Editor’s note: Sponsored article by Paula Henao, Global Real Estate Advisor at Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty
Navigating Atlanta’s real estate market can be challenging for anyone, but for international buyers and sellers, the process can be even more complex.
Whether purchasing your first home in the United States or selling an investment property, it’s important to be well-prepared and understand the unique aspects of buying and selling real estate in this city.
Over my 14+ years working with international clients in the Atlanta market, I have helped people from many different backgrounds and cultures to successfully navigate the process of buying and selling properties.
Often, I assist clients with multiple real estate transactions, so we develop long-lasting relationships. Over time, they become not only good clients but great friends.
For any international buyer or seller in the Atlanta market, I offer the following advice to ensure your experience goes smoothly and you get the results you are seeking.
Secure Financing Early
The Atlanta real estate market is fast-paced, competitive and currently shaped by several key factors: rising interest rates, limited inventory and a growing number of cash buyers. As an international buyer or seller, it’s important to stay informed about these trends, as they impact the ability to negotiate and to time transactions.
Desirable properties can go under contract within days, sometimes even hours. As a buyer, you need to be prepared to act quickly, which means having your financing in place and knowing what you’re looking for. The Atlanta market is very competitive, so timing and preparedness are crucial.
One of the most important steps for international buyers is securing financing early in the process. Depending on your immigration status and financial background, you may face some additional hurdles, but there are options available.
Neelum Sharma and Kaushal Tripathi, India-born buyers in Atlanta who I have worked with multiple times over many years, appreciated me teaching them about the financing process and introducing them to the right lenders.
“As an immigrant, I didn’t grow up buying and selling homes in the United States. Paula was right there during the first phase of our home buying and property buying and selling,” says Mr. Tripathi, who has since purchased four homes in the Dunwoody and Sandy Springs areas.
“She was not only looking for a property for us, she was also looking for bankers… So that made the whole process very smooth,” he adds.
Get to Know Atlanta’s Neighborhoods and Timing
As one of the most diverse and dynamic cities in the U.S., Atlanta offers a wide range of neighborhoods, each with its own character, amenities and lifestyle. Whether you’re a buyer or seller, understanding the unique aspects of each area is essential to making informed decisions.
Buyers should consider their priorities and lifestyle when selecting a neighborhood. Alpharetta, Decatur and Midtown, for example, each offer a distinct “feel,” culture and activities.
For Ms. Sharma and Mr. Tripathi, purchasing investment properties near the Indian Consulate in Dunwoody was key.
“She was always on our side. She was always two steps ahead,” Ms. Sharma says of my preparedness and knowledge about the particular neighborhoods they were interested in.
When selling, it’s important to highlight the benefits of my clients’ neighborhood. Buyers are not just purchasing a home but also a lifestyle. This is especially true in a city like Atlanta, where diverse communities and different locations in the city offer a wide range of amenities and advantages.
Build a Team of Experts
International buyers and sellers benefit from building a team of professionals who understand both the U.S. real estate market and international transactions. Working with a Realtor who has experience assisting international clients makes a significant difference.
My affiliation with Sotheby’s International Realty is a true advantage for my clients because I can connect them with more than 25,000 Sotheby’s agents in 84 countries. If clients are interested in purchasing properties overseas, we can rely on this international network to provide them with the best service possible in almost any country.
Having professionals on your team who understand international transactions will make the process smoother, whether you need help with mortgage options, tax implications or legal paperwork.
“Paula does her homework. She has the knowledge. She understands the laws and rules in different countries,” Ms. Sharma attests.
Prepare for Additional Steps
For international buyers and sellers, a few extra precautions need to be taken during the real estate process.
International sellers may be subject to the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act (FIRPTA), which withholds part of the sale proceeds to cover potential taxes.
“Being an international buyer, if Paula had not guided us, we would have been in for a big tax shock. But her knowledge helped us a lot to learn about the financial aspects of real estate buying and selling,” Mr. Tripathi says.
Georgia also requires both buyers and sellers to work with real estate attorneys for closing transactions. This is especially important for international clients, as attorneys can help handle the legal complexities involved.
Depending on a buyer’s immigration status, there could be restrictions or specific processes for purchasing property in the U.S. So, it’s important to understand those implications before you commit to real estate.
Be Aware of Cultural and Communication Needs
Real estate transactions in the U.S. may involve different cultural norms and communication styles compared to what international clients are used to. It’s important to work with someone who understands these differences and can act as a cultural bridge.
Many investors, individuals and families from Latin America are now coming to Atlanta, not only to Miami or Orlando, because job opportunities here are so robust and the real estate market is very competitive.
Because I am fluent in English and Spanish, I can provide my clients with personalized guidance in both languages. I have built a strong network of local experts, such as attorneys, accountants and mortgage brokers who I regularly work with, depending on the client’s needs.
My clients appreciate working with an advisor who understands both the U.S. market and the international perspective. This can be a key factor in ensuring that transactions proceed smoothly and without unnecessary confusion.
Helping international clients is one of my favorite parts of being a real estate professional in Atlanta, and I try to develop lasting relationships with all of them.
“Paula’s patience is what led us to be friends for so many years. She is very patient and understanding no matter how long it takes,” Ms. Sharma says of our history together. “Our relationship is not simply transactional, it’s more long-term…She takes care of us even after the transaction’s done.”
If you’re an international buyer or seller looking for real estate guidance in Atlanta, I’m here to help. With 15+ years of experience working with clients from around the world, I’m committed to making your real estate journey as seamless as possible.
Please contact me paulahenao@atlantafinehomes.com.
Paula Henao is a licensed Realtor with Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Paula specializes in working with buyers and sellers in Atlanta’s competitive real estate market.
