Buying the Pacific states from overseas

A significant share of Pacific-states buyers are outside the United States. The purchase is entirely workable; the friction is administrative and largely predictable.

Sequence around the trip

Shortlist remotely and reserve travel for a focused few days. Video tours are good enough to eliminate options, which is most of what early touring is for. Use the visit to confirm the things only presence answers — light, noise, the drive, how an area feels on an ordinary day.

Administration to start early

• Identity verification and the documents a US escrow or closing agent will require.
• Banking and how funds will move, including timing across jurisdictions.
• Whether you will hold personally or through an entity — a question with tax consequences, to raise with an adviser early.

FIRPTA, at sale

The Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act generally requires withholding on the sale proceeds when a foreign person sells US real property. It applies when you sell, not when you buy — which is precisely why it surprises people. Understanding it at purchase lets you plan for it rather than meet it.

Time zones are the real tax

The most common source of delay is not law but scheduling. Agree in advance who is available when, and keep decisions batched rather than trickling across a twelve-hour gap.

General information only, not legal or tax advice. International buyers should consult a qualified US tax adviser about their own circumstances.

How we help

WestCoastBuyer is a referral service. Raoul Shah is a licensed real estate professional in Virginia; he is not a licensed agent or broker in this state. What he does here is match you, at no cost to you, with a top licensed local your market agent, join the tour, and stay in your corner through the purchase. All local real estate services are provided by that independent licensed agent. Equal Housing Opportunity.