I’m a non US citizen with a working permit in CA. Just bought a house. Would like to know if in case I’m not here in the States, can I sign a power of attorney for someone else in the U.S. to make the decisions on the property (for example, selling)? any recommended lawyers?
A power of attorney would work great. Don’t set it up today, wait until you actually need to use the document or a few weeks in advance. Also talk with the person you are appointing. Are they willing and able to make correct and accurate judgements and would like this responsibility?
Why would you need to set up a power of attorney? POAs are used when you might be incapacitated or in some way, unable to make decisions.
If you want to sell the property, you can engage an agent with a phone call and a fax machine or simple mail. It doesn’t take more than a return call or an email to inform you of an offer, and you can still maintain control.
I don’t know why you bought a house if you don’t expect to stay in the US.
If this is rental property, be advised that the rentor is required to send 30% of the rental payments to the IRS as withholding. You can elect to treat the rental like a US person does, claiming expenses and depreciation, but if you don’t the default tax rate is 30%.
When you sell, the buyer will be requried to send 10% of the selling price to the IRS to ensure that you pay any capital gain owed on the house. Some states like California also require 3% to be sent to them.