House inspection

[Simon Rich]

Hi everyone,

I need a little assistance, I am looking to buy properties in North Carolina but I currently live in Colombia and cannot travel to see the properties in person. When I call agents to make an offer on a house they ask me to schedule walk through of the house and to have my agent contact them. I do not have an agent representing me nor can I travel from Colombia to Charlotte every time I want to buy a house.

What is wrong with my approach and can anyone offer some help?

Thank you 

[Colin G Murphy]

Hi @Simon Rich 

Unfortunately there are many agents out there who don´t have a clue how to deal with overseas buyers. I am also based overseas (in Spain) although I am lucky that I have built a profitable relationship with a local Charlotte realtor and have purchased several properties. I am happy to provide her details if you´d like to email me directly. 

 I don´t see anything wrong with your approach, although there are steps you can take to make things simpler for agents. 

1. When making an offer, state that you are a cash buyer and show them a proof of funds (copy of bank statement)
2. Highlight that you are based overseas and are not visiting in person
3. Next time you visit the USA, open a local bank account. It makes dealing with everybody a lot easier. It used to be easy to open a USA bank account remotely, but not anymore. 
4. I would highly recommend that you contact an independent inspection company to inspect properties that you put under contract during your rescission period. Tell the agent you will be doing this.

Happy house hunting.