by Ken Morris
Altea is located fifteen kilometres north of Benidorm. This is one of the few villages on the Costa Blanca that has kept the fishing village feeling. They have created a tourist area without sacrificing the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
This village offers a tranquil atmosphere that is more relaxing and quiet than the larger cities in the area. The weather is mild in the summer and winter. The surrounding hills keep the temperature comfortable in the summer months and keep out the cold winds in winter.
Travel and Accommodations in Altea
Most visitors take a flight into the Alicante airport. The airport is located about an hour drive away from the village. You can get a car hire at the airport for transportation. Buses and trains are available from Alicante to Altea.
Just outside the village is the mountain area, which offers a beautiful view. Real estate is growing in this area. There are new hotels and apartments. This is a great place to stay for a quiet, relaxing vacation.
Villa or apartment rentals are available in the village for a more private vacation experience. This offers more flexibility, privacy and a relaxing atmosphere. Consider a villa with a pool for a summer vacation. Most owners rent directly to tourists. This saves money on a travel agent. Rentals can be found on the internet.
Altea Attractions
Altea is one of the most beautifully landscaped areas in the region. The tranquillity of the area attracts Spanish and international writers and painters. Some stay for short periods and others live in the area all year. Most stay in the area surrounding the old church.
The village is home to a famous church, Nuestra Senora Del Consuelo. The church was built in 1910. The design is Mediterranean style architecture. The tiles are all hand painted with old world craftsmanship. The blue dome roof is a landmark in the area.
The village has a nice harbour with restaurants and bars. The restaurants offer great seafood and authentic Spanish cuisine. In many of these restaurants, you can sit outside on terraces overlooking the sea. The beach area is 5 kilometres long. This is great place to relax and soak up the sun.
A little away from the beach and harbour area are a variety of quaint stores for shopping. Most shops are open from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. Many break for afternoon siesta from 2 p.m. until 4 or 5 p.m. and then re open. Some of the larger stores remain open all day.
A walking tour is the best way to experience Altea close up. Walking tours are available in the town and surrounding mountain areas. The mountain walking tours are a great way to enjoy nature in a tranquil atmosphere. You can take a private tour or a guided walking tour of the many trails around the village. All inclusive tours are available for a few days to a week.
A craft market is open in Altea from Easter through September. The market is located near the harbour area. Local crafts people offer a variety of items for sale at the market. You can get beautiful hand made items at a reasonable price here.
The sun and mild temperatures are popular for golf vacations as well. The Altea Golf Club offers a great course for visitors.
If you want to experience night life or more populated tourist attractions, take a day trip to Benidorm. This larger city is close enough to the village for day trips by car or train. Benidorm is home to water parks, theme parks and night clubs.
About the Author
Focusing on informating about Spain, the author is writing principally for http://www.alicante-spain.com/ . His articles on Altea can be found on http://www.alicante-spain.com/altea.html .
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Travel Career: Why NOW is the Time to Buy Real Estate in Belize
Author: Rhiannon Williamson
Last year Belize appointed a new Tourism Minister who is committed to the development and promotion of Belize as a luxury market for private tourism; this fact is the number one force driving massive real estate investment in Belize right now.
While Belize has long been associated with low cost and attractive real estate and has long been considered an affordable overseas destination for British and American tourists and retirees, never before has it sought to so fully embrace its cultural and ecological advantages and build on its reputation as a friendly and relaxed destination to directly target the wealthier tourism market.
Belize is of course already a tourism hotspot with travellers drawn to the beautiful cayes, the beaches, the barrier reef and the flora and fauna?but with the development of a luxury end tourist market place in Belize, the appeal of the country can only rise and rise.
International real estate investors are well aware of this fact and are buying up land and property in Belize to position themselves ahead of the projected upward swing in real estate prices.
Those who are taking advantage of Belize's policy of actively attracting investment today will benefit over the medium term when the country's plans for the development and promotion of the tourism market are fulfilled. In other words, those who buy now stand the very best chance of making maximum profit.
Not only are real estate investors well aware of this fact, a growing number of American baby boomers are too and they are securing their retirement lot now while prices remain attractively low. They know that if they spend the next few years before they retire getting their ideal property built so that it will be fully completed and ready to move into when Belize is well under way with establishing itself as a sophisticated travel destination, they will be moving straight in to a more sophisticated country as a result.
In terms of what will drive residential property prices up in Belize, as more and more people travel to Belize so more and more people will understand the charm and appeal of the country and will wish to set up home or buy a vacation home in Belize. This increase in demand for real estate in Belize will come from an increasingly wealthy section of society if the Tourism Minister's plans for Belize come to fruition and these people will be able to afford to pay more for property and this will sustain price increases. Furthermore any increase in demand naturally pushes property prices up anyway - and in fact this trend has already started in the most attractive coastal resorts in Belize and just highlights the shape of things to come.
Therefore NOW is the time to buy real estate in Belize if an investor wants to get the most for his money whilst buying into the maximum period of growth potential.
Rhiannon Williamson writes about real estate investment in emerging markets worldwide. To read more about buying real estate in Belize click here.
Last year Belize appointed a new Tourism Minister who is committed to the development and promotion of Belize as a luxury market for private tourism; this fact is the number one force driving massive real estate investment in Belize right now.
While Belize has long been associated with low cost and attractive real estate and has long been considered an affordable overseas destination for British and American tourists and retirees, never before has it sought to so fully embrace its cultural and ecological advantages and build on its reputation as a friendly and relaxed destination to directly target the wealthier tourism market.
Belize is of course already a tourism hotspot with travellers drawn to the beautiful cayes, the beaches, the barrier reef and the flora and fauna?but with the development of a luxury end tourist market place in Belize, the appeal of the country can only rise and rise.
International real estate investors are well aware of this fact and are buying up land and property in Belize to position themselves ahead of the projected upward swing in real estate prices.
Those who are taking advantage of Belize's policy of actively attracting investment today will benefit over the medium term when the country's plans for the development and promotion of the tourism market are fulfilled. In other words, those who buy now stand the very best chance of making maximum profit.
Not only are real estate investors well aware of this fact, a growing number of American baby boomers are too and they are securing their retirement lot now while prices remain attractively low. They know that if they spend the next few years before they retire getting their ideal property built so that it will be fully completed and ready to move into when Belize is well under way with establishing itself as a sophisticated travel destination, they will be moving straight in to a more sophisticated country as a result.
In terms of what will drive residential property prices up in Belize, as more and more people travel to Belize so more and more people will understand the charm and appeal of the country and will wish to set up home or buy a vacation home in Belize. This increase in demand for real estate in Belize will come from an increasingly wealthy section of society if the Tourism Minister's plans for Belize come to fruition and these people will be able to afford to pay more for property and this will sustain price increases. Furthermore any increase in demand naturally pushes property prices up anyway - and in fact this trend has already started in the most attractive coastal resorts in Belize and just highlights the shape of things to come.
Therefore NOW is the time to buy real estate in Belize if an investor wants to get the most for his money whilst buying into the maximum period of growth potential.
Rhiannon Williamson writes about real estate investment in emerging markets worldwide. To read more about buying real estate in Belize click here.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Travel real estate: Reasons to Undertake Advanced Career Training
By Roy Thomsitt
At first thought, undergoing advanced career training has one obvious, and maybe only, reason: to further your current career. Whether you are considering advanced real estate career training, medical career training, or advanced training for any other occupation, the likelihood is that furthering your current career is the motivation behind your move.
However, furthering your current career need not be the sole reason you may consider advanced career training. Furthermore, there may be good reasons for undertaking such training you have not even thought of. In fact, there are both positive (offensive) and negative (defensive) reasons for considering, and undertaking, advanced career training. All of these are discussed in this article.
Positive Reasons For Taking Advanced Career Training When one thinks of advanced career training, then it is the positive reasons for such training that are mostly likely to come to mind, such as:
1. To increase chances of promotion by taking training courses that prepare you for the next level, such as office manager in a real estate business or extra medical training to become a surgeon.
2. To keep up to date with developments in your area of expertise, to enable you to do a better job and, for example, treat customer or patients better.
3. Specialist training in a part of your current career that will enable you to specialise in that particular aspect of your work.
4. Completing training courses successfully in your field can look good on your resume, if the training is relevant and in demand.
5. You may want to have a career change for which particular training is necessary in preparation.
Negative Reasons For Taking Advanced Career Training
One could argue that any career training is positive, and in a way that is true. Growth in knowledge and skills is always a positive development of self. However, in the context of long term career, training can have a defensive element which could be construed as a negative reason to undergo advanced training.
Here are some of the reasons advanced career training may help you defensively.
1. If you take the initiative to train in and acquire in demand or rare skills, then if there is any constriction in the employee numbers with your current employer, then you are less likely to face redundancy.
2. If ever you are made redundant, then your increased skill base, coming from your advanced training, should improve your chances of getting a job quickly.
3. The better and more up to date and in demand your skills and, knowledge and training, the better equipped you are to become freelance, start your own business and take more risks in taking a leap forward in your career.
It is wise to see advanced career training as an integral part of career development and continuing education. When you reach key points in your career, you will then always be better prepared for whatever may come along.
Those who do not develop themselves over the years, are the most vulnerable to long term or even permanent unemployment. This advanced career training article was written by Roy Thomsitt, owner and part author of the Routes To Self Improvement website. NU U, an exciting devlopment in ezines. Our new Self improvement ezine in audio.
Sign up now for regular audios on subjects such as meditation, self esteem, shyness and many more self improvement topics.
At first thought, undergoing advanced career training has one obvious, and maybe only, reason: to further your current career. Whether you are considering advanced real estate career training, medical career training, or advanced training for any other occupation, the likelihood is that furthering your current career is the motivation behind your move.
However, furthering your current career need not be the sole reason you may consider advanced career training. Furthermore, there may be good reasons for undertaking such training you have not even thought of. In fact, there are both positive (offensive) and negative (defensive) reasons for considering, and undertaking, advanced career training. All of these are discussed in this article.
Positive Reasons For Taking Advanced Career Training When one thinks of advanced career training, then it is the positive reasons for such training that are mostly likely to come to mind, such as:
1. To increase chances of promotion by taking training courses that prepare you for the next level, such as office manager in a real estate business or extra medical training to become a surgeon.
2. To keep up to date with developments in your area of expertise, to enable you to do a better job and, for example, treat customer or patients better.
3. Specialist training in a part of your current career that will enable you to specialise in that particular aspect of your work.
4. Completing training courses successfully in your field can look good on your resume, if the training is relevant and in demand.
5. You may want to have a career change for which particular training is necessary in preparation.
Negative Reasons For Taking Advanced Career Training
One could argue that any career training is positive, and in a way that is true. Growth in knowledge and skills is always a positive development of self. However, in the context of long term career, training can have a defensive element which could be construed as a negative reason to undergo advanced training.
Here are some of the reasons advanced career training may help you defensively.
1. If you take the initiative to train in and acquire in demand or rare skills, then if there is any constriction in the employee numbers with your current employer, then you are less likely to face redundancy.
2. If ever you are made redundant, then your increased skill base, coming from your advanced training, should improve your chances of getting a job quickly.
3. The better and more up to date and in demand your skills and, knowledge and training, the better equipped you are to become freelance, start your own business and take more risks in taking a leap forward in your career.
It is wise to see advanced career training as an integral part of career development and continuing education. When you reach key points in your career, you will then always be better prepared for whatever may come along.
Those who do not develop themselves over the years, are the most vulnerable to long term or even permanent unemployment. This advanced career training article was written by Roy Thomsitt, owner and part author of the Routes To Self Improvement website. NU U, an exciting devlopment in ezines. Our new Self improvement ezine in audio.
Sign up now for regular audios on subjects such as meditation, self esteem, shyness and many more self improvement topics.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Travel abroad needs patience
Travelers should be prepared for the new rules about toiletries. Big bottles of liquids and gels in carry-ons won't fly anymore, reports Miller.
So remember the 3-1-1 rule: three ounce containers of shampoos and lotions in the new, must-have tote — one, one-quart sized, zip-top baggie.
Dozens of airports are handing out baggies but, to be safe, pack one in advance or you could find yourself scrambling — or dumping — as you're rushing to the gate. And always remember the golden rule: get to the airport early – two hours before your flight.
People need to get the airport as soon as possible because the check-in lines, the security checkpoint lines and even the lines at the gate are going to be very long. All those hassles may drive you to the train, but you might have to fight for a seat.
Amtrak expects to carry 125,000 passengers a day this week — 30 percent more than usual. If you're flying, there is some good news. You could save money, even if you've already purchased your ticket.
The airline might actually give you a voucher for a future flight.
Travelers will need patience. Flight delays are up this year. And to make matters worse, more bags are getting lost or mishandled, nearly double the number that went missing a year ago.
So remember the 3-1-1 rule: three ounce containers of shampoos and lotions in the new, must-have tote — one, one-quart sized, zip-top baggie.
Dozens of airports are handing out baggies but, to be safe, pack one in advance or you could find yourself scrambling — or dumping — as you're rushing to the gate. And always remember the golden rule: get to the airport early – two hours before your flight.
People need to get the airport as soon as possible because the check-in lines, the security checkpoint lines and even the lines at the gate are going to be very long. All those hassles may drive you to the train, but you might have to fight for a seat.
Amtrak expects to carry 125,000 passengers a day this week — 30 percent more than usual. If you're flying, there is some good news. You could save money, even if you've already purchased your ticket.
The airline might actually give you a voucher for a future flight.
Travelers will need patience. Flight delays are up this year. And to make matters worse, more bags are getting lost or mishandled, nearly double the number that went missing a year ago.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Hot Property Listings For A Successful Travel Real Estate Career
By: Nati Roberts
One of the factors that you should consider if you want to be a successful real estate agent is to have many property listings. It triples your chances of getting a commission even before you sell a certain property.
What is a Multiple Listing Service?
One of the comprehensive lists that licensed real estate agents and brokers are frequently referred to when listing properties that can be sold in the market is the multiple listing service or MLS.
It is a computerized record filled with complete information regarding real estate properties for sale. It usually includes the following information:
• The seller’s name
• His/her mailing address
• The property address
• Type of property
• Current asking price
• Price reductions during the listing period
• Taxes that will be paid on acquiring the property
This information is available to licensed real estate professionals who pay a membership fee not only to receive this information, but to add their own listings as well.
Advantages of MLS for Realtors and Homeowners
MLS is an important tool if you are a real estate professional or a realtor. It is because all the data that you need to know about properties for sale in your area are all included in it. Another advantage is that you can sell a property which another realtor has listed and consequently split the commission.
It is the only resource you can refer to in order to locate properties for sale. Another thing why most of realtors resort to MLS is that properties listed on it are sold at a considerably higher price than those that are not. It will give a good profit even before you will actually sell that property.
In case that you are the homeowner that wants to sell a certain property, MLS will also work for you as well. You are assured that hundreds of realtors out there can view you property. All you have to do is to let your agent enter your home into the MLS.
When a property is entered into the multiple listing service, more information is available as in a regular classified ad.
For instance, when you entered a website making use of the MLS, you can find the price of a particular property (a house), its photograph, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the size of the rooms, any amenities such as a pool or garden, and the size of the property.
Converting your Expired Listings to New Ones
In case the properties in your list are not bought because of bad tenants or double mortgages, it will be considered as “expired”.
The best thing that you can do about it is to convert it to a new listing or else you will end up wasting lots of valuable time and money. It could also cost you tens of thousands of dollars in lost commissions.
Always remember that having a real estate listing system is very important in your transaction. Make sure that the properties included in your list do not have any problems concerning loans and taxes. It can ruin your career if you include such properties in your list.
If you do not have a real estate listing system, you can get one. The few bucks that you spend now will be returned a thousand times over.
It may even prove to be one of the best investments you ever had in your entire real estate career.
About the Author:
Nati Roberts is the editor of Real Estate Insider Tips. Find out how to buy and sell real estate an make a huge profit.
Real Estate Career , expired listings , property listings , featured properties
One of the factors that you should consider if you want to be a successful real estate agent is to have many property listings. It triples your chances of getting a commission even before you sell a certain property.
What is a Multiple Listing Service?
One of the comprehensive lists that licensed real estate agents and brokers are frequently referred to when listing properties that can be sold in the market is the multiple listing service or MLS.
It is a computerized record filled with complete information regarding real estate properties for sale. It usually includes the following information:
• The seller’s name
• His/her mailing address
• The property address
• Type of property
• Current asking price
• Price reductions during the listing period
• Taxes that will be paid on acquiring the property
This information is available to licensed real estate professionals who pay a membership fee not only to receive this information, but to add their own listings as well.
Advantages of MLS for Realtors and Homeowners
MLS is an important tool if you are a real estate professional or a realtor. It is because all the data that you need to know about properties for sale in your area are all included in it. Another advantage is that you can sell a property which another realtor has listed and consequently split the commission.
It is the only resource you can refer to in order to locate properties for sale. Another thing why most of realtors resort to MLS is that properties listed on it are sold at a considerably higher price than those that are not. It will give a good profit even before you will actually sell that property.
In case that you are the homeowner that wants to sell a certain property, MLS will also work for you as well. You are assured that hundreds of realtors out there can view you property. All you have to do is to let your agent enter your home into the MLS.
When a property is entered into the multiple listing service, more information is available as in a regular classified ad.
For instance, when you entered a website making use of the MLS, you can find the price of a particular property (a house), its photograph, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the size of the rooms, any amenities such as a pool or garden, and the size of the property.
Converting your Expired Listings to New Ones
In case the properties in your list are not bought because of bad tenants or double mortgages, it will be considered as “expired”.
The best thing that you can do about it is to convert it to a new listing or else you will end up wasting lots of valuable time and money. It could also cost you tens of thousands of dollars in lost commissions.
Always remember that having a real estate listing system is very important in your transaction. Make sure that the properties included in your list do not have any problems concerning loans and taxes. It can ruin your career if you include such properties in your list.
If you do not have a real estate listing system, you can get one. The few bucks that you spend now will be returned a thousand times over.
It may even prove to be one of the best investments you ever had in your entire real estate career.
About the Author:
Nati Roberts is the editor of Real Estate Insider Tips. Find out how to buy and sell real estate an make a huge profit.
Real Estate Career , expired listings , property listings , featured properties
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Living and Retiring Abroad: How about Nova Scotia, Dominica, Panama or Cuba?
By Susanne Pacher
Many of us dream of relocating to another country, perhaps to enjoy warmer weather, perhaps to experience a slower-paced lifestyle, perhaps because of a job transfer, or maybe simply because we are intrigued by a certain element of adventure and curiosity.
While moving to another country may sound like an exciting proposition, it is a very serious decision with major ramificiations, and there are many factors to take into account in making this decision. I had a chance to talk with Phillip Townsend, author of the e-Book, Passport to Canada: The Complete Guide to Living & Retiring in Nova Scotia, and special e-Reports of living and retiring in Panama, the Caribbean and Cuba. For more information, visit: http://www.thegloballife.net/.
1. Please tell us about yourself and your background. As an American who had a teenage fascination with Asian culture, after high school, I got a part-time job, saved my money and purchased a one-way ticket to Taiwan, Republic of China. After arriving in the Far East, I taught English and eventually landed an internship with SIDA, a German-based global risk consulting firm. After working as an intern and completing an extensive training program, my work took me to 13 East Asian countries, where I assisted corporate and government clients with international research and other consulting projects. After returning to the United States, I opened and ran the firm's U.S. office until the company went out of business several years later. Afterwards, my career shifted and I began writing freelance and consulting independently, Later, I was hired as stringer (correspondent) for Money magazine, America's leading personal finance monthly. After leaving, I wrote a biweekly international lifestyle Q&A column for the International Employment Gazette, which also appeared monthly in Industrial Tradesman magazine. I have assisted the governments of Sri Lanka and Ethiopia on promoting tourism and trade (and was considered for an official diplomatic post with the latter). My articles and other writings have appeared in publications as diverse as GQ, the San Francisco Chronicle and Expat World. Currently, I spend most of my time writing and researching. I'm also a Country Contact for American Citizens Abroad, representing the Switzerland-based non-profit organization in Nova Scotia. I have always been a so-called man of the world, and don't believe there is any single "best" country, but rather believe in reaping the unique benefits that each nation has to offer.
2. You are an expert on living and retiring in various regions, including Nova Scotia, the Caribbean, Panama and Cuba. Please tell us about how you became an expert on these topics. In addition to my experience living abroad and traveling widely, over the years, I have dedicated my life to international living, conducting extensive research and advising hundreds of clients on every aspect of moving abroad and strategic planning (offshore personal and financial issues). I've assisted people from all walks of life with moves to over sixty countries and six continents.
3. Please tell us about living, retiring, travelling and investing in Nova Scotia. What makes Nova Scotia a great destination for expatriate or retirement living? Nova Scotia is the type of place that can seduce you through its sheer natural beauty: The long stretches of picturesque coastline, a beatiful countryside, friendly people and a slower pace and reasonable prices make it one of the most livable places in Canada or anywhere in North America. The climate is another plus. In many places in Nova Scotia, winters can be much milder (with less snow) than in other places in Canada or the northern US. Also, Nova Scotia enjoys a low crime rate, with incidents of violent crime being remarkably low. Perhaps the most appealing benefit of living in Nova Scotia are the affordable real estate prices (some lots with ocean views can be had for as little as C$20,000).
4. Please inform us about living, travelling and investing in Dominica. What should one know about living and retiring to this beautiful island in the Caribbean? With no direct flights from North America or Europe, Dominica is welcome retreat of peace and quiet in the Caribbean's sea of mass tourism. Roughly halfway between Martinique and Guadeloupe, the island is splendidly underdeveloped. A land of waterfalls, rivers (365 of them), hot springs, and lush rain forests, Dominica is the Caribbean’s most rugged isle. Instead of luxury resorts and long stretches of crowded white sand beaches, you'll find volcanic mountains, intimate beaches, little-explored reefs and small hotels (some of which are for sale for a steal). Unlike most of the Caribbean's islands, which cater to tourists and the high-end market, Dominica's prices are refreshingly down-to-earth. For example, you can find oceanfront lots for prices ranging from C42,000 to C58,000, and build a home for as little as C$28,000 to C$47,000.
5. Please give us a brief overview about living, travelling and investing in Panama. What makes this a desirable place and what do we need to know about it? Panama's coast, both on the Caribbean and Pacific sides, is like Florida, but less crowded and with property prices about a tenth of the cost in many cases. Panama offers affordable real estate, a warm climate and great beaches. In order to attract expatriates, the Panamanian government has put together an impressive list of benefits in their pensionado program, including 20-year tax-free status and discounts on everything from public transportation to restaurants to doctor's visits. Best of all, anyone over 18 can qualify for these "retirement" benefits. Though Spanish is the official language, English is widely spoken and understood in major cities. Right now, the three best places to purchase real estate in Panama are Panama City, the capital which boasts First-world infrastructure and is home to virtually every large American brand-name chain; Boquette, a scenic and growing expatriate hideaway in Panama's mountainous region; and the Pearl Islands, a chain of over 90 islands and 130 islets in the Caribbean.
6. Please talk to us about living, travelling and investing in Cuba. What makes this unique island an interesting destination for foreigners thinking of living or retiring there? What do they need to know about Cuba before considering to move there? Cuba is home to just over 11 million people, with more than 2 million living in the capital, Havana. The island's Cuba's rich culture, interesting political history, and continued economic hardship make it one of the world's most eye-opening nations with a wealth of places just waiting to be discovered. The food, music, and, most of all, the warm hospitality of the Cuban people all combine to make it a great place to visit and potentially live. U.S. officials say open trade and travel to Cuba would strengthen Castro's oppressive government. But critics argue that the Cold War-era U.S. embargo, aimed at forcing a change in Cuba's leadership, has not achieved its goals after being in place for more than 40 years. Despite the embargo, last year, 200,000 Americans visited Cuba (most through Canada or Mexico). Though most would-be expatriates will wait until the fall of the Castro-lead communist rule, a few have already made an investment in the "forbidden" isle by putting down roots there, with the hope that property values and other investments will multiply after the fall of communist rule.
7. Where are you currently travelling and what is on your agenda for the near future? Currently, I'm in upstate New York, but will be exploring some interesting locales in South America and Eastern Europe. I plan to continue my ongoing pursuit of reporting on new and interesting expatriate destinations around the world.
8. In general, what are your suggestions for anyone thinking of living or retiring abroad? Many Canadians and Americans are lured abroad by a lower cost of living and higher quality of life. Some will want to return to their ancestral homes or to places where they once vacationed, worked or studied, and fell in love with a country. Others will be enticed by retiree perks and tax incentives. With literally dozens of appealing countries to choose from, narrowing the possibilities can be a daunting task. No matter where you consider settling, the most important thing is to do your homework. Make an exploratory visit and stay for a few months before committing yourself by purchasing property. Be sure to talk with locals and expatriates living there. Most importantly, consult competent real estate and legal professionals before signing any contracts or other official documents.
While every place has it own set of rules and nuances, the process of buying abroad generally works like this:
First, the buyer and the seller to agree on a price, a security deposit (generally, 10 to 25 percent) will probably be required to take the house off the market. Your attorney should then receive a copy of the title and verify that the property is free from any liens or claims against the property.
They should also advise you of any strange archaic laws, like those in parts of Canada that allow anyone to fish on your land, those in England and France that allow sheep to pass through your property, those in rural Italy that give your neighbors first-refusal rights on any land used for agricultural purposes (which could leave someone else with the fruit in the vineyard or olive grove on "your" property), or historic construction bans that prevent you from making any external changes to a property (even installing a pool). Also, if you are buying anything in need of restoration (or more than a hundred years old), have a structural survey done.
Thank you, Phillip, for providing us with further ideas and important background information about a few interesting choices on living and retiring abroad.
ABOUT PHILLIP TOWSEND: Phillip Townsend is author the e-Book, Passport to Canada: The Complete Guide to Living & Retiring in Nova Scotia, and special e-Reports of living and retiring in Panama, the Caribbean and Cuba. For more information, visit: http://www.thegloballife.net/. Susanne Pacher is the publisher of a website called Travel and Transitions (http://www.travelandtransitions.com/). Travel and Transitions deals with unconventional travel and is chock full of advice, tips, real life travel experiences, interviews with travellers and travel experts, insights and reflections, cross-cultural issues, contests and many other features. You will also find stories about life and the transitions that we face as we go through our own personal life-long journeys. Submit your own travel stories in our first travel story contest (http://www.travelandtransitions.com/contests.htm) and have a chance to win an amazing adventure cruise on the Amazon River. "Life is a Journey Explore New Horizons". The story with photos is published at Travel Stories and Photos (http://www.travelandtransitions.com/interviews/living_retiring_abroad.htm)
Many of us dream of relocating to another country, perhaps to enjoy warmer weather, perhaps to experience a slower-paced lifestyle, perhaps because of a job transfer, or maybe simply because we are intrigued by a certain element of adventure and curiosity.
While moving to another country may sound like an exciting proposition, it is a very serious decision with major ramificiations, and there are many factors to take into account in making this decision. I had a chance to talk with Phillip Townsend, author of the e-Book, Passport to Canada: The Complete Guide to Living & Retiring in Nova Scotia, and special e-Reports of living and retiring in Panama, the Caribbean and Cuba. For more information, visit: http://www.thegloballife.net/.
1. Please tell us about yourself and your background. As an American who had a teenage fascination with Asian culture, after high school, I got a part-time job, saved my money and purchased a one-way ticket to Taiwan, Republic of China. After arriving in the Far East, I taught English and eventually landed an internship with SIDA, a German-based global risk consulting firm. After working as an intern and completing an extensive training program, my work took me to 13 East Asian countries, where I assisted corporate and government clients with international research and other consulting projects. After returning to the United States, I opened and ran the firm's U.S. office until the company went out of business several years later. Afterwards, my career shifted and I began writing freelance and consulting independently, Later, I was hired as stringer (correspondent) for Money magazine, America's leading personal finance monthly. After leaving, I wrote a biweekly international lifestyle Q&A column for the International Employment Gazette, which also appeared monthly in Industrial Tradesman magazine. I have assisted the governments of Sri Lanka and Ethiopia on promoting tourism and trade (and was considered for an official diplomatic post with the latter). My articles and other writings have appeared in publications as diverse as GQ, the San Francisco Chronicle and Expat World. Currently, I spend most of my time writing and researching. I'm also a Country Contact for American Citizens Abroad, representing the Switzerland-based non-profit organization in Nova Scotia. I have always been a so-called man of the world, and don't believe there is any single "best" country, but rather believe in reaping the unique benefits that each nation has to offer.
2. You are an expert on living and retiring in various regions, including Nova Scotia, the Caribbean, Panama and Cuba. Please tell us about how you became an expert on these topics. In addition to my experience living abroad and traveling widely, over the years, I have dedicated my life to international living, conducting extensive research and advising hundreds of clients on every aspect of moving abroad and strategic planning (offshore personal and financial issues). I've assisted people from all walks of life with moves to over sixty countries and six continents.
3. Please tell us about living, retiring, travelling and investing in Nova Scotia. What makes Nova Scotia a great destination for expatriate or retirement living? Nova Scotia is the type of place that can seduce you through its sheer natural beauty: The long stretches of picturesque coastline, a beatiful countryside, friendly people and a slower pace and reasonable prices make it one of the most livable places in Canada or anywhere in North America. The climate is another plus. In many places in Nova Scotia, winters can be much milder (with less snow) than in other places in Canada or the northern US. Also, Nova Scotia enjoys a low crime rate, with incidents of violent crime being remarkably low. Perhaps the most appealing benefit of living in Nova Scotia are the affordable real estate prices (some lots with ocean views can be had for as little as C$20,000).
4. Please inform us about living, travelling and investing in Dominica. What should one know about living and retiring to this beautiful island in the Caribbean? With no direct flights from North America or Europe, Dominica is welcome retreat of peace and quiet in the Caribbean's sea of mass tourism. Roughly halfway between Martinique and Guadeloupe, the island is splendidly underdeveloped. A land of waterfalls, rivers (365 of them), hot springs, and lush rain forests, Dominica is the Caribbean’s most rugged isle. Instead of luxury resorts and long stretches of crowded white sand beaches, you'll find volcanic mountains, intimate beaches, little-explored reefs and small hotels (some of which are for sale for a steal). Unlike most of the Caribbean's islands, which cater to tourists and the high-end market, Dominica's prices are refreshingly down-to-earth. For example, you can find oceanfront lots for prices ranging from C42,000 to C58,000, and build a home for as little as C$28,000 to C$47,000.
5. Please give us a brief overview about living, travelling and investing in Panama. What makes this a desirable place and what do we need to know about it? Panama's coast, both on the Caribbean and Pacific sides, is like Florida, but less crowded and with property prices about a tenth of the cost in many cases. Panama offers affordable real estate, a warm climate and great beaches. In order to attract expatriates, the Panamanian government has put together an impressive list of benefits in their pensionado program, including 20-year tax-free status and discounts on everything from public transportation to restaurants to doctor's visits. Best of all, anyone over 18 can qualify for these "retirement" benefits. Though Spanish is the official language, English is widely spoken and understood in major cities. Right now, the three best places to purchase real estate in Panama are Panama City, the capital which boasts First-world infrastructure and is home to virtually every large American brand-name chain; Boquette, a scenic and growing expatriate hideaway in Panama's mountainous region; and the Pearl Islands, a chain of over 90 islands and 130 islets in the Caribbean.
6. Please talk to us about living, travelling and investing in Cuba. What makes this unique island an interesting destination for foreigners thinking of living or retiring there? What do they need to know about Cuba before considering to move there? Cuba is home to just over 11 million people, with more than 2 million living in the capital, Havana. The island's Cuba's rich culture, interesting political history, and continued economic hardship make it one of the world's most eye-opening nations with a wealth of places just waiting to be discovered. The food, music, and, most of all, the warm hospitality of the Cuban people all combine to make it a great place to visit and potentially live. U.S. officials say open trade and travel to Cuba would strengthen Castro's oppressive government. But critics argue that the Cold War-era U.S. embargo, aimed at forcing a change in Cuba's leadership, has not achieved its goals after being in place for more than 40 years. Despite the embargo, last year, 200,000 Americans visited Cuba (most through Canada or Mexico). Though most would-be expatriates will wait until the fall of the Castro-lead communist rule, a few have already made an investment in the "forbidden" isle by putting down roots there, with the hope that property values and other investments will multiply after the fall of communist rule.
7. Where are you currently travelling and what is on your agenda for the near future? Currently, I'm in upstate New York, but will be exploring some interesting locales in South America and Eastern Europe. I plan to continue my ongoing pursuit of reporting on new and interesting expatriate destinations around the world.
8. In general, what are your suggestions for anyone thinking of living or retiring abroad? Many Canadians and Americans are lured abroad by a lower cost of living and higher quality of life. Some will want to return to their ancestral homes or to places where they once vacationed, worked or studied, and fell in love with a country. Others will be enticed by retiree perks and tax incentives. With literally dozens of appealing countries to choose from, narrowing the possibilities can be a daunting task. No matter where you consider settling, the most important thing is to do your homework. Make an exploratory visit and stay for a few months before committing yourself by purchasing property. Be sure to talk with locals and expatriates living there. Most importantly, consult competent real estate and legal professionals before signing any contracts or other official documents.
While every place has it own set of rules and nuances, the process of buying abroad generally works like this:
First, the buyer and the seller to agree on a price, a security deposit (generally, 10 to 25 percent) will probably be required to take the house off the market. Your attorney should then receive a copy of the title and verify that the property is free from any liens or claims against the property.
They should also advise you of any strange archaic laws, like those in parts of Canada that allow anyone to fish on your land, those in England and France that allow sheep to pass through your property, those in rural Italy that give your neighbors first-refusal rights on any land used for agricultural purposes (which could leave someone else with the fruit in the vineyard or olive grove on "your" property), or historic construction bans that prevent you from making any external changes to a property (even installing a pool). Also, if you are buying anything in need of restoration (or more than a hundred years old), have a structural survey done.
Thank you, Phillip, for providing us with further ideas and important background information about a few interesting choices on living and retiring abroad.
ABOUT PHILLIP TOWSEND: Phillip Townsend is author the e-Book, Passport to Canada: The Complete Guide to Living & Retiring in Nova Scotia, and special e-Reports of living and retiring in Panama, the Caribbean and Cuba. For more information, visit: http://www.thegloballife.net/. Susanne Pacher is the publisher of a website called Travel and Transitions (http://www.travelandtransitions.com/). Travel and Transitions deals with unconventional travel and is chock full of advice, tips, real life travel experiences, interviews with travellers and travel experts, insights and reflections, cross-cultural issues, contests and many other features. You will also find stories about life and the transitions that we face as we go through our own personal life-long journeys. Submit your own travel stories in our first travel story contest (http://www.travelandtransitions.com/contests.htm) and have a chance to win an amazing adventure cruise on the Amazon River. "Life is a Journey Explore New Horizons". The story with photos is published at Travel Stories and Photos (http://www.travelandtransitions.com/interviews/living_retiring_abroad.htm)
Monday, December 11, 2006
Travel Real Estate: 10 Top Considerations For Those Buying Property Abroad
By Rhiannon Williamson
Are you one of a growing number of people considering buying a second home in the sun, an idyllic home from home abroad or a lucrative investment property overseas? If so you’re not alone!
Statistics show that globally we’re all on the move with a recent survey by YouGov revealing that 55% of adult Britons were “seriously considering settling in another country” and the British Centre for Future Studies predicting that by 2020 one tenth of the current British population will be living or working abroad! Add to this the fact that there was a 250% increase between 2000 and 2004 in the number of Britons buying property abroad solely for investment purposes, that over one and a quarter million Brits own second homes in Spain and France already and that the Office for National Statistics in the UK recently revealed that 200,000 Britons go overseas yearly with the intention of remaining for at least twelve months, and you can see that the passion for buying that dream home abroad is universal.
But what’s fuelling this ever growing interest in the overseas property market? Well, despite reports to the contrary the UK housing market is seemingly ever on the up and those Britons who’re acquiring massive levels of equity through their residential property are considering selling up, buying abroad and establishing a pension fund simply on the back of what they have left over from their house sale.
Others in Britain can’t actually afford to get on the first rung of the property ladder and some are looking abroad to find more affordable housing. Then of course there’s the state and confusion surrounding the pensions market which is getting ever worse meaning that a growing number of Britons are considering the option of buying a second property abroad to let out for an income towards retirement.
Others just share a commonly held dream of owning a holiday home in the sun or escaping the rat race to get a new life overseas. Whatever reasons you may have for considering buying property abroad one thing is for certain; before you go ahead and buy you should understand some of the far reaching legal, financial and taxation implications of buying abroad.
This article examines ten top points worthy of your consideration.
1) The British national obsession with property prices, equity and re-mortgaging is as foreign a concept in many other countries as mushy peas or vinegar on your chips so don’t just assume that your second home will rise in value and don’t assume that it’ll be easy to sell. Do your homework to see whether the property market you’re interested in can support and sustain your particular hopes and ambitions for it. In countries such as Northern Cyprus and Bulgaria the real estate market has been suppressed for so long that property prices remain highly competitive and many can see the room for substantial growth in the market. In other countries such as Spain, France and Portugal where the property market has been soaring for years can you expect the same levels of growth to continue? Know that every country’s property market is different. If you decide to compare overseas markets to the UK housing market some may not appear as buoyant, however consider examining the longer term trends. Speak to established estate agencies in your country of choice to find out whether the market is stable or stale. If it’s stable then you’re more likely to enjoy a steady, realistic increase in your property’s value rather than the extreme peaks and troughs that the UK market tends towards. If on the other hand the market is stale you need to consider the economy of the country and whether it’s due a positive correction any time soon.
2) Factor in regular travel costs needed for visiting your second home when you establish your budget. Keep in mind any extra visits you might have to make occasionally to organise repairs and renovation for example. This sounds so obvious but sadly many people are caught out and find that they cannot holiday in their new home as often as they like: or worse still - once they move abroad they find they can’t get ‘home’ for visits to the family etc. Budget wisely and don’t get caught out!
3) If you intend to rent out your second home you must declare this income to the tax man in your country of residence I’m afraid! Furthermore it may be necessary to declare it in the country in which the new house is located depending on the double taxation agreements in place between the two countries. Make sure you seek solid tax advice before making any concrete buying decisions.
4) If you’re intending to let out your property make sure you know how much it’s going to cost to have an agent manage both the day-to-day running of your property together with organising the rental side of things for you. You’ll need a good agent to make sure your best interests are always protected especially if you’re not going to remain resident in the country the property is located in. Factor these extra costs into your budget or reduce them from your projected rental income to get a realistic idea of the income potential of your property. Remember you’ll still need to pay a management agent during any weeks and months the property remains unoccupied.
5) Consider the local tax implications of buying, owning and selling your property as property and land tax in some countries can make UK stamp duty and council tax pale into insignificance. In Northern Cyprus for example tax rates are not currently excessive but they are subject to change, therefore always get up-to-date tax and fee facts and figures from your estate agent – furthermore, make sure you check the figures with a local lawyer or accountant.
6) Make a will to cover local inheritance tax laws and make sure your overseas property is also detailed in a will held in your country of residence. Specialist legal advice should always be sought when you hold property in more than one country as inheritance laws not only differ greatly depending on the country, but certain local inheritance laws can completely contradict and invalidate your main will.
7) Factor the legal bills that you will incur when buying, renting or selling your property into your overall budget. You can be charged all sorts of extras like notary fees, valuation fees, translation fees etc., and if you factor them in you shouldn’t get any nasty surprises.
8) Be aware of the legalities of any contract you enter into. Find a reputable lawyer, get key documents translated, and know that ignorance is never a valid excuse! Not understanding the language in which your key legal contracts are written is a problem, don’t ignore the problem! Don’t blindly sign on the dotted line; it’s your responsibility to get informed.
9) Buying through an offshore company to avoid certain taxes, expenses and laws is sometimes an option open to an individual interested in purchasing abroad. Whether this route is actually the best route is massively debateable! Firstly it depends on the country in which you’re buying. Secondly, local agents may be incorrectly advising foreigners by basing their advice on the local situation. This method of approach can be beneficial but it could land you in a whole lot more taxation mess both abroad and at home! There are specialist companies out there who can advise you based on your individual situation and as it’s not a case of one method suiting all, be careful and get informed. Find out the following, if you do buy through an offshore company and wish to take the property out of that company in the future how easy will that be to do, will you incur an expense, will there be further tax liabilities if you decide to sell your company owned property, and what happens if you try to take the profit from the sale, will you be taxed? Also consider the taxation situation from the UK point of view and the local situation in your country of choice.
10) What option would you like to take when it comes to financing your purchase? Are you considering equity release or a second mortgage, cash or a mortgage in the local currency? Know the pros and cons of each option. Cash may seem like the easiest and best way to go but do you want to have all that money tied up in a relatively slow to liquidise overseas asset? So what about a mortgage in the local currency? You need to consider the stability of the currency and fluctuating exchange rates. When moving money overseas either in a lump sum or to meet regular monthly financial commitments there are options available to you to reduce currency fluctuation risks – consider spot or forward transactions, speak to a financial adviser or foreign exchange risk expert to find out the options available.
If you’re considering equity release or a second mortgage this might be a cheap option at the moment – but remember you’d risk losing one or both homes if you fell behind on payments! When it comes to the considerations you need to make when exploring the idea of purchasing a second home abroad these ten top tips are not exhaustive but should provide some food for thought. Going forward from here you should remain informed; don’t enter into an idea abroad that you wouldn’t entertain ‘back home’ and seek professional legal, financial and taxation advice at every step of the way.
Rhiannon Williamson is the publisher of http://www.shelteroffshore.com/ - the online resource that guides you to a low tax, maximum investment profit lifestyle abroad. Shelter Offshore features three main channels - offshore investment, property investment abroad and overseas lifestyle. Rhiannon Williamson is also the author of ‘The Offshore Advantage’ http://www.shelteroffshore.com/index.php/shelter/offshore_advantage/ which teaches readers how to build secure wealth using their secret offshore advantage.
Are you one of a growing number of people considering buying a second home in the sun, an idyllic home from home abroad or a lucrative investment property overseas? If so you’re not alone!
Statistics show that globally we’re all on the move with a recent survey by YouGov revealing that 55% of adult Britons were “seriously considering settling in another country” and the British Centre for Future Studies predicting that by 2020 one tenth of the current British population will be living or working abroad! Add to this the fact that there was a 250% increase between 2000 and 2004 in the number of Britons buying property abroad solely for investment purposes, that over one and a quarter million Brits own second homes in Spain and France already and that the Office for National Statistics in the UK recently revealed that 200,000 Britons go overseas yearly with the intention of remaining for at least twelve months, and you can see that the passion for buying that dream home abroad is universal.
But what’s fuelling this ever growing interest in the overseas property market? Well, despite reports to the contrary the UK housing market is seemingly ever on the up and those Britons who’re acquiring massive levels of equity through their residential property are considering selling up, buying abroad and establishing a pension fund simply on the back of what they have left over from their house sale.
Others in Britain can’t actually afford to get on the first rung of the property ladder and some are looking abroad to find more affordable housing. Then of course there’s the state and confusion surrounding the pensions market which is getting ever worse meaning that a growing number of Britons are considering the option of buying a second property abroad to let out for an income towards retirement.
Others just share a commonly held dream of owning a holiday home in the sun or escaping the rat race to get a new life overseas. Whatever reasons you may have for considering buying property abroad one thing is for certain; before you go ahead and buy you should understand some of the far reaching legal, financial and taxation implications of buying abroad.
This article examines ten top points worthy of your consideration.
1) The British national obsession with property prices, equity and re-mortgaging is as foreign a concept in many other countries as mushy peas or vinegar on your chips so don’t just assume that your second home will rise in value and don’t assume that it’ll be easy to sell. Do your homework to see whether the property market you’re interested in can support and sustain your particular hopes and ambitions for it. In countries such as Northern Cyprus and Bulgaria the real estate market has been suppressed for so long that property prices remain highly competitive and many can see the room for substantial growth in the market. In other countries such as Spain, France and Portugal where the property market has been soaring for years can you expect the same levels of growth to continue? Know that every country’s property market is different. If you decide to compare overseas markets to the UK housing market some may not appear as buoyant, however consider examining the longer term trends. Speak to established estate agencies in your country of choice to find out whether the market is stable or stale. If it’s stable then you’re more likely to enjoy a steady, realistic increase in your property’s value rather than the extreme peaks and troughs that the UK market tends towards. If on the other hand the market is stale you need to consider the economy of the country and whether it’s due a positive correction any time soon.
2) Factor in regular travel costs needed for visiting your second home when you establish your budget. Keep in mind any extra visits you might have to make occasionally to organise repairs and renovation for example. This sounds so obvious but sadly many people are caught out and find that they cannot holiday in their new home as often as they like: or worse still - once they move abroad they find they can’t get ‘home’ for visits to the family etc. Budget wisely and don’t get caught out!
3) If you intend to rent out your second home you must declare this income to the tax man in your country of residence I’m afraid! Furthermore it may be necessary to declare it in the country in which the new house is located depending on the double taxation agreements in place between the two countries. Make sure you seek solid tax advice before making any concrete buying decisions.
4) If you’re intending to let out your property make sure you know how much it’s going to cost to have an agent manage both the day-to-day running of your property together with organising the rental side of things for you. You’ll need a good agent to make sure your best interests are always protected especially if you’re not going to remain resident in the country the property is located in. Factor these extra costs into your budget or reduce them from your projected rental income to get a realistic idea of the income potential of your property. Remember you’ll still need to pay a management agent during any weeks and months the property remains unoccupied.
5) Consider the local tax implications of buying, owning and selling your property as property and land tax in some countries can make UK stamp duty and council tax pale into insignificance. In Northern Cyprus for example tax rates are not currently excessive but they are subject to change, therefore always get up-to-date tax and fee facts and figures from your estate agent – furthermore, make sure you check the figures with a local lawyer or accountant.
6) Make a will to cover local inheritance tax laws and make sure your overseas property is also detailed in a will held in your country of residence. Specialist legal advice should always be sought when you hold property in more than one country as inheritance laws not only differ greatly depending on the country, but certain local inheritance laws can completely contradict and invalidate your main will.
7) Factor the legal bills that you will incur when buying, renting or selling your property into your overall budget. You can be charged all sorts of extras like notary fees, valuation fees, translation fees etc., and if you factor them in you shouldn’t get any nasty surprises.
8) Be aware of the legalities of any contract you enter into. Find a reputable lawyer, get key documents translated, and know that ignorance is never a valid excuse! Not understanding the language in which your key legal contracts are written is a problem, don’t ignore the problem! Don’t blindly sign on the dotted line; it’s your responsibility to get informed.
9) Buying through an offshore company to avoid certain taxes, expenses and laws is sometimes an option open to an individual interested in purchasing abroad. Whether this route is actually the best route is massively debateable! Firstly it depends on the country in which you’re buying. Secondly, local agents may be incorrectly advising foreigners by basing their advice on the local situation. This method of approach can be beneficial but it could land you in a whole lot more taxation mess both abroad and at home! There are specialist companies out there who can advise you based on your individual situation and as it’s not a case of one method suiting all, be careful and get informed. Find out the following, if you do buy through an offshore company and wish to take the property out of that company in the future how easy will that be to do, will you incur an expense, will there be further tax liabilities if you decide to sell your company owned property, and what happens if you try to take the profit from the sale, will you be taxed? Also consider the taxation situation from the UK point of view and the local situation in your country of choice.
10) What option would you like to take when it comes to financing your purchase? Are you considering equity release or a second mortgage, cash or a mortgage in the local currency? Know the pros and cons of each option. Cash may seem like the easiest and best way to go but do you want to have all that money tied up in a relatively slow to liquidise overseas asset? So what about a mortgage in the local currency? You need to consider the stability of the currency and fluctuating exchange rates. When moving money overseas either in a lump sum or to meet regular monthly financial commitments there are options available to you to reduce currency fluctuation risks – consider spot or forward transactions, speak to a financial adviser or foreign exchange risk expert to find out the options available.
If you’re considering equity release or a second mortgage this might be a cheap option at the moment – but remember you’d risk losing one or both homes if you fell behind on payments! When it comes to the considerations you need to make when exploring the idea of purchasing a second home abroad these ten top tips are not exhaustive but should provide some food for thought. Going forward from here you should remain informed; don’t enter into an idea abroad that you wouldn’t entertain ‘back home’ and seek professional legal, financial and taxation advice at every step of the way.
Rhiannon Williamson is the publisher of http://www.shelteroffshore.com/ - the online resource that guides you to a low tax, maximum investment profit lifestyle abroad. Shelter Offshore features three main channels - offshore investment, property investment abroad and overseas lifestyle. Rhiannon Williamson is also the author of ‘The Offshore Advantage’ http://www.shelteroffshore.com/index.php/shelter/offshore_advantage/ which teaches readers how to build secure wealth using their secret offshore advantage.
Wednesday, December 6, 2006
Travel real estate: Discovering Where You Should Call Home
By Jay Waghorn
You know, that special place you can kick back with a nostalgic glimmer in your eye. Your parents might live nearby .... and the stress levels seem to diminish when you enter your own little world. At least this is my personal experience with that place I call home. In my case it was a farm near a small rural town. I actually didn't know what a great place it was for a very long time.
There's an expression we use in the country "You don't miss the water till the well runs dry". It's a metaphor we can apply to a lot of things. In this case home. Most people I think miss home when they leave it and experience loneliness in the harsh cruel confusing world perhaps for the first time. I spent the first 20 or so years of my life on the farm, but how can we know any place is home until we venture out and experience other places? So this is what I did.
Although I've traveled a fair bit and seen much of the world, I was also lucky enough to have a good job that kept me within a few miles of the farm. I came to the conclusion that I had a particularly good home arrangement. The one in which I actually lived and then the one I could return to any time within a few minutes for a family visit. For me that place is Iroquois Ontario. Have you checked out the current Ontario properties for sale?
How can people afford to raise a family, drive a car, buy an average $300,000 house in the city, pay the huge property taxes ... and still be able to live a bit, on an average family income of $65k or so? Over the years I have browsed quite a few Ontario properties that were for sale. Now, I'm not going to lie; just like any other state or province, there are areas that will cost you a fortune and those that run at more reasonable and affordable rates.
For example, the rural towns outside a 30 mile radius of Ottawa aren't too pricey by most people's standards, whereas downtown Ottawa, Montreal, or Toronto will cost you a mint. Where is your desired place to live? Do you prefer the more secluded country life, or the chaos and amenities of downtown? This is a key factor to consider when purchasing or building a home. Especially your last home. When you are sorting through those Ontario houses for sale are you thinking in terms of a final purchase?
That single home or property that you plan to keep forever, and raise your children or perhaps retire in ... because you've finally figured out where home actually is. Many things come into play here. Is the area safe? Does it have quality education available? What health services are there? Is it going to increase in value? That one is always a concern for home buyers. We all want to find a nice home that's going to increase in value.
Obviously by reducing your costs when you buy, you also are reducing potential losses if heaven forbid, property values actually drop some day. In the high cost energy future many predict, suburban housing prices will suffer as the high cost of transportation takes a bigger and bigger bite of income and forces people to move to lower cost environments. Smaller more self supporting towns where food can be grown locally and the need to travel reduced seem the most likely to benefit from rising property values due to both the migration of people and jobs.
Are you currently searching for Ontario properties for sale? If this is right up your ally, then you may want to resort to the absolute best source of all time. It's probably sitting in your office, kitchen, or bedroom. I'm talking about your PC or Mac. You probably have a home computer with Internet access. So jump online and do a search for "Ontario houses for sale", "Ontario property for sale" , "Ontario farm for sale" etc, depending on whatever you are looking for . The new google database linkup of its Google Maps service with real estate property for sale is now being beta tested.
This is an interesting setup as it promises a linkage will occur between it and brokers using MLS listings. It may be kinda messy at first determining exactly what's available because many MLS properties are likely to get listed multiple times on Google this way. Google.com will provide all kinds of results but be aware you will have to choose your keyword searches carefully. An easier search will occur if you include "for sale by owner" or "fsbo" in your search words. Using Google this way, you are likely to find a lot of for sale by owner (FSBO) properties and avoid most of the MLS stuff.
You can generally buy cheaper this way because the seller isn't using a realtor and can therefore pass the commission fee savings onto the buyer. The buyer however still needs to pay a lawyer to represent his/her interests and to tidy up the paper work. Good way to buy a home in my opinion ... provided you can find the right property and seller. Quite often the FSBO seller will put a very good website together to display the property because without a realtor he has to do his own marketing. I've also found that the pictures and descriptions provided on a FSBO site are generally a lot better than what a realtor would provide for the same property. This is just one advantage of doing a good computer search to locate potential buys. I've included a link in the resource box below for a FSBO site selling a farm.
It's a good example to compare with what you'll will find on a realtor's site or MLS listings. Keep looking for good FSBO sites like this one. If you do your homework, you can get a very good deal this way. Here's to good home and property hunting on your computer. Earl J. Wayhorn has lived a long time in Ontario and has built his own home and developed some skills in maintaining properties of various kinds. Earl thinks there's a lot to learn when trying to buy that ideal property. Hopefully you'll find his tips useful.
Earl recos you visit the link below to see an example of a very informative website for a fsbo property. farm for sale ontario
You know, that special place you can kick back with a nostalgic glimmer in your eye. Your parents might live nearby .... and the stress levels seem to diminish when you enter your own little world. At least this is my personal experience with that place I call home. In my case it was a farm near a small rural town. I actually didn't know what a great place it was for a very long time.
There's an expression we use in the country "You don't miss the water till the well runs dry". It's a metaphor we can apply to a lot of things. In this case home. Most people I think miss home when they leave it and experience loneliness in the harsh cruel confusing world perhaps for the first time. I spent the first 20 or so years of my life on the farm, but how can we know any place is home until we venture out and experience other places? So this is what I did.
Although I've traveled a fair bit and seen much of the world, I was also lucky enough to have a good job that kept me within a few miles of the farm. I came to the conclusion that I had a particularly good home arrangement. The one in which I actually lived and then the one I could return to any time within a few minutes for a family visit. For me that place is Iroquois Ontario. Have you checked out the current Ontario properties for sale?
How can people afford to raise a family, drive a car, buy an average $300,000 house in the city, pay the huge property taxes ... and still be able to live a bit, on an average family income of $65k or so? Over the years I have browsed quite a few Ontario properties that were for sale. Now, I'm not going to lie; just like any other state or province, there are areas that will cost you a fortune and those that run at more reasonable and affordable rates.
For example, the rural towns outside a 30 mile radius of Ottawa aren't too pricey by most people's standards, whereas downtown Ottawa, Montreal, or Toronto will cost you a mint. Where is your desired place to live? Do you prefer the more secluded country life, or the chaos and amenities of downtown? This is a key factor to consider when purchasing or building a home. Especially your last home. When you are sorting through those Ontario houses for sale are you thinking in terms of a final purchase?
That single home or property that you plan to keep forever, and raise your children or perhaps retire in ... because you've finally figured out where home actually is. Many things come into play here. Is the area safe? Does it have quality education available? What health services are there? Is it going to increase in value? That one is always a concern for home buyers. We all want to find a nice home that's going to increase in value.
Obviously by reducing your costs when you buy, you also are reducing potential losses if heaven forbid, property values actually drop some day. In the high cost energy future many predict, suburban housing prices will suffer as the high cost of transportation takes a bigger and bigger bite of income and forces people to move to lower cost environments. Smaller more self supporting towns where food can be grown locally and the need to travel reduced seem the most likely to benefit from rising property values due to both the migration of people and jobs.
Are you currently searching for Ontario properties for sale? If this is right up your ally, then you may want to resort to the absolute best source of all time. It's probably sitting in your office, kitchen, or bedroom. I'm talking about your PC or Mac. You probably have a home computer with Internet access. So jump online and do a search for "Ontario houses for sale", "Ontario property for sale" , "Ontario farm for sale" etc, depending on whatever you are looking for . The new google database linkup of its Google Maps service with real estate property for sale is now being beta tested.
This is an interesting setup as it promises a linkage will occur between it and brokers using MLS listings. It may be kinda messy at first determining exactly what's available because many MLS properties are likely to get listed multiple times on Google this way. Google.com will provide all kinds of results but be aware you will have to choose your keyword searches carefully. An easier search will occur if you include "for sale by owner" or "fsbo" in your search words. Using Google this way, you are likely to find a lot of for sale by owner (FSBO) properties and avoid most of the MLS stuff.
You can generally buy cheaper this way because the seller isn't using a realtor and can therefore pass the commission fee savings onto the buyer. The buyer however still needs to pay a lawyer to represent his/her interests and to tidy up the paper work. Good way to buy a home in my opinion ... provided you can find the right property and seller. Quite often the FSBO seller will put a very good website together to display the property because without a realtor he has to do his own marketing. I've also found that the pictures and descriptions provided on a FSBO site are generally a lot better than what a realtor would provide for the same property. This is just one advantage of doing a good computer search to locate potential buys. I've included a link in the resource box below for a FSBO site selling a farm.
It's a good example to compare with what you'll will find on a realtor's site or MLS listings. Keep looking for good FSBO sites like this one. If you do your homework, you can get a very good deal this way. Here's to good home and property hunting on your computer. Earl J. Wayhorn has lived a long time in Ontario and has built his own home and developed some skills in maintaining properties of various kinds. Earl thinks there's a lot to learn when trying to buy that ideal property. Hopefully you'll find his tips useful.
Earl recos you visit the link below to see an example of a very informative website for a fsbo property. farm for sale ontario
Friday, December 1, 2006
Travel real estate : Exploring the Wilds of Trinidad
By Justine Mis
While most visitors to this large Caribbean island associate Port of Spain as the “tourist attraction” with all it’s revelry surrounding Carnival – truly the islands largest party (called limin’ in trini-speak). But stray off the beaten path and you will find a wealth of natural attractions. We found one such place at the Point-a-Pierre Wildfowl Trust – a wetland habitat and peaceful haven where visitors may relax and enjoy bird watching.
This unique situation of industry and conservation working side by side can also be utilized as an educational resource for clubs, schools and nature groups. It encompasses over 60 acres and two lakes within a large petrochemical complex – debunking that age old myth that where’s there is oil there can be no natural beauty! Some species of waterfowl which you may see as you leisurely stroll the grounds (which also has an easy access ramp for the handicapped) are the Wild Muscovy Duck, the Blue-winged Teal, Silver Pintails and Hooded Mergansers.
Among wading birds you may spot a Wattled Jacana or a Purple Gallinule sprinting on the large and ample lily pads. We were fortunate enough to see a large Anthinga (snake bird) regally basking in the afternoon sun. This species has recently been found to be nesting at the Trust. While the sites were impressive, the numerous songbirds serenaded us with their delightful chirps.
Frequent visitors to the Trust include the Red-capped Cardinal, the Yellow-hooded Blackbird and the truly golden Saffron Finch – so aptly named. Not an avid bird watcher? Baffled by these strange names? The trust, thanks to the efforts of president Molly Gaskin and various other sponsors, provides an educational center with local guides to answer questions as well as an illustrated brochure for reference. Our guide that day explained the conservation and breeding program in place for the Scarlet Ibis – truly a sight to behold.
If you’re thinking Pink Flamingos – think again! We were told that these glorious creatures get their beautiful red color naturally from the red crabs that they eat in the wild. The Trust feeds them a combination of foods found in their natural habitat as well as a Carrotene supplement to achieve this look.
After your nature walk you can cool off in the Learning Center that houses information dealing living organisms and their habitats, a unique shell collection and a small comprehensive Ameridian Museum. All this for $8.00 TT (around $1.35 US) per person. Make the trek south and enjoy this natural resource. Experience this conservation effort and you will understand the Trust motto – “To know is to love, to love is to preserve.” For this and other adventures “off the beaten path” please visit out website at: http://www.livingislandstyle.com/
Justine Mis is a long time resident of the Caribbean islands living both in St. Thomas, USVI as well as Trinidad. A stressful sales career in the Midwest prompted a trip to the Virgin Islands to see if in fact life in a grass hut on the beach was possible. Many travels and sailing adventures throughout the islands has evolved into a successful real estate office and art gallery on the East End of St. Thomas. Her personal artwork is inspired by the natural beauty of the tropics and can be seen at Sunhaven Realty LLC in St. Thomas or on her website: http://www.livingislandstyle.com/
While most visitors to this large Caribbean island associate Port of Spain as the “tourist attraction” with all it’s revelry surrounding Carnival – truly the islands largest party (called limin’ in trini-speak). But stray off the beaten path and you will find a wealth of natural attractions. We found one such place at the Point-a-Pierre Wildfowl Trust – a wetland habitat and peaceful haven where visitors may relax and enjoy bird watching.
This unique situation of industry and conservation working side by side can also be utilized as an educational resource for clubs, schools and nature groups. It encompasses over 60 acres and two lakes within a large petrochemical complex – debunking that age old myth that where’s there is oil there can be no natural beauty! Some species of waterfowl which you may see as you leisurely stroll the grounds (which also has an easy access ramp for the handicapped) are the Wild Muscovy Duck, the Blue-winged Teal, Silver Pintails and Hooded Mergansers.
Among wading birds you may spot a Wattled Jacana or a Purple Gallinule sprinting on the large and ample lily pads. We were fortunate enough to see a large Anthinga (snake bird) regally basking in the afternoon sun. This species has recently been found to be nesting at the Trust. While the sites were impressive, the numerous songbirds serenaded us with their delightful chirps.
Frequent visitors to the Trust include the Red-capped Cardinal, the Yellow-hooded Blackbird and the truly golden Saffron Finch – so aptly named. Not an avid bird watcher? Baffled by these strange names? The trust, thanks to the efforts of president Molly Gaskin and various other sponsors, provides an educational center with local guides to answer questions as well as an illustrated brochure for reference. Our guide that day explained the conservation and breeding program in place for the Scarlet Ibis – truly a sight to behold.
If you’re thinking Pink Flamingos – think again! We were told that these glorious creatures get their beautiful red color naturally from the red crabs that they eat in the wild. The Trust feeds them a combination of foods found in their natural habitat as well as a Carrotene supplement to achieve this look.
After your nature walk you can cool off in the Learning Center that houses information dealing living organisms and their habitats, a unique shell collection and a small comprehensive Ameridian Museum. All this for $8.00 TT (around $1.35 US) per person. Make the trek south and enjoy this natural resource. Experience this conservation effort and you will understand the Trust motto – “To know is to love, to love is to preserve.” For this and other adventures “off the beaten path” please visit out website at: http://www.livingislandstyle.com/
Justine Mis is a long time resident of the Caribbean islands living both in St. Thomas, USVI as well as Trinidad. A stressful sales career in the Midwest prompted a trip to the Virgin Islands to see if in fact life in a grass hut on the beach was possible. Many travels and sailing adventures throughout the islands has evolved into a successful real estate office and art gallery on the East End of St. Thomas. Her personal artwork is inspired by the natural beauty of the tropics and can be seen at Sunhaven Realty LLC in St. Thomas or on her website: http://www.livingislandstyle.com/
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Reasons to Undertake Advanced Travel Real Estate Career Training
By Roy Thomsitt
At first thought, undergoing advanced career training has one obvious, and maybe only, reason: to further your current career. Whether you are considering advanced real estate career training, medical career training, or advanced training for any other occupation, the likelihood is that furthering your current career is the motivation behind your move. However, furthering your current career need not be the sole reason you may consider advanced career training. Furthermore, there may be good reasons for undertaking such training you have not even thought of. In fact, there are both positive (offensive) and negative (defensive) reasons for considering, and undertaking, advanced career training.
All of these are discussed in this article.
Positive Reasons For Taking Advanced Career Training
When one thinks of advanced career training, then it is the positive reasons for such training that are mostly likely to come to mind, such as:
1. To increase chances of promotion by taking training courses that prepare you for the next level, such as office manager in a real estate business or extra medical training to become a surgeon.
2. To keep up to date with developments in your area of expertise, to enable you to do a better job and, for example, treat customer or patients better.
3. Specialist training in a part of your current career that will enable you to specialise in that particular aspect of your work.
4. Completing training courses successfully in your field can look good on your resume, if the training is relevant and in demand.
5. You may want to have a career change for which particular training is necessary in preparation.
Negative Reasons For Taking Advanced Career Training
One could argue that any career training is positive, and in a way that is true. Growth in knowledge and skills is always a positive development of self. However, in the context of long term career, training can have a defensive element which could be construed as a negative reason to undergo advanced training.
Here are some of the reasons advanced career training may help you defensively.
1. If you take the initiative to train in and acquire in demand or rare skills, then if there is any constriction in the employee numbers with your current employer, then you are less likely to face redundancy.
2. If ever you are made redundant, then your increased skill base, coming from your advanced training, should improve your chances of getting a job quickly.
3. The better and more up to date and in demand your skills and, knowledge and training, the better equipped you are to become freelance, start your own business and take more risks in taking a leap forward in your career.
It is wise to see advanced career training as an integral part of career development and continuing education. When you reach key points in your career, you will then always be better prepared for whatever may come along. Those who do not develop themselves over the years, are the most vulnerable to long term or even permanent unemployment.
This advanced career training article was written by Roy Thomsitt, owner and part author of the Routes To Self Improvement website. NU U, an exciting devlopment in ezines. Our new Self improvement ezine in audio. Sign up now for regular audios on subjects such as meditation, self esteem, shyness and many more self improvement topics.
At first thought, undergoing advanced career training has one obvious, and maybe only, reason: to further your current career. Whether you are considering advanced real estate career training, medical career training, or advanced training for any other occupation, the likelihood is that furthering your current career is the motivation behind your move. However, furthering your current career need not be the sole reason you may consider advanced career training. Furthermore, there may be good reasons for undertaking such training you have not even thought of. In fact, there are both positive (offensive) and negative (defensive) reasons for considering, and undertaking, advanced career training.
All of these are discussed in this article.
Positive Reasons For Taking Advanced Career Training
When one thinks of advanced career training, then it is the positive reasons for such training that are mostly likely to come to mind, such as:
1. To increase chances of promotion by taking training courses that prepare you for the next level, such as office manager in a real estate business or extra medical training to become a surgeon.
2. To keep up to date with developments in your area of expertise, to enable you to do a better job and, for example, treat customer or patients better.
3. Specialist training in a part of your current career that will enable you to specialise in that particular aspect of your work.
4. Completing training courses successfully in your field can look good on your resume, if the training is relevant and in demand.
5. You may want to have a career change for which particular training is necessary in preparation.
Negative Reasons For Taking Advanced Career Training
One could argue that any career training is positive, and in a way that is true. Growth in knowledge and skills is always a positive development of self. However, in the context of long term career, training can have a defensive element which could be construed as a negative reason to undergo advanced training.
Here are some of the reasons advanced career training may help you defensively.
1. If you take the initiative to train in and acquire in demand or rare skills, then if there is any constriction in the employee numbers with your current employer, then you are less likely to face redundancy.
2. If ever you are made redundant, then your increased skill base, coming from your advanced training, should improve your chances of getting a job quickly.
3. The better and more up to date and in demand your skills and, knowledge and training, the better equipped you are to become freelance, start your own business and take more risks in taking a leap forward in your career.
It is wise to see advanced career training as an integral part of career development and continuing education. When you reach key points in your career, you will then always be better prepared for whatever may come along. Those who do not develop themselves over the years, are the most vulnerable to long term or even permanent unemployment.
This advanced career training article was written by Roy Thomsitt, owner and part author of the Routes To Self Improvement website. NU U, an exciting devlopment in ezines. Our new Self improvement ezine in audio. Sign up now for regular audios on subjects such as meditation, self esteem, shyness and many more self improvement topics.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Travel real estate: How about Nova Scotia, Dominica, Panama or Cuba?
By Susanne Pacher
Many of us dream of relocating to another country, perhaps to enjoy warmer weather, perhaps to experience a slower-paced lifestyle, perhaps because of a job transfer, or maybe simply because we are intrigued by a certain element of adventure and curiosity. While moving to another country may sound like an exciting proposition, it is a very serious decision with major ramificiations, and there are many factors to take into account in making this decision. I had a chance to talk with Phillip Townsend, author of the e-Book, Passport to Canada: The Complete Guide to Living & Retiring in Nova Scotia, and special e-Reports of living and retiring in Panama, the Caribbean and Cuba.
1. Please tell us about yourself and your background. As an American who had a teenage fascination with Asian culture, after high school, I got a part-time job, saved my money and purchased a one-way ticket to Taiwan, Republic of China. After arriving in the Far East, I taught English and eventually landed an internship with SIDA, a German-based global risk consulting firm. After working as an intern and completing an extensive training program, my work took me to 13 East Asian countries, where I assisted corporate and government clients with international research and other consulting projects. After returning to the United States, I opened and ran the firm's U.S. office until the company went out of business several years later. Afterwards, my career shifted and I began writing freelance and consulting independently, Later, I was hired as stringer (correspondent) for Money magazine, America's leading personal finance monthly. After leaving, I wrote a biweekly international lifestyle Q&A column for the International Employment Gazette, which also appeared monthly in Industrial Tradesman magazine. I have assisted the governments of Sri Lanka and Ethiopia on promoting tourism and trade (and was considered for an official diplomatic post with the latter). My articles and other writings have appeared in publications as diverse as GQ, the San Francisco Chronicle and Expat World. Currently, I spend most of my time writing and researching. I'm also a Country Contact for American Citizens Abroad, representing the Switzerland-based non-profit organization in Nova Scotia. I have always been a so-called man of the world, and don't believe there is any single "best" country, but rather believe in reaping the unique benefits that each nation has to offer.
2. You are an expert on living and retiring in various regions, including Nova Scotia, the Caribbean, Panama and Cuba. Please tell us about how you became an expert on these topics. In addition to my experience living abroad and traveling widely, over the years, I have dedicated my life to international living, conducting extensive research and advising hundreds of clients on every aspect of moving abroad and strategic planning (offshore personal and financial issues). I've assisted people from all walks of life with moves to over sixty countries and six continents.
3. Please tell us about living, retiring, travelling and investing in Nova Scotia. What makes Nova Scotia a great destination for expatriate or retirement living? Nova Scotia is the type of place that can seduce you through its sheer natural beauty: The long stretches of picturesque coastline, a beatiful countryside, friendly people and a slower pace and reasonable prices make it one of the most livable places in Canada or anywhere in North America. The climate is another plus. In many places in Nova Scotia, winters can be much milder (with less snow) than in other places in Canada or the northern US. Also, Nova Scotia enjoys a low crime rate, with incidents of violent crime being remarkably low. Perhaps the most appealing benefit of living in Nova Scotia are the affordable real estate prices (some lots with ocean views can be had for as little as C$20,000).
4. Please inform us about living, travelling and investing in Dominica. What should one know about living and retiring to this beautiful island in the Caribbean? With no direct flights from North America or Europe, Dominica is welcome retreat of peace and quiet in the Caribbean's sea of mass tourism. Roughly halfway between Martinique and Guadeloupe, the island is splendidly underdeveloped. A land of waterfalls, rivers (365 of them), hot springs, and lush rain forests, Dominica is the Caribbean’s most rugged isle. Instead of luxury resorts and long stretches of crowded white sand beaches, you'll find volcanic mountains, intimate beaches, little-explored reefs and small hotels (some of which are for sale for a steal). Unlike most of the Caribbean's islands, which cater to tourists and the high-end market, Dominica's prices are refreshingly down-to-earth. For example, you can find oceanfront lots for prices ranging from C42,000 to C58,000, and build a home for as little as C$28,000 to C$47,000.
5. Please give us a brief overview about living, travelling and investing in Panama. What makes this a desirable place and what do we need to know about it? Panama's coast, both on the Caribbean and Pacific sides, is like Florida, but less crowded and with property prices about a tenth of the cost in many cases. Panama offers affordable real estate, a warm climate and great beaches. In order to attract expatriates, the Panamanian government has put together an impressive list of benefits in their pensionado program, including 20-year tax-free status and discounts on everything from public transportation to restaurants to doctor's visits. Best of all, anyone over 18 can qualify for these "retirement" benefits. Though Spanish is the official language, English is widely spoken and understood in major cities. Right now, the three best places to purchase real estate in Panama are Panama City, the capital which boasts First-world infrastructure and is home to virtually every large American brand-name chain; Boquette, a scenic and growing expatriate hideaway in Panama's mountainous region; and the Pearl Islands, a chain of over 90 islands and 130 islets in the Caribbean.
6. Please talk to us about living, travelling and investing in Cuba. What makes this unique island an interesting destination for foreigners thinking of living or retiring there? What do they need to know about Cuba before considering to move there? Cuba is home to just over 11 million people, with more than 2 million living in the capital, Havana. The island's Cuba's rich culture, interesting political history, and continued economic hardship make it one of the world's most eye-opening nations with a wealth of places just waiting to be discovered. The food, music, and, most of all, the warm hospitality of the Cuban people all combine to make it a great place to visit and potentially live. U.S. officials say open trade and travel to Cuba would strengthen Castro's oppressive government. But critics argue that the Cold War-era U.S. embargo, aimed at forcing a change in Cuba's leadership, has not achieved its goals after being in place for more than 40 years. Despite the embargo, last year, 200,000 Americans visited Cuba (most through Canada or Mexico). Though most would-be expatriates will wait until the fall of the Castro-lead communist rule, a few have already made an investment in the "forbidden" isle by putting down roots there, with the hope that property values and other investments will multiply after the fall of communist rule.
7. Where are you currently travelling and what is on your agenda for the near future? Currently, I'm in upstate New York, but will be exploring some interesting locales in South America and Eastern Europe. I plan to continue my ongoing pursuit of reporting on new and interesting expatriate destinations around the world. 8. In general, what are your suggestions for anyone thinking of living or retiring abroad? Many Canadians and Americans are lured abroad by a lower cost of living and higher quality of life. Some will want to return to their ancestral homes or to places where they once vacationed, worked or studied, and fell in love with a country. Others will be enticed by retiree perks and tax incentives. With literally dozens of appealing countries to choose from, narrowing the possibilities can be a daunting task. No matter where you consider settling, the most important thing is to do your homework. Make an exploratory visit and stay for a few months before committing yourself by purchasing property. Be sure to talk with locals and expatriates living there. Most importantly, consult competent real estate and legal professionals before signing any contracts or other official documents. While every place has it own set of rules and nuances, the process of buying abroad generally works like this: First, the buyer and the seller to agree on a price, a security deposit (generally, 10 to 25 percent) will probably be required to take the house off the market. Your attorney should then receive a copy of the title and verify that the property is free from any liens or claims against the property.
They should also advise you of any strange archaic laws, like those in parts of Canada that allow anyone to fish on your land, those in England and France that allow sheep to pass through your property, those in rural Italy that give your neighbors first-refusal rights on any land used for agricultural purposes (which could leave someone else with the fruit in the vineyard or olive grove on "your" property), or historic construction bans that prevent you from making any external changes to a property (even installing a pool). Also, if you are buying anything in need of restoration (or more than a hundred years old), have a structural survey done. Thank you, Phillip, for providing us with further ideas and important background information about a few interesting choices on living and retiring abroad.
Phillip Townsend is author the e-Book, Passport to Canada: The Complete Guide to Living & Retiring in Nova Scotia, and special e-Reports of living and retiring in Panama, the Caribbean and Cuba.
For more information, visit: http://www.thegloballife.net/
Many of us dream of relocating to another country, perhaps to enjoy warmer weather, perhaps to experience a slower-paced lifestyle, perhaps because of a job transfer, or maybe simply because we are intrigued by a certain element of adventure and curiosity. While moving to another country may sound like an exciting proposition, it is a very serious decision with major ramificiations, and there are many factors to take into account in making this decision. I had a chance to talk with Phillip Townsend, author of the e-Book, Passport to Canada: The Complete Guide to Living & Retiring in Nova Scotia, and special e-Reports of living and retiring in Panama, the Caribbean and Cuba.
1. Please tell us about yourself and your background. As an American who had a teenage fascination with Asian culture, after high school, I got a part-time job, saved my money and purchased a one-way ticket to Taiwan, Republic of China. After arriving in the Far East, I taught English and eventually landed an internship with SIDA, a German-based global risk consulting firm. After working as an intern and completing an extensive training program, my work took me to 13 East Asian countries, where I assisted corporate and government clients with international research and other consulting projects. After returning to the United States, I opened and ran the firm's U.S. office until the company went out of business several years later. Afterwards, my career shifted and I began writing freelance and consulting independently, Later, I was hired as stringer (correspondent) for Money magazine, America's leading personal finance monthly. After leaving, I wrote a biweekly international lifestyle Q&A column for the International Employment Gazette, which also appeared monthly in Industrial Tradesman magazine. I have assisted the governments of Sri Lanka and Ethiopia on promoting tourism and trade (and was considered for an official diplomatic post with the latter). My articles and other writings have appeared in publications as diverse as GQ, the San Francisco Chronicle and Expat World. Currently, I spend most of my time writing and researching. I'm also a Country Contact for American Citizens Abroad, representing the Switzerland-based non-profit organization in Nova Scotia. I have always been a so-called man of the world, and don't believe there is any single "best" country, but rather believe in reaping the unique benefits that each nation has to offer.
2. You are an expert on living and retiring in various regions, including Nova Scotia, the Caribbean, Panama and Cuba. Please tell us about how you became an expert on these topics. In addition to my experience living abroad and traveling widely, over the years, I have dedicated my life to international living, conducting extensive research and advising hundreds of clients on every aspect of moving abroad and strategic planning (offshore personal and financial issues). I've assisted people from all walks of life with moves to over sixty countries and six continents.
3. Please tell us about living, retiring, travelling and investing in Nova Scotia. What makes Nova Scotia a great destination for expatriate or retirement living? Nova Scotia is the type of place that can seduce you through its sheer natural beauty: The long stretches of picturesque coastline, a beatiful countryside, friendly people and a slower pace and reasonable prices make it one of the most livable places in Canada or anywhere in North America. The climate is another plus. In many places in Nova Scotia, winters can be much milder (with less snow) than in other places in Canada or the northern US. Also, Nova Scotia enjoys a low crime rate, with incidents of violent crime being remarkably low. Perhaps the most appealing benefit of living in Nova Scotia are the affordable real estate prices (some lots with ocean views can be had for as little as C$20,000).
4. Please inform us about living, travelling and investing in Dominica. What should one know about living and retiring to this beautiful island in the Caribbean? With no direct flights from North America or Europe, Dominica is welcome retreat of peace and quiet in the Caribbean's sea of mass tourism. Roughly halfway between Martinique and Guadeloupe, the island is splendidly underdeveloped. A land of waterfalls, rivers (365 of them), hot springs, and lush rain forests, Dominica is the Caribbean’s most rugged isle. Instead of luxury resorts and long stretches of crowded white sand beaches, you'll find volcanic mountains, intimate beaches, little-explored reefs and small hotels (some of which are for sale for a steal). Unlike most of the Caribbean's islands, which cater to tourists and the high-end market, Dominica's prices are refreshingly down-to-earth. For example, you can find oceanfront lots for prices ranging from C42,000 to C58,000, and build a home for as little as C$28,000 to C$47,000.
5. Please give us a brief overview about living, travelling and investing in Panama. What makes this a desirable place and what do we need to know about it? Panama's coast, both on the Caribbean and Pacific sides, is like Florida, but less crowded and with property prices about a tenth of the cost in many cases. Panama offers affordable real estate, a warm climate and great beaches. In order to attract expatriates, the Panamanian government has put together an impressive list of benefits in their pensionado program, including 20-year tax-free status and discounts on everything from public transportation to restaurants to doctor's visits. Best of all, anyone over 18 can qualify for these "retirement" benefits. Though Spanish is the official language, English is widely spoken and understood in major cities. Right now, the three best places to purchase real estate in Panama are Panama City, the capital which boasts First-world infrastructure and is home to virtually every large American brand-name chain; Boquette, a scenic and growing expatriate hideaway in Panama's mountainous region; and the Pearl Islands, a chain of over 90 islands and 130 islets in the Caribbean.
6. Please talk to us about living, travelling and investing in Cuba. What makes this unique island an interesting destination for foreigners thinking of living or retiring there? What do they need to know about Cuba before considering to move there? Cuba is home to just over 11 million people, with more than 2 million living in the capital, Havana. The island's Cuba's rich culture, interesting political history, and continued economic hardship make it one of the world's most eye-opening nations with a wealth of places just waiting to be discovered. The food, music, and, most of all, the warm hospitality of the Cuban people all combine to make it a great place to visit and potentially live. U.S. officials say open trade and travel to Cuba would strengthen Castro's oppressive government. But critics argue that the Cold War-era U.S. embargo, aimed at forcing a change in Cuba's leadership, has not achieved its goals after being in place for more than 40 years. Despite the embargo, last year, 200,000 Americans visited Cuba (most through Canada or Mexico). Though most would-be expatriates will wait until the fall of the Castro-lead communist rule, a few have already made an investment in the "forbidden" isle by putting down roots there, with the hope that property values and other investments will multiply after the fall of communist rule.
7. Where are you currently travelling and what is on your agenda for the near future? Currently, I'm in upstate New York, but will be exploring some interesting locales in South America and Eastern Europe. I plan to continue my ongoing pursuit of reporting on new and interesting expatriate destinations around the world. 8. In general, what are your suggestions for anyone thinking of living or retiring abroad? Many Canadians and Americans are lured abroad by a lower cost of living and higher quality of life. Some will want to return to their ancestral homes or to places where they once vacationed, worked or studied, and fell in love with a country. Others will be enticed by retiree perks and tax incentives. With literally dozens of appealing countries to choose from, narrowing the possibilities can be a daunting task. No matter where you consider settling, the most important thing is to do your homework. Make an exploratory visit and stay for a few months before committing yourself by purchasing property. Be sure to talk with locals and expatriates living there. Most importantly, consult competent real estate and legal professionals before signing any contracts or other official documents. While every place has it own set of rules and nuances, the process of buying abroad generally works like this: First, the buyer and the seller to agree on a price, a security deposit (generally, 10 to 25 percent) will probably be required to take the house off the market. Your attorney should then receive a copy of the title and verify that the property is free from any liens or claims against the property.
They should also advise you of any strange archaic laws, like those in parts of Canada that allow anyone to fish on your land, those in England and France that allow sheep to pass through your property, those in rural Italy that give your neighbors first-refusal rights on any land used for agricultural purposes (which could leave someone else with the fruit in the vineyard or olive grove on "your" property), or historic construction bans that prevent you from making any external changes to a property (even installing a pool). Also, if you are buying anything in need of restoration (or more than a hundred years old), have a structural survey done. Thank you, Phillip, for providing us with further ideas and important background information about a few interesting choices on living and retiring abroad.
Phillip Townsend is author the e-Book, Passport to Canada: The Complete Guide to Living & Retiring in Nova Scotia, and special e-Reports of living and retiring in Panama, the Caribbean and Cuba.
For more information, visit: http://www.thegloballife.net/
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Buying a Property in France: Where to Live?
By David Seymour
As the largest country in Western Europe, there is a huge choice of locations if you want to look at French property for sale. Where you would like to live depends upon many different issues, such as whether you like a place with many neighbours or you prefer a more isolated area, or whether you prefer to have an apartment or a detached home on its own land, and the suitability of an area for your family’s needs.
The price of the property depends on location as well. While Paris is among the most expensive capitals in the world for buying property, you will find that in the rest of France prices are quite reasonable, and in many cases more affordable than similar properties in the UK. Another thing to bear in mind is whether you have your own means of transport, or you depend on public transport to get around. You might want to choose an easily accessible location if you travel a lot.
France has an excellent network of roads and railways throughout the country, so in general you would never experience any difficulty getting to and from your property. But if you travel a lot throughout the year, on business for example, you might want to consider living in the vicinity of an airport or train station.
Air France offers a domestic network covering the entire country from its hubs in Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux and Marseilles, and it’s easy to connect to other flights when arriving from the UK or any other country. Various airlines are also offering more and more direct flights between smaller airports, making reaching your final destination even easier. Then of course there is also the TGV, the French high-speed train, which in many cases is as fast as or even faster than the airplane to travel within France. On a more local level, you’ll have to decide whether you need to be close to a town or village. You may have friends in certain location Generally speaking the closer to a town a property is, the more it will cost.
On the other hand, if you prefer to have more land around the house, it is more likely you will find it farther away from the towns. So basically deciding where you would like to live is a combination of many different factors, and a matter of weighing pros and cons. Of course when searching for French property for sale, the single most important factor is your budget.
When searching for a suitable French property, particularly in the south west of France, you are likely to conclude that for the money you’d spend on a property in the UK, in France you will be able to buy much more for the same price.
Seymour-James promotes property for sale south west france. In particular, property for sale in Bordeaux, Arcachon, the Gironde and further afield into the Charente, Lot-et-Garonne and the Gers.
As the largest country in Western Europe, there is a huge choice of locations if you want to look at French property for sale. Where you would like to live depends upon many different issues, such as whether you like a place with many neighbours or you prefer a more isolated area, or whether you prefer to have an apartment or a detached home on its own land, and the suitability of an area for your family’s needs.
The price of the property depends on location as well. While Paris is among the most expensive capitals in the world for buying property, you will find that in the rest of France prices are quite reasonable, and in many cases more affordable than similar properties in the UK. Another thing to bear in mind is whether you have your own means of transport, or you depend on public transport to get around. You might want to choose an easily accessible location if you travel a lot.
France has an excellent network of roads and railways throughout the country, so in general you would never experience any difficulty getting to and from your property. But if you travel a lot throughout the year, on business for example, you might want to consider living in the vicinity of an airport or train station.
Air France offers a domestic network covering the entire country from its hubs in Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux and Marseilles, and it’s easy to connect to other flights when arriving from the UK or any other country. Various airlines are also offering more and more direct flights between smaller airports, making reaching your final destination even easier. Then of course there is also the TGV, the French high-speed train, which in many cases is as fast as or even faster than the airplane to travel within France. On a more local level, you’ll have to decide whether you need to be close to a town or village. You may have friends in certain location Generally speaking the closer to a town a property is, the more it will cost.
On the other hand, if you prefer to have more land around the house, it is more likely you will find it farther away from the towns. So basically deciding where you would like to live is a combination of many different factors, and a matter of weighing pros and cons. Of course when searching for French property for sale, the single most important factor is your budget.
When searching for a suitable French property, particularly in the south west of France, you are likely to conclude that for the money you’d spend on a property in the UK, in France you will be able to buy much more for the same price.
Seymour-James promotes property for sale south west france. In particular, property for sale in Bordeaux, Arcachon, the Gironde and further afield into the Charente, Lot-et-Garonne and the Gers.
Monday, November 13, 2006
Tips for Purchasing a Vacation Home
By Mark Nash
Investing in a vacation home might be for the pleasure you receive from it, than as a real estate investment. Second homes can bring enjoyment to you and your family, but buying at the right price and time, can make all the difference between profit and loss. Be sure to visit your proposed purchase destination both in-season and out-of-season.
Many vacation spots are desolate off-peak. It might be easy to buy the cheapest property as a second home, but good resale characteristics are what you should looking for.
Buy a home with at least two bedrooms and two baths, people always have friends and family visiting their second home.
Look for a good location, you'll enjoy it and so will buyers when you go to sell.
Stay away from allot of fixing-up, many a second home owner burned out from all the work that a supposed "vacation home" created.
Buy a property within an easy days commute to it. Remote locations that chew up travel time on vacations have limited appeal.
Here are some additional tips:
-If the home is on a water well and septic, have them inspected by a professional.
-The best time to buy a vacation home is the first season after peak season. Many second home owners want to use it one-last-season, then sell and have the carrying costs. Inventories of resale homes are greatest off-season and at reduced prices.
-Find locations that offer long seasons for golfing, boating, and skiing. Some resorts have off-season alternative activities that can bring you back for a respite in slower times.
-Retiring down the road to your second home brings to mind some things you should consider. Are some of the or the lack of seasons that don't appeal to you? How is traffic in-season, you might have retired to get away from grid-lock, but very popular vacation and resort areas can have massive back-ups in season.
-You might enjoy renting your vacation home now, but when you retire will you want the transient nature that short-term rentals bring?
-Don't rely on seasonal rental to cover all your costs. Off-season may be too hot or rental rates drop so low, that the cleaning service, management fees eat up profits. Verify that any resort or condotel allows short-term rentals in season.
-Anticipate all the costs for renovation and refurnishing. Sometimes it might be cheaper to start over. or to buy new construction.
-Buying furnished vacation homes is typical. If you're going to rent your home, make sure the rental manager approves of the furniture you're buying with the property. Out-dated and well-worn furniture won't cut it today with savvy vacation renters.
Mark Nash is the author of "Fundamentals of Marketing for the Real Estate Professional", "Starting & Succeeding in Real Estate", "Reaching Out: The Financial Power of Niche Marketing", and "1001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home". Mark is a contributing writer for: Realtor (R) Magazine Online, Broker Agent News, Real Estate Executive Magazine, Principal Broker, and Realty Times. His tried and true real estate tips has been featured on Business Week, CBS The Early Show, CNN, HGTVpro.com, The New York Times, and USA Today. Purchase his books at http://www.1001realestatetips.com/.
Investing in a vacation home might be for the pleasure you receive from it, than as a real estate investment. Second homes can bring enjoyment to you and your family, but buying at the right price and time, can make all the difference between profit and loss. Be sure to visit your proposed purchase destination both in-season and out-of-season.
Many vacation spots are desolate off-peak. It might be easy to buy the cheapest property as a second home, but good resale characteristics are what you should looking for.
Buy a home with at least two bedrooms and two baths, people always have friends and family visiting their second home.
Look for a good location, you'll enjoy it and so will buyers when you go to sell.
Stay away from allot of fixing-up, many a second home owner burned out from all the work that a supposed "vacation home" created.
Buy a property within an easy days commute to it. Remote locations that chew up travel time on vacations have limited appeal.
Here are some additional tips:
-If the home is on a water well and septic, have them inspected by a professional.
-The best time to buy a vacation home is the first season after peak season. Many second home owners want to use it one-last-season, then sell and have the carrying costs. Inventories of resale homes are greatest off-season and at reduced prices.
-Find locations that offer long seasons for golfing, boating, and skiing. Some resorts have off-season alternative activities that can bring you back for a respite in slower times.
-Retiring down the road to your second home brings to mind some things you should consider. Are some of the or the lack of seasons that don't appeal to you? How is traffic in-season, you might have retired to get away from grid-lock, but very popular vacation and resort areas can have massive back-ups in season.
-You might enjoy renting your vacation home now, but when you retire will you want the transient nature that short-term rentals bring?
-Don't rely on seasonal rental to cover all your costs. Off-season may be too hot or rental rates drop so low, that the cleaning service, management fees eat up profits. Verify that any resort or condotel allows short-term rentals in season.
-Anticipate all the costs for renovation and refurnishing. Sometimes it might be cheaper to start over. or to buy new construction.
-Buying furnished vacation homes is typical. If you're going to rent your home, make sure the rental manager approves of the furniture you're buying with the property. Out-dated and well-worn furniture won't cut it today with savvy vacation renters.
Mark Nash is the author of "Fundamentals of Marketing for the Real Estate Professional", "Starting & Succeeding in Real Estate", "Reaching Out: The Financial Power of Niche Marketing", and "1001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home". Mark is a contributing writer for: Realtor (R) Magazine Online, Broker Agent News, Real Estate Executive Magazine, Principal Broker, and Realty Times. His tried and true real estate tips has been featured on Business Week, CBS The Early Show, CNN, HGTVpro.com, The New York Times, and USA Today. Purchase his books at http://www.1001realestatetips.com/.
Wednesday, November 8, 2006
Alicante - Something for everyone
By Charlotte Baker
The beautiful coastal city of Alicante, on the South East of Spain, is fast becoming one of the most popular areas to have a holiday or second home. Situated on the Costa Blanca – meaning ‘the white coast’ due to its large salt lakes – Alicante is the second largest city in the Land of Valencia. Gaining most of its income from tourism and the export of fruit and vegetables, the city is popular with expats and holidaymakers alike, making it the perfect place to live, work and holiday.
With plenty of stunning beaches, including three that have been awarded Blue Flag status, Alicante is the perfect place to relax. One of the Blue Flag beaches, Saladar also offers three golf courses, a tennis club and a riding club for those who prefer to spend their time being more active!
The Port of Alicante is the busiest leisure area in the city and here you can enjoy a evening out at the port’s numerous restaurants and bars, but if it’s nightlife you’re after, head down to ‘la zona’ in the south of the city where you will find many cafes, pubs, bars and nightclubs.
During the day you can catch a boat from the port and head to Isla de Tabarca, which boasts a small, clean pebble beach and a seabed carpeted in underwater plants, the perfect place to go to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
One of the main reasons why people go to Alicante is for its golf courses and with eight of them in the city; there are plenty to choose from. One of the most popular is Alicante Golf, which is open all year round and offers classes for adults and children.
Alicante is also well known in Europe for its annual carnival which takes place on the weekend and days leading up to Ash Wednesday, it includes a parade with extravagant costumes and fireworks. The famous Alicante theatre hosts two performing arts festivals, the Open Air Theatre Festival in September and the Contemporary Spanish Theatre Festival in November.
In the last 30 years, property investments in Spain have performed better than any other country in the world, proving that buying a home in Alicante would certainly be a worthwhile investment. Research shows that there will be strong increase in house prices within the next 20 years, this is supported by the fact that the average home price in Spain has increased by nearly 175% over the past nine years.
A combination of the wonderful weather all year round, glorious beaches, cheap flights to the city’s airport and excellent investment opportunities make Alicante a brilliant choice when it comes to buying a home abroad.
The beautiful coastal city of Alicante, on the South East of Spain, is fast becoming one of the most popular areas to have a holiday or second home. Situated on the Costa Blanca – meaning ‘the white coast’ due to its large salt lakes – Alicante is the second largest city in the Land of Valencia. Gaining most of its income from tourism and the export of fruit and vegetables, the city is popular with expats and holidaymakers alike, making it the perfect place to live, work and holiday.
With plenty of stunning beaches, including three that have been awarded Blue Flag status, Alicante is the perfect place to relax. One of the Blue Flag beaches, Saladar also offers three golf courses, a tennis club and a riding club for those who prefer to spend their time being more active!
The Port of Alicante is the busiest leisure area in the city and here you can enjoy a evening out at the port’s numerous restaurants and bars, but if it’s nightlife you’re after, head down to ‘la zona’ in the south of the city where you will find many cafes, pubs, bars and nightclubs.
During the day you can catch a boat from the port and head to Isla de Tabarca, which boasts a small, clean pebble beach and a seabed carpeted in underwater plants, the perfect place to go to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
One of the main reasons why people go to Alicante is for its golf courses and with eight of them in the city; there are plenty to choose from. One of the most popular is Alicante Golf, which is open all year round and offers classes for adults and children.
Alicante is also well known in Europe for its annual carnival which takes place on the weekend and days leading up to Ash Wednesday, it includes a parade with extravagant costumes and fireworks. The famous Alicante theatre hosts two performing arts festivals, the Open Air Theatre Festival in September and the Contemporary Spanish Theatre Festival in November.
In the last 30 years, property investments in Spain have performed better than any other country in the world, proving that buying a home in Alicante would certainly be a worthwhile investment. Research shows that there will be strong increase in house prices within the next 20 years, this is supported by the fact that the average home price in Spain has increased by nearly 175% over the past nine years.
A combination of the wonderful weather all year round, glorious beaches, cheap flights to the city’s airport and excellent investment opportunities make Alicante a brilliant choice when it comes to buying a home abroad.
Tuesday, November 7, 2006
The Well Serviced UK Overseas Property Buyer
By Nicholas Marr
Overseas property buyers
Buying a home overseas in the sun or snow has its obvious attractions. Overseas property that increases in value while paying you an income is a dream come true for many property investors. The UK property investor is venturing away from the slowing and expensive markets of home and this trend is set to continue. A recent survey conducted by Homes Overseas magazine at it's Belfast exhibition found that 25% of participants were looking to buy property in Spain, 21% in Portugal, 16% in Croatia, Dubai and Florida, with 12% interested in buying homes in Cyprus and Turkey, 59% of people were looking to buy as an investment, 29% as a second home and 10% for retirement, with only 2% looking to relocate to their new home. Most people wanted to buy a home overseas for between £100,000 and £150,000.
Research research, research
The overseas property buyer researching the overseas property market has a host of sources to satisfy an insatiable appetite for information. Looking for a home to buy abroad has never been so interesting and the thrill of the chase can start using overseas property websites, overseas property magazines, overseas property television shows and exhibitions.
Overseas Property web sites
It’s a fact that the majority of overseas buyers will use the internet to find information and homes to buy abroad. The growth of the online overseas property web site is testimony to how vital the internet is in providing buyers with the information. Recent acquisitions by large newspaper groups of some of these web sites are also an indication that they view property web sites as an essential part of their portfolios in securing their share of the overseas property market. Collaboration with TV shows, exhibition organisers, magazines and travel companies is also an area that is set to expand. Simply imagine being an overseas property investor looking for a home abroad without the use of the internet and you can see why overseas property web sites can only get bigger.
Some of the most useful overseas property websites can be found at:
Homesgofast.com
Newskys.co.uk
The Move Channel
Propertyfinder.com
Fish4Homes
Property-abroad
Overseas property magazines
Overseas property magazines have always provided a relaxing and informative way to browse homes for sale and pick up some well researched advice. Some good examples are
A Place In the Sun magazine
Living Abroad
Homes Overseas magazine
UK Overseas television programmes
Overseas property shows are making the presenters household names and are a great way to see a location with your own eyes. All contain buying advice for the overseas buyers. They are great for introducing emerging markets and can be very influential for the indecisive overseas buyer. Programmes such as 'A Place in the Sun' conduct useful surveys advising on their top 20 destinations. Most locations that feature in the top 5 such as Cape Verde experience a surge of interest from investors.
Overseas property exhibitions
Overseas exhibitions provide an opportunity to meet developers and agents and attend seminars offering essential tax, legal and buying advice.
Some of the most popular UK property exhibitions are
Dubai Property ShowA Place in The SunViva La France ShowInternational Property ShowHome OverseasThe World of Property
Overseas property Associations
The UK overseas property associations aim to protect the consumer and to regulate the industry in the UK. All have codes of ethics that agents adhere to. Some of the most popular are:
Federation of Overseas Property Developers Agents and Consultants FOPDACThe Association of International Property ProfessionalsIpada – the International Property Agents & Dealers Association
The abundance of information at hand for buyers is enormous and the overseas property buyer can research more easily and more thoroughly than at any other time.
Nicholas Marr is clearly an observer of life and front row spectator of the events in the overseas property market. A lifetime property investor his UK based company Marr International owns one of the fastest growing overseas property websites in Europe at http://www.homesgofast.com
overseas property , house buyer
Overseas property buyers
Buying a home overseas in the sun or snow has its obvious attractions. Overseas property that increases in value while paying you an income is a dream come true for many property investors. The UK property investor is venturing away from the slowing and expensive markets of home and this trend is set to continue. A recent survey conducted by Homes Overseas magazine at it's Belfast exhibition found that 25% of participants were looking to buy property in Spain, 21% in Portugal, 16% in Croatia, Dubai and Florida, with 12% interested in buying homes in Cyprus and Turkey, 59% of people were looking to buy as an investment, 29% as a second home and 10% for retirement, with only 2% looking to relocate to their new home. Most people wanted to buy a home overseas for between £100,000 and £150,000.
Research research, research
The overseas property buyer researching the overseas property market has a host of sources to satisfy an insatiable appetite for information. Looking for a home to buy abroad has never been so interesting and the thrill of the chase can start using overseas property websites, overseas property magazines, overseas property television shows and exhibitions.
Overseas Property web sites
It’s a fact that the majority of overseas buyers will use the internet to find information and homes to buy abroad. The growth of the online overseas property web site is testimony to how vital the internet is in providing buyers with the information. Recent acquisitions by large newspaper groups of some of these web sites are also an indication that they view property web sites as an essential part of their portfolios in securing their share of the overseas property market. Collaboration with TV shows, exhibition organisers, magazines and travel companies is also an area that is set to expand. Simply imagine being an overseas property investor looking for a home abroad without the use of the internet and you can see why overseas property web sites can only get bigger.
Some of the most useful overseas property websites can be found at:
Homesgofast.com
Newskys.co.uk
The Move Channel
Propertyfinder.com
Fish4Homes
Property-abroad
Overseas property magazines
Overseas property magazines have always provided a relaxing and informative way to browse homes for sale and pick up some well researched advice. Some good examples are
A Place In the Sun magazine
Living Abroad
Homes Overseas magazine
UK Overseas television programmes
Overseas property shows are making the presenters household names and are a great way to see a location with your own eyes. All contain buying advice for the overseas buyers. They are great for introducing emerging markets and can be very influential for the indecisive overseas buyer. Programmes such as 'A Place in the Sun' conduct useful surveys advising on their top 20 destinations. Most locations that feature in the top 5 such as Cape Verde experience a surge of interest from investors.
Overseas property exhibitions
Overseas exhibitions provide an opportunity to meet developers and agents and attend seminars offering essential tax, legal and buying advice.
Some of the most popular UK property exhibitions are
Dubai Property ShowA Place in The SunViva La France ShowInternational Property ShowHome OverseasThe World of Property
Overseas property Associations
The UK overseas property associations aim to protect the consumer and to regulate the industry in the UK. All have codes of ethics that agents adhere to. Some of the most popular are:
Federation of Overseas Property Developers Agents and Consultants FOPDACThe Association of International Property ProfessionalsIpada – the International Property Agents & Dealers Association
The abundance of information at hand for buyers is enormous and the overseas property buyer can research more easily and more thoroughly than at any other time.
Nicholas Marr is clearly an observer of life and front row spectator of the events in the overseas property market. A lifetime property investor his UK based company Marr International owns one of the fastest growing overseas property websites in Europe at http://www.homesgofast.com
overseas property , house buyer
Monday, November 6, 2006
Travel real estate career - Useful Information About The Philippines
By Richard Romando
The Philippines, known as the Pearl of the Orient, is a 7,000-island archipelago located in Southeast Asia. It boasts several land and water wonders as well as shopping destinations. Apart from this, the country also has a rich cultural heritage that is shown in the ways of its people.
The islands of the Philippines are divided into three large groups named Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The archipelagic groups are further sub-divided into regions. The country's capital, Manila, is one of the busiest cities and is the second largest city, next to Quezon City.
Because the Philippines lies near the equator, its climate is described as hot and tropical. It goes through three major season changes ? the summer, rainy and cold seasons. Average yearly temperature is around 26 degrees Celsius.
The highest point of the country is Mount Apo that is located in Mindanao. It reaches a height of 9,690 feet. Other mountains of the country are covered in rainforests and are typically volcanic in origin. Among its active volcanoes are Mt. Mayon, Mt. Pinatubo and Mt. Taal.
The Philippines' population is relatively high and it has been ranked as the 12th most populous country in the world. As of 2005, the population reached more than 86 million. Two-thirds of this population can be found in Luzon. Meanwhile, literacy rate is 95.9 percent, and is one of the highest in Asia.
In terms of its economy, the Philippines is characterized as a developing country. Its businesses are largely agricultural in nature though other forms of services have already been developed. Economic downfall came during the Asian financial crisis in 1998, with the economic growth falling from 5 percent to a staggering 0.6 percent.
Today, major businesses lie in the call center and business process outsourcing industries. These businesses have generated thousands of jobs for the country. The companies that have chosen to invest in the country are mostly members of the Fortune 500 circle.
Philippines provides detailed information on Philippines, Philippines Tours, Language In The Philippines, Philippines Real Estate and more. Philippines is affiliated with Hong Kong Travel.
Sunday, November 5, 2006
Real Estate School
by Anne Peterson
With the economy where it is today, there is no better time than now to get involved with real estate. In order to sell real estate with a company, you'll need to have your license - which is where a real estate school can help you. As you may know, buying a home involves many different decisions about where you will live and for how many years. Along with geographical decisions, it will often have implication for your financial future as well.
For this very reason, almost all home buyers will enlist the services of a real estate broker or agent to help them make those types of decisions. A real estate agent is someone who is licensed by their state to handle the sales of real estate, while a real estate broker is also licensed by the state, but who has the overall responsibility for the actions of a real estate agent. To determine the value and fair market retail of a home that is for sale, a real estate agent may enlist the services of a real estate appraiser.
No matter what you state you happen to reside in, you can find a real estate school to help you obtain your license. Those of you who are time restrictions or don't like to travel too far from home, can get your license online. A real estate license doesn't require a lot of time, yet it will help you get your foot in the door when it comes to the vast world of real estate. Real estate agents, brokers, and appraisers make really good money, and generally get a commission on each house they successfully sell.
If you've been looking for a career that will give to you what you put into it, real estate is the career for you. Even if you have no experience with real estate, a real estate school can give you all of the training you need. Then, when the time comes to buy your own home, you can do it yourself. Knowing the real estate market and knowing what to look for can save you a ton of money when buying your own house or property.
About the AuthorThe author's website is Brandon Routh. Any or all parts of this article may be reprinted in any form, as long as there is a link to the website.
real estate school , real estate career ,
With the economy where it is today, there is no better time than now to get involved with real estate. In order to sell real estate with a company, you'll need to have your license - which is where a real estate school can help you. As you may know, buying a home involves many different decisions about where you will live and for how many years. Along with geographical decisions, it will often have implication for your financial future as well.
For this very reason, almost all home buyers will enlist the services of a real estate broker or agent to help them make those types of decisions. A real estate agent is someone who is licensed by their state to handle the sales of real estate, while a real estate broker is also licensed by the state, but who has the overall responsibility for the actions of a real estate agent. To determine the value and fair market retail of a home that is for sale, a real estate agent may enlist the services of a real estate appraiser.
No matter what you state you happen to reside in, you can find a real estate school to help you obtain your license. Those of you who are time restrictions or don't like to travel too far from home, can get your license online. A real estate license doesn't require a lot of time, yet it will help you get your foot in the door when it comes to the vast world of real estate. Real estate agents, brokers, and appraisers make really good money, and generally get a commission on each house they successfully sell.
If you've been looking for a career that will give to you what you put into it, real estate is the career for you. Even if you have no experience with real estate, a real estate school can give you all of the training you need. Then, when the time comes to buy your own home, you can do it yourself. Knowing the real estate market and knowing what to look for can save you a ton of money when buying your own house or property.
About the AuthorThe author's website is Brandon Routh. Any or all parts of this article may be reprinted in any form, as long as there is a link to the website.
real estate school , real estate career ,
Friday, November 3, 2006
Travel real estate - Guide to Buying a Property in Malta
By Les Calvert
Overview
There are some restrictions on what types of real estate a foreign national can own in Malta. Generally speaking, a foreign national is able to buy one piece of residential property that will be used as that person's primary residence or that will be used by that person as a holiday residence during part of the year.
With this in mind, an individual foreign national is not able as a general rule to buy commercial or industrial real estate in Malta. There are some instances in which a foreign national will join with citizens of Malta to form a joint legal venture -- usually in the form of a limited liability company -- to by non-residential real estate. It is important to keep in mind that this type of arrangement does require approval from different governmental agencies in Malta.
Even for EU member state nationals (Malta is now a part of the European Union) the ability to own real estate in the country is limited at this point in time. There is some natural and necessary movement to relax different real estate laws in regard to foreign nationals in the future to bring Malta more inline with the open market concept that is the centerpiece of EU membership.
Investment Property in Malta
As has been set forth previously, there are some pretty stark limitations on what type of real estate a foreign national can purchase in Malta. With this in mind, the opportunities for investment in real estate -- beyond the ownership of a primary residence or a holiday home -- by a foreign national are limited.
Again, and as was discussed, there are some instances in which a foreign national will join together with citizens of Malta, to develop a legal entity that will take possession of real estate in that country for investment purposes. Even with this noted, the number of foreign nationals who are involved in such a venture is not significant due to the hurdles that must be surmounted in order to win governmental approval and authorization to purchase real estate beyond a residence.
There may be some relaxation in the laws governing investing in real estate by foreign nationals who are from European Union nations in the future. Of course, the concept behind the EU is to allow for a free economic flow between member nations. Thus, with Malta now a part of the EU, it is likely that there will be changes in its real estate laws as they same pertain to investment in different types of real estate in the country by citizens from other European Union nations.
Residential Property in Malta
Generally speaking, it is only residential real estate that can be purchased at this time by foreign nationals in Malta. Although Malta has joined the European Union, where there can be found a broader ability of foreign nationals who are from EU member countries to by real estate within the EU, this barrier has not been fully surmounted in Malta.
The primary reason that there is a heavier restriction on foreign investment in real estate arises from the fact that there is, indeed, only a limited amount of real property available to sale within the borders of that country. Unlike many other nations, that still have undeveloped frontiers and a significant amount of space still available for development, such is not the case with Malta.
A foreign national, with relative ease, can make the purchase of one piece of residential real estate -- either to be used as a private and personal residence or as a holiday home. This will be discussed in greater detail shortly.
Many Europeans have purchased larger homes in Malta that have become favored second residences, holiday homes. A foreign national can stay within Malta for a period of up to three months at a stretch with no tax consequences or special filing requirements. A foreign national can spend between three to six months in consecutive succession in Malta with permission of the government. Generally, there will be no additional tax consequences on a foreign national in Malta until that person remains in country for a period beyond six months .
Residential Real Estate - Apartments in Malta
Upscale apartments remain attractive choices for foreign nationals looking to purchase real estate in Malta. As will be discussed shortly, a foreign national can make the purchase of residential real estate in Malta provided the property is valued at $50,000 MLT (the Maltese national currency) as is to be used only as private primary residence or as a holiday home by the purchaser.
These apartments -- high end apartments -- are in significant demand by foreign nationals at this point in time. These people, who enjoy spending part of the year in Malta (with its idyllic climate and easy lifestyle) are attracted to these apartments .
Holiday Property in Maltese Holiday Resorts
With its nearly perfect climate the entire year around, Malta has long been a favored travel destination for men and women from different countries around the world. The trend has continued unabated into the present day and age.
As a consequence, there is a growing number of foreign nationals who are interested in finding real estate to purchase in that country for holiday or vacation purposes. Indeed, as will be discussed shortly, there are general limitations on the ability of a foreign national to purchase real estate in Malta, generally restricting these men and women to being able to purchase one piece of residential property that can be used as a holiday home or as a permanent residence .
Specific Steps to Buying a Property in Malta
Despite the fact that the real estate purchase process
in Malta is a relatively easy process, there are some definite restrictions that apply to foreign nationals who are interested in purchasing real estate in Malta.
Generally speaking, a foreign national can purchase a residence in Malta that is going to be used either as a holiday home or a that purchaser's primary residence into the future. In addition to this general restriction, there are some more specific requirements when it comes to a foreign national investing in real estate in Malta. First of all, the value of the real estate that is being purchased must not be less than 50,000 MLT (the national currency in Malta). Second, all of the funds that are used to purchase this real estate must be derived from outside of the country. Third, the real estate that is purchased cannot be rented out to anyone else. This includes property that is purchased for occupancy as a holiday home during only part of the year. Unlike in many other countries around the world, a foreign national buying such a residence in Malta cannot lease out the property to someone else when it is not in use by the purchaser and owner. There is one interesting exception to this prohibition. The owner of a residence with a pool can, in fact, lease or rent out the property to someone else when he or she is not utilizing the property for his or her personal benefit.
Finally, on resale, a foreign national can repatriate the funds generated from the sale to his or her own country of origin.
Once these restrictions are appreciated and understood, the actual process of buying and selling real estate in Latvia is simple. The initial phase involves the execution of a contract for sale. At this time, the buyer is obliged to post a deposit that normally is in the amount of 10% of the overall purchase price of the real estate.
The preliminary agreement normally is valid for a period of three months. During this time period, the purchaser will obtain financing and the seller will make sure that there are no defects associated with the title that will prevent a clear conveyance of the property to the purchaser when the sale is concluded.
The final contract ultimately is entered into between the parties. It is at this time that the buyer pays the remaining balance due and owing on the property.
Additionally, it is at this juncture that the buyer will take physical possession of the real estate.
There is some effort in Malta at the present time to relax at least to some degree (and most likely for residents of other EU member nations) the real estate laws in that country. Most of the proposals that are being considered center on allowing foreign nationals a bit broader usage with their residential property. For example, there are proposed laws being considered that would allow a person who owns a holiday home or residence in Malta the ability to rent or lease that property to someone else during those times of the year when the owner is not personally utilizing the real estate in question. Again, any such changes more than likely will be targeted towards citizens from EU member nations
Property Abroad always recommends using a Solicitor or Lawyer.
Director Les Calvert features over 45,000 properties for sale on his 300+ company websites dealing with property for sale abroad. Visit their site for more detailed information on the overseas property market http://www.property-abroad.com/malta and buying property in Malta.
Wednesday, November 1, 2006
How to Buy Real Estate in Mexico
By Rosana Hart
It's fun to dream about having a getaway place in Mexico, be it a charming condo by the ocean, a little cabin somewhere, or whatever... It's even more fun to do it!
In recent years it has become easier for foreigners to own real estate in Mexico, including Mexican beachfront property. See below for more about how this works... property near the ocean is handled in a different way from other types. But it's great that we can do it now!
Buying real estate in Mexico is different from the process at home in some ways, so do work with an attorney who knows the ropes and speaks good English.
Some Tips on Buying Mexican Houses, Land, etc.
Mexican real estate is typically paid for with cash or by check. Mortgages are quite rare.
Due partly to the rarity of mortgages, a house may be for sale for quite a while. This could be to your advantage when buying, and less so if you decided to sell.
Mexican title insurance for real estate is much less common than in the US, but you really should arrange to get it.
There's one kind of land to be wary of -- ejido land. Ejidos were land held in common in the past, and the titles can be murky.
If you are exploring the real estate -- be it homes, land, condos, or whatever -- in a particular area of a Mexican city or state, ask local people what is for sale. You may have a lot of choices that are not listed with real estate offices and don't even have signs out front. You can find treasures this way, even if your Spanish is pretty basic!
Prices may be higher if the seller knows that a foreigner is interested. So you may pay more than a local, but do feel free to bargain. It's expected!
Property measurements are often in square meters. To give you an idea, 1 acre equals 4046.86 square meters. One square meter equals 10.7639 square feet.
Buying Mexican real estate near the ocean
As individuals, foreigners can't own property within about 30 miles of the shoreline or about 60 miles of the border. But there are two ways that you can legally own Mexican real estate within these regions. Experts say that both methods are secure, when set up properly.
[1] A bank trust is commonly used for residential real estate, and that's called a fideicomiso in Spanish. The bank "owns" the property but you as trustee have total control of the real estate, for building, selling, putting it in your will and avoiding inheritance taxes, etc. You can list more than one trustee, for example, yourself and your spouse or yourself and a friend.
Bank trusts are good for 50 years and are renewable. Setup fees run somewhere around $500 for this arrangement, and annual fees are about the same. There are regulations on how large the land can be.
[2] You can form a Mexican corporation, but none of the owners can be Mexican. If the land will be used commercially, this is the way to go. Costs to set up this corporation are several times higher than for a bank trust. Mexican corporate tax reports have to be filed, which you would have a Mexican accountant do for you.
So if you dream of having a home in Mexico, do your homework and go for it! Thousands of foreigners have done it, and many of them are living in their homes right now. You can join them!
Rosana Hart has traveled to Mexico many times. Her website, www.mexico-with-heart.com, contains the full text of a book she wrote about traveling in Mexico, as well as information, travel tips, and real estate tips on a variety of Mexican cities.
It's fun to dream about having a getaway place in Mexico, be it a charming condo by the ocean, a little cabin somewhere, or whatever... It's even more fun to do it!
In recent years it has become easier for foreigners to own real estate in Mexico, including Mexican beachfront property. See below for more about how this works... property near the ocean is handled in a different way from other types. But it's great that we can do it now!
Buying real estate in Mexico is different from the process at home in some ways, so do work with an attorney who knows the ropes and speaks good English.
Some Tips on Buying Mexican Houses, Land, etc.
Mexican real estate is typically paid for with cash or by check. Mortgages are quite rare.
Due partly to the rarity of mortgages, a house may be for sale for quite a while. This could be to your advantage when buying, and less so if you decided to sell.
Mexican title insurance for real estate is much less common than in the US, but you really should arrange to get it.
There's one kind of land to be wary of -- ejido land. Ejidos were land held in common in the past, and the titles can be murky.
If you are exploring the real estate -- be it homes, land, condos, or whatever -- in a particular area of a Mexican city or state, ask local people what is for sale. You may have a lot of choices that are not listed with real estate offices and don't even have signs out front. You can find treasures this way, even if your Spanish is pretty basic!
Prices may be higher if the seller knows that a foreigner is interested. So you may pay more than a local, but do feel free to bargain. It's expected!
Property measurements are often in square meters. To give you an idea, 1 acre equals 4046.86 square meters. One square meter equals 10.7639 square feet.
Buying Mexican real estate near the ocean
As individuals, foreigners can't own property within about 30 miles of the shoreline or about 60 miles of the border. But there are two ways that you can legally own Mexican real estate within these regions. Experts say that both methods are secure, when set up properly.
[1] A bank trust is commonly used for residential real estate, and that's called a fideicomiso in Spanish. The bank "owns" the property but you as trustee have total control of the real estate, for building, selling, putting it in your will and avoiding inheritance taxes, etc. You can list more than one trustee, for example, yourself and your spouse or yourself and a friend.
Bank trusts are good for 50 years and are renewable. Setup fees run somewhere around $500 for this arrangement, and annual fees are about the same. There are regulations on how large the land can be.
[2] You can form a Mexican corporation, but none of the owners can be Mexican. If the land will be used commercially, this is the way to go. Costs to set up this corporation are several times higher than for a bank trust. Mexican corporate tax reports have to be filed, which you would have a Mexican accountant do for you.
So if you dream of having a home in Mexico, do your homework and go for it! Thousands of foreigners have done it, and many of them are living in their homes right now. You can join them!
Rosana Hart has traveled to Mexico many times. Her website, www.mexico-with-heart.com, contains the full text of a book she wrote about traveling in Mexico, as well as information, travel tips, and real estate tips on a variety of Mexican cities.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
The Essential Guide To Successful Travel Real Estate Investment
By Justin Brown
Real estate investment may not seem attractive to everyone, although for many, it can be very lucrative. There are however, essential steps to take to ensure that your real estate investment is successful and financially worthwhile.
There are many challenges that you’ll encounter along the way and also a lot that you’ll need to learn. It is how you react to these challenges that are important, which will teach you a lot in the long run, and provide you with invaluable experience.
Your real estate investment plan will of course be determined by your financial goals. You may wish to invest for the long-term; for your retirement, or to make money quickly. Either of these approaches will require thought and proper planning.
If your aims is to make money quickly, consider searching for bargain houses and then offering them to other investors, or by finding houses that require work and refurbishing and then selling on.
Many argue that the house boom is gone, and that price gains are not as great as previously. This maybe so, but it is your skill to identify opportunities and invest in bargains that will still make you a success in the real estate investment market. According to reports, house sales have been declining recently, so it is even more important than ever that should you wish to maintain a successful career in real estate, you remain determined but wise in your investments. This factor is probably more prominent in investments for quick resell, as the potential profit margin may not be a great deal. However, if it fits in with your strategy, consider investing in property to rent. This could provide a continual steady income until market prices enable you to make a healthy profit from selling, or you could of course continue renting. This will obviously depend on your requirement for capital to invest in other property.
Set yourself goals along the way that are realistic. Realize your potential and strive to reach these goals. Although you will probably make mistakes, to be a success in real estate investment, you need to learn from them and move forward to make better, more educated decisions in the future. Some mistakes may put you off completely, but perseverance is a must in order to succeed, after all, as Winston Churchill once said: “Success is the ability to go from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm.”
Remember this quote and remain determined and focused on your goals and the strategies to achieve them. Stick within your budget and be cautious when viewing property. Do not assume anything or take anything at face value. If you are unsure, have an expert check it out for you before you decide whether to invest.
We highly recommend reading more info at a great website called Travel Real Estate Career. Justin Brown runs the site along with informative Spam Blocker and Autoresponder sites.
Real estate investment may not seem attractive to everyone, although for many, it can be very lucrative. There are however, essential steps to take to ensure that your real estate investment is successful and financially worthwhile.
There are many challenges that you’ll encounter along the way and also a lot that you’ll need to learn. It is how you react to these challenges that are important, which will teach you a lot in the long run, and provide you with invaluable experience.
Your real estate investment plan will of course be determined by your financial goals. You may wish to invest for the long-term; for your retirement, or to make money quickly. Either of these approaches will require thought and proper planning.
If your aims is to make money quickly, consider searching for bargain houses and then offering them to other investors, or by finding houses that require work and refurbishing and then selling on.
Many argue that the house boom is gone, and that price gains are not as great as previously. This maybe so, but it is your skill to identify opportunities and invest in bargains that will still make you a success in the real estate investment market. According to reports, house sales have been declining recently, so it is even more important than ever that should you wish to maintain a successful career in real estate, you remain determined but wise in your investments. This factor is probably more prominent in investments for quick resell, as the potential profit margin may not be a great deal. However, if it fits in with your strategy, consider investing in property to rent. This could provide a continual steady income until market prices enable you to make a healthy profit from selling, or you could of course continue renting. This will obviously depend on your requirement for capital to invest in other property.
Set yourself goals along the way that are realistic. Realize your potential and strive to reach these goals. Although you will probably make mistakes, to be a success in real estate investment, you need to learn from them and move forward to make better, more educated decisions in the future. Some mistakes may put you off completely, but perseverance is a must in order to succeed, after all, as Winston Churchill once said: “Success is the ability to go from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm.”
Remember this quote and remain determined and focused on your goals and the strategies to achieve them. Stick within your budget and be cautious when viewing property. Do not assume anything or take anything at face value. If you are unsure, have an expert check it out for you before you decide whether to invest.
We highly recommend reading more info at a great website called Travel Real Estate Career. Justin Brown runs the site along with informative Spam Blocker and Autoresponder sites.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
earn money online-|-
lawyer-|-acne-|-sinus-|-|-cancer treatment-|-
health-|-