Monday, April 27, 2009

Retirement Visas May Save Florida Real Estate Market

Florida is considering the implementation of a federal retirement visa policy in order to create new jobs, increase economic output and put more money in Floridians' pockets. The creation of a retirement visa may advance investment and demand in the Florida real estate market, which would benefit Florida as a whole. 
A retirement visa is an immigration authorization that allows foreigners meeting asset and age requirements to retire in the U.S. Currently, this special immigration program does not exist in the United States.
It is projected that hundreds of thousands of jobs will be created and sustained from the increased investment in the housing market if the retirement visa is implemented. By 2018, an additional $25 billion in gross state product, $44 billion in total sales and $15 billion in Floridians' disposable income could result from the immigration program. 
The retirement visa would attract long-term visitors from around the world who are willing to invest and consume in Florida. With a large percentage of foreign home buyers living in Florida already, this is a creative and new option which may have a positive effect on the housing market and Florida's economy as a whole. Nearly 30% of real estate transactions in Florida are with an international buyer, but the current immigration laws prohibit many foreigners from residing in the U.S. year round. The retirement visa would jump-start the housing economy and encourage international trade, tourism and commerce.

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