International clients · CIPS
Local DMV expertise, with a global reach.
Samir Redwan is a Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS), the international designation from the National Association of REALTORS®. Whether you're moving to Washington from another country, investing in U.S. property from abroad, or selling here before an overseas move, we help you handle the distance, the paperwork and the questions that come with it. Services in English and French.
Who this is for
- Professionals and families relocating to DC, Maryland or Virginia from another country
- Embassy, international organization and global company staff on assignment in the Washington area
- International buyers and investors purchasing a home or rental property in the DMV
- Owners living abroad who need to sell or lease property here
- DMV residents buying or selling property in another country, through a referral to a vetted agent there
How it works
Our process
Plan from wherever you are
We start with a video call in your time zone, in English or French, to understand your timing, budget, schools, commute and how you'll pay.
Explore remotely
Neighborhood guides, live video tours and a short list of homes, so your in-person visit, if you make one, is focused.
Line up the right advisors
We introduce cross-border tax advisors, real estate attorneys, lenders that work with foreign nationals and relocation services, as needed.
Close with confidence
We coordinate remote or mail-away signing, power of attorney when appropriate, and verified wire instructions to protect your funds.
Who we work alongside
Cross-border tax advisors, real estate attorneys, lenders that work with foreign nationals, relocation and moving companies, and CIPS-designated agents around the world.
Start the conversation
Tell us where you are and what you're planning. Samir will reply within one business day, in your time zone.
Free guides
Guides for international buyers and movers
Seven short guides from the CIPS program of the National Association of REALTORS®. Enter your email and we'll unlock all seven right away.
- 7 Common Mistakes in Global Real EstateFree PDF · unlock
- Preparing for Your MoveFree PDF · unlock
- Essential DocumentsFree PDF · unlock
- Due Diligence RoadmapFree PDF · unlock
- Behind the Scenes of Home OwnershipFree PDF · unlock
- Top 10 Insurance Must-KnowsFree PDF · unlock
- Global Headlines Inform, Local Market Conditions DecideFree PDF · unlock
Guides courtesy of the CIPS program, National Association of REALTORS®.
Get the free guides
Your guides
- 7 Common Mistakes in Global Real Estate (PDF, opens in a new tab)
- Preparing for Your Move (PDF, opens in a new tab)
- Essential Documents (PDF, opens in a new tab)
- Due Diligence Roadmap (PDF, opens in a new tab)
- Behind the Scenes of Home Ownership (PDF, opens in a new tab)
- Top 10 Insurance Must-Knows (PDF, opens in a new tab)
- Global Headlines Inform, Local Market Conditions Decide (PDF, opens in a new tab)
Questions
Common questions
Can I buy property in the U.S. if I'm not a U.S. citizen?
Generally yes. Non-citizens can usually buy residential real estate in DC, Maryland and Virginia. Financing options, documents and tax treatment depend on your residency status, so we'll connect you with the right lender and tax advisor early.
Can I get a mortgage as a foreign national?
Some lenders offer loans for foreign nationals and recent arrivals, often with larger down payments. Samir is also a licensed loan officer and can review options or refer you to a lender that fits.
I live abroad and want to sell my DMV property. What should I know?
When a foreign person sells U.S. real estate, the buyer is often required to withhold part of the sale price for U.S. taxes under a law called FIRPTA. A U.S. tax advisor can explain how it applies and whether you can reduce it. We'll plan the timeline around it.
Do I need to travel for the closing?
Often not. Many closings can be signed remotely or by mail, with documents notarized at a U.S. embassy, consulate or approved notary. Your title company or attorney will confirm what's required.
How do I avoid wire fraud when sending money from overseas?
Always confirm wire instructions by phone with your title company, using a number you look up yourself, never one from an email. We'll walk you through it before any funds move.
What is the CIPS network?
CIPS designees are part of a global network of real estate professionals. If you're buying or selling outside the U.S., we can refer you to a vetted agent in that country and stay in touch through the process.
We are licensed real estate professionals, not attorneys, tax or immigration advisors. Nothing on this page is legal, tax or immigration advice. Please consult your own advisors about your situation.
How to connect
Call (202) 642-4965, send a text, email samirredwan@bluejaypropertiesgroup.com, use the chat, or fill in the form above. Conversations are confidential and there is no cost or obligation for a first consultation.