Now that you've decided to follow your bliss into the rugged Montana mountains, sunny California coast or any other corner of America, there are a few facts you should know about buying land in the States.

1. Get a Guide

It goes without saying that a property seeker in strange soil should have an expert guide to help navigate an unfamiliar legal and financial landscape.

A broker who knows

Engage the aid of a qualified broker or real estate service with knowledge of the real estate markets in the region you're targeting. Choose a professional or organization designed to serve buyers. A real estate agent or realtor is legally obliged to protect and further the interests of the seller.

Laws of the land

Likewise, protect your interests and your money by consulting an attorney familiar with the jurisdiction of the specific state or area as well as overarching federal rules and regulations. A lawyer can provide assistance if a deal doesn't go as planned or you need help making sense of mortgage laws and local property taxes. Most local governments in the United States assess property taxes on real estate. As an overseas owner you may be responsible for paying a pro rata share of taxes for the portion of the year you assumed ownership of the property. Often, the taxes will be due to be paid at the time of a property sale's closing.

2. Figure Out the Financing First

Make the most of your money and protect your assets with a little financing insight.

Mortgage the manor

When deciding to secure financing by utilizing an existing UK mortgage or securing a mortgage against that same property from a local US bank, consider the interest and exchange rates for both countries. Though the US interest rate may be higher, the favorable exchange rate might make payments lower. Also take into account that most overseas lenders require a percentage deposit on mortgages. Many builders and developers also offer their own mortgage options on their properties for sale.

Funds up front

However you choose to fund the purchase, make sure to acquire a commitment from a bona fide lender before beginning your property search. Often US lenders will extend mortgages to people interested in purchasing real estate before a property is found.

Having funding up front won't simply make the real estate process run more smoothly, it's essential as it's the buyer's obligation to make sure money is in place before a transaction is finalized. The date agreed upon for completion of the property transfer is legally binding. If a purchaser fails to complete the sale on the agreed date, the seller has the right to pull out of the deal and re-sell to another party.

3. Inspect Before You Buy

Don't depend on property photos, descriptions or even a virtual tour to paint an accurate picture of a property's features and flaws.

As is

Once you find the perfect plot of earth to call your own and have settled on a purchase price, you'll enter into a legally binding contract of sale. Any property repairs or conditions must be included within this property sale contract, as the seller is not obliged to rectify anything that is not agreed upon when the contract is drawn up. A purchaser accepts the property in the actual condition it is in at the time of the contract for sale is executed. The only exception to the rule is if the seller willfully and intentionally withholds material information about defects or problems associated with the real estate.

A closer look

To be doubly sure you know what you're buying have the property professionally surveyed for flaws and defects plus take the time to beat around the bushes and make your own on-the-site inspection before the transaction is complete.

4. Truths About Titles

In the States, land ownership is tied to the title. Here's what you should know to make sure yours is secure.

Title records

The exchange of real estate in the US occurs through the transfer of recorded (registered) deeds of title. These deeds are public records and can be accessed by anyone who travels to the county courthouse and does a little research. Many counties also provide web sites that supply title information. That being said, make sure you're buying from a record title holder and that your title is in turn recorded.

Title insurance

Title insurance will protect a real estate buyer if title ownership becomes clouded, and should be obtained before the sale closes. This might ensue if a person or entity claims a stake in the property that may not have been found or disclosed during the time period between the signing of the contact and the closing of the sale. For example, a prior lender may have a lien on the property that for some reason was not discovered. Title insurance protects a buyer from expenses or loss that could result from of a defect in or dispute of the property title.

5. Visas for Visitors

Not sure how long you'll be able to stay in your place in the states? You might have more time than you think.

90 days is not enough

If 90 days isn't enough time for you to soak up enough Florida sunshine or horseback ride around your new home on the range, there are a number of special US visitor visas and extensions including the US B2 visa for visitors and business travelers.

6. Look for What You Love

Now that you're a bit more informed, it's time to start searching. Not sure how to begin? Just look for what you love. Whether it's Texas, a rolling ranch, 50 farmland acres in anywhere USA or something for under a million, LandWatch offers a variety of search options to help you find your overseas dream retreat.

"This article represents the opinion of [LandWatch/ResortScape] on how best to buy property in the United States. Ask your broker or real estate agent if this strategy is right for you."