Practical guides on "Housing and rentals". Plain language, with examples for the Polish community in the USA.
An FHA loan is a government-insured mortgage with a down payment of 3.5% and a credit score starting from 500, available only to U.S. citizens and Green Card holders with an SSN from May 25, 2025; this article explains MIP, limits for 2026, loans without a credit score, and when a conventional loan may be better.
Is your landlord trying to evict you? Eviction in the USA always goes through the courts. We explain notices and timelines in New York (including Good Cause Eviction), New Jersey, and Illinois (Chicago), what landlords cannot do, how to defend yourself, and where to find free legal help.
Learn how the SCRIE and DRIE programs can assist seniors and individuals with disabilities in New York in reducing their rent. Understand the requirements, application process, and potential savings over the years.
Learn about the housing options available for seniors in New York City, including NYCHA senior buildings, Section 8 programs, Mitchell-Lama, and senior housing lotteries.
Learn how to identify rental scams in the USA, recognize fake listings, deposit traps, and other threats to protect your money.
Purchasing Polish real estate from the USA can be done through a power of attorney (PoA with apostille) or in person, with various financing options and tax implications to consider.
Selling Polish real estate from the USA requires three key decisions: (1) in-person vs. through a representative (notarized PoA with apostille from the USA), (2) Polish notary (notarial deed mandatory for sale), (3) PIT-39 taxes if sold within 5 years of purchase (19% on income). Without ownership for 5+ years – taxation applies. Power of attorney typically costs $50-150 notarized in the USA + apostille $5-50 + translation $30-100. Selling through an intermediary incurs a 2-3% commission, while selling directly does not. Money transfers to the USA: SWIFT transfer $20-50 fee + spread. Consulting a Polish tax advisor is crucial (cross-border tax issues USA-PL). The Polish-US tax treaty protects against double taxation. Funds in the USA are subject to US tax reporting (FBAR, Form 8938 if previously on Polish account >$10k).
Becoming a realtor in the USA is a popular path for Polish men and women with networking skills – it requires a state license (60-180 hours of pre-license course + state exam, $250-800), but no formal higher education is necessary. Status: 1099 independent contractor working under a sponsoring broker. Commission split with the broker: 60/40 to 90/10 depending on the company and your experience. Average commission for an agent: 2.5-3% of the sale price. A typical agent in a Polish community city (Chicago, NJ, NYC) closes 8-15 transactions/year, grossing $80-150k, netting $50-100k after all expenses. Polish-speaking realtors have a niche advantage – Polish clients often prefer to communicate in Polish. Top Polish agents in major concentrations close 50+ transactions/year, earning $200-500k+ annually. NAR and local MLS membership are required.
Poles without a long history in the USA can buy a home – the process takes 3-6 months, costs approximately 25-30% of the price in cash (down payment + closing + reserves). A complete guide for immigrants: real estate agent, when to apply for pre-approval, Polish community locations, inspection, negotiations, closing, mortgage with ITIN, taxes, insurance, common pitfalls.
Renting an entire apartment in expensive cities (NYC, SF, Boston) can be impossible for a new immigrant; renting a room for $700-1500 is an alternative, with a complete guide on roommates vs sublease, where to search (Roomi, Polish community Facebook groups), agreements, housing scams, how to be a good roommate, and eviction risks.
Housing scams are a plague for new immigrants – offers 'too good to be true' for 30% of the market, wire deposits before viewing, stolen photos. A complete guide: 10 types of scams (Craigslist fake listing, fake landlord, sublease scam, deposit theft, fake roommate), red flags, how to verify, where to report, how to recover money.
A fresh immigrant without a credit history? What landlords really check, how to negotiate, offered alternatives (co-signer, larger deposit), which cities are friendly, pitfalls, and how to bypass a credit check.
Specific strategies for new immigrants: guarantor, larger deposit, shared apartment, no-fee apartments – what works in 2026.