As a world traveler, you may revisit a country area again and again for its beauty, culture, people and lifestyle and decide you’d like to buy a second residence there.

For your first step, The Philadelphia Inquirer recommends hiring a property lawyer in the country where you want to buy, as well as having a lawyer stateside to advise you. Some overseas countries don’t allow noncitizens to purchase real estate, while others allow it, but they may have visa restrictions on when you can enter the country.

Most U.S. banks won’t lend money for foreign home buying, and some places either don’t have mortgage lending available, or they impose higher interest rates or require hefty down payments of 30% to 50% of the property’s value, according to Investopedia.com. Transaction costs may be higher than stateside, including property transfer fees or stamp duties that can add 10% or more to the sales price, as well as other fees.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is expanding its services across the world, and currently has offices in Canada, Mexico, Germany, England, Italy, Spain, Greece, Dubai, and India. Contact your Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network professional for a referral to an overseas affiliate.

The latest interior design trends reflect the ways Americans use their homes since the advent of the pandemic. Here are five trends that are sure to last:

Smart furniture – Puffy.com predicts the smart furniture industry could reach $244 million by 2024. Furniture comes with charging ports and televisions double as artwork when turned off, but one of the latest innovations are coffee tables complete with refrigerator drawers. You’ll never have to leave the game to grab a cold one.

Muted but colorful décor – Color palettes for 2022, such as those suggested by Benjamin Moore,  are calling for blue, green and yellow colors on the paler side. Large florals are back and make great partners to striped or abstract fabrics.  

Vintage accents –Housebeautiful.com explains that vintage furniture and accessories feature craftsmanship, materials that can’t be duplicated today and they also add beauty and individuality.

Multifunctional room design –Brick.com says at-home workers want more flexible spaces. The room where you put your desk may also have an integrated workout area.   

Curved furniture – Furniture and accessories with rounded edges will feel like a soft comforting cuddle, says 2modern.com, as well as provide relief from the geometric look of modern furniture.