Real Estate Articles
Find your own slice of heaven in the international real estate market...
Risky Business
Date: 06/30/2007
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: 06/23/2007
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: 06/09/2007
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: 05/26/2007Saturday, 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: 05/20/2007
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: 05/12/2007
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 [+]"Hey, Mister, Wanna Buy a Cheap Piece of Beach?"
Date: 04/28/2007
International Living Postcards--Saturday Edition
Saturday, April 28, 2007
You're walking down the street of a foreign city and you hear "Pssst…hey, mister, wanna buy a cheap Rolex?" The guy pulls you aside and goes through his sales pitch showing you a shiny watch. Even if you are in the market for a watch, you're not going to buy the "cheap Rolex" from this English-speaking guy on the street. You know the watch is fake or stolen.
You get back to your hotel and sit down in the bar for a drink. Another guy who speaks good English sits down next to you and starts up a conversation. "Are you in town for business or pleasure?" He says he knows of some property on the beach that's for sale at a cheap price. In fact…he's just had an appointment for tomorrow cancel, so he can take you to see the beach, if you like. Next thing you know, you've signed a contract and paid a deposit on a piece of real estate. You should have bought the "Rolex" instead.
See More [+]The Ultimate Expat Real Estate Portfolio
Date: 04/21/2007
International Living Postcards--Saturday Edition
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Real estate is the key ingredient to an international lifestyle. As you work toward a "perpetual traveler" lifestyle, you need a base in the countries you plan to spend the most time.
You don't have to buy a half dozen homes around the world to enjoy the perpetual traveler's life…and you don't have to do it all at once. Kathleen and I started years ago. Although the plan has changed slightly over the years, we are well on our way to having homes in the locations in which we would like to regularly spend time once the kids are out of the house.
See More [+]