Accommodation in the USA

Finding a house or an apartment to rent in the United States is not a major problem for new immigrants. There are indeed many types of acommodations at all prices. To start searching for a place to live, browse the web, visit real estate agencies, read ads in newspapers or ask around for good opportunities. Room-sharing is also widespread in the U.S.; this is a convenient way to rent a large accommodation at a low cost. Put your own ad in the papers or on the Internet if you are looking for a place to share! In any case, try to answer ads quickly enough, visit as much houses or apartments as you can and try to picture your life in your future neighborhood by checking services, facilities or shops nearby. Some neighborhoods might seem very affordable but this is sometimes due to recurrent problems of violence or under-equipped public infrastructures. 

Rents can greatly vary according to the state, city or area in which the accommodation is located. New-York for instance, is one of the most expensive city in the world. It is important that you know your priorities before starting your home search (Do you want a house? An apartment? Close to downtown? Close to your office? In a suburb? etc.)

There are several accommodations categories depending on the surface area, number of rooms (studio, two bedrooms, three bedrooms etc.) Accommodations can be either furnished or unfurnished; a fridge, cooker, air conditioning or a dishwasher are available in most cases. Leases are generally one year in length and rents are payable monthly. Lease forms are available on the Internet, but you can also buy copies in drugstores.

It's up to you to check the general state of your accommodation and to notify the possible damages left unlisted. Check all the appliances and make sure they are usable, especially if you are renting a furnished accommodation. Check what the rent includes (water, gas, electricity etc.) and make sure everything is clearly notified on the rental agreement. A deposit will be requested to cope for the possible damages you may cause or in case of non-payment.

 Useful links: 

New York apartments

http://newyork.apartments.com/ 

Apartment USA 

http://www.apartmentsusa.com/ 

Roommate USA 

http://www.roommatesusa.com/RoommatesUSA/index.jsp 

Buying a property in the United States: 

Given the current crisis in the real estate market in the United States, prices are relatively low and opportunities are really numerous for prospective buyers. 

In order to buy a property in the United States, there’s no need of a particular visa. All you need to do is provide an origin of funds statement, pay the notary fees and purchase various insurances to protect yourself from prosecution arising from the purchase of the property (liability insurance, life insurance etc.). Do not hesitate to seek help from a lawyer to protect yourself against failures in the sale contract.

If you’re not a resident in the U.S., don’t forget to apply for an individual taxpayer identification number (ITN) to pay for local, land or property taxes. 

If you choose to take out a loan to purchase your property, a personal contribution is required and repayments can be spread over 15, 20 or 30 years.

 Useful links:

Buyers’ guide to property in the USA

http://www.propertyshowrooms.com/usa/property/property-in-usa-buyers-guide.asp

Internal Revenue Service - information on the ITN 

http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96287,00.html#what

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