Nearly two decades ago, Argentine attorney Maria Marta Calderon arrived in South Florida with a dream to practice law in the United States. After graduating with highest honors from the University of Miami School of Law and gaining experience at top firms on the Am Law 200 list, she founded Calderon Law Firm. Today, she advises prominent developers and Family Offices, emphasizing that the real estate market's allure for Latin American capital comes with complex legal pitfalls.
In an exclusive interview, Calderon identified the most severe mistake foreign buyers make: assuming U.S. rules mirror those in their home countries. Many rely on unqualified advisors, leading to tax exposure, estate tax issues, and complications with FIRPTA. She stressed that purchasing property is not a mere transaction but an asset protection strategy requiring proper corporate or fiduciary structures.
Calderon warned against buying real estate in personal names, which can trigger federal estate tax for non-resident aliens and expose assets to lawsuits. A well-designed structure can limit liability, facilitate succession, and create tax efficiencies. She noted that each case is unique, necessitating individualized counsel.
Regarding current opportunities, Calderon sees movement in mixed-use developments, logistics centers, multifamily housing, and tech-driven projects like data centers. She emphasized the need for thorough due diligence, as each property type—from multifamily to data centers—requires distinct legal analysis of leases, zoning, and compliance.
Drawing on her experience as a Director of the Argentine-American Chamber of Commerce of Florida and her dual licensure in Argentina and the U.S., Calderon acts as a bridge between civil law and common law systems. She helps clients navigate cultural and legal differences to capitalize on U.S. legal stability.
Her golden advice: surround yourself with excellent advisors and never sign under pressure. Contracts in the U.S. are powerful, and judges hold parties to their terms. Calderon's firm focuses on building trust and transparency, ensuring clients understand their rights, obligations, and risks.
