Prepare remotely
Confirm ownership, access, condition, bookings, management details and the people authorized to help locally.
International owners
Clear local guidance, remote coordination and a practical plan for overseas owners—from the first pricing conversation through closing and transfer of funds.
A local plan for a distant owner
Most of the sale can be organized remotely. The key is establishing the right contacts, documents, access plan and expectations before the property reaches the market.
The international seller path
Each stage is designed to reduce last-minute surprises and keep the transaction moving across different time zones.
Confirm ownership, access, condition, bookings, management details and the people authorized to help locally.
Compare the right community, plan, amenities, pool, view, condition and current buyer competition.
Coordinate photography, property details, inventory, showings and communication with guests or managers.
Look beyond price to financing, deposits, dates, contingencies, included items and likely net result.
Coordinate inspections, title requests, remote documents, identity checks, final condition and funds transfer.
FIRPTA, explained simply
FIRPTA can require a buyer to withhold part of the amount realized when purchasing U.S. real property from a foreign seller. The correct treatment depends on the seller, buyer, price, intended use and other transaction details.
A qualified tax professional can determine whether an exception or reduced withholding applies and whether a withholding-certificate application may be appropriate. Starting early gives the professionals and closing team more time to coordinate the required forms.
Read Team Donovan’s FIRPTA guide →Confirm how title is held and who will provide tax and legal guidance.
Separate estimated withholding from final tax liability and closing costs.
Keep the tax professional, title company and real-estate team aligned.
Remote-closing checklist
Confirm acceptable identification, names and notarization requirements early.
Keep keys, gate details, manager contacts and showing instructions current.
Gather ownership, loan, HOA, rental and property records before they are urgent.
Verify wiring instructions independently and plan currency transfer with a qualified provider.
Continue with confidence
International ownership adds extra coordination, but the core decision remains the same: understand the property, the market evidence, the contract and the likely result.
Frequently asked questions
Often, no. Many marketing, contract and closing steps can be coordinated remotely, subject to the requirements of the title company, lender and other professionals involved.
Start with ownership details, identification, mortgage information, HOA or management contacts, access, bookings, property records and the names of your tax and legal advisers.
Not necessarily. Withholding and final tax liability are different questions. A qualified U.S. tax professional should review the seller’s specific facts and filing obligations.
Certain exceptions or reduced-withholding procedures may apply depending on the transaction. Eligibility and timing should be reviewed early with a qualified tax professional and the closing team.
They should be addressed clearly during preparation and contract negotiations. Create an accurate inventory and identify management agreements, guest commitments, deposits and access obligations.
Never rely solely on emailed wiring instructions. Independently verify instructions using a trusted telephone number and follow the title company’s security process.
Your property is in Orlando. Your plan can start anywhere.
Tell Team Donovan where the property is, how it is used and where you are based.