Houston draws buyers from around the world: families relocating for work, investors looking for opportunity and people who simply want a home base in Texas. Buying from thousands of miles away adds challenges that local buyers never face. A dedicated international division exists to take the guesswork out of them.
The challenges of buying from a distance
- Distance and time zones. Showings, signatures and calls have to fit schedules on two continents.
- Language. Contracts, disclosures and loan documents are detailed, and clear communication matters.
- Financing. Lenders have different documentation requirements for buyers who live abroad or are new to the United States.
- Local risks. Flood zones, hurricane season, property taxes and utility districts are new to many overseas buyers.
- Tax and legal questions. Rules for foreign owners can differ, and you should get advice from a qualified tax professional and attorney.
How the international division helps
The Keller Williams Memorial international division brings together agents who work with overseas clients and understand the questions they ask. They can help you:
- Define what you want in a property, a neighborhood and a commute before you travel
- Tour homes by video and plan a focused scouting trip
- Understand the Texas purchase process, including earnest money, the option period, inspections and title
- Coordinate with lenders, title companies and insurers who can work with out-of-country buyers
- Stay in touch across time zones so the transaction keeps moving
A multilingual office
Agents across the office speak many languages, including Spanish, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Cantonese, Arabic, French, Urdu and Hindi, among others. Our agent directory can be filtered by language, so you can find someone who speaks yours.
Homes around the world
The connection runs both ways. If you are a Houston buyer looking at property abroad, HAR’s Global Information Exchange lists homes in destinations including Mexico, Costa Rica, Belize, Spain, Panama, Colombia, France, Portugal, the United Arab Emirates, Greece, Italy and the Dominican Republic, and our international page links to them.
Your next step
Start with our free checklist for buying Houston property from abroad. If you are planning a move, the Houston relocation planner pairs well with it. When you are ready to talk, contact the office and we will connect you with an agent in the international division.
This article is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Each situation is different, so consult qualified professionals about yours.
