Buying from an international seller?

[IsDVCForMe?]

Has anyone bought resale from an international seller? What was the process like? Is there anything to be aware of?

 

[pzw90]

Only should be the addition of FIRPTA, see below recent thread

Thread 'FIRPTA filing'

Feb 9, 2026

I have a delayed closing on a contract that should be done at the end of this month and I got an email stating that I need to call to provide my tax info (SSN) for FIRPTA filing. It's been a few months since I did all the paperwork and payment and everything for this contract.

Is this normal? I'm just worried it's some type of scam. My other contract didn't do this.

• Nicnicnic.nic
• Replies: 28
• Forum: Purchasing DVC

 

[Chili327]

I think it may just take longer?

 

[Genie+]

I’d skip international seller, especially far out closing date deadlines, unless the deal was way too good to pass up.

Google says:

Key Reasons to Avoid International Sellers:

• FIRPTA Compliance: A significant portion of the sale price (often 15%) is withheld by the IRS until taxes are cleared, adding complexity, potential delays, and the need for a tax ID (ITIN) for the seller.
• Longer Closing Times: Due to the extra legal and tax documentation required, the closing process can be extended, which might be frustrating for buyers.
• Potential for Complications: If the FIRPTA paperwork is not handled correctly, it can lead to issues with the IRS months after closing.
• Seller Communication/Signatures: Coordinating with international sellers, who may be in different time zones or have multiple owners, can sometimes cause delays in obtaining necessary signatures.

Potential Advantage (Exceptions):

• Easier ROFR Approval: Because the process is more complicated, some, including DVC Fan, note that Disney sometimes waives its Right of First Refusal more readily, as they may prefer to avoid the extra administrative burden of a foreign transaction.

 

[VGCgroupie]

Yes I have. FIRPTA is the only thing that will be different. With that said I only moved forward because it was a rare contract (Aul sub) I wouldn’t buy from an international seller for a normal contract unless it was an unbeatable deal. There is some risk involved in it.

Also be aware Aulani has HARPTA which is similar.

 

[IsDVCForMe?]

Yes I have. FIRPTA is the only thing that will be different. With that said I only moved forward because it was a rare contract (Aul sub) I wouldn’t buy from an international seller for a normal contract unless it was an unbeatable deal. There is some risk involved in it.

Also be aware Aulani has HARPTA which is similar.

What is the risk you speak of?

 

[IsDVCForMe?]

I’d skip international seller, especially far out closing date deadlines, unless the deal was way too good to pass up.

Google says:

Key Reasons to Avoid International Sellers:

• FIRPTA Compliance: A significant portion of the sale price (often 15%) is withheld by the IRS until taxes are cleared, adding complexity, potential delays, and the need for a tax ID (ITIN) for the seller.
• Longer Closing Times: Due to the extra legal and tax documentation required, the closing process can be extended, which might be frustrating for buyers.
• Potential for Complications: If the FIRPTA paperwork is not handled correctly, it can lead to issues with the IRS months after closing.
• Seller Communication/Signatures: Coordinating with international sellers, who may be in different time zones or have multiple owners, can sometimes cause delays in obtaining necessary signatures.

Potential Advantage (Exceptions):

• Easier ROFR Approval: Because the process is more complicated, some, including DVC Fan, note that Disney sometimes waives its Right of First Refusal more readily, as they may prefer to avoid the extra administrative burden of a foreign transaction.

The longer closing date wouldn’t be a problem. I’m more concerned about complications with the IRS.

 

[VGCgroupie]

What is the risk you speak of?

There is someone in this thread currently having some issues regarding the FIRPTA filing.
https://www.disboards.com/threads/firpta-filing.3978706/ I have seen several times that the IRS notifies the buyer that it wasn’t paid. It usually gets resolved but it’s a hassle and I don’t like getting a letter from the IRS even if it can be resolved.

 

[sndral]

When I bought from an international seller several years ago I was aware of FIRPTA & figured that if the worst happened I’d owe 15% to the IRS & have to harass the title company to cover it.
Fortunately my escrow/title co. was very experienced & they handled the IRS (don’t know whether they forwarded the 15% to the IRS at the outset or held it in escrow until the seller filed their paperwork w/ the IRS & paid whatever amount less than 15% they actually owed .)
That seller was prompt & we closed reasonably fast - they were in the UK, the price was decent & I’d been looking for a contract that size at that resort in my use year for a long time - so the remote possibility of a FIRPTA mix up was a risk I was willing to take, especially since I’d worked w/ the title agent on another contract & I knew they had a good reputation.

 

[IsDVCForMe?]

When I bought from an international seller several years ago I was aware of FIRPTA & figured that if the worst happened I’d owe 15% to the IRS & have to harass the title company to cover it.
Fortunately my escrow/title co. was very experienced & they handled the IRS (don’t know whether they forwarded the 15% to the IRS at the outset or held it in escrow until the seller filed their paperwork w/ the IRS & paid whatever amount less than 15% they actually owed .)
That seller was prompt & we closed reasonably fast - they were in the UK, the price was decent & I’d been looking for a contract that size at that resort in my use year for a long time - so the remote possibility of a FIRPTA mix up was a risk I was willing to take, especially since I’d worked w/ the title agent on another contract & I knew they had a good reputation.

What title company?