Remote Closings & International Moves to Pompano

Buying in Pompano Beach from another country or state can feel complex. You may be wondering how to sign, send funds, and time your move without a last‑minute scramble. With the right plan and a closing team that handles international clients every week, you can complete your purchase smoothly and on schedule. This guide gives you clear options for remote notarization, secure funds transfer, and visa‑friendly timelines tailored to Broward County. Let’s dive in.

Remote notarization and signing options

Remote Online Notarization in Florida

Florida authorizes Remote Online Notarization, or RON, which lets you appear before a Florida notary over secure video and sign many closing documents digitally. The notary records the session and attaches a RON certificate. You can review Florida’s rules on the Florida Department of State’s guidance on RON to understand how platforms, ID checks, and records work in practice. Many Florida title companies accept RON for cash purchases and certain lender documents, but you should confirm specific document requirements early. See Florida’s RON guidance.

Using a Power of Attorney from abroad

If you cannot attend the closing, you can authorize a trusted local representative to sign on your behalf with a Power of Attorney (POA). When a POA is executed outside the United States, your title company may ask for an apostille or consular legalization to authenticate the foreign notarization. Timelines vary by country, so start early. To understand how apostilles work and whether your country is part of the Hague Convention, review the U.S. Department of State’s page on apostille and document authentication. Read the apostille guidance.

Mail‑away and in‑person cases

A mail‑away closing is common. The title company ships your documents, you sign with a local notary, then return originals by courier. This adds shipping time, and any missed signatures can delay recording, so build in a buffer. For notarial rules and certificate language, your team may reference Florida Statutes Chapter 117 on notarial acts to ensure the forms are correct. Review Florida Statutes Chapter 117.

Confirm requirements upfront

Before you sign a contract, align with your lender and title company on:

• If your lender allows RON or requires in‑person signing.
• Whether a foreign‑executed POA is acceptable, and if it needs an apostille or consular legalization.
• The precise notarial certificate language and which documents require original “wet” signatures.
• File delivery expectations, including courier timing and acceptable scanned copies.

Moving money securely to Broward escrow

How escrow works locally in Broward

In Florida, the title or closing agent holds your funds in escrow, then records the deed and disburses according to the contract. Broward County supports electronic recording and online access to property records, which helps speed up the final steps. You can review Broward County Records, Taxes & Treasury for recording and tax information, and the Broward Clerk & Comptroller for official recording procedures and status updates. Recording can be same day to a few days depending on workload and submission time. Explore Broward County Records, Taxes & Treasury and Broward Clerk & Comptroller.

International wires and timing

Most international buyers use SWIFT wire transfers. The path typically involves your foreign bank, one or more intermediary banks, and the title company’s escrow account. International wires often arrive within 1 to 5 business days. Banks may place holds to verify the origin, and title companies usually require cleared funds before disbursement. Start transfers several business days early, ask for the SWIFT MT103 confirmation, and consider staging funds in a U.S. account in advance if possible.

Wire fraud safeguards

Real estate transactions are targeted by wire‑fraud scams, especially near closing. Follow the FBI’s guidance to keep your money safe. Always verify wiring instructions by calling your title company at a number you obtain from their official website, not from an email. If instructions change, confirm by phone again. Keep your wire confirmation until recording and disbursement are complete. Review FBI real estate wire‑fraud steps.

Currency and cost considerations

Exchange rates and bank fees can change your final cost. You can use a reputable foreign‑exchange provider to send funds in USD or lock a rate. Clarify who pays intermediary bank fees so the full purchase amount reaches escrow. Budget for title and escrow fees, recording fees, documentary stamps on the deed, and other Florida closing costs.

Financing and tax touchpoints for non‑U.S. buyers

Mortgages for foreign nationals

Many lenders offer foreign‑national programs, but the requirements vary. Expect larger down payments, extra documentation on income and assets, and sometimes longer underwriting timelines. If you lack U.S. credit history, lenders may use international credit references or apply different terms. Start pre‑approval early so you can plan your closing date and rate lock.

ITIN basics

Some buyers need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for tax or lender reporting. Processing can take weeks, so build this into your timeline if required. The IRS outlines who needs an ITIN and how to apply. See the IRS ITIN application page.

FIRPTA if the seller is foreign

If you are buying from a foreign seller, the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act (FIRPTA) may require you to withhold a portion of the sale price at closing. Your title attorney or closing agent will guide you if FIRPTA applies, and will coordinate any required withholding or exemptions. Learn about FIRPTA from the IRS.

Title insurance and recording in Broward

Title insurance is standard in Florida. Your title company conducts a search and issues an owner’s policy to protect against covered defects and liens. In Broward County, documents are typically submitted for electronic recording, and escrow disburses after recording and final checks. Confirm policy details, exceptions, and local recording costs with your title team.

Visa logistics and planning your move

Property ownership vs. immigration status

Owning a home in the United States does not grant immigration status or the right to work. Many buyers use short visits to view homes or attend a closing, then plan a longer relocation on a proper visa. For long stays or permanent moves, consult an immigration attorney who can advise on the right path for your goals.

Check visa appointment wait times

Visa appointment availability varies by consulate and visa category. If you plan to attend your closing in person, check official visa appointment wait times early so your travel aligns with lender or title company requirements. Adjust your plan if appointment availability is limited, and consider remote options when allowed. Check current visa wait times.

Align your timelines

• Cash purchase with RON: often 1 to 3 weeks from contract acceptance, assuming title is clear and funds are ready.
• Cash purchase with international wires and mail‑away: add 1 to 3 weeks for fund movement and apostille or POA steps.
• Mortgage for a foreign national: plan 45 to 75 days or more for underwriting and conditions, especially if you need an ITIN or translated documents.
• In‑person signing: add the time required for visa appointments, approvals, and travel.

Your step‑by‑step checklist

Early steps (pre‑contract or right after signing)

• Choose a title or escrow company and confirm whether they support RON, POA, or mail‑away for your file.
• If financing, contact lenders that specialize in foreign‑national loans and start pre‑approval right away.
• If using a POA executed abroad, confirm apostille or consular requirements and start that process early.
• Open a U.S. bank account if possible, or select a reputable FX provider to send funds in USD.
• Ask the closing agent to confirm whether the seller is foreign for any FIRPTA obligations.
• Engage a Florida real‑estate attorney or closing agent with international transaction experience.

10 to 21 days before closing

• Provide requested documents: bank statements, source‑of‑funds records, passport, and any visa or ITIN details.
• Initiate international wires early, and obtain the SWIFT MT103 or similar confirmation.
• Verify wiring instructions by phone using the title company’s official number.
• If attending in person, confirm visa appointment availability. If not, confirm RON or POA requirements.

On or before closing day

• Confirm that funds have arrived and cleared in escrow, or confirm the approved alternative.
• Ask about the expected recording window and when disbursement will occur.
• Save all closing documents, wire confirmations, and your title insurance policy copy.

Local resources

• For remote notarization rules, review the Florida Department of State’s page on Remote Online Notarization to understand platform, ID, and record requirements. Florida RON guidance
• For notarial certificate language and related rules, see Florida Statutes Chapter 117 for notarial acts. Florida notarial acts
• For recording and tax info in Broward, use Broward County Records, Taxes & Treasury and check the Broward Clerk & Comptroller for recording status and procedures. Broward recording and tax info and Broward Clerk & Comptroller
• For document authentication executed abroad, consult the U.S. Department of State’s apostille requirements. Apostille requirements
• For wire‑fraud prevention, follow the FBI’s real estate wire fraud guidance. FBI wire‑fraud guidance
• For visa planning, check visa appointment wait times by consulate. Visa wait times
• For tax identification, see the IRS ITIN application overview. IRS ITIN
• For purchases from a foreign seller, review the IRS overview of FIRPTA. IRS FIRPTA overview

If you want a trusted local partner who understands cross‑border closings and Broward County operations, let’s connect. From RON setup and POA coordination to wire verification and visa‑aware timelines, we will create a plan that fits your needs and keeps your closing on track. Request a Private Consultation with Unknown Company.

FAQs

Can I close on a Pompano Beach home without traveling?

• Yes. Many buyers use Remote Online Notarization, a mail‑away signing, or a Power of Attorney to finish closing from abroad, subject to lender and title company approval.

How long do international wires to Broward escrow take?

• International wires often arrive within 1 to 5 business days, but bank holds or compliance checks can add time, so start transfers several business days before closing.

Are remote online notarizations accepted for mortgages in Florida?

• Florida authorizes RON, but lender policies vary, so confirm acceptance for your loan documents with your lender and title company early.

What if the seller is a foreign person under FIRPTA?

• You may have a withholding obligation at closing; your title attorney or closing agent will advise and handle required forms and funds if FIRPTA applies.

Does buying a Florida home grant a visa or immigration status?

• No. Property ownership does not create immigration status, so align your travel and occupancy plans with appropriate visa guidance from official sources.

Do I need an ITIN to buy real estate as a foreign national?

• Not always, but some lenders or tax reporting situations require an ITIN; if needed, apply early since processing can take several weeks.