Buying or selling U.S. property from overseas
| Item | Fact (as of September 2026) |
|---|---|
| Travel required | No |
| Signing routes | Online notary · Chinese notarisation + apostille · U.S. consulate |
| Apostille | Applies to mainland China since November 2023 |
| Power of attorney | Specific, notarised, recorded with the deed |
| Financed closing | Typically 30–45 days |
| Cash closing | Typically 2–3 weeks |
| Originals | Some must be couriered; allow shipping time |
I live overseas. Can I sell my U.S. property remotely, and who deals with problems at the house?
Yes, and we handle the property side locally. Cleaning, repairs, contractor access and showing coordination are done by our team while you stay overseas. You are kept updated throughout, in Chinese if you prefer.
How does remote signing work? Can I notarize documents in China?
Three options: remote online notarization, a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, or a Chinese notary plus an apostille (available for mainland documents since November 2023). The simplest is remote online notarization — a licensed U.S. notary approved by the title company completes it by video, which is secure and widely accepted. Alternatively you can notarize at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in China; appointments are booked online.
How do I view homes while I am in China?
Three ways, used together: start with the listing photos, 3D tour and video; for homes you like, we set up a live video walkthrough where we film as we go and you ask questions in real time; finally, a relative or friend you trust can visit, or we film the details that matter (noise, light, neighbours, surroundings) and send them to you. Most remote clients use the first two steps to rule out most homes, then either fly in once to see the final few or write an offer remotely.
How do I send the money to the U.S. for a remote purchase?
The deposit and closing funds go to the escrow account under wire instructions issued by the escrow company, never to an agent personally and never to an account from an email. Residents of China should note that the personal annual foreign-exchange quota (USD 50,000) may not be used to buy property abroad, so plan the source of funds well ahead, for example funds already held abroad, and confirm the transfer route with your bank. We do not handle currency exchange, but we tell you when each amount is due and who it goes to so you have time to arrange it. Always confirm the account by phone with escrow before wiring, to defeat wire fraud.
Do I need a U.S. phone number or bank account for a remote transaction?
Not strictly. Contracts are signed electronically, notarization can be done abroad, and payment can be wired from an overseas account to escrow. A U.S. bank account makes life easier after the purchase, for property tax, utilities and HOA dues; some banks open accounts remotely and you can also open one on your first visit. For staying in touch, WeChat and email are enough.
How many times do I sign, and what has to be notarized?
The offer, the purchase contract and the disclosures during escrow are all signed electronically, from your phone, in a few rounds. Notarization is usually only needed for the loan documents and deed-related documents just before closing. That is done at a U.S. embassy or consulate, by remote online notarization, or by notarizing in China and adding an authentication, depending on what the escrow company and the lender accept. We list the documents and dates that need notarization ahead of time.
How do I get the keys and documents after closing?
After closing we hold the keys until you or someone you designate picks them up. If you are not coming for a while, we can change the locks, set up utilities, arrange a cleaning, or move the home straight into property management. The recorded deed is mailed by the county; we receive it, scan it to you and keep or forward the original as you prefer.
How do you handle the time difference?
Between early risers and night owls on the team we cover working hours on both sides of the Pacific. Day-to-day communication is on WeChat, and for key steps we schedule a video call in advance. Signing is not affected by the time difference at all, since electronic signatures can be done any time; we simply remind you of the deadlines.
How does an all-cash purchase work, and how long does it take?
Cash removes loan approval and the appraisal: prepare proof of funds, tour, make an offer, complete inspection and the title search in escrow, wire the funds to escrow, and sign. It typically closes in 7 to 14 days, and sellers favor cash offers. A buyer in China can complete the whole process remotely: video tours, electronic signatures, closing documents notarized in China or by video notary, and funds sent through a compliant route.
Choosing among the three signing routes
A specific, notarised power of attorney lets someone you trust sign in California; use the escrow company's form. A U.S. consulate notarisation is the most widely accepted but needs an appointment and your presence. Chinese notarisation with an apostille has been available for mainland documents since November 2023 and is usually faster. Remote online notarisation through a notary in a state that permits it is generally accepted in California, but confirm with the title insurer first.
The three things that go wrong
Name mismatches between passport, contract, wire and deed; time-zone gaps eating same-day signing deadlines; and originals that must be couriered. Fix all three at the start and a remote closing is no slower than a local one.
Selling from abroad
Foreign sellers face FIRPTA withholding (commonly 15%) and California state withholding, both handled through escrow and prepared in advance. Cleaning, repairs and showings while you are away are handled by our management team.
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Shirley Tang Team (雪梨汤) · 888 Realty · DRE #01845722
19811 Colima Rd. #230, Walnut, CA 91789 · (626) 202-9573 · shirleytangrealtor@gmail.com
Have something specific to check? Contact us in English or Chinese — even if you end up working with someone else.
General information, not legal, tax or lending advice. Consult a licensed professional about your situation. 'As of' dates mark when facts were checked.