Purchasing Real Estate As A Non-English Speaking Buyer

Karen, I often wonder ... yet I know it is between the buyers and their agent. I actually had a discussion with an buyer who was ESL and he said to me: "What difference does it make if I understand what I am singing or not?  If I want the property I have to sign it no matter what."  

He did not understand my point about the "terms" and what his options might be if he were represented by an agent who could, and would, explain it to him.

It's the rarest of occasions in my market to have that, but I did have one that spoke very little English and his adult daughter was the translator. I was their agent.  And I love to drive by and see they are still happy in that home we found for them.

Hi Karen.  I am in an area with lots of Polish people.  I have learned passable Polish.

regarding the items usually included (checked) and werent... i suspect there is a fair chance, that you get to the end and they werent done AND you have a problem. Granted you work for the seller, and you dont want to "buy " trouble..but i might be tempted to bring it up rather than delay closing later or have a lawsuit??

You do have to wonder what impact the language and understanding, or lack of, might have. I suspect there are some buyers whose primary language IS English who do not thoroughly read and understand what they are signing.

What a well written and thought provoking post deserving a gold star.  The times that I have dealt with buyers with different language, they have always had an agent fluent in the same language.  

On a side note: If I see something blatently missing in a contract, I question the other agent. It is not working against our seller when we can ensure a smoother closing. Many agents miss documents, have errors and make mistakes....and they even speak fluent English.

Somehow doesn't seem quite fair to the consumer, please tell me they don't try to craft a legislation solution to this.

I've hired an American Sign Language interpreter in the past to work with a client, but that does take into consideration my basic starting position that the client and I were fully able to commuicate, which is not the problem you describe. 

The assumption that an agent is clearly working to the best representation of the client is truly the problem in this case here, and I fear that happens in many languages.

I applaud your efforts to ensure doubly, that all was well.

Karen, like you, I am quite jealous of multi-lingual people.  I've had several buyers over the years who spoke some English as a third or fourth language, and as one lovely Russian violinist said at settlement, "My dear, you lead us through dark forest!"  And even though I'd taken really good care of him and his wife, it was such a responsibility!  Where I am now, we have many multi-lingaul agents, including a couple who speak fluent Russian, so today I woudl refer them or share the transaction.  

Karen Fiddler, Broker/Owner that does not surprise me. I am multi-lingual and have seen few non-English speaking buyers do what their agents have told them to do - only to realize that they can't take 'U' turn which could have been possible if everything was done right.

That never has been an issue here in Northern California.  The variety of nationalities, religion, accents and mixture of  races is a true representation of a melting pot. The ones making high offers are represented by accented broker who is also a lawyer.  As more and more Ivy League professionals are entering real estate business, they pick on native Americans realtors sloppy English demand contract corrections.

If I went to another country to buy property and they did not speak English, you can bet I would find someone who knew the process and knew the language to help me walk step by step. And you can bet I'd point at every paragraph and demand an explanation. And I'd read everything I could first about the rules for buying property in that location. I do think the home buyer should do some research and get the right person to help them!

I'm sure there is a lot of Pointing and Signing of things the buyers don't understand at all.

I have seen non English speakers miss out on a lot of good situations because they don't rise into the area of competition effectively.

I ny area this is rare - but just a few miles away it isn't.  I think the key issue is that people trust someone who speaks their language - and that is a big mistake. Those non-English speaking buyers should be just as picky as anyone else who is looking for a good real estate agent.

Karen I have noticed the same thing here in Hawaii. I do know a few good agents that are truly bilingual and have referred some clients to them when  realized they really didn't have enough English to understand what I was explaining. I've also used translators and that has worked well.

Karen, I too often wonder how much they understand what they are signing or simply following the instructions of their agents. I speak fluent Spanish and have sold properties in Mexico, so I feel comfortable with explaining real estate terminology to my Spanish-speaking only clients, but have always recommended translators for those who speak another language.

Hi, Karen!  I included this post in today's Last Week's Favorites!

Wow, I hope that the person helping her is licensed! Is there a way to look up her license in CA and confirm? Of course, she may be licensed and not very knowledgeable as you mentioned. As Margaret mentioned, I do think there are many times that people trust others just because they speak the same language. I just hope this works out for all involved!