How much does it cost to have a broker help with the buying process?
The broker's commission is always paid by the selling party. In other words, the owner of the house for sale or, in the case of a new house, the builder. For those who are buying a property, there is no cost to having a realtor's advice.
Can I visit condominiums on my own and have the help of the condominium salesman?
Yes, you can. In condominiums, as a general rule there is a model house with a salesperson working, not always Brazilian, but there is someone to attend to him. The difference is that this salesperson works for that particular construction company. He's going to defend that specific location. A realtor works for you. They are in a position to check out the best options on the market depending on your interests, whether it's a new house or a used one, regardless of who is selling. What's more, the realtor's work begins exactly when we find the house. That's where the most important part comes in: monitoring contracts, supervising and monitoring the construction of the house, final inspection of the property with the client, assistance with payment, opening accounts, guidance on registering the house, management, costs, etc. These details and others that come up, if done with the assistance of a realtor, make the whole process simpler and carried out correctly. My suggestion is that, even if you are visiting the area on your own, you should have a realtor with you when you go to buy the property or when you have to fill in any documentation. In this way, you are ensuring that you have the assistance of a professional during the process, at no extra cost.
What do you need to buy a property?
We'll need your passport and a local current account. Opening an account must be done in person, we can also advise you on the banks that can best serve you and we will need your passport. Accounts can be opened for small amounts, depending on the bank and the type of account chosen.
How do I send the money?
The purchase price can be sent directly to the registry office that is handling the purchase/sale of your property. It can also be sent to your American account and from there to the notary's office. Another important detail to be aware of is that not all banks in the United States allow money to be transferred without the account holder being present. It's important to be able to move your account remotely, as you won't always be in the country. For those who don't yet have a current account, or even to have the freedom to send a larger amount than the purchase of the house - this is common, for paying for furniture, decoration etc - we can use capital remittance companies. The process is simple and we can help with this as well. Everything is done in accordance with Brazilian regulations.
When do I pay?
When the contract is signed and the house is chosen, a deposit is paid. If it's a resale house, it's usually quite low, around US$5,000.00. If it's a new house, it varies depending on the value of the house and the builder, but in general we're talking about 10% of the value of the property within 30 days of signing the contract. The rest will be paid on delivery of the house. If paid in cash, the total amount; if financed, the difference to complete the total down payment (usually between 30 and 40% of the value of the property).
How long does it take to deliver the house?
If it's a ready-made house, regardless of whether it's a resale or a new house, it usually takes 4 weeks, or even less. With a mortgage, around 8 weeks. For houses bought on the drawing board, again it depends on the builder, the size of the house, etc., but in general we have in mind 7 months from choosing the drawing board to delivery of the house.