U.S. lawmakers aim to lure foreigners to buy American homes
Tuesday, October 25th, 2011Washiington, DC, United States (AHN) – The ailing housing market in the United States has not been able to recover even with historic low interest rates, bargain-hunting American consumers or U.S. government intervention. So, the Senate is proposing a bill that would give foreigners a part in bailing out the industry.
U.S. Sens. Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Sen Mike Lee (R-UT) have introduced a bill that would permit foreigners who shell out at least $500,000 on U.S. residential property to obtain visas allowing them to live in the United States.
The plan might be the boon the U.S. real estate market needs, especially in states particularly hard hit such as California and Florida, which often attract wealthy Chinese and Canadian buyers.
The National Association of Realtors reported that in the 12-month period that ended March 31 residential sales nationwide to foreigners and recent immigrants totaled $82 billion, an increase from $66 billion in the same period a year earlier.
The bipartisan proposal, part of a package that would make it easier for international tourists to visit and vacation in the United States, is similar to an existing program that puts foreigners on a fast track to a green card if they invest at least $500,000 in an American business that creates at least 10 jobs.
There are restriction in the new proposed bill. The purchase must be in cash, with no mortgage or home equity loan. And, the property would have to be purchased for more than its most recent appraised value. In addition, the buyer must live in the home at least 180 days a year, which would require paying U.S. income taxes on any foreign earnings.
The buyer would be able to bring a spouse and minor children to live in the U.S., but would need to apply for a work visa to hold a job. Neither the buyer nor the dependents would be eligible to receive Medicaid, Medicare or Social Security benefits.
Schumer and Lee, who have already secured backing for the bill from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. Travel Association and the American Hotel & Lodging Association, are working to get support from the Obama administration, which received details of the bill Thursday.
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