Canadian buyers and perception
HI,
Yesterday I participated in a seminar held in St. Albert, Alberta for Canadians considering a purchase of property in the US. I was one of 3 agents from resort areas that participated via Skype. I love doing these not only for the potential business but to provide the information. It makes me a better agent as I prepare, but also because I get questions that I can't always answer on the spot but can research and provide the info. Yesterday was one of those.
I was the first presenter, so I got a few questions on the general aspects of buying in the US, not just about the Phoenix metro market. I don't have an issue answering those questions, as they are important to the buyers. Even if the potential buyers are looking in other markets, it is possible that the other agents don't have all the answers either and this way the client's become more educated and it's better for everyone. There were the typical questions about FIRPTA, short sales and REO's (what are they?) and I was told afterward that the crowd was pleased with my responses (yay me).
One question I didn't have an immediate answer for was the progress on S. 1746 and HR 3341."Visa Improvements to Stimulate International Tourism to the United States of America Act". It's not that I didn't know what they are, but that since these things typically take a lot of time, the last time I checked was about a month ago. These bills are likely to languish for a while, and may never go anywhere. By the way, there hasn't been any movement yet. They are geared toward making the visa process easier for Canadians. The key question is will they really make any difference. They surely couldn't hurt. The main provision will allow a 3 year visa during which a Canadian, over 50 years of age, can stay in the US for up to 240 days. The reason it may not matter is that there are restrictions on the Canadian side that will still limit the stay to 180 days. So, while the intent is to promote more tourism and investment, it just might not matter. Don't get me wrong, I am all for anything that will help tourism and those who want to stay longer, but will it matter in any practical sense. I'd appreciate comments, especially from Canadians on whether this will matter. I am including a link that provides a summary and the full text of the Senate bill here.
Adam Tarr PC
Citywide Real Estate
Phoenix, AZ
480-236-7374
Adam@WeAreAZRealEstate.com
Yesterday I participated in a seminar held in St. Albert, Alberta for Canadians considering a purchase of property in the US. I was one of 3 agents from resort areas that participated via Skype. I love doing these not only for the potential business but to provide the information. It makes me a better agent as I prepare, but also because I get questions that I can't always answer on the spot but can research and provide the info. Yesterday was one of those.
I was the first presenter, so I got a few questions on the general aspects of buying in the US, not just about the Phoenix metro market. I don't have an issue answering those questions, as they are important to the buyers. Even if the potential buyers are looking in other markets, it is possible that the other agents don't have all the answers either and this way the client's become more educated and it's better for everyone. There were the typical questions about FIRPTA, short sales and REO's (what are they?) and I was told afterward that the crowd was pleased with my responses (yay me).
One question I didn't have an immediate answer for was the progress on S. 1746 and HR 3341."Visa Improvements to Stimulate International Tourism to the United States of America Act". It's not that I didn't know what they are, but that since these things typically take a lot of time, the last time I checked was about a month ago. These bills are likely to languish for a while, and may never go anywhere. By the way, there hasn't been any movement yet. They are geared toward making the visa process easier for Canadians. The key question is will they really make any difference. They surely couldn't hurt. The main provision will allow a 3 year visa during which a Canadian, over 50 years of age, can stay in the US for up to 240 days. The reason it may not matter is that there are restrictions on the Canadian side that will still limit the stay to 180 days. So, while the intent is to promote more tourism and investment, it just might not matter. Don't get me wrong, I am all for anything that will help tourism and those who want to stay longer, but will it matter in any practical sense. I'd appreciate comments, especially from Canadians on whether this will matter. I am including a link that provides a summary and the full text of the Senate bill here.
Adam Tarr PC
Citywide Real Estate
Phoenix, AZ
480-236-7374
Adam@WeAreAZRealEstate.com