Category Archives: International

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International Buyers – California.

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In the 12 month period ending March 2014, foreign investment in US Real Estate amounted to $92.2 Billion, roughly 7% of the total US home sales market.

The top 5 Countries are; 1. Canada  2. China  3. India  4. Mexico  5. United Kingdom. Canada was top for the number of overall transactions but it is China that is spending more than any other country. California is second only to Florida as the most popular State for foreign Real Estate investment.

Although there are strict rules about taking funds out of China, many International Buyers will use all cash to complete the transaction. Financing (getting a loan / mortgage) has traditionally been difficult for the International Buyer as there is often no employment or credit history. The tide is slowly turning and institutions like East West Bank are now creating specific programs for foreign investors (mainly focusing on the Asian market). Most of the mainstream high street banks will have foreign investor programs that usually require a larger downpayment (40%). It is always best to carry out due diligence and speak to a number of financial institutions prior to getting started. Feel free to ask questions about financing as I have a number of different avenues that offer unique programs for the International Buyer wanting to purchase here in California.

The US in general and California in particular has a huge appeal for International Buyers. A stable economy, a safe haven, opportunity, education and freedom are all reasons why foreign nationals want to be here. I myself moved to the US in 2001. California was always my dream!

A normal domestic transaction in California takes between 30 – 45 days. Cash deals can be completed much quicker (10 days). Inspections and repairs usually get addressed within the first 2 – 3 weeks. Contingencies are then removed after 17 and 21 days. With the introduction of electronic signatures you can now conduct an entire transaction from overseas.

There will be other areas, such as tax strategy, that International investors will want to research as part of the process. I have partnered with a tax professional (see John Wright on my website ‘Partnerships’ page) who will be able to advise in this area.

Please contact me if you are interested in California Real Estate.

Ross@RossStJohnArmstrong.com
+1 949.689.1669
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Peninsula

California Dreaming – September 2014

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Whether you intend to use a California Residence as a holiday retreat or something
more permanent, you will need help and advice to guide you through the process.

Within my team we have UK Citizens who have moved to the US and can, through
experience, pass on their first hand knowledge. The Service Provider Network which
includes Attorney’s, Tax Experts and Real Estate Professionals will be able to resolve
most issues as you move towards a California Lifestyle.

We are located in Newport Beach with easy access to both Los Angeles International
(LAX) and John Wayne Orange County (SNA) Airports.

Some of the concierge services we can provide are;
• Real Estate – Buying and Selling Residential/Investment Properties
• Mortgage and Loan Advice
• Visa and Immigration
• US Tax Strategy
• Property Management
• Travel Advice and Transportation Services

If you would like to find out more about living the California Dream, please contact Ross
Ross@RossStJohnArmstrong.com
+1 949.689.1669

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California Dreaming – August 2014

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One-Stop Shop

Buying a property overseas can be a daunting prospect. There are a whole host of unfamiliar processes which create doubt and uncertainty. With this in mind, I have built a professional team that not only have a huge wealth of experience but understand the International perspective. Having moved from the UK to the US myself in 2001 I know what to expect and can provide first hand experience. Being able to provide a ‘One-Stop Shop’ for all your needs (Financial Loans, Visa and Immigration Analysis, Property Management and Tax Advice) helps make the process of buying Real Estate in California a lot less complicated.

We have a number of different financial programs for Foreign Nationals. Whether you plan on using the property as a holiday home up to 90 days per year, as a tourist, or as a Primary Residence due to your Resident Alien/Green Card status we can find the right program for you.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me and I’ll be happy to provide you with the information you’re looking for.

Ross@RossStJohnArmstrong.com
+1 949.689.1669

JULY PROPERTY SHOWCASE

1009 Muirfield Drive
Newport Beach California 92660
List Price: $955,000 (£550,000 approx.)

Newport Beach Townhome located minutes away from the shops and restaurants at Fashion Island, the beaches of Corona Del Mar and Balboa Peninsula and a 10 minute drive from John Wayne Airport.

1,760 sqft with 2 bedrooms 2.5 bathrooms, 2 patios for entertaining and an attached double garage.

Further details on this property can be provided upon request.

NewportHarbor_ross armstrong

California Dreaming – April 2014

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With endless miles of sun-drenched sandy beaches stretching along the coastline from Santa Monica Bay in Los Angeles to San Diego close to the Mexican border, Southern California is truly America’s sunshine state where every day is summer. While inland vineyards flourish on
almost every hillside, stunning scenery in the State’s National Parks also attracts residents and visitors alike to this land of contrasts and surprises.
Palm Springs basks in balmy temperatures in the midst of the desert landscape of the Coachella Valley, a short cable car ride brings visitors to the chilly heights of the Mount San Jacino State Park where cross-country skiing proves a popular pastime in the winter months.

It was this heady combination of year-round sunshine and infinite variety which brought Sutton Coldfield born Ross St.John Armstrong to Southern California a few years ago. A career with BP saw Ross move to the United States in 2001. After periods spent living and working in both Minneapolis and Chicago, he settled in Newport Beach, Orange County.

“My father is an architect and instilled a love of design and an interest in property in me from an early age,” Ross explained. “This combined with the fabulous lifestyle enjoyed across Southern
California inspired me to leave corporate life behind and pursue a career as a Real Estate Professional helping clients buy and sell property across the sunshine state.”

During his regular visits to see family and friends in Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield and London Ross realized that for many UK residents dreams of buying a home in California would only ever be just a dream because of the complexities of the State’s Real Estate market and buying so far from home. However a recent collaboration with UK Estate Agents means that Ross can now offer a bespoke service for anyone wishing to buy their own California dream.

Owning your own home in California means that you can enjoy up to twelve weeks of sunshine living at any time of the year while earning a significant rental income throughout the remaining months. All legal, lending and property management advice is available through Ross’s affiliation with the Berkshire Hathaway Brokerage in the US so, whether it’s coastal living with ocean views or resort style living in an upscale condominium community, perhaps it’s time to make California dreaming a reality. Direct flights are available daily from Heathrow to Los Angeles while for passengers seeking a more scenic route via the US East Coast flights are also available direct to John Wayne Airport in the heart of Orange County.

To find out more about living the California Dream contact Ross:

Ross@RossStJohnArmstrong.com
+1 949.689.1669