Can a Foreigner Own Property in Thailand?

Retirement in Thailand is the dream of many foreigners and mine too.  I plan to settle down there in about two years and have been checking out the rules for acquiring property in the land of smiles.

The easiest solution for a foreigner (farang) is to buy a condominium.  There is a percentage requirement as to the total number of farang and Thais in the condo complex.

Foreign land ownership is forbidden in Thailand.  So, the best that a farang can do is to lease the land and own the house.  The lease is good for 30 years and beyond that is anyone’s guess.  Some web sites say you can get an additional 30 years and other sites say that there is no guarantee.

Another option is to incorporate yourself as some sort of company and lease the property back to yourself as an individual. This is in the gray area of Thai law and one that I wouldn’t use.  I have friends that have done this and so far it is Ok but I worry about the future.

Lastly is something called a usufruct.  Googling this will probably give you more information and a better explanation than I can provide.  All I know is that is the option that a lawyer recommended to me and I will pursue further on my next trip to Thailand.  He claims it is similar to a lease but has some better advantages.  He will have to convince me. 

Regardless, it will be the lease or the usufruct.  Either one should allow me to have a place in Thailand until the day I die or whatever happens to the property after that I really don’t care about.

There is one final solution that I highly DON’T recommend.  You can place the property in your Thai wife or girlfriend’s name.  She will then own the property outright.  There is a minor technicality that she has to prove that she provided all the funds for the real estate – but that is an easy lie to cover.  The problem with this solution is that since she is the owner, she can do whatever she wants with the property.  You could take a two week vacation and come back and find that your house has been sold and your honey is gone.  This is definitely not advised.

Check with your lawyer and find the way to purchase/lease property for your retirement.  While you have your lawyer’s ear, check on pre-nuptial agreements and an enforceable will.  Don’t conduct any transaction of this nature without the advice of a lawyer.

Buying property in Bulgaria

Bulgaria has attracted a lot of attention over the last two years, as foreign buyers and investors flock to its emerging property market. In 2004, foreigners invested over Euro 500 million  in Bulgarian property, compared to Euro 98 million in 2003.  Frequently listed in the top 20 places to buy a foreign property, Bulgaria is now firmly on the property investment map.

With EU entry forecast for 2007 investors are keen to buy into the Bulgarian market to reap the inevitable rewards of capital appreciation and establish a rental income in a country that has demonstrated increasing tourism over the last few years.  In the first 6 months of 2005 alone, over 2.7 million tourists visited Bulgaria; with a 42% increase in the number of British tourists.  By 2020 the World Trade Organisation has predicted that the number of foreign tourists visiting the country will increase to 10 million.

The most popular regions for foreign property investors can be broadly categorised into 3 sectors: the Black Sea Coast, Sofia and the mountain ski-resorts.  Other buyers are attracted by the old houses inland that can start from as little as £1,700 and the medieval charm of picturesque cities and villages like Veliko Turnovo, Arbanassi and Tryavna in central Bulgaria.
Enjoying over 300 days of sunshine a year, boasting a coastline that stretches over 380km, spectacular mountains, eco-tourism and some of the most affordable property in Europe, there is no wonder that Bulgaria is attracting such interest. Property prices in some regions have doubled in the space of the last two years alone – though new apartments on the coast are still available from as little as £20,000.

Despite recent bad press about developers and estate agents in Bulgaria over-estimating rental returns and exaggerating capital growth rates, Bulgarian property remains under-valued and is a good investment.

Buying Holiday Homes In Greece

Greece doesn't require any introduction, when it comes to speaking about its role in the worldwide tourism. The nation's timeless ancient history and its unharmed natural landscape, provide with the needed pull for drawing in millions of visitors to its soil each year. But, the story doesn't stop there, and the recent trends might say, even the Greece property market was about to experience a major boom due to the greater keenness being shown by the foreign buyers. Greece property provides the buyers with an option to buy holiday homes, villas and apartments over a wide range of tourist places. These places are scattered allover its mainland, the coastal area and several of its well-known islands. Least to say, these are well developed urban areas with the air links and sea routes arriving in from and leading out to the entire globe.

There is no definite answer as to why this latest upsurge may have taken place in the Greek property market, but the analysts attribute two major geopolitical events for this transformation. The first one was the admission of Greece into the European Union in 1981, and the second one, the return of Olympic games in Athens in 2004. Both events proved crucial in helping out the Greek tourism and its real estate market to resurrect themselves in the eyes of the global community. A whole lot of new construction was undertaken during the Olympics campaign, which subsequently became the selling ground for the Greek real estate.

From what we understand about today's Grecian real estate, it is hard to buy a low-cost single family house in Athens, where the demand to supply ratio for such units is much higher compared to the other regions of the country. This leaves out the buyers with an option to buy apartments in Athens, which are easier to locate in the Greece property since the 2004 Olympic games ended here. At the same time, people can buy luxurious villas in the resort towns as an investment option or to have extended holidays there.

Buyers eye the hectic profits these days, when deciding to invest in the villas or farm lands across the Greek countryside. Villas can be sold to other buyers at a handsome premium later. On the other hand, many villa owners lend their properties to holidaymakers, who flock in huge numbers after each winter season. Thus, the market for Greece property provides with a great investment value to all those who might be willing to cash in from its buoyant trend.

Anybody who might be seeking to own a Greece property will have to fulfill certain conditions before doing so. These are, having a Greek bank account, being enrolled as a tax payer in Greece and getting a prior permission to buy properties in certain areas. The permission to buy properties can be obtained from the chief administrative or judicial officer in the area of concern. It should also be noted down that, those hailing from the European Union should easily be able to own properties in their names, as compared to those from the non-EU countries.

Bulgarian accession to the EU. The green light for the serious investor?

Bulgaria has recently met all the causes and articles for accession to the EU. Full entry is scheduled for early 2007.  The country will immediately benefit from worldwide acceptance and a massive investment from the European Community.

Bulgaria is at present a relatively poor country.  The average monthly wage is just €280. Membership of the European Community will ensure that the transportation network, domestic and commercial utilities sector, labour rates as well as the fiscal and banking systems will all be brought into line to mirror their more prosperous European neighbours.

With the increasing prosperity, along will come the private and corporate investors eager to cash in on the country's new found wealth.  Over the past three to four years, Bulgaria has seen consistent rises in the property market between 20 to 30%.  A few pioneering investors have taken advantage of this increase but have tended to be either the long-term corporate investor or highly speculative property gambler.

Entry into the European Union have seen the property prices of new member countries almost double within a one to two year period.  Ireland, Hungary, and even Spain are prime examples of this phenomenon.

Bulgaria is set to be no different.  Property prices and the cost of living are amongst the lowest right across the European states.  Massive price increases are predicted within the next 12 to 18 months to echo prices amongst other member states.

The country itself offers a vast selection of city, coastal, mountain and rural investment opportunities. 

Sofia, the capital, is experiencing massive corporate investment from companies relocating to take advantage of the low labour and rental cost:

The Black Sea Coast, with resorts such as Sunny Beach, Golden Sands and St. Vlas, experiences higher summer water temperatures than the Mediterranean along the Spanish mainland. Tourism is increasing massively year on year as is the number of  visitors investing their own home in the sun.

The mountain resorts, Borovetz, Pamporovo and Bansko offer the longest ski season in the whole of Europe. Prices for ski apartments are around 70% cheaper than other popular European resorts and property purchases are booming.

Existing rural properties can often be purchased for less than the price of a car. Hardy purchasers can expect huge bargains, huge potential and tiny prices.

Many experts agree with www.investmentpropertybg.com that prices are due to surge over the coming months in anticipation of accession. Returning holidaymakers, impressed by the value for money and excellent selection of properties that Bulgaria offers, will further fuel the property boom. The time for the serious investor to take advantage is now.

Bulgaria’s Hottest Property Spots

Hot-spots

Sunny Beach
The country’s largest package holiday resort has a good beach with excellent leisure facilities, entertainment and activities. It is close to Bourgas’ international airport and has been a focus for building and buyer interest, although over-development is becoming a problem, with a glut of new properties meaning unreliable rental returns.


Golden Sands
A large package resort with a good beach and facilities set in pretty surroundings on the forested coast north of Varna. Easy access to Varna airport and the city. Strict building controls have limited development and ensure strong demand for property.

Bansko
The country’s largest ski resort, which is enjoying major infrastructural investment, including a new golf course. The negative impact of rapid development could be reduced by a clamp-down on new developments in the area.

Pamporovo
European’s most southerly ski-resort is increasingly popular with the British

Veliko Tarnovo
The picturesque countryside around this historic city is the target for a growing number of foreign buyers looking for peaceful rural retreats and renovation properties. The beautiful scenery has led the area to be dubbed “Bulgaria’s Tuscany”.

Sofia
Renovation properties and off-plan developments in the country’s capital are popular with investment buyers for their solid rental returns and capital appreciation.


Rising Stars

Balchik
A small seaside town, north of Varna, that is near a new golf course development. Easy access to Varna city and its airport.

Byalla
A quiet beach resort favoured by Bulgarian holidaymakers, which is set in beautiful countryside halfway between Bourgas and Varna.

Ruse
Provincial city on the Danube that has a hinterland of unspoilt countryside dotted with villages.

Sozopol
An atmospheric seaside town with good beaches that is close to Bourgas airport.

Borovets
A small ski resort near Sofia that has been slated for major investment.

Budapest: the New Prague for Real Estate Investors

When Hungary and the Czech Republic joined the European Union back in 2004 they set the standards for economic achievement that the rest of the new entrants could only dream of achieving. 

Both Hungary and the Czech Republic not only embraced their new membership status, they went out of their way to create an environment so conducive for inward investment that both countries are now thriving.

As has been well documented, the stunning Czech Republic city of Prague became of such intense interest to international real estate investors even before the Republic joined the EU because it boasts almost inimitable charm, attraction and opportunity.  I say ‘almost’ inimitable because Hungary’s capital city of Budapest is equally well endowed with stunning ancient architecture, cultural attraction and a unique and timeless appeal.

As a direct result Budapest is suddenly becoming one of the hottest European cities for tourism and the business environment is so buoyant right now that the numbers of expatriates heading to the city for work is at an all time high.  These factors mean that the demand for real estate to rent is outstripping the current supply of well located and appointed property and prices in Budapest are starting to soar.

Where once Prague was the European capital city attracting the most overseas real estate investor interest, Budapest is now surpassing the investor levels Prague has enjoyed.  And one of the real reasons for this is the fact that property prices in Budapest are up to 25% less than those in Prague, and the past couple of years have seen price gains in the most desirable districts of Budapest reach 15% annually.

The opportunity to profit to the max is huge currently, but at the same time the window of opportunity is likely to be narrow for those wishing to buy into the projected period of rapid growth.  Those real estate investors who are buying right now have the strongest chance of realizing the greatest gains.  Over the medium term the demand for property in Budapest will not slacken but the property price margin increases will slow down as prices reach parity with the Czech Republic.

After this period of time it is likely that prices will continue to rise in line with local affordability and that potential rental income will still be impressive.  This will continue to bring investors to the market place which means an investor can purchase in Budapest with confidence that he will be able to resell his real estate assets when the time is right for him to release the gains he has accrued.

If you compare the potential fortunes of Budapest with Prague you will see just how much room there is in the market for growth and return, and how far demand can actually go for property for sale and rent in this stunningly beautiful Hungarian city.

Brazil: The Latest Exciting Emerging Real Estate Market

Since 2003 the Brazilian Government have committed to making major fiscal, political and fundamental changes to the country to improve the entire environment for foreign direct investment, as a result GDP growth rate is up, inflation is down and real estate prices are beginning to soar as overseas interest in the stunningly beautiful and amazingly diverse country of Brazil is intensifying.

Because Brazil is such a large country covering such a huge landmass it traverses many different geographic, environmental and climatic changes and offers a lifestyle alternative to suit everyone.  The appeal of the country is immediately obvious to anyone who travels to Brazil on holiday and because the path has been smoothed for foreign freehold ownership of real estate in Brazil, more and more people who visit the country are choosing to buy a holiday home or investment property in the country.

The most popular area with holiday makers, second homers and now retirees is the north east of Brazil where the weather is at its best and where the coastal regions are home to stunning palm fringed beaches and growing communities of expatriates who are enjoying the laid back, low cost lifestyle they can achieve in Brazil.

It is in this part of the country that real estate prices are really starting to go up.  The demand for real estate to buy and let is growing rapidly and the purchasing power of those overseas investors entering the market place is strong enough to support property price increases.

Anyone considering the world’s emerging real estate markets for maximum opportunity will find what they’re looking for in Brazil. The country has an active commercial property market, an active tourism market and local and overseas demand for housing is strong, therefore sufficient demand for real estate in Brazil exists creating the perfect environment for profit and gains. 

A final additional tick in the suitability box for Brazil as a destination for investment is the fact that the real estate buying process for foreign purchasers is straightforward, and additional taxes and fees associated with purchasing and owning property or land in Brazil are very low.

Blue Rose Condo Hotel: The Latest Real Estate Trend

Today, one of the hottest commodities in real estate is the condo hotel. Bridging the gap between traditional condominiums and hotels, the condo hotel presents the best of both worlds: luxury accommodations in highly desirable locations along with upscale shops and restaurants. As an example, let's look at the Blue Rose in Orlando, Florida.

Currently in the pre-construction phase, the Blue Rose will consist of three towers housing 256 condominiums and 1,284 condo hotel suites. It will offer everything from lofts and one- and two-bedroom units to 3,000 sq. ft. penthouse suites. The property will be a resort oasis, with a promenade, European cafes, five themed restaurants, private pool cabanas, and a 1,000-seat theater.

The investment opportunity presented by condo hotels is unprecedented. Indeed, most new properties sell out in the pre-construction phase. In doing so, investors are able to obtain lower prices, secure many of the best units, and gain appreciation on their investments before ground is even broken.

Many people opt to purchase a condo hotel not only as an investment, but also as a vacation home. Generally, condo hotels provide first class accommodations in highly desirable locations. When the owner is not using the property, the condo hotel unit can be rented out to tourists. Typically, the owner doesn't have to take responsibility for renting, managing, and maintaining the unit, making the process free of the headaches and hassles of owning other rental properties.

Like any real estate investment, the key is location, location, location. For example, the Blue Rose Condo Hotel is located in Orlando, Florida, one of the hottest housing markets in both the United States and the world. Recently, analysts have reported that Orlando property is undervalued by as much as 30 percent when compared to other major U.S. markets. That, together with an average hotel occupancy rate of almost 80 percent and 40 to 55 million annual visitors, makes Orlando condo hotels prime investment opportunities.

It's easy to understand why Orlando is such a desirable destination. After all, Florida boasts 300 days of sunshine a year, over 1,000 miles of coastline, and an average temperature of 70 degrees. And Orlando is the center of family-friendly theme park destinations. Walt Disney World was first on the block, with 28,000 acres of family fun. Universal Studios and Sea World round out the top three, again with thrills for the whole family. It's estimated that it would take you over two months of eight-hour days to experience Orlando's 95 attractions. It's clear why tens of millions of tourists visit Orlando each year.

It's equally obvious why investors are flocking to buy property in Orlando. Condo hotels, like the Blue Rose condo hotel, are the latest real estate investment trend in hot destinations like Orlando. Between the theme parks, the world-class restaurants, the golf courses, and the opportunities to engage in water sports, Orlando investors are seeing phenomenal returns on their investments.

Before You Buy Your Apartment Complex…

Purchasing an apartment complex as an investment is a fantastic way to watch an asset single handedly generate thousands, even hundreds of thousands of dollars in a very short amount of time!

A popular investment strategy, especially for new investors, is to purchase a more run down, mismanaged apartment complex at high cap rates. The cap rate, or capitalization rate, is found by dividing the Net Operating Income by the Purchase Price. Properties that are low performing often sell their apartments at a higher cap rate because there is more of a risk associated with them.

These properties are in need of many changes in order to become a commercial property that is working at its maximum potential.

Before you purchase a large commercial apartment complex, you need to get certain information. This information is crucial to your assessment and evaluation of the property.

There are two states you need to understand regarding the property, the state it is in currently, and the state it will be in after you fix all the major problems.

When you first find or are introduced to a property, be sure to ask for the income and expense statements. A lot can be told from analyzing the numbers that are reported on a monthy, quarterly or yearly basis. You can even use them to see how the property has performed over time. You will be able to see gross rents, expenses, net operating income, and all the items in which income and expense fall under such as refrigerator rentals and pool maintenance, respectively. Use this tool as a way to project future income after raising rents, filling the vacancies, transferring all costs to the tenants, and making the community an overall enjoyable place to live.

You must know how many units are in the complex, and what condition they are in. You can see what condition they are in by checking a certain percentage of the total units and assume that most are in that condition. However, it is always better to check all the units so you know exactly what condition the apartments are in. This could be a basis for lowering the asking price if the units are in far worse condition than you originally thought.

The vacancy factor is an important one. When a property has many vacancies, like 20% and above, it is not performing well. If you can fill these vacancies, then your ability to turn the property around is much greater! You must view all working leases, and ask the current tenants to sign a paper to verify the leases that you were given by the owner or working manager. You would be surprised how many owners may try to decrease their vacancy factor by false leases, just to make their property more enticing. However, if you are fixing the property up, then the larger the vacancy, the more opportunity you have to increase value and find a profit!
In order to evaluate this property, you must divide the asking price by the number of units and see what the price is per unit. You can use this to compare other similar complexes in the area. You also want to know what they are charging as rent, and what type of leases the tenants have. If the rents are below market rents, then you have the ability to increase value there. If your tenants have a full service, or net-net lease, then you have an opportunity to change it to a triple net lease, where the tenants pay taxes, insurance and utilities. You can literally pass all the costs of running the apartment to the tenants. After all, they are the ones using the facilities.

I am sure you can see the themes here. You want to identify areas where you can either increase or create value that was not there before. Be sure to get all the facts and numbers verified before you purchase your great investment. Be prepared to do some work to turn the place around. However, it will definitely pay off shortly when you use some simple tool, like increasing the rent and painting the exterior, making it a community where people want to live!

Bahrain's Real Estate Market Hot on the Heals of Dubai

The popularity and success of the real estate market in Dubai is well documented; but in sharp contrast Bahrain - which is one of the Middle Eastern property markets with the greatest potential - is little known and often overlooked. 

Bahrain has a small but well establish luxury real estate market; and recent changes to legislation allowing for foreign freehold ownership of property within certain real estate developments in Bahrain has created a surge of investor and consumer interest in the kingdom.

The kingdom of Bahrain has long been home to a large expatriate community, with expats mainly heralding from the UK, Europe and the US.  Expatriates living in Bahrain generally enjoy an incredibly high standard of living, substantial tax free income and an inimitably luxury lifestyle - and the type of accommodation they seek has become the iconic style of real estate now for sale to foreign purchasers.  Indeed, the real estate developments where foreign freehold ownership of title is allowed in Bahrain epitomize quality and opulence.

In recent years Bahrain has been working hard to diversify its economy away from oil by focusing on five main business areas; namely business & financial services, tourism, information technology, healthcare & education and telecommunications.  As a result many more multinational companies have established bases and headquarters in the kingdom which have created more employment opportunities and in turn attracted more international executives and their families to Bahrain.

This influx of foreign residents to the kingdom of Bahrain has resulted in a thriving rental real estate sector which has further helped to underpin an already incredibly successful economy.  Recently Bahraini officials began to realize the potential of the real estate sector if they allowed for foreign freehold ownership, and this led to legislative and constitutional changes and the officials have been rewarded for their foresight by the creation of an incredibly popular and successful property market.

It’s a fact that many of the expats living in Bahrain are now taking full advantage of their right to own freehold title to real estate.  It is also a fact that there is still an increasing requirement for quality accommodation to let out in Bahrain and this is pushing rental rates sky high.  Both of these facts mean that real estate investors have a property market ripe for exploration in Bahrain with immediate income achievable from the rental sector and the release and realization of capital appreciation easy to achieve with a market hungry for completed resale property.

Therefore real estate investors looking for a market with more room for expansion than Dubai has, a market as equally popular with expatriates as Dubai is and a market offering property as magnificent as Dubai does need look no further than Bahrain.

Arizona Real Estate - A Perfect Place For Settlement

Arizona, a large state in the Western United States, also known as Grand Canyon State, is famous for its astonishing landscapes, soaring mountain ranges, rivers, grasslands, forests and beautiful weather. Arizona valley constitutes of all these and makes it a perfect place for vacation, retirement, land investment or for permanent settlement.

Over the years, Arizona real estate has become the most sought after real estate in the United States. Real estate market of Arizona is huge and is one of the most commendable real estate markets in USA. The real estate in Arizona is full of luxury houses, apartments, buildings, beautiful decorated homes that draw attention not only from people of the United States but also from other countries.

For anyone planning some investment in the real estate market, Arizona real estate market is the ideal place to start. The state has witnessed record appreciation levels. Any sort of investments done in the commercial area, single-family home, rental apartment or retirement property, will be considered undoubtedly a perfect investment.

The state depicts its natural beauty through beautiful landscape, desert climes, pine covered high country and an abundance of topographical characteristics has made it a prime location in the eyes of the people seeking new homes or property. It’s a visitor’s paradise for vacations and has, over the years, become a hot spot tourist destination.

Arizona real estate market is soaring high with its increasing population contributed by the migrating populace from different states of USA. The people of Arizona are very friendly and cooperative in nature. The state has endless choices of entertainment and amusement, including parks, forests, rivers and a colorful Grand Canyon, which is one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

Arizona is also a well-known destination among retirees and is even more popular for the custom-built homes created around resorts, spas and other epicurean areas. Apart from that, there are plenty of first-class universities and colleges in Arizona. Phoenix, the capital of Arizona, comprises of incredible natural beauty.  At Arizona, real estate and homes are available at an affordable rate and as per the needs of the people. The state is also famous for some popular sports arena where baseball is the major attraction for the tourists and other visitors. Baseball fanatics find this place really attractive and hence, an ideal place to live in.

Buying and selling real estate or property is not an easy task and there is always a certain amount of risk involved in it. Thorough study and extensive research are needed before investing in real estate or property. People want experienced knowledgeable agents who have maximum information about the area and can locate a real estate property as per their needs at a price below market standards. There are many real estate businesses that you can find online and some of them specialize only in Arizona Real Estate. It is advisable that if you are planning to do real estate transactions in Arizona always look for a specialist for that area. If you are taking the advice of any Arizona real estate specialist, your land transaction is definitely going to be smooth and profitable.

A Realtor’s Personal Safety Guideline

A major concern for realtors is personal safety. Many times the realtor is working alone in showing a property, having an open house, or manning the model house in a new subdivision. Some personal safety issues should include:

On the first meeting of a client, have them meet you at the office. Get as much personal information as possible. A copy of the driver’s license is a good start not only for safety, but also for the client database.

If you have a strange feeling about the client, don’t show property by yourself. Ask a co-worker to go with you; at worst you might have to split the commission. If you are manning an open house and you feel that you might be in danger, leave the property and call for help.

Always drive your own car to the property as this might be the only means of escape. On the way make notes on the type of car, color, and license plate number and call the office with this information. Once at the property make sure your car is not blocked and you have an easy escape (no backing-up).

As you are showing the property, always have the client lead you; this allows the property to present itself and keeps the client where you can see them.  Make sure they sign-in on the registry and if the office does not have the information on the client, get the information to them. Your office will know you are with a client at this time.

Keep your keys and cell phone close and easy to access. If need be, keys can be effective weapon of surprise. If you have a handbag, keep it with you at all times or locked in the trunk of your car. Know the property, not only do you look more professional, but safer; your client does not know all of the exits as well as you should.

Take a few self defense classes, as a few minutes head start out of the property means the difference in a safe escape and being trapped. Take the first chance for escape and don’t try to talk your way out; keep your advantage. The more time you spend in a dangerous situation means a diminished chance of a safe exit.

Let the client see that you have contacted your office and the office knows who you are with. It is also a good idea to have a secret code for trouble such as “Pick up dog food” when you don’t have a dog. It is also a good idea to set your phone to vibrate as your client will not know if you are calling or if you are receiving a phone call.



If there is an emergency your office can play a vital role. Make sure they have the make of your car, its color, and license plate. If you are using a different car that day, make sure they have its description as well.

Make sure your office has your schedule for the day and that you check in on each appointment. If you are hosting an open house, make sure you have a registry book for clients to sign in. See if you can also include the client’s car description. Tell the client it is just in case they get a parking ticket and you want to document the reason for parking there or some other reason.

Many of these points may already in practice for the profession. Look to these procedures as also a safety concern. These safety tips should become second nature with little thought to be truly effective. Being an agent means sometimes you will work alone. With today’s cell phones and e-mail capabilities and some careful thought, you will be safer and will be in contact with help quicker.

A Realtor’s Guide To Personal Safety

A major concern for realtors is personal safety. Many times the realtor is working alone in showing a property, having an open house, or manning the model house in a new subdivision. Some personal safety issues should include:

On the first meeting of a client, have them meet you at the office. Get as much personal information as possible. A copy of the driver’s license is a good start not only for safety, but also for the client database.

If you have a strange feeling about the client, don’t show property by yourself. Ask a co-worker to go with you; at worst you might have to split the commission. If you are manning an open house and you feel that you might be in danger, leave the property and call for help.

Always drive your own car to the property as this might be the only means of escape. On the way make notes on the type of car, color, and license plate number and call the office with this information. Once at the property make sure your car is not blocked and you have an easy escape (no backing-up).

As you are showing the property, always have the client lead you; this allows the property to present itself and keeps the client where you can see them.  Make sure they sign-in on the registry and if the office does not have the information on the client, get the information to them. Your office will know you are with a client at this time.

Keep your keys and cell phone close and easy to access. If need be, keys can be effective weapon of surprise. If you have a handbag, keep it with you at all times or locked in the trunk of your car. Know the property, not only do you look more professional, but safer; your client does not know all of the exits as well as you should.

Take a few self defense classes, as a few minutes head start out of the property means the difference in a safe escape and being trapped. Take the first chance for escape and don’t try to talk your way out; keep your advantage. The more time you spend in a dangerous situation means a diminished chance of a safe exit.

Let the client see that you have contacted your office and the office knows who you are with. It is also a good idea to have a secret code for trouble such as “Pick up dog food” when you don’t have a dog. It is also a good idea to set your phone to vibrate as your client will not know if you are calling or if you are receiving a phone call.



If there is an emergency your office can play a vital role. Make sure they have the make of your car, its color, and license plate. If you are using a different car that day, make sure they have its description as well.

Make sure your office has your schedule for the day and that you check in on each appointment. If you are hosting an open house, make sure you have a registry book for clients to sign in. See if you can also include the client’s car description. Tell the client it is just in case they get a parking ticket and you want to document the reason for parking there or some other reason.

Many of these points may already in practice for the profession. Look to these procedures as also a safety concern. These safety tips should become second nature with little thought to be truly effective. Being an agent means sometimes you will work alone. With today’s cell phones and e-mail capabilities and some careful thought, you will be safer and will be in contact with help quicker.

10 Tips to Buy Real Estate Without Breaking Your Budget

1. Get pre-approved for your home loan. This means, fill out a loan application and go through the process of securing financing. That way, when you’re ready to seriously evaluate   real estate, you’ll know exactly how much home you can afford. And you can prove to a seller that your offer is sincere.

2. Explore creative financing options. During the home loan pre-approval process, ask about ways to get creative with your financing. Low down payment options, first and second mortgage combinations and first time buyer programs might help you afford more funding. Many lenders are now offering interest-only home mortgages; just make sure you thoroughly evaluate the terms for this type of home loan. Down payment grants are also available in some instances and might be worth investigating or discussing with your   realtor.

3. Sell your existing home first. Although selling your existing home before finding new   real estate to buy can be a little nerve wracking, any inconvenience will be offset by your ability to make an offer with cash in hand. Contingent purchases are not the best when negotiating to buy a home. Having your financing in order and your bags packed will give you the advantage in a competitive market.

4. Look for vacant real estate. Perhaps a seller’s job has transferred him out of the area. Or maybe a family purchased a new home before putting their existing one on the market. In any case, a vacant home could be just the deal for a savvy home buyer, so have your realtor look for vacant property in your preferred neighborhoods. And keep in mind, the longer a house stays empty, the greater your negotiating power will be.

5. Consider cosmetic fixers. If you’re handy with a paintbrush, a toolset and gardening equipment, consider buying   real estate in need of cosmetic fixing. Property that lacks curb appeal needs minor handiwork or the yard overhauled could end up being the home of your dreams for a price you can afford. You just need to look beyond the ho-hum to see the potential of a cosmetic fixer.

6. Buy a home that’s a major remodel project. If you want to live on Lake Washington, but can’t afford a $2M home mortgage, consider buying a dilapidated cottage on a fabulous lot with western exposure. In time you’ll need to gut the existing home and build from the ground up or contract significant home improvements. But in the end your property value will skyrocket. And if your carpentry and other construction skills are well-developed, you can save even more and accrue “sweat equity” during your remodel by doing much of the work yourself.

7. Don’t discount bank foreclosures. One person’s loss could be your gain if you buy   real estate in foreclosure. Although the search for a decent foreclosure may take a while, your   realtor should be able help. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (http://www.hud.gov/) can be an excellent resource for foreclosed properties. Because HUD houses are sold at market value, your best bet will be homes that need cosmetic work or even major repair.

8. Land with a manufactured home. Sometimes, to buy a home on a budget, you need to look beyond convention. Even if your wish is to buy   real estate, you may have to settle for a piece of property in an outlying area with a mobile or manufactured home. Discuss this option with your   real estate agent and try to keep an open mind about this possibility.

9. An older, smaller home. Older homes are typically priced much less than newer construction and don’t tend to create buyer bidding wars. If you can enjoy life in an older and smaller home in a neighborhood or suburb off the beaten path, this could be your ticket to real estate ownership.

10. The cheapest house in the best neighborhood. You have your heart set on a specific – and expensive –   neighborhood. Maybe it’s the schools that you’re interested in. Or perhaps it’s the close proximity to downtown or the waterfront. In any case, a budget-savvy buyer will look for the least expensive home for sale in the neighborhood. If you’re not in a hurry, you can even play the waiting game to see what properties come on the market. Your   real estate agent can be a real asset in this case by investigating potential sellers.

Buying real estate without breaking your budget will require research and compromise. On moving day, however, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that your homework paid off!

10 Tips for Successful Real Estate Property Investment

Just because real estate prices seem to have hit a temporary ceiling in many countries around the world, that doesn’t mean that profits from property investments are hard to come by.

Even during a real estate market slowdown, stagnation or depression profits can be made locally and overseas.  This article shows you the top ten tips that real estate investors apply to their property portfolio building strategy to ensure success from their investments.

1)    Research the curve - the concept of a property market cycle existing is not myth it’s a fact and is generally accepted to be based on a price-income relationship.  Check the recent historical price data for properties in the area of the country you’re considering purchasing in and try to determine the overall feel in the market for prices currently.  Are prices rising, are prices falling or have they reached a peak.  You need to know where the curve of the property market cycle is at in your preferred investment area.

2)    Get ahead of the curve – as a basic rule of thumb, professional real estate property investors seek to buy ahead of the curve.  If a market is rising they will try and target up and coming areas, areas that are close to locations that have peaked, areas close to locations experiencing redevelopment or investment.  These areas will most likely become ‘the next big thing’ and those who by in before the trend will stand to make the most gains.  As a market is stagnating or falling many successful investors target areas that enjoyed the best levels of growth, yields and profits very early on in the previous cycle because these areas will most likely be the first areas to become profitable as the cycle begins turning towards positive once more.

3)    Know your market – who are you buying property for?  Are you buying to let to young executives, purchasing for renovation to resell to a family market or purchasing jet to let real estate for short term rental to holiday makers?  Think about your market before you make a purchase.  Know what they look for in a property and ensure that is what you are going to be offering them

4)    Think further afield – there are emerging real estate property markets around the world where countries’ economies are going from strength to strength, where a growing tourism sector is pushing up demand or where constitutional legislation has been or is about to be changed to allow for foreign freehold ownership of property for example.  Look further afield than your own back yard for your next property investment and diversify that real estate portfolio for maximum success.

5)    Purchase price – set yourself a budget that will realistically allow you to purchase what you’re looking for and profit from that purchase either through capital gains or rental yield.

6)    Entry costs – research fees, charges and all expenses you will incur when you buy your property – they differ from country to country and sometimes even from state to state.  In Turkey for example you should add on an additional 5% of the purchase price for all fees, in Spain you will need to factor in an average of 10% and in Germany fees and charges can be in excess of 20%.  Know how much you will have to incur and factor this amount into your budget to avoid any nasty surprises and to ensure your investment can become profitable.

7)    Capital growth potential – what factors point to the potential profitability of your real estate property investment?  If you’re looking overseas at an emerging market, which economic or social indicators exist to suggest that property prices will increase?  If you’re buying to let out are there any indications to suggest that demand for rental accommodation will remain strong, increase or even decline?  Think about what you want to achieve from your investment and then research and find out whether your expectations are realistic.

8)    Exit costs – if you will incur substantial capital gains taxation liability if you sell your property investment for profit, will that render the investment profitless?  In Spain a foreign buyer can incur up to 35% capital gains tax, in Turkey on the other hand property sales are capital gains tax free if the underlying real estate has been owned for four or more years.

9)    Profit margins – what levels of capital growth can you realistically gain on your property investment or how much rental income can you generate?  Work out these facts and then work backwards towards your initial budget to work out your potential profit margins.  At all times you have to keep the bigger picture in mind to ensure that your real estate investment has good potential for profit.

10)    Think long term – unless you’re buying property off plan and intending to flip it for resale and profit before completion you should view real estate investment as a long term investment.  Real estate is a slow to liquidate asset, cash tied up in property is not simple to free up.  Take a long term approach to your property portfolio and give your assets time to increase in value before cashing them in for profit.

3 Pitfalls to Avoid When Playing in the Real Estate Game

So you’ve seen your umpteenth infomercial with the guy in his neatly pressed button-upped white T-Shirt grinning ear to ear waving his rock-solid no-money-down rags-to-riches real estate investment course for 3 easy payments of a gazillion dollars (but only if you call now) and now you are thinking, "wow this looks like a great deal, I better get it fast before the special offer expires." You notice how there’s always a special offer? Anyway, I am not saying this guy isn’t telling the truth, however regardless of which course or school of thought you buy into there are several key areas that one must avoid when engaging in any real estate related transaction.

Pitfall Number 1: Don’t Overpay!

The whole point in investing is to find properties that are undervalued. How does one find out what is undervalued versus overvalued? Without getting into technical details, the bottom line is you need experience. Yes much like shopping for anything else, real estate is essentially one of the highest ticket items in the shopping center of life. It’s advisable to stick with one market, perhaps the one closest to you in proximity as a starting off point. Through your experience and asking the right questions, you will eventually have a feel for the pulse of the market you are looking after, and of course identify what is considered a good buy.

Pitfall Number 2: Know the Market

Yes, you are actually going to have to do more work! This part is really common sense though, but executing it where the beauty and the payoff comes in. How do you make money in real estate? The most basic way is to buy low and sell high. So from the first step, you have identified general trends in the value of homes, and are pretty good at spotting undervalued homes. Assuming you acquire that home, you may want to profit from it by selling it off to someone else for a higher price. How can you do this? Well there are many ways. For one, most markets appreciate in value over time so if you want a longer term approach that will work. Making upgrades to the property will automatically raise the price of the home as well. Think in terms of what the market wants, not what you personally want. You aren’t the one buying it; you are trying to sell it to someone else for a higher price than you bought it.

Pitfall Number 3: Know Your Budget

It may be a fine philosophy to go through life on a whim, but real estate is serious business, and thus diligent financial planning and budgeting is critical to your success. Don’t worry you don’t need to be a finance geek, however you need to be disciplined and know your budget from the onset, or you may be finding you are learning that you need to make certain renovations or upgrades, and didn’t anticipate it going over to a certain cost. Think ahead as to what is needed before actually going forth with investing in real estate.

Buying to let guide - UK Rental Property Management

This is where most developers end up. Once executed, this can prove to be money for old rope. Ok thats a bit pushing the point, but here i can teach you some really useful tips on how to let with very little fuss. The essetial element is to first consider the previous chapters as just as important as the monthly cheque you receive from your tennants. In effect the two are very much releated. So re-read those chapters before you get to this exciting chapter on how to but to let.

My 10 Steps to success
Ok i'm going to make this very easy by revealing my 10 steps. Follow this and you will succeed, ignore a step and you may struggle. Here goes...

1. Find the right area to buy into and make some appointments with local letting agents normally estate agents will be able to offer help with letting too .

2. Once you've picked their brains to assess the state of the lettings market (and discovered what type of properties are most in demand) you can begin the house hunting game. Get several viewings under your belt to get a feel of the market.

3. Talk to mortgage providers early on in the game to ensure that you find the best deal. If you have a personal financial advisor, they will do this service free of charge, use this free service, it may save you money and time along with our useful free development guide on this site.

4. Once you've found a suitable property put in an offer and be patient. What you might think is a silly offer may prove to be a bargain, remember you can always increase your offer.

5. When your offer on the property is accepted you'll need to get a licensed conveyor or a solicitor to deal with the legal and financial paperwork.

6. This is the step that can seem to go on forever, the survey and searches.You will also need to get it valued. Then you'll be in a position to finalise your mortgage arrangements with your finance lender.

7. Who will property manage ? Once you've been handed the keys you'll need to decide whether you are happy to manage the property yourself or if you want to hand it over to a letting agent.

8. The chances are that the house will need some work doing on it, so it's best to get the workmen in there as soon as possible. You will find our buying to let profit calculator useful at this point.

9. If you're planning to let the property furnished it makes long-term sense to invest in solid/ robust furniture (ideally carboot sales house clearances or local auctions are an ideal way of sourcing good solid furniture without putting costs through the roof).

10. Before your tenants take control of the property, do make sure that they are clear on the terms of your contract to avoid any later possible complications.

Create a Commercial Real Estate Empire by Specializing in One of These Commercial Properties

There are many types of commercial properties available to those who work in the commercial real estate industry. Many people like to work in a specific area by working with only one or two types of commercial properties. They do this because they have expertise with that specific type of property.

Commercial properties differ more than in just their appearance and use. How you purchase, sell, operate, manage, evaluate, and price each property can be very different. Although there are some similarities, being an expert in one or two properties can greatly increase your ability to analyze good deals and maximize your profit potential. When you know the inside and out of the processes that take place with a certain type of property, know what hidden things to look for, and what mistakes to avoid, you are less likely to run into problems, and will generate positive, long lasting results.

Let's look at the main commercial properties that you may already be involved with, or are thinking about moving into.

The first are office buildings, or office parks. The term office can be used to refer to floors, parts of floors, an entire building, or an entire office park with multiple buildings positioned in a community type setting. Office space is used for a variety of reasons. It can be used for actual offices for companies, or it can be used for places of business operations, or to meet a tenant's specific functional and technical needs. An example of this would be an office building for medical purposes.

Office buildings can be segmented into three basic levels. The first is low rise, which has fewer than 7 stories above ground. A mid-rise has between 7 and 25 stories above ground. A high-rise has more than 25 stories above ground. These buildings are often rented by the square foot according to the total useable square feet available to the tenant.

The next type of commercial property is retail property. These are places of business where products and services are provided. There are many types of retail properties which include big boxes, outlet centers, strip centers, regional centers and power centers. Each of these has distinct characteristics that differentiate one from another. Business owners can better choose where they want to lease by identifying their product position, where the best location is, and the type of retail center that will best sell their products and services.

A big box is a large, free-standing building that is often much like a huge warehouse. They can often be found near major shopping centers and along major corridors. Companies such as Wal-Mart, Home Depot and Target are all example of big boxes.

Outlet centers are usually located in tourist or rural locations, and the businesses there offer their products and services at a discount. Strip centers are consecutive narrow parcels that have a variety of stores. They are often found along main roads and commercial corridors.

Regional centers are characterized by an enclosed, inward orientation of the stores. A walkway or common area connects the stores that offer a variety of products and services. There is usually a large, common parking lot found along the perimeter of the regional center.

Power centers are areas of business where large retailers, including large discount centers lease out the buildings. Category killers can also be found here. These are companies that offer a large selection at low prices. Ross, Mervyns, and Kohl's can all be found in power centers. Think of the one stop place to shop retail center, and you have a power center.

Any of these types of retail centers can be chosen areas of specialization for an investor, developer or builder. This gives them a competitive advantage in the commercial real estate industry because it is the only thing in which they concentrate their efforts. You can bet there is not one thing that can pass by these people when it comes to retail centers, and they know exactly how to maximize their resources.

Industrial and warehouse properties are the next category of commercial property where you will find freestanding properties, research and development, large manufacturing, as well as industrial park properties.

Freestanding industrial properties can vary greatly in construction type, design, and overall function. They stand alone, and are usually occupied by an end user, so the building is specific to a special purpose.

A research and development property is characterized by having office space and manufacturing on the premises. You can find them most often near universities, and close to other locations of professionals.

Industrial parks are large, planned developments that can be used for special scientific and technological use, or sophisticated communications uses. They have many buildings for mixed-purpose or a single purpose that are scattered in an often functional way.

Industrial buildings and warehouses are crucial to a city's economic development, and cities often provide tax incentives when jobs are provided and new companies are brought to a city, especially to one experiencing rapid growth.

Multi-family property is another type of commercial property in which you can specialize. They offer huge opportunities to create value. A multi-family property is not considered a commercial property unless it is greater than 5 units. Duplexes and fourplexes are not considered commercial properties, though they can be a great investment. The larger the apartment complex, for example more than 100 units, the more money you will be able to return on investment. These multi-family units have living space, appliances and amenities. Multi-family units can range from low-end to luxury type units.

The last type of commercial property is raw land. Raw land is characterized by untouched land with no improvements such as utilities and roads. It can be the most difficult property to involve yourself with; however, it can return the greatest results.

Whichever property you decide to specialize in, only begin a new project in a new area with a person who has lots of experience. You can learn a lot from someone by using this strategy. It will give you a solid foundation to do the next project on your own. This partner or associate will help you to gain the experience and insight that may otherwise take you years to learn.

Don’t Rely Excessively On Appraisals

Getting an appraisal on a home is a fundamental aspect of making a purchase. While appraisals are certainly helpful, you should not put too much stock in them.

Don’t Rely Excessively On Appraisals

An appraisal is a valuation of a property by an independent appraiser. The appraiser does an evaluation of the home, considers the home in comparison to others of comparable type and so on. Once completed, the appraiser then issues a written appraisal value of the home. Many homebuyers make the assumption the appraisal is the true value of the home both now and in the future. This can be a dangerous assumption.

First, appraisals are limited by something known as a moment in time. The appraisal done today, may not be entirely relevant a month or two later. If a property has been on the market for a few months, the appraisal may not reflect a slowing market. This, in turn, means the appraised value is actually higher than the current market will support. Homebuyers run into problems when this occurs because they put too much value on the appraisal. A seller will often list the home below the appraised amount and homebuyers will think they are getting a deal. In reality, they are not and may actually be paying more than a new appraisal would support. The older the appraisal, the less value you should put into it.

Most homebuyers assume an appraiser inspects the home for defects and discounts the value of the home accordingly. This is not really the case. An appraiser is not really doing a critical home inspection. In fact, the appraiser contract and/or report usually contains a long disclaimer whereby the appraiser covers his derriere by noting he assumes the property is in good condition and isn’t liable if it is not. Obviously, that should scare you. This, of course, is why you should insist on a home inspection for any property you make an offer on.

An appraisal is a solid part of the equation when considering a home purchase. It is not, however, the piece de resistance when valuing the property.

"Don't Sell Your Property Without It"

For most people, the prospect of selling their home can be positively daunting. First of all, there are usually plenty of things to do just to get it ready for the market. Besides the traditional clean-up, paint-up, fix-up chores that invariably wind up costing more than you planned, there are always the overriding concerns about how much the market will bear and how much you will eventually wind up selling it for.

Will you get your asking price, or will you have to drop your price to make the deal? After all, your home is a major investment, no doubt a rather large one, so when it comes to selling it you want to get your highest possible return. Yet in spite of everyone's desire to get the top dollar for their property, most people are extremely unsure as to how to go about getting it. However, some savvy sellers have long known a little financial technique that has helped them to get top dollar for their property. In fact, on some rare occasions, they have even sold their properties for more than they were worth using this powerful financing tool. Although that might be the exception rather than the rule, you can certainly use this technique to get the most money possible when selling your property.

Seller carry-back, or take-back financing, has proven to be a surefire technique for closing deals. Even though most people do not think about when it comes to selling a property, they really should consider using it. According to the Federal Reserve, there are currently over 100 Billion dollars of seller carry-back (seller take-back) loans in existence. By any standard, that is a lot of money. But most importantly, it is also a very clear indication that more people are starting to use seller take-back financing techniques because it offers many financial benefits to both sellers and buyers. Basically, seller take-back financing is a relatively simple concept. A seller-take back loan is created when a property is sold and the seller performs like a lender by assisting in financing all or part of the total transaction. In effect, the seller is actually lending the buyer a certain amount of money toward the purchase price, while a traditional mortgage company usually funds the balance of the purchase price. A seller take-back loan is secured with the property. The loan then becomes the primary mortgage and is fully secured by the property. In most seller take-back financing transactions, the buyer repays the seller with interest in accordance to mutually agreed terms over a period of time. Usually, the terms call for the buyer to send the payments, consisting of principal and interest, on a monthly basis. This is advantageous because it creates a steady monthly cash flow for the note holder. And if the note holder decides to cash out, he or she can always sell the note for a lump sum cash payment.

Regardless of market conditions, seller take-back financing makes sound financial sense; whereas, it provides both buyer and seller with flexible financing options, makes the property easier to sell at higher price and shortens the sales cycle. It also has the added advantage of being an excellent investment that generates a steady cash flow and high return. If you ever need immediate cash, you can always sell the note through our office. If you are planning to sell a property, then consider the many benefits of seller take-back financing.