Buying or selling a home involves a lot of things, it also raises questions. In this column ‘Ask Bob’, real estate expert/broker Bob Bartikoski of RE/MAX Paradise Homes Bonaire answers a real estate question from a reader. This time:
Question: I’ve heard that I should “register” my will on Bonaire so that my heirs can sell my house when I’ve passed away. Is that true?
That’s a good question. As you know it is very important to have a will, and if you are a Bonaire resident, you will can be done in the USA, or on Bonaire. There is no need to register your “US will” on Bonaire. After you pass away, if you heirs choose to sell your property they will need to provide the Notaris with some information in order to sell your property. In most cases your heirs will need to provide the Notaris with a validated copy of the death certificate and a validated copy of your will. Validation requirements will depend on the Notaris office and on the laws of state or country where your will was filed. The amount of additional documentation that may be needed in order to transfer the deed, is up to the sole discretion of the Bonaire Notaris. Once the Notaris has all of the necessary paperwork the deed for your house can be transferred to you heirs free of transfer tax. Of course the Notaris will charge your heirs for legal costs and transfer costs.
Do you want to buy or sell a house in Bonaire, or do have a real estate question for Bob? email him at: [email protected]. Call for free from the US: 1-866-611-7362 or Bonaire: +599-717-7362. See all our listings here.
Bonaire Ask Bob