Answers by Trachele Shields

I would recommend that you seek out an agent with the CIPS designation (Certified International Property Specialist). Agents with this designation have access to over 3,500 real estate professionals in 45 countries and will be able to connect with an agent in the country that you wish to purchase in. The US agent can stay on board during the transaction as a referral agent and the international agent will handle the paperwork and other legalities of the transaction. Payment terms vary. Some countries offer financing similar to the US, others require full payment up front, and some countries offer short term financing where the payment can be spread out over a few months in installments.

According to section 200 of the Florida Building Code, a bedroom is defined as a room that can be used for sleeping and that: For site-built dwellings has a minimum of 70 square feet of conditioned space For manufactured homes is constructed according to the standards of the Housing and Urban Development and has a minimum of 50 square feet of floor area; Is located along an exterior wall; Has a closet and a door or an entrance where a door could be reasonable installed; and Has an emergency means of escape and rescue opening to the outside in accordance with the Florida Building Code. A room may not be considered a bedroom if it is used to access another room except a bathroom or closet.