How It's Playing Out in Panama City
Date: 07/13/2007
Learn more about international real estate in International Living Postcards-- Saturday Edition
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Buying property pre-construction (off-plan) comes with risks, including the big and obvious one that the developer might not complete the building. Indeed, several buildings that were selling pre-construction in Panama City have been canceled in the last few weeks. Now they won't be built.
What does this mean for pre-construction investors? Will they get their deposits back?
See More [+]Perpetual Traveling 101
Date: 07/06/2007
Learn more about international real estate in International Living Postcards-- Saturday Edition
Saturday, July 7, 2007
When relocating abroad, should you rent or buy?
The question came up over dinner with friends last week. We were talking about the increasingly popular concept of perpetual travel during retirement. In that context, does it make sense to own anywhere? Maybe choose a "home base" and invest in a "home" there…while renting in all the other locations where you want to spend time each year?
Owning has advantages. You can leave personal items from visit to visit. You can have your own set of keys and come and go as you please. You don't have to worry about checking in or out.
See More [+]Risky Business
Date: 06/29/2007
International Living Postcards--Saturday Edition
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Every time I mention Nicaragua, a certain reader writes to tell me (as I'm sure he will today) that it is too risky to consider investing in that country. I find it highly amusing that he has such strong opinions about a country he has never visited. But it's not just Nicaragua; our friend also has a problem with Croatia. He likes to frequently remind me that both countries had civil wars 10 to 20 years ago.
See More [+]Is That Brad Pitt I See Following Me?
Date: 06/22/2007
International Living Postcards-- Saturday Edition
Saturday, June 23, 2007
"If you can get a local celebrity to buy a house in your development, then the demand from locals can be tremendous."
So advised a real estate agent to a developer I know launching a new project on the coast of Panama. It is a tried-and-true marketing strategy. I've noticed Erik Estrada pitching otherwise unsellable property in Washington through infomercials recently.
Indeed, celebrities buying into a development, city, or country can generate a lot of press. But it doesn't guarantee appreciation.
See More [+]Trouble in Paradise--What to do When it All Goes Wrong on the Islands
Date: 06/08/2007
International Living Postcards-- Saturday Edition
Saturday, June 9, 2007
I've just noticed a discrepancy on the title for the property I own on the Galapagos Islands. Nothing serious--my little piece of the islands is still within the 3% set aside for private ownership.
I noticed, though, that the title doesn't match up with the development plan. The lot described on the title is for a different lot--one adjacent to the one I own.
See More [+]Three Ways to Net Real Estate Profits
Date: 05/25/2007Saturday, May 26, 2007
Dear International Living Reader,
A recent Money magazine article discussing the state of the U.S. real estate market quotes Robert Shiller as saying that, "from 1890 to 1990, the return on residential real estate was just about zero after inflation."
On the one hand, Shiller is right. If your great-great-grandfather left you a house as an investment property, it probably would be worth about the same today, adjusted for inflation, as what he paid for it (ignoring the potential for rental income along the way).
See More [+]Five Reasons Never To Buy Real Estate In A Foreign Country
Date: 05/19/2007
International Living Postcards-- Sunday Edition
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Paris, France
"This guy must be out of his mind," Bill declared, walking into my office with one of those glossy international property magazines open on a "Case Study" page.
"Look at this, Kathie," Bill continued, handing me the magazine. "This upholsterer from South Wales has bought a house on the island of St. Vincent…and two others in the Dominican Republic. He says these investments 'give him great peace of mind.'
See More [+]My Approach to Due Diligence: Ready, Fire, Aim
Date: 05/11/2007
International Living Postcards-- Saturday Edition
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Ready, fire, aim. That phrase used by entrepreneurs highlights my philosophy for doing due diligence. You must be ready to "pull the trigger" when a real estate opportunity (or any opportunity) presents itself. Prepare by educating yourself on the markets in which you are interested and learning the risks specific to that market…then watch the market for opportunities.
It's true that spending time analyzing a market is time well spent. But spend too much time researching and investigating and your opportunity will disappear. The best deals don't stay on the market long.
See More [+]