We loved her as our realtor. She was on top of any issues we had with the landlord. She found beautiful places in our price range and was there if we needed anything. She's all around a great realtor and would highly recommend.
Luxury Homes & Waterfront Properties Fort Lauderdale — Matilde Leyva Sells · Bilingual Realtor · Douglas Elliman · Las Olas · South Florida
South Florida Real Estate · Douglas Elliman
Your Trusted
South Florida
Realtor
Bilingual real estate expert serving Fort Lauderdale, Broward County & beyond. Douglas Elliman.
A local perspective with global reach
Buying in another country calls for clear information, responsive communication, and people you can trust on the ground. Matilde helps you compare locations and properties in Fort Lauderdale and nearby South Florida communities, understand the practical questions each property raises, and connect with qualified specialists when you need advice beyond real estate representation.
Her background in contracting and experience with title and insurance help her ask detailed questions about a property and coordinate the right professionals. Each purchase is different; no property is represented as suitable until its facts and costs are checked.
Explore the collection
Waterfront residences
Consider water access, dock dimensions and permissions, seawall condition, insurance, flood exposure, and the boating lifestyle you want.
Luxury condos
Compare location, services, association fees, rules, insurance considerations, and available building documents.
New development
Review current availability, deposit terms, construction timeline, finishes, and the governing purchase documents for each project.
Your buying journey
01
Initial consultation
We discuss your goals, timeline, budget, and preferred locations in a focused video call.
02
Property shortlist
I prepare a curated selection matched to your criteria, with detailed notes on each property.
03
Visit and due diligence
We coordinate your visit, inspections, and any specialist reviews needed before you decide.
04
Offer and closing
I guide you through the offer, negotiation, and closing process with your attorney and title company.
Questions international buyers ask
Can I buy property in Florida as a foreign national?
Yes. Foreign nationals can purchase real estate in Florida. Ownership structure, financing options, and tax obligations vary by country of residence and individual circumstances. A real estate attorney and tax advisor familiar with cross-border transactions can help you choose the right approach.
Do I need to be present to buy?
Not necessarily. Many international buyers complete purchases remotely using power of attorney. Your attorney handles the closing documents; Matilde coordinates the property side. A visit before closing is strongly recommended when possible.
What financing is available to international buyers?
Several lenders offer foreign national mortgage programs that do not require a U.S. credit history. Terms and down payment requirements vary. Matilde can refer you to lenders experienced with international buyers.
How long does the process take?
A cash purchase can close in 30–45 days once a property is selected. Financed purchases typically take 45–60 days. New construction timelines depend on the project's completion schedule.
Meet Your Agent
Born & Raised
South Florida
Born and raised in South Florida, I have watched this region transform into one of the most dynamic real estate markets in the country. From the bold economic expansions of the 1980s to the world-class developments reshaping our skyline today, I have lived every chapter of this city's growth — and I believe the best is still ahead.
What I love most about South Florida is its extraordinary diversity. In one state, you get a true taste of the world — cultures, languages, and communities from every corner of the globe calling this place home. That diversity is not just what makes South Florida special; it is what drives its economy, its real estate demand, and its continued expansion year after year.
My passion for real estate runs deep. I bring local expertise, bilingual service in English and Spanish, and a genuine commitment to helping every client — whether local or international — find their place in this remarkable market. When you work with me, you are working with someone who truly loves this city and is invested in your success within it.
4+
Years
100+
Homes Sold
$2.5M+
In Sales
Featured Listings
New Developments
South Florida
Coming Soon
Pre-Construction
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Viceroy Residences
From $650,000
1–3 Beds1–3 BathsCondo
Active
Now Selling
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Ombelle Fort Lauderdale
From $750,000
1–3 Beds1–3 BathsCondo
Coming Soon
Pre-Construction
Fort Lauderdale Beach, FL
St. Regis Residences
From $2,500,000
2–5 Beds2–5 BathsCondo
Active
Now Selling
Fort Lauderdale Beach, FL
Ritz-Carlton Residences
From $1,200,000
2–4 Beds2–4 BathsCondo
Active
Now Selling
Boca Raton, FL
Glass House Boca Raton
From $550,000
1–3 Beds1–3 BathsCondo
Coming Soon
Pre-Construction
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Andare by Related Group
From $800,000
1–4 Beds1–4 BathsCondo
Exclusive access to South Florida's most sought-after new developments through Douglas Elliman.
Browse All MLS ListingsOffering the Best
Matilde Leyva's
Services
Are You Looking For A
New Home?
Find your dream home with Matilde Leyva. Expert guidance, local insights, and personalized service from first showing to closing day.
Want To Sell
Your Home?
Sell your home fast with Matilde Leyva. Benefit from her market expertise, dedicated approach, and strategic marketing to maximize your sale price.
White-Glove Real Estate Service
Helping Families
Find Their
Perfect Home
Every client receives the same standard of care — attentive, informed, and completely personalised from the first conversation to the moment you receive your keys.
100+
Families Served
$2.5M+
In Sales
4+
Years
01
Concierge-Level Guidance
From first consultation to closing day, every detail is handled with precision — so you can focus on what matters most.
02
Curated Property Access
Exclusive listings, pre-market opportunities, and new developments sourced through the Douglas Elliman network.
03
Bilingual Expertise
Fluent in English and Spanish, with deep experience serving international buyers from Latin America and beyond.
04
Seamless Transactions
Negotiation, contracts, inspections, and financing — coordinated end-to-end so nothing falls through the cracks.
01
Waterfront Living Redefined
02 — Private Dock & Deep Water Access
03 — Resort-Style Outdoor Living
04 — Las Olas Waterfront Estates
05 — Signature Interiors
06 — Infinity Pool & Water Views
Over 100 families placed in their dream homes across South Florida.
Start Your JourneyAreas I Serve
Featured
Communities
Services
Book Your
Appointment
All consultations are complimentary. Schedule at your convenience — in person or via Zoom.
Sellers
Listing Appointment
Ready to sell? I'll craft a bespoke strategy to position your property for maximum value in today's market.
2 hrs · FreeBook
Buyers
Buyers Appointment
From first showing to closing day, I guide you through every step of finding and securing your dream home.
2 hrs · FreeBook
Rentals
Rental Appointment
Whether leasing or investing, I connect you with the right rental opportunities across South Florida.
2 hrs · FreeBook
For International Buyers
Discover South Florida's
Finest New Developments
Looking to buy in Florida from abroad? I specialize in connecting international buyers with the most sought-after new development properties in South Florida.
Active listings
100+
Countries served
20+
01
Exclusive New Developments
Access Douglas Elliman's curated portfolio of pre-construction and new development properties across South Florida.
02
Bilingual Guidance
Fluent in English and Spanish, I make the entire buying process clear and comfortable for international clients.
03
White-Glove Service
From your first inquiry to closing day, I handle every detail — property tours, financing, legal coordination, and beyond.
Serving buyers from
Latin AmericaCaribbeanEuropeCanadaBrazilVenezuelaArgentinaColombia
International Buyers
Book Your Free
Zoom Consultation
A dedicated 2-hour Zoom session tailored to your time zone — covering South Florida new developments, investment strategy, and next steps.
01
Choose Your Time Zone
Select your local time zone when booking so we schedule at a convenient hour for you — no matter where in the world you are.
02
2-Hour Zoom Consultation
We connect via Zoom for a dedicated 2-hour session covering your investment goals, preferred neighborhoods, new development options, and financing.
03
Personalized Property Plan
After our call, I send you a curated selection of properties matched to your criteria, budget, and timeline — ready to act on.
We accommodate your time zone
Colombia / Latin America
COT
Canada (Eastern)
EDT
Spain / France / Morocco
CEST
London / UK
BST
Dubai / UAE
GST
Asia (Singapore)
SGT
Pick a date & time — 7 AM to 11 PM EST
Free Zoom Consultation
2 hours · EST
November 2026
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
All times shown in Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Select a date to see available times
Complimentary · No commitment required · English & Spanish
In-House Financing
Financing Made
Simple for Everyone
Preferred PartnerWe partner exclusively with Elliman Capital to offer every buyer — local, national, or international — a fully in-house financing solution.
US Residents
Traditional Loans
Conventional, FHA, and VA financing for US citizens and permanent residents. Competitive rates, flexible terms, streamlined approvals.
- Conventional 30 & 15-year fixed
- FHA low down-payment options
- VA loans for eligible veterans
- Jumbo financing for luxury homes
Self-Employed & Investors
Non-Traditional Loans
Bank statement, DSCR, and asset-based programs for entrepreneurs and investors who don't fit the conventional mold.
- Bank statement programs (12–24 mo.)
- DSCR investment property loans
- Asset depletion / asset-based
- Interest-only options available
International Buyers
Foreign National Loans
Purpose-built financing for non-US residents. No US credit history or Social Security number required.
- No US credit history required
- No SSN or ITIN needed
- Available for condos & single-family
- Serving 50+ countries
One team. One process.
Zero surprises.
Ready to explore your financing options?
Get pre-qualified in as little as 24 hours — no commitment required.
Client Stories
What Clients Say
Real experiences from buyers and sellers across South Florida — all five-star reviews from Google.
5.0 · Google Reviews
We had such a wonderful experience working with our realtor Matilde! She worked with us for about a month, showing us homes 3–4 times a week and always being patient, responsive, and on top of everything throughout the entire process. Her dedication and willingness to keep searching with us until we finally found the right place meant so much to our family.
Great experience! Thank you, Matilde and team!
I highly recommend Matilde Leyva for all your real estate needs! She is professional, knowledgeable, responsive, and truly cares about her clients. Matilde goes above and beyond to make sure everything is handled properly and that her clients feel comfortable throughout the entire process.
Reliable, professional, and prompt communication. Hands down best realtor I've ever worked with. Highly recommended.
FAQs
Common
Questions
Everything you need to know about buying, selling, and investing in South Florida real estate.
Contact
Let's Start a Conversation
Better yet, see us in person.
We love our clients — feel free to visit during normal business hours.
Address
450 E Las Olas Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Hours
Mon – Fri9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sat – SunBy Appointment