Buying property in the US

Hi everyone,

I am a property developer and builder here in AU – Brisbane. We have a few investment properties, and predominately buy land/build and sell. I have read three of Steve McKnight’s books and have always had the thought of investing in the US floating in the back of my mind.

Only in the last 2-3 months have I really started researching and planning. I have been speaking with two companies – US INVEST and House Buyers USA. Any one have any reference to either two companies or recommend a trusted broker to purchase through ?

Also, have read all comments in this blog, mainly looking for past experiences and success/fail stories. But was interesting to see a few different areas pop up through comments. A lot of the research I have been doing, points to apparent obvious areas – Texas, Georgia and Florida. Atlanta seems to be the most popular city people are investing in, a little concerned that prices might be already inflated with so much hype and I might have possibly missed the mark on that city ? Thoughts ?

Also any insight to upcoming areas with strong demand and high growth, would be appreciated. I think I am going to put some more research together and plan a trip to view some areas and properties. Any advice would be appreciated !

Just a Bump for Sutcom’s post above.

I am also looking to invest in the US and have been looking very closely at US Invest for a turn key solution. At least for my first one. They help set up your LLC, provide the property and then manage it. They also have accountants and legal people to help through tax returns, issues, etc. From the research I have done on their available properties it appears that they mostly buy distressed houses and flip them. Some I have been able to match up to Trulia and the flipping is obvious in previous sales, but also some are up for general sale and the prices are similar to what they offer to US Invest members. Sometimes cheaper to members. Does anyone have any experience with US Invest?

Thanks Jay. I had not considered doing that if I go with US Invest. But would be well worth the money getting an independent appraisal.

No one wants to reply on my other post with the awesome deal I just bought??? lollol

Independent appraisals are the way to go.

If you can buy at market or slightly below from a turnkey company. I would consider that excellent buying. Especially when investing from out of country.

Thanks and have a great day.

Thanks for your 2 cents worth Engelo

I have a full time partner in Florida and have just spend the last three weeks on the ground. We took nearly 3 months putting this deal together. So yes a huge amount of due diligence. Once the deal closes on the 12 September I will put up a detailed review

A review of it would be great. Thanks.

Agree nigel – I’ll talk more with you about the topic we spoke about before you left. We have a new office at 304 Middleborough Rd Blackburn which I am at most days so drop by.

Glad your trip with fruitful.

Before I close – yes Engelo we need to speak.

Cheers, Ivan

Nigel Kibel wrote:

<moderator: delete advertising>

Ivan you and I should talk about smsf for us Property

I believe a post of mine was deleted for ‘advertising’ interesting – certainly not advertising….when I believe I said I would provide info on an organisation that was asked about by Craig….

Cheers, Ivan

CraigG wrote:

It does seem more difficult than expected to get views of US Invest. Usually I can pick up reviews, comments or whatever for most topics via google searches, but US Invest just does not raise any reviews or comments.

No reviews or comments!!… that should scare the hell out of you!!

Craig, you are quite cryptic, what information are you looking for and have you dealt with US Invest?

Cheers, Ivan