Information For Canadian Buyers
Investing in a second home or investment property here at PGA West is fairly simple for a Canadian citizen. Our goal is to make the process simple and straightforward for our clients. We regularly assist Canadian buyers in finding excellent real estate opportunities at PGA West and throughout the desert.
Canadian buyers generally won’t need a U.S. Social Security number unless you plan to rent your PGA West property, just a valid passport. There are a few forms that we will help you complete, but the process overall is straightforward and fairly simple. An attorney is usually not needed, since our team is trained to process all the escrow papers.
Here's What Numerous Canadians Are Taking Advantage Of:
- Historically low real estate prices in the United States
- A perfect sunbelt location for your dream home away from home
- The best inventory selection of homes and condos in many years
- A strong resort rental market for owners wishing to rent their property
- A strong Canadian Dollar
California Property Taxes
Annual property taxes in Riverside County are set at a rate of 1.25% of the appraised value of the property. The new appraised value will be set at your purchase price, even if the previous value was higher. Annual property taxes are divided into two payments and paid semi-annually. If you are purchasing a property via a loan you can request that your lender add the property taxes to your loan amount each month (called impounding taxes) with the lender then paying the property taxes for you. Some communities in the desert may also add a suplemental tax called Mello-Roos which funds new infrastruture for the communities, but PGA West is not located within a Mello-Roos area.
Condos Compared To Strata Ownership
Here in the desert a condo does not usually refer to a high-rise community as found in many Canadian Provinces. While there are a few high-rise developments here, most condo communities in the desert including those at PGA West are actually single level or two story buildings. There are a wide variety of condo types at PGA West including those with no shared walls. The condo communities at PGA West offer a 'lock and leave' lifestyle where exterior building maintenance, exterior insurance, landscape and more are taken care of by the condo association or as they are called here in the desert, the Home Owners Association (HOA).
Canadian Buyer Loan Programs
Mortgages are available here for Canadian buyers. When financing, a Canadian buyer will just need to establish a U.S. bank account before submitting an application. The financed property must also be a second home – not a primary residence. We have several good mortgage company referrals for Canadian buyer loan programs. Please don't hesitate to call for more information as loan programs are subject to change.
- No social security number required for Canadian buyers
- No credit scoring – no credit report
- No U.S. residence required
- 50% down payment
- Minimum property loan amount of US $200,000
- Full documentation
- No pre-payment penalty for early payoff
- Second home only
Comments From Sheri's Recent Canadian Client’s:
“Dealing with Sheri is like dealing with a friend. Nothing is too much trouble and her attention to detail both before during and after the transaction was completed was unstinting. All in all a potentially difficult experience for a non U.S. resident made enjoyable by working with Sheri!”
Holly & Colin
“We would strongly recommend Sheri and her team. Sheri is extremely responsive, knows her business and provides straightforward and honest advice. She does not waste your time but makes time for you regardless of your needs or the size of your purchase. We would certainly use this team again."
Carol Ann Butler
“Very friendly professional who knew the areas which saved me a lot time in looking. Enjoyed the time my wife and I spent looking with Sheri your team. We also appreciated the after sale help we got with setting up the house with vendors etc. I will recommend Sheri Dettman & Associates to my friends.”
G.A. Burbidge
“Your knowledge of real estate in the area was remarkable. In one meeting, you knew exactly what we were looking for and offered expert advice, which led to the purchase of our new home. As a Canadian resident, the follow up regarding gardeners, pool maintenance, house cleaning services, etc. was more than we could have asked for.”
Debbie Robert
“I am so glad that we went with you as our realtor, you are just great! We will refer anyone that we can to you. Many thanks for all of your hard work and making the process of seeing so many properties enjoyable for my parents. In the end, you are right, the house they got is the crown jewel! I am sure we will see you around soon!”
Andrew Leonard
