Adopting retirement visa scheme would boost florida market, say realtors

Florida’s property professionals believe that passing a retirement visa programme for overseas real estate buyers could generate 300,000 new jobs as well as bring new money into the Sunshine state’s housing market.

The current visa system does not allow foreigners who own a second home in the US to use it on a full-time basis, or enter and exit the country without restrictions.

But with job-creation high on the list of President Obama’s priorities, the Florida Realtors Association has reiterated its position in support of the Retirement Visa Program, dubbed the “Silver Card”.

"A large percentage of Florida property sales each year are to international buyers," said 2011 Florida Realtors president Patricia Fitzgerald. "Realtors across the state work with clients from many different countries, who want to invest in Florida real estate or own a home in the Sunshine State.”

Source: OPP.org.uk