Euros, Dollars & Yen- Oh My... America is a Bargain

I heard the low dollar has helped spur some international buyers to buy US real estate which makes sense

I've recently seen a huge surge of Canadians purchasing just about everything and anything in some of the warm Florida climates.  When I was in Sarasota recently, they were doing shopping trips on buses. 

Wow. I had no idea that the Canadian Dollar was more valuable than our dollar now. Thanks for this enlightening post

My daughter is living and working in France.  I keep telling her she needs to take any excess money she earns each month and put it in her US bank account.  It might be worth more today then wehn she comes back to the US next year.

If our government interferes in the current credit mess, It will take a much longer time to bring the Dollar back to were we all like to see it. In Fact it can get a lot worst.

Interesting to see how the balance is shifted for now.  But from what I've been reading it is coming their way as well so hopefully those that can take advantage will...

I've heard of this. Yes this could possibly stimulate our economy. But at what cost to America? I know this country is considered a melting pot. Can you imagine ALL the changes that would occur?. Something to ponder.

We expect the money to begin flowing in from oversees. We are at a discount right now. For those who live here...I can not think of a better to time buy...HERE!

That's a great time for foreign investors to buy real estate in America. I work with Russian investors who are very interested in US real estate now. Good question is about right marketing to the right people. Sure we want to attract right people with legal money. Big problem for right people is getting an American visa. People who are ready to invest substantial amount of money on a long run to American economy want to make sure that they will have an access to their assets. We need to work with good immigration attorneys to be successful in sales to foreign investors. Happy and successful New Year to all of you!

The weak dollar is attracting foreign investment. It will reverse when our dollar strengthens. It's been over 25 years since the Canadian dollar was equal to ours. Great post.

Chuck - while we're definitely a bargain because of the currency valuation many European clients are finding that those bargains are outweighed by an immigration policy that no longer assures them of six months here to enjoy their second home but an arbitrary time period to be determined by the agent at the point of entry. The intense questioning they often face also makes them feel unwelcome - they have many other choices of warm, sunny climates that are closer to them and more welcoming.

Interesting posts and comments.  I knew about the Euro vs. dollar situation, but was unaware of how immigration laws affect the foreign investor market.

Let me put my 2 Cents /€ 0.013/ in. Despite our current immigration situation, which is in my opinion pitiful, foreign investors still think that the U.S. real estate is the safest medium to long term property investment. They look at us as the most stable political and economic society /regardless of what WE think/ and the property laws are perhaps the best in the world. They also do not need to worry, like in some emerging markets to have the property taken away when the government changes, conveyance of property in the U.S. is also made easy for the owners.

If I am not mistaken, there is a "push" from several State associations and the NAR to create a so called "Silver Visa" for retirees from the U.K. to be able to stay in the U.S. past the 6 month tourist visa.

Also something that all of us who deal with foreign nationals should use to make sure that we cover our six is the U.S. Treasury's SDN /Specially Designated Nationals/ list.

And as far as the US. Dollar getting much stronger against foreign currencies, there is not much of anything out there that would indicate that it will happen in the foreseeable future. Many of the slumping real estate markets - like the ones in Florida and Las Vegas will only get their "salvation" this year from those international buyers.

Thank You Chuck. I just try.

Zsolt - You are so right.  We still have a model real estate system in the US.  Another point,  although we, Realtos, get bashed  here in the states, all you have to do is come in contact with a "agent" in some of the south American countries to realize how lucky the citizens in the states have it when it comes to professionalism and skill.

Can't wait for the good news that other countries are going down and we are going up.  Why can't we all go up at the same time?