"One, as always, trying to become a millionaire": Cuban imports Chinese houses to rent them in the U.S.

Chinese houses in the U.S.? A Cuban already has them and reveals how she achieved it and for how much

Cuban in the United StatesPhoto © TikTok / @mai_algarete

A Cuban woman residing in the United States has made waves on TikTok by showcasing how she lifted two prefabricated houses imported from China, intending to rent them out and start her own real estate business. The project, which many have followed step by step, has sparked hundreds of questions, praise, constructive criticism, and even some reasonable doubts.

The houses arrived in containers directly from Asia and, in less than two months, they were ready. One of the houses has three rooms, one bathroom, and two entrances, with an equipped kitchen, a modern bathroom with a washer and dryer, and even a room with a balcony. The other house, which already has tenants, has two rooms and two bathrooms, and includes closets.

"Everything is brand new," commented the Cuban in one of her videos, which has garnered thousands of views. While some were surprised to see the washing machines in the bathroom, others praised the efficiency of the design. "I have two bathrooms and sometimes we can't keep up, imagine with only one," wrote one user, while another asked, "Where are the closets?"

But what has caused the most concern is the total investment cost. As the main person explained, each house cost $15,600, plus $10,200 for international shipping, $9,900 in taxes, $1,100 for relocating them to the site, and other amounts that kept adding up: from the septic system ($10,000) to the grass ($2,000). In total, she invested $118,780, including a scam of $7,000 that she promised to recount in another video.

The questions have come quickly: "Where did you buy them?", "How tall are they?", "Can they be installed in Florida?", "Did you need permits?", "Are they suitable for Mexico or the Dominican Republic?", and above all: "Are they really worth it?". The Cuban responds to some comments on her social media and has promised to make a step-by-step video to explain the entire process.

Despite some criticism —such as those who doubt the durability of these constructions or prefer to build from scratch— most reactions have been positive. From "You are a fighter, congratulations" to "I want one just like it!" or "What a great idea, give me more information," the community has responded with genuine interest.

As she joked in one of her clips: “One is always trying to become a millionaire.” The truth is that, while not everyone is ready to import a house from China, the Cuban has already taken the first step and left a clear lesson: with creativity, daring, and a bit of patience, new opportunities can be built, even if they come in a container.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Importation of Chinese Houses by a Cuban in the U.S.

How much did it cost to import and prepare the Chinese houses for rent in the U.S.?

The total cost of the investment was 118,780 dollars. This amount includes the price of each house, international transportation, taxes, and other expenses such as the septic system and the lawn.

How was the process of importing the houses from China carried out?

Prefabricated houses were imported from China and arrived in containers. In less than two months, the homes were ready for occupancy. This process includes the assembly and preparation of the houses on the site where they were installed.

What characteristics do imported prefabricated houses have?

One of the houses has three bedrooms, a bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, and a room with a balcony, while the other has two rooms and two bathrooms, both with closets. These houses are designed to be efficient and modern.

Why import houses from China instead of building them in the U.S.?

Importing prefabricated houses from China can be a more cost-effective and faster option compared to traditional construction in the U.S. The main character of the article sought a creative and efficient way to start her real estate business. Additionally, the real estate market in cities like Miami is highly competitive and expensive, which can make prefabricated alternatives appealing.

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Izabela Pecherska

Editor at CiberCuba. Graduated in Journalism from the Rey Juan Carlos University of Madrid, Spain. Editor at El Mundo and PlayGround.