Credit, Culture and Complexity: How Puttogo Helps International Home Buyers Overcome Challenges of Settling in Atlanta

Editor’s note: This sponsored Global Atlanta Studio article is contributed on behalf of Puttogo Global Group of Keller Williams Atlanta Perimeter through its partnership with Global Atlanta. 

For international investors seeking to enter the U.S. real estate market, the process can often be as daunting as it is promising. Regulations, financing hurdles and cultural differences in deal pace and structure can quickly overwhelm even experienced buyers from abroad.  

Real estate advisor Maia Samb, founder of the Atlanta-based Puttogo Global Group at Keller Williams International, understands from personal experience and strives to make the process go smoothly for international clients. 

With a background in global marketing and more than four years of experience in real estate, Ms. Samb brings a cross-cultural perspective and a strategic mindset to her advisory work.  

“Buying property in the United States—and I would include Canada as well—is incredibly fast-paced compared to other countries,” she says. “In some parts of the world, closing a real estate transaction can take up to two years. Here, the timeline is condensed and the legal and tax complexities are significant.” 

Ms. Samb’s firm, Puttugo Global Group, specializes in helping foreign clients—many of whom relocate to or invest in metro Atlanta—understand not just the transactional steps but the broader financial and legal implications of their investments.  

“Many clients simply haven’t considered things like tax exposure or land ownership restrictions that vary by state,” she notes. “Our job is to either advise them directly or bring in the right subject matter experts, so they walk away with smart, sound decisions.” 

Adapting to Market Conditions and Currency Shifts 

Foreign investors also face an added layer of unpredictability: fluctuating exchange rates and varying access to credit.  

“The strength of the U.S. dollar directly affects our clients’ purchasing power,” says Ms. Samb. “When the dollar is strong, it can become significantly more expensive for international clients to buy in. Conversely, when it dips, opportunities open up.” 

This is where Puttogo’s global acumen proves critical. Puttogo advisors monitor not only U.S. economic indicators but broader global trends to guide clients’ timing and strategy.  

“It’s not one-size-fits-all. We dig into each client’s financial landscape, their country’s economic climate and what their goals are—whether that’s long-term investment or immediate relocation.” 

Ms. Samb emphasizes that for international clients, even basic financial norms differ.  

“Many don’t have a U.S. credit score, and mortgage eligibility is more complicated,” she says. “So the math doesn’t work the same way as it does for domestic buyers. We advise based on what makes the most sense for them, not based on a general rulebook.” 

Understanding the Legal and Cultural Landscape 

Legal considerations pose another barrier to entry for global real estate buyers.

“What makes the U.S. especially unique is that every state has its own legal framework,” Ms. Samb explains. “Some states have laws that restrict land purchases by foreign nationals. Georgia, for example, has regulations that become more complex the more land a foreigner wants to buy.” 

This variation makes working with knowledgeable, locally based professionals essential.  

“No international buyer should navigate this process alone,” says Anastasiya Rublyova, operations manager at Puttogo. “Our team ensures they are not only compliant but also positioned for long-term success.” 

Puttogo advisors speak various languages, including French, Russian, Wolof and others, so they are able to communicate more easily with clients and set them at ease, Ms. Rublyova adds. 

Atlanta as a Gateway for Global Buyers 

For many Puttogo clients, Atlanta is emerging as a preferred destination.

“It’s international, it’s growing and it offers value compared to other markets,” Ms. Samb says. “But even here, foreign investors must move carefully. Our job is to make sure they do that with confidence.” 

As global capital continues to flow into the Southeast, professionals like Ms. Samb and Puttogo Global Group advisors are bridging the knowledge and cultural gaps that too often derail international investment.  

Ms. Samb’s message to international buyers?

“Our team really focuses on removing those challenges for our clients so they can love Atlanta and enjoy all it has to offer.” 

Contact Puttogo Global Group at https://puttogo.com/contact/ or (404) 528-9990.