10 Steps to Buying a Home in America

10 Steps to Buying a Home in America

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Foreigners can buy property in the United States, and Turkish citizens can also purchase real estate without any permit or residency requirement. Florida leads the market, attracting about 21% of all international home purchases. For example, Miami recorded around 4,000 foreign home sales in the 2024–25 period, with a median price of approximately $500,000. Below, we will walk through the 10-step process of buying a home in the U.S.

1. Budget and Financial Planning

Determine your budget for the property you intend to purchase. In popular areas such as Miami, median home prices range around $500,000–$560,000. Plan your financing sources (savings or loan) for both the down payment and monthly expenses.

2. Mortgage or Payment Method

Evaluate mortgage options or cash payment. Many foreign buyers prefer cash purchases; for instance, 47% of international buyers pay in full. If you are considering a mortgage, consult banks offering foreign investor loans and obtain a pre-approval. Getting a mortgage pre-approval is crucial as it shows sellers you are a serious buyer and clarifies your budget.

3. Working with a Real Estate Agent

Partnering with a local real estate agent offers a major advantage when searching for a home in the U.S. An experienced agent understands market dynamics in cities like Miami and handles offer and negotiation processes on your behalf. Professional guidance helps you find the right property and manage complex procedures efficiently.

4. Choosing the Right Home

Identify the location and features that match your needs and review listings accordingly. Miami is known as a vibrant global hub and often considered the “path of least resistance” for capital and entrepreneurs. You can find many homes that fit your budget, but be sure to compare pricing and growth potential before making a decision.

5. Making an Offer and Negotiation

Prepare a reasonable offer for the property you like together with your agent. The offer letter is presented to the seller; at this stage, you can negotiate and improve the terms. In highly competitive markets, acting quickly can be a significant advantage.

6. Home Inspection

Once your offer is accepted, hire a professional inspector to examine the property thoroughly. A home inspection reveals potential structural issues and helps you anticipate future repair costs. Based on the findings, you may negotiate further or revisit the terms of the purchase.

7. Closing Process

During closing, you sign the required documents and finalize the transaction. This step includes securing insurance policies, paying taxes, and transferring ownership. After all procedures are completed, the home is officially recorded in your name.

8. Taxes and Legal Obligations

Owning property in the U.S. comes with certain tax responsibilities. Be mindful of property taxes and foreign investor-related withholdings (such as FIRPTA). Homeowners insurance is also mandatory. Working with an accountant helps you plan expenses and fulfill tax obligations on time.

9. Residency Options Through Investment

Owning a property alone does not grant U.S. residency. However, under the EB-5 investor visa program, you may obtain permanent residency (Green Card) by investing at least $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area or $1.05 million elsewhere. Turkish citizens can also apply for an E-2 visa by establishing a business in the U.S., thanks to existing treaty agreements. Choose the visa route that best fits your investment plan.

10. U.S. Citizenship Process

After obtaining a Green Card, you may apply for U.S. citizenship once you have legally resided in the country for five years. By following these 10 steps, you can successfully complete the home-buying process in the United States—particularly in strategic locations like Miami—and then move forward with residency or citizenship goals if desired.

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