Thank you everyone for your comments and queries and also those of you who viewed the post without commenting, I hope it provides some encouragement!
Sorry but I can't seem to get the "@" feature to work??
Good luck Roy! Ask questions, check, check and recheck. Once you've signed its all yours. Are you doing all of the purchasing from a distance or did you have a chance to visit the property?
Hello Joakim, for several months everyday I looked at condos and SFR listings on the MLS and asked lots of questions to the realtor I was working with. Got pre-approved with my credit union, then came to the USA to see the properties. The exchange of paperwork including with the credit union was mainly done by e-mail. In the case of the loan documents this was also done online with digital signatures, and I forwarded the supporting documents they needed. My credit union insisted on having me or a representative present at the closing. So I had to prepare a power of attorney designating a representative. The power of attorney had to be notarized and also apostilled in accordance with French law and then the originals sent by courier to the Title company handling the closing and my representative. This was the most complicated aspect of the paperwork. Some other challenges included not being fully aware of some particular requirements and local peculiarities for example the process for setting up rental inspections and transferring water and electricity into my name. My realtor was a great help in all of this!
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Thank you Paul for this great tip!! I will try this approach as I try to find other properties and areas to invest in.
Thank you Pyrrha, this is a great idea and something that I'd be happy to work with you and Joakim on! Will send you a pm and perhaps we can do a skype call.
Once again thank you all!