The Next Big Thing

International Living Postcards--Saturday Edition

Saturday, April 30, 2005
Paris, France

Dear International Living Reader,

Ireland in the '90s, thanks in large part to a young European Union, saw real estate prices increase 500% to 600% in less than 10 years.

Two years ago, pieces of sandy coast on the Costa Maya doubled in three years mostly because the Mexican government aggressively developed this area to attract tourists.

Are You Scared of the U.S. Dollar?

International Living Postcards--Saturday Edition

Saturday, April 23, 2005
Paris, France

Dear International Living Reader,

When I made my first international real estate investment, I got a good deal because I was "in the market"--I was prepared to act when the right deal came my way.

In the world's hottest markets, you need to be prepared to act quickly. Otherwise, someone else will take the opportunity.

That preparation starts simply with the decision to diversify into international real estate…and doesn't end until the ink is dry on the right deal for you.

Four Low-cost, Highly-effective Investing Tips

International Living Postcards--Saturday Edition

Saturday, April 16, 2005
Paris, France

Dear International Living Reader,

It's true I've never lost money on an international real estate deal. Not because I use a secret system, or have access to information about hidden trends unavailable to you…but mostly because I have good contacts and I use common sense. Neither of which need cost you a lot of money. Here's how:

Use the Internet

Long before you visit the area you're considering for a real estate investment, sign on to a few bulletin boards based in the area. Read the current threads--they may answer some of your questions. Then ask some more. See which names come up the most and in what context. It will help you get a frame of reference if you don't have lots of time scheduled on the ground in the area.

Seven People to Make You a Wealthy International Real Estate Investor

International Living Postcards--Saturday Edition

Saturday January 8, 2005
Paris, France

Dear International Living Reader,

The first half of 2005, my schedule has me traveling at least two weeks of every month. Fifteen destinations on four continents are on my itinerary before Bastille day--five of these are new markets; the others are places with new activity. I have asked colleagues to check out another half dozen markets that I won't be able to get to.

How to Make the Dollar Go Your Way

International Living Postcards--Saturday Edition

Saturday, December 11, 2004
Paris, France

Dear International Living Reader,

"How can you suggest we invest overseas when the dollar is in such terrible shape? We want to buy but are holding off because of the dollar's weak state."

That's from a reader responding to last week's Saturday Edition (see The Smartest Investment You Can Make).

In my opinion, the current weak state of the U.S. dollar will get worse before it gets better. Then again, I could be wrong. The only certainty is that your dollars buy less British waterfront or European beach than they did this time last year…and that this trend will continue or it won't.

The Smartest Investment You Can Make

International Living Postcards--Saturday Edition

Saturday, December 4, 2004
Paris, France

Dear International Living Reader,

I believe there is no better way to increase your wealth and make your life more enjoyable than by investing in international real estate.

There are seven good reasons to invest in international real estate right now.

#1: Diversification. You don't need me to tell you that it's not wise to put everything you've got into one sector…or one market…that you need to spread your investment risk. I have no idea what's going to happen in the stock market…or to the dollar. But it doesn't matter. As the global value of a U.S. investment portfolio goes down along with the sinking dollar…the savvy investor, diversified out of the dollar, and invested in different types of real estate, is better off.

How to be Wise

International Living Postcards--Saturday Edition

Saturday November 27, 2004
Paris, France

Dear International Living Reader,

He's a nice guy; friendly, knowledgeable, and trustworthy…at least, as far as you know. The sun is hot. The sand is soft. The water inviting. Sitting beneath a palm tree, frozen rum drink in hand…there's no reason to believe the land he's trying to sell you isn't everything he says it is, right?

As the dollar slides, opportunities for investment in non-U.S. property…in both emerging and developed markets…are increasingly attractive. And investing in a foreign development project can be one of the most financially rewarding foreign real estate investments you ever make. With that promise of a greater reward, though, comes greater risk…unless you know the right questions to ask.

1031 Tax-free Exchange: Once Complicated, Now Easy

December 3, 2003

Taxes are no fun…except a little when you can beat them…or at least defer them.

If an American buys a piece of real estate in another country…then eventually sells it for a profit…he owes capital gains taxes both in the U.S. and (maybe) in the jurisdiction where the property resides. Here's a way to defer the U.S. part of that capital gains burden: like-kind exchange it.

You may have heard of this strategy (officially known as Section 1031) with regards to U.S. assets, but most people don't realize you can put it to work for you offshore, too.