in Miami through several lenders. Interest rates are 1-2% higher than conventional. DSCR loans are available for investment properties. Cash is still king for pre-construction deposits.
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