All Forum Posts by: Giuseppe Pavone

I invest in Ocala and really like it.  But there aren't many parts of Central Florida I don't like!!

It's tough right now but there are deals to be had.  I would keep analyzing like you've been doing... it'll help you recognize the right deal once it comes along.  You probably feel like you'll have to "jump in" eventually though which I completely understand.  If you really want to get in the market and cash flow you can always put a larger down payment and then should interest rates fall you can potentially do a refi and pull out some equity (hopefully there's been some appreciation also).  Again though, it has to be the right deal.  Good luck!

Honestly, I would just make sure the numbers work FOR YOU and not worry about appreciation (because we're talking about Florida).  Anything can happen but Florida is the last place I'm concerned about appreciation at this time.

I'm currently a HomeVestors franchisee in Orlando and had the same dilemma as you. @Jeffrey Hotz brings up a lot of good points... all I would add is, talking to several current and former franchisees (especially those in my market) helped me make my decision.  I know there are many investors who've done extremely well without HomeVestors, but I would imagine there's more time & effort in trying to build your business that way.  It's really no different then opening up a burger restaurant, of course you can build it yourself and be really successful, or you can just go and buy a McDonald's franchise.  You're paying for the system, support and brand recognition.  I'm over 4 years in, have no regrets and would do it over again if I had the choice.  But it just made sense for me given my personality, and my personal situation.  For many, it'll make more sense to go at it another way.  Seems like there are so many ways to be successful in this business!  Probably why we all love it!

I regularly use Southern Title & Abstract

@Samantha Gray there's a huge difference between both countries when it comes to qualifying for and processing a mortgage and it's unfortunate you had to find out the hard way.  I'm a Canadian who moved down to the US about 4 years ago and I assumed it was fairly similar but it's not at all.  As @Chris Brady mentioned I would DEFINITELY reach out to RBC.  When I was looking a few years ago they would use your Canadian credit as part of the approval process... not sure if they still do but worth trying.  Same with TD potentially, although I found RBC better when I was looking.  There are other options outside of those banks (ie. brokers who deal with foreign nationals) but prepare for a 30-45 day grueling underwriting process regardless of which direction you go because you're dealing with the American branches of those banks and therefore, have to go through the same underwriting process.  Again, not what you're probably used to in Canada.  Let me know if I can help in any other way.

@InYoung Choung correct regarding the TD credit card... Because it's issued from a Canadian bank. Both RBC and TD have American banks also (RBC is virtual and TD has physical branches) and while they're under the same name and work very seamlessly with their Canadian counterparts, consider them as separate banks because they're actually located in the US and therefore must abide by different rules and regulations. While I can't speak for TD, you may want to contact their US counterpart to see if they'll issue you a credit card since you're already a customer.

@InYoung Choung I'm a fellow Canadian who moved to the US about 4 years ago.  Have you tried RBC?  They have a U.S. presence also (although it's virtual), and I was able to EASILY get a U.S. credit card from them and they based it off of my Canadian credit (I was still in Canada at the time).  They also may have mortgage options for you.  I've dealt with TD also but found RBC to be much easier to work with for cross-border purposes.  Let me know if I can help in any other way.  Good luck!

Hi Elliott.  I'm a fellow Canadian who moved down to Florida about 4 years ago to invest in real estate full time.  Anything I can do to help please let me know.  Good luck!!

@Ramon Ruenes this is a common misunderstanding from attorneys. Yes I bought the franchise before the visa because you have to invest the money before applying. And it is a legitimate E2 business. Send me a direct message and I'm happy to explain more and get on a call with you.