The closing process in the U.S. is strictly regulated by the RESPA act to ensure transparency, but the responsibility for the correct delivery of funds lies with the buyer. To avoid wire fraud or delays due to regulations like FinCEN, it is vital to comply with the security protocols of your real estate investment Florida. At Florida HomeGroup Realty, we act as your first line of defense so you can buy a house in Florida from Latin America with total peace of mind and technical precision.
1. Wire transfer fraud (Wire fraud)
This is the most costly mistake and, unfortunately, one of the most frequent in the Miami and Orlando real estate markets. Fraudsters intercept emails and send “modified wiring instructions” at the last minute.
- The mistake: Trusting wire instructions sent via email without secondary verification.
- The solution: Florida HomeGroup Realty’s Golden Rule: Never send money based solely on an email. Always call the title company using a previously verified phone number to confirm every digit of the instructions.
2. Failing to anticipate new FinCEN regulations (2026)
As of March 2026, new rules from FinCEN (Financial Crimes Enforcement Network) have come into effect, requiring detailed reports for “all-cash” transactions made through legal entities such as an LLC.
- The mistake: Not having the “beneficial ownership” information (the real owners of the company) ready before closing.
- The solution: If you are buying through an LLC or trust, ensure your attorney or agent has identity documents and tax records ready. Failure to provide this report can halt the closing entirely.
3. Ignoring international bank processing times
Many investors from Peru, Ecuador, or El Salvador assume that an international wire is instantaneous.
- The mistake: Performing the transfer on the same day or just one day before closing.
- The solution: International wires can take 3 to 5 business days to be cleared by the receiving bank. We recommend initiating the transfer at least 72 hours before the closing date so that the funds are available in the escrow account.
4. Account name mismatch
The U.S. banking system is extremely meticulous about name matching to prevent money laundering.
- The mistake: Sending money from a personal account when the purchase contract is in the name of an LLC, or vice versa.
- The solution: The sender’s name on the wire must exactly match the buyer listed on the contract. If the money comes from a third party, complex additional documentation will be required, which could delay the entire process.
5. Forgetting intermediary fees and exchange rates
Sometimes, the amount that leaves your bank in Bogotá or Mexico City is not the same as what arrives at the title company in Florida.
- The mistake: Not including the $25 – $50 USD fee that correspondent banks usually deduct as a service charge.
- The solution: Always send a small surplus (e.g., an extra $100 USD) to cover these fees. Any overage will be refunded to you by the title company upon completion of the closing.
Checklist for a seamless closing
| Action | Responsible party | Timing |
| Confirm instructions by phone | Buyer | 5 days before |
| Verify daily transfer limits | Local bank | 1 week before |
| Prepare FinCEN report (if LLC) | Attorney / Agent | 2 weeks before |
| Execute international wire | Buyer | 3-4 days before |
How Florida HomeGroup Realty protects your closing process
At Florida HomeGroup Realty, we do not leave you alone in the final phase. Our team of bilingual agents acts as your first line of defense:
- Instruction validation: We coordinate directly with prestigious title companies in Kissimmee and Lake Nona to ensure you receive official information.
- Escrow monitoring: We confirm in real-time with the closing officer when your funds have been successfully received.
- Compliance advisory: We guide you through the new 2026 transparency laws so that your Florida real estate investment meets all legal requirements.
Precision is the key to your real estate success
A successful closing does not depend on luck, but on discipline. Avoiding these common mistakes ensures that your transition to becoming a homeowner in the United States is a positive and exciting experience, just as it should be.
At Florida HomeGroup Realty, we are committed to the security of your assets. Your trust is our greatest authority.
Are you close to your closing date and want to verify your steps?
Contact us today for a security review of your transfer process.
