A Guide To International Real Estate & The Global Marketplace

Knowledge of the market and industry can always be of benefit to REALTORS®. If you you have not already tested the the International real estate waters, what are you waiting for, jump in, the water’s warm. You’ll find an abundance of opportunity both locally and abroad.

Just this weekend I attended the 2009 FIABCI-USA Fall Business Conference here in Denver, Colorado. How could it have been any easier? This was in my back yard. I met such an incredible group of real estate professionals locally, nationally and from around the world. Some of the countries represented beyond the US were Canada, Norway, Japan, Italy, Germany, and more. I’ll be writing more on my experience at this even shortly.

While there is a plethora of information available online, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) provides great resource information on NAR’s International web page and on the recently updated International Field Guide which provides direction for locating and working with international clients, etiquette, cross-cultural business guides and international networking opportunities.

Should you should have interest in expanding your business model into the International real estate market just let me know as I’m glad to share.

http://www.realestateindustrywatch.com/a-guide-to-international-real-estate-and-the-global-marketplace/

January Figures not so Good!

Home prices continue to drop even with real estate analysts they have hit rock bottom. This is the emerging trends with concerns to the real estate market and it’s causing more people to lose homes at the same time. The sheer magnitude and length of time it is taking the market to recover is taking it’s toll and not even the federal government’s bailout funds are making enough of a difference to most homeowners. Those people who got their checks early have been able to get mortgage payments in time but most are still in trouble for as the cash runs out, so do their options. Some opt to sell at cheaper prices or simply abandon their homes to relocate somewhere else where they can afford to live, leaving their homes empty and in dangerous conditions. Abandoned homes are becoming a headache for many city planners who have to deal with block after block of derelict houses left to rot, with no one taking care of them. Even mortgage lenders who are overburdened seem to be allowing the degradation, leaving the insurance to cover their investment (cash is better than an empty house nobody wants to buy).

http://latestrealestatedevelopments.com/information/january-figures-not-so-good/

by Mickey

Overseas Property News - Philippines

The Philippines is dubbed as the world's "Most Popular Destination in Asia" on a recent research conducted at the recent World Trade Fair (WTF) 2009. The contest was administered by the Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration and VNU Exhibition Europe.

Tourism Secretary Ace Durano said that this recognition is yet another notable milestone in the industry. According to him, “The Philippines is one of the fastest growing destinations in China's outbound travel industry, recording a 74% month-on-month growth rate in visa issuances for February this year. We are also the nearest tropical beach country for the Chinese, as Manila is only two hours away from Guangzhou, while Cebu is only three hours away from Shanghai."

Most Chinese tourist comes over to see and experience beach holidays in the country. According to reports, the Philippines has the Best Leisure Destination in WTF 2008, for Boracay; the Top Ten Island Getaways for Chinese Summer Travel, for Bohol; the only Asian entry in the list of premier destinations in the acclaimed World Traveler magazine; and the Top Ten Most Searched Destination among Shanghai online users.

In an interview with Manila Bulletin, Shanghai-based Philippine Tourism Attaché to China, Gerry Panga, shared, "The country's continued and consolidated efforts in promoting a wide array of travel opportunities to its Asian neighbors have indeed resulted to our strong market performance despite the global crunch."

The Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Office reported 4.01% in tourist arrival to the pristine Boracay Island in Aklan province for the months of January and February 2009. The total registered visitors to Boracay reached 99,939 compared to the figure for the same months of last year which was 96,085. This visits generated a total of Php1,837,218,612.69 for the months of January and February.

Along with this milestone in the country's tourism industry is an opportunity to further lure potential investors and nurture investments in the country.

The Philippines has so much property investment to offer both local and foreign investors. Currently, there are hotel, resorts, and condominiums that ideal for holiday trips and retirements.

A wide range of property in the Philippines is open for foreigners and expats looking for a place to relax and call their own. Among the most popular and most profitable Philippines investment property is Manila. Investment properties in this area promises close proximity to malls, schools, hospitals and other important infrastructures. Investment properties in this area also promise high rental yields.

http://www.davidstanleyredfern.com/property-news/philippines/investing-on-real-estate-in-the-philippines.html

Land vs Condominiums

Given a particular location, many Filipino buyers contemplate on whether to buy land (this includes House & Lots and Townhouses), or a condominium for which to live in or invest in. Allow me to enumerate the advantages and disadvantages of each below…

LAND - ADVANTAGES Your Living Space tends to be BIGGER You have more privacy for your family Land will always remain present no matter how many houses you build on it, so it can be passed on to future generations of your family Land values appreciate over time (since they don’t make new land) You can have your own garden, garage, and even a swimming pool if it’s big enough and if you’re rich enough

LAND - DISADVANTAGES More expensive especially if you want to live in highly developed areas - these prime lands are usually high-end private villages with large lots and hefty prices All the repairs and maintenance of the house will be shouldered by you Cheaper Lands are usually farther from highly developed areas and offices

CONDOMINIUMS - ADVANTAGES Locations are usually very near the highly developed areas which house offices and malls, making it very convenient in terms of travel expenses Available in small sizes, which allow small families and individuals to live in highly-urbanized areas as well Enjoy the Amenities like the Swimming Pool, the Gym, and Function Rooms Commands higher Rental Revenues and Income to Investors Repairs and maintenance of the Condominium will be taken care by the Condominium Administration like the electricity, water piping, maintenance of the amenities, building facade and interiors

CONDOMINIUMS - DISADVANTAGES Living Spaces tend to be smaller Monthly dues can be burdensome especially for big-sized condominium units Building itself depreciates over time, although the land value increases High density - you have plenty of neighbors sharing the same building and amenities

Know what you’re investing into - Think about these given observations first before choosing between a land or a condominium in your desired Philippine Property location. Depending on your available finances, your preferences and your dislakes, you should be able to discern whether a landed property or a condominium suits you and your family better.

Choose well!

Administrator, the Real Estate Philippines News Blog Real Estate Brokers License # 18885 (N) Landline: +632-6715317, Cell: +63920-9124909 Email: Terence.Propertyphil@gmail.com Yahoo Messenger: ritaku17@yahoo.com Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/propertyblogger