Deutschsprachiger Service
Your German-Speaking Realtor in Naples & Southwest Florida
Buying a home in Florida is exciting. Doing it in a second language — from another continent — adds a layer of complexity you don't need.
I'm Manuela Schinagl, a licensed Florida real estate broker with 17+ years of experience in Naples and Southwest Florida. I guide German-speaking buyers through every step of the purchase — in German, with the precision a transaction of this size deserves.
Why Buy with a German-Speaking Broker?
- Contracts, disclosures, HOA documents: hundreds of pages of legal English. I explain what actually matters — in your language, before you sign anything.
- No misunderstandings in price negotiations, inspection objections, or closing cost reviews.
- One point of contact from the first showing to the keys in hand — and beyond closing day.
Full Service in German — From Search to Closing
- Personal consultation: needs analysis, budget, neighborhoods, timeline
- Curated property selection, including off-market opportunities
- Showings in person or via live video tour
- Offer strategy and negotiation on your behalf
- Coordination of inspections, appraisal, title company, and insurance
- Closing preparation — and support after closing
Buying from Abroad: How a Remote Purchase Works
- Consultation via video call — in German, no obligation
- Digital shortlist and live video showings of your favorites
- Offer and negotiation with electronic signatures
- Inspections coordinated locally; I walk you through every report in German
- Closing via remote online notarization or power of attorney; funds by wire transfer
- Handover — plus trusted local contacts for everything that comes after
You don't need to be in Florida to buy in Florida.
FIRPTA & Taxes: The Basics for International Buyers
- FIRPTA: When a foreign person sells U.S. real estate, the buyer is generally required to withhold 15% of the sales price for the IRS. This mostly matters when you sell one day — good to plan for from the start.
- Property taxes vary by county and municipality; Florida has no state income tax.
- Rental income from a Florida property is taxable in the U.S. — structuring matters.
General information only, not tax advice. I work with CPAs and attorneys experienced in cross-border transactions and will connect you.
Financing as an International Buyer
- Foreign-national loan programs from U.S. lenders exist — typically with a higher down payment than domestic loans.
- Many international buyers purchase in cash or finance in their home country.
- I'll introduce you to lenders experienced with cross-border transactions so you can compare real numbers.
Areas I Serve
Naples · Marco Island · Bonita Springs · Estero — from beachfront condos and golf villas to waterfront estates.
Explore area guides for all four regions →About Manuela Schinagl
Licensed Florida real estate broker and founder of Manuela Realty International. 17+ years serving Naples and Southwest Florida. Boutique, discreet, and fluent in what European buyers need: clear answers, honest numbers, no pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The U.S. imposes no citizenship or residency requirement on property ownership. The process is well established for international buyers.
Still have questions?
Let's talk about your Naples real estate plans.
Talk to Manuela
Free initial consultation — in German or English.
Get In Touch
A private conversation about your next move in Naples
Discreet, personal, and always at your pace.
Whether you're considering a waterfront estate, a downtown residence, or preparing to sell a cherished home, Manuela is glad to offer a candid, no-pressure conversation about your goals across Naples, Marco Island, Bonita Springs, and Estero.
Consultations by phone, video, or in person · By appointment