Canadian couple looking to buy across the border

Real Estate Agent · Grand Rapids, MI · Member since 2016 · 89 posts · 51 votes

4y

Sounds like you guys are setting yourselves up for success! I am a big proponent of educating yourself, and continuing to learn throughout the process.

If there is anything I can do to be a resource for you, or if I can be a sounding board for your ideas, don't hesitate to reach out!

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Drew SygitBusiness Member

Property Manager · Royal Oak, MI · Member since 2012 · 12k+ posts · 9k+ votes

4y

Welcome to Michigan!

What financing have you arranged here in the states?

[email protected]248-209-6824

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Scott Mac

Austin, TX · Member since 2019 · 5k+ posts · 5k+ votes

4y

Quote from @Matt M.:

Hey Everyone!

We’re a Canadian couple ....

Driving over on your days off might lower your anxiety.

Maybe stay overnight in a motel, get your hair cut there, eat in the restaurants.

Get to know a few cities well, and get to know the neighborhoods there.

Talk to a few realtors and shop in the local grocery stores.

After a few trips, you will know where is not safe, and where is more safe than the not safe.

Also once you cross the border 911 is the call code for help if you need it, but don't expect the Red Coated Mounties in their shiny brown boots.

Our Patrol Officers sometimes look very militaristic (but not always).

And like the old song says, Michigan seems like a young man's dreams; the islands and bays are for sportsmen (in other words Deer Hunting and Fishing are always a good conversation starter when traveling there).

There is an open hunting season at all times on public and private land from August 1st through March 31st every year. So hunters could be encountered in the woods on public lands during these months.

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Scott Mac

Austin, TX · Member since 2019 · 5k+ posts · 5k+ votes

4y

Quote from @Scott Mac:

Quote from @Matt M.:

Hey Everyone!

We’re a Canadian couple ....

Hi Matt,

Driving over on your days off might lower your anxiety.

Maybe stay overnight in a motel, get your hair cut there, eat in the restaurants.

Get to know a few cities well, and get to know the neighborhoods there.

Talk to a few realtors and shop in the local grocery stores.

After a few trips, you will know where it is not safe, and where is (more safe than the not safe areas).

Also once you cross the border 911 is the call code for help if you need it, but don't expect the Red Coated Mounties in their shiny brown boots.

Our Patrol Officers sometimes look very militaristic (but not always).

And like the old song says, Michigan seems like a young man's dreams; the islands and bays are for sportsmen (in other words Deer Hunting and Fishing are always a good conversation starter when traveling there).

There is an open hunting season at all times on public and private land from August 1st through March 31st every year. So hunters could be encountered in the woods on public lands during these months.

Good Luck!

0 Reply

Matt M.

OP

Rental Property Investor · Sarnia/Port Huron · Member since 2014 · 8 posts · 2 votes

4y

Quote from @Andrew Moore:

Sounds like you guys are setting yourselves up for success! I am a big proponent of educating yourself, and continuing to learn throughout the process.

If there is anything I can do to be a resource for you, or if I can be a sounding board for your ideas, don't hesitate to reach out!

Thanks Andrew! At this point, we're in the assembling a team phase. So any recommendations would be appreciated. Realtor, property manager, mortgage broker, wholesaler, lawyer, handyman, contractor, you name it.

0 Reply

Matt M.

OP

Rental Property Investor · Sarnia/Port Huron · Member since 2014 · 8 posts · 2 votes

4y

Quote from @Drew Sygit:

Welcome to Michigan!

What financing have you arranged here in the states?

Hey Drew, no financing lined up as of yet... mostly due to Canadian border restrictions that end as of April 1, which makes it costly to cross the border. We have money in the bank and approximately 80-100k USD available through HELOC; we were thinking of starting small by purchasing entirely in cash (including the repairs) for our first BRRRR, though we certainly don't feel the need to limit ourselves to all-cash deals. Any recommendations? I realize it's a bit more complex because we're foreigners... we've been told it's best to deal with Canadian banks that do business in the US.