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We believe in radical transparency. Here are straightforward answers to 24 of the most common questions we receive from clients starting their journey home.
A: We are a full-service project management firm, not just real estate agents. While finding and securing your property is a key part of what we do, our service covers the entire journey: legal coordination, architectural planning, contractor vetting, and on-site construction supervision. We are your single point of contact and advocate from start to finish.
A: Our model is built on transparency. Our project management fee is a fixed, separate line item agreed upon upfront. It is NOT a percentage of the project cost. This is critical because it means our only incentive is to protect your budget. We never touch your project funds; you pay all contractors and suppliers directly, ensuring there are absolutely no conflicts of interest or hidden markups.
A: You certainly can, but you would be taking on the full-time job of being a project manager yourself. You would be responsible for creating the detailed Scope of Work, vetting multiple professionals, coordinating between the architect and the contractor, and performing on-site quality checks. Our service is designed for busy professionals who understand the value of having an expert advocate on the ground in Israel to manage that complexity for them.
A: Timeline varies significantly based on renovation scope. Property search and purchase typically takes 2-4 months. A cosmetic renovation might add 2-3 months, while a full gut renovation can take 4-6 months. We provide a detailed timeline during planning, accounting for permit approvals and material lead times.
A: No. This is exactly why our service exists. Critical moments like initial property viewings and final walk-throughs benefit from your presence, but we manage the day-to-day process remotely. We provide regular video updates, photos, and can handle decisions via video calls. Power of Attorney allows us to represent you for legal signatures when needed.
A: This is a critical financial decision. Purchase Tax (Mas Rechisha) rates are significantly lower for new immigrants (Olim) if purchased within specific timeframes relative to Aliyah. However, waiting is not always possible or advisable. We work with your tax advisor to model both scenarios and determine the optimal timing for your specific situation.
A: Your purchase contract should include an inspection contingency. If significant defects are discovered, you have several options: 1) Negotiate for the seller to fix them, 2) Reduce the purchase price to account for repair costs, or 3) Walk away from the deal entirely and receive a full refund of your deposit. We guide you through this negotiation based on the inspection findings.
A: A Hearat Azhara is a legal warning registered on the property title in the Land Registry (Tabu). It publicly declares that you have a contractual claim to purchase the property, preventing the seller from selling to anyone else or taking out additional mortgages against it. This is your primary protection in the Israeli system, and your deposit should not be released until this is registered.
A: As a rough guideline: cosmetic updates (paint, flooring, fixtures) might be 10-15% of property value. Moderate renovation (kitchen, bathrooms, some reconfiguration) typically 20-30%. Full gut renovation can reach 40-50% or more of property value. We provide detailed budgets during planning, but always recommend a 10-15% contingency for unforeseen issues in older buildings.
A: Main recurring costs include: Arnona (municipal property tax, varies by city and apartment size), Vaad Bayit (building management fees for shared expenses like elevator, cleaning, repairs), utilities (electricity, water, gas), and potentially homeowners insurance. Your lawyer will help you understand exact costs for your specific property during due diligence.
A: Yes, but requirements differ from US mortgages. Israeli banks offer mortgages to foreign residents and new immigrants, though terms vary. You will typically need: Israeli bank account, proof of income, significant down payment (often 30-50% for foreign buyers), and comprehensive documentation. We connect you with mortgage advisors who specialize in working with Americans and Olim.
A: For large transfers (property purchase, renovation), specialized currency transfer services often offer better exchange rates and lower fees than traditional banks. Options include international wire transfers, foreign exchange specialists, or Israeli banks foreign currency accounts. We guide you through the most cost-effective and secure method for your situation, factoring in exchange rate timing and transfer security.
A: We engineered our entire process to solve this problem. Our Fair Price Promise is based on three pillars: 1) A bulletproof Scope of Work that forces an apples-to-apples bid comparison, 2) Vetting contractors for their long-term reputation and integrity, not just price, and 3) Relentless on-site supervision to ensure you get the quality you paid for.
A: This is a major difference from the US system, but when handled correctly, it is very secure. The Israeli escrow (Neemanut) is a trust account. Your protection comes from our lawyer drafting an airtight contract that treats the escrow like a locked box. Funds can ONLY be released when specific, verifiable milestones are met (like registering a legal warning note on the property title), making it legally binding for the sellers lawyer to protect your money.
A: The main tax for a buyer is the Purchase Tax (Mas Rechisha), a significant one-time tax paid upon acquisition. The rates vary dramatically for new immigrants (Olim) versus foreign residents, so the timing of your purchase is critical. Other potential costs: lawyer fees (typically 1-2% of purchase price), registration fees, and potentially Hetel Hashbacha (improvement levy). We coordinate with your legal and tax experts to ensure you have a clear picture of the full price tag.
A: Israeli real estate lawyers handle the entire transaction process including title search, contract drafting, escrow management, and Land Registry (Tabu) transfer. Unlike US attorneys who work with Title Companies, Israeli lawyers perform these functions directly. They must be licensed by the Israeli Bar Association and are personally liable for escrow funds, creating strong accountability.
A: Generally, foreign citizens can purchase property in most Israeli cities. However, certain areas have restrictions: agricultural land may have limitations, and specific security zones may require special approval. Your lawyer performs due diligence to ensure there are no restrictions on your specific property and that the sale complies with all regulations.
A: A supervisor is your best insurance policy. Their only job is to work for YOU to protect your investment. They are on-site to catch the costly mistakes you cannot see: improper waterproofing behind the tiles, incorrect plumbing slopes under the floor, or unsafe electrical wiring inside the walls. They enforce quality and ensure the contractor builds exactly to plan. For us, it is a non-negotiable part of every project.
A: Timelines depend on scope: Simple cosmetic updates (2-3 months), moderate renovation with kitchen/bathroom replacement (3-4 months), full gut renovation (4-6 months or more). Factors affecting timeline include: permit approvals, material availability, contractor workload, and unforeseen structural issues. We build realistic timelines with buffer periods for the unexpected.
A: Your contract with the contractor should include clear quality standards and remediation procedures. If work does not meet specifications, the contractor must correct it. In extreme cases of breach, you can terminate the contract, but this involves legal process. This is why our supervision model is critical - we catch and correct issues immediately, preventing escalation to termination.
A: Not all renovations require permits. Cosmetic work (paint, flooring, fixtures) typically does not. Structural changes, additions, balcony enclosures, or modifications to building exterior DO require Heter Bniya (building permit). Your architect determines what requires permits. We manage the permit application process, ensuring all work is legal and properly documented.
A: This is our specialty. Our Invest vs. Style philosophy means we guide you to splurge on foundational forever items that are hard to change (plumbing, waterproofing, countertops) and save smartly on aesthetic items where high-quality, budget-friendly alternatives exist (cabinet fronts, decorative lighting, backsplash tiles). A beautiful home is about a smart plan, not an unlimited budget.
A: You must use an Israeli-licensed architect for any work requiring building permits. Israeli architects understand local building codes, structural requirements, and municipality procedures. A US architect could consult on design aesthetics, but all official plans and permits must come from an Israeli professional. We connect you with architects experienced in working with American clients.
A: This is a core part of our value. We serve as the bilingual bridge. All communication with Hebrew-speaking professionals goes through us. We translate, explain cultural context, and ensure nothing is lost in translation. You communicate with us in English, and we manage all Hebrew interactions with contractors, lawyers, architects, and suppliers.
A: Communication frequency is customized to your preferences. Standard approach: weekly progress reports with photos, immediate notification of any issues requiring decisions, and scheduled video calls for major milestones. Our supervisor provides daily updates to us, and we filter and relay relevant information to you. You always have direct access to us for questions.
A: Older buildings are full of surprises. We often find a museum of outdated plumbing (a mix of lead, copper, and plastic pipes), chaotic electrical wiring, undocumented structural modifications, or asbestos in ceilings. A good project manager anticipates these issues. Our process includes planning for these possibilities in the initial budget and bringing in certified experts for assessment, turning a potential disaster into a managed, solvable challenge.
We are here to help. Every client situation is unique, and we are happy to discuss your specific needs in a free, no-obligation consultation.
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