How to fund global real estate investing via equity funds

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This article offers practical steps on funding a foreign real estate purchase with equity funds.

 

Foreign real estate presents mouthwatering deals for investors with steep currency differences, especially in today's unstable financial markets; meaning you could have the upper negotiating edge in a neighboring country. The perk in currency strength is however not compensated for by the financial and legal aspects of sourcing funds for foreign real estate investing.

 

One financing approach which is gradually gaining traction is the use of equity funds. In this case, deploying liquidity of stocks and securities in foreign real estate capital.

 

There are four approaches you can take when planning to go this route:

 

1. Employ Equity REITs: Odds are you've heard about REITs and the huge tax rates at the individual investor level. A REIT is generally a stock that invests in real estate or real estate related securities, like mortgages. A mortgage REIT primarily lends cash to real estate buyers or acquires their existing mortgages. An equity REIT acquires, manages, builds, renovates and sells real estate, mostly commercial real estate.

 

If you don't want to be in the front line and would prefer to play it safe, REITs present a great way to achieve diversification via liquid investment in real estate. Many international REITs have sprung up over the years. So, investing in foreign real estate should be as simple as locating a good REIT that invests in your country of choice or simply using REIT ETFs. However, don't ignore the fact that REITs come with tax liabilities that can range from 15% to 35% of profit. This is compensated for in a way by tax exemption at the corporate level, as long as 90% of income is distributed to unitholders.

 

2. Self-directed IRA or Offshore IRA: As much as we wish to help you with country-specific information, you should know that real estate laws aren't invariably the same in any two countries. Hence the importance of having a local mortgage expert or real estate agent (read how to find the right local real estate agent) who can help you with local professional information.

 

For US residents, using funds from your retirement account or 401k is a great way to employ equity funds for foreign investing. The IRS doesn't restrict holding real estate with your IRA. However, according to an article on Supermoney.com, (https://www.supermoney.com/2017/04/finance-overseas-property/), you won't be able to live in the property until you reach retirement age. In any case, you will need to either set up a self-directed IRA, which allows you to invest in overseas real estate via a third party or broker. Alternatively, you can set up an offshore IRA as a way to gain more control, by taking your self-directed IRA offshore. In this case, you move your self-directed IRA into an offshore Limited Liability company. Setting up an offshore IRA can, however, be costly.

 

3. Stock Market Liquidity: You can employ liquidity on your stock market investment or securities, subject to tax, by selling your holdings. This presents you with cash to invest directly in foreign real estate.

 

4. HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit): For home buyers in countries like the USA and Australia, a HELOC allows you to take a loan on an existing home by cashing on real estate equity.

 

Buying real estate with equity funds is completely legal and carries no extra charges or taxes. However, ensure you report financial proceedings to necessary financial authorities in your home country.

 

Also, if you're either buying overseas real estate for investment or personal use, reach out to a local real estate agent that can offer market-specific information about taxes for your destination country.

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5 Invaluable Property Negotiation Tips For Overseas Real Estate

  • 25, February 2023

In the book Cross-cultural Business Negotiations by Donald W Hendon, there is this story about a US sales professional with years of negotiating prowess in the US, pulling down walls due to his aggressive negotiation skills. He was asked to negotiate a business deal in Japan and he failed because the same aggressive skills that brought home the bacon in the US was considered a sign of weakness and insincerity in Japan. So negotiating on foreign soil presents a little more challenge.

But whatever the reason for negotiating or the country in which you are negotiating, the important thing is looking beyond the surface and understanding the motivations of the other party. This might be hard to do when you have barriers like cultural, socio-economic, political and religious differences. But you can break through those walls and infer the motivations of the other party; study weak points, analyze your strong point and get a win-win result. Here are property negotiation tips to achieve these whether on home or foreign soil.

1.     Be respectful.

Being respectful and courteous tells the other party you’re calm and might signify you have the strong ground. This would make the negotiations an enjoyable ground for you. Moreover, everyone likes respectful people. Likability can work in your favor. But going in all firing with an aggressive attitude and you could be sending the wrong signals.

 

2.     Do not be afraid to ask for what you want.

Successful negotiators are assertive and challenge everything - they know everything is negotiable. Being assertive means asking for what you want and refusing to accept NO for an answer. (Check the difference between assertiveness and aggressiveness). However practicing being assertive will take care of your interests while maintaining respect for the interests of others. When you put your own interests in front of others and with a lack of respect, then you are negotiating aggressively.

 

3.      Listen.

The most popular word in the English language (or any other language for that matter) is "I". Therefore, it stands to reason that most people love to hear themselves speak. Communication is imperative in any negotiation. Negotiators are looking for that point that will unite the two sides and create a platform for a result. Good negotiators ask questions and then listen. The other party will tell you everything you need to know - all you have to do is listen. Follow rule 90/10 - listen 90% of the time, speak 10% of the time. Make a lot of open questions sit back, relax and listen and you will be amazed at what you hear.

 

4.     Be Prepared.

It’s not a good strategy when you have to sit down at the negotiating table and think "I wish I'd known that" or "If I just found out before leaving the office. Know whatever there is about the house, the neighborhood and the state before getting to the negotiating table.

 

 

5.     Always be willing to walk.

Never negotiate without options. If you rely too much on the positive outcome of a negotiation, you lose your ability to say NO. When you say to yourself: "I will walk if I cannot secure a negotiation that is satisfactory," the other side perceives that you mean business. Their resolution will force them to make concessions.

Doing your homework is vital to successful negotiation. You cannot make accurate decisions without understanding both sides of the process. The more information you have about the people you are trading with, the stronger your negotiating power.

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6 reasons to use a real estate agent when buying a home anywhere

  • 07, October 2023

Buying overseas real estate often comes with increased responsibilities. Hence you need an efficient local real estate agent

 

While you might be a real estate guru in your home country, buying real estate in a foreign country can get messy without a knowledgeable local real estate agents

 

Here are just three ways things could go wrong when buying overseas property:

 

Over-the-top valuations: A foreign buyer probably doesn't have the stats on comps and recent sales that would help him make the best decisions on pricing. Locals might see this as a chance to price the property above market value. Without an agent on your side and banking on exchange rate advantages, sellers might feel justified to charge you more.

 

Taxes and paperwork omissions: In countries like Spain where there could be local rules and taxes regarding foreign home ownership, it's easy to ignore a few details. Not having the necessary licenses and permissions can be very costly.

 

Lopsided Communication: Sure your developer wants to come to terms quickly, which you find appealing as you don't want to hang around too long. However, you don't want to sign any form or contract without understanding what it entails. It's always important to get expert advice before signing on the dotted line.

 

You should have two people on your side when buying foreign real estate, a lawyer, to help with legal complications, taxes and paperwork and a real estate agent to guide you through the home buying process. You might want to ignore an agent's services as a way to save on agent charges. But here are six reasons why hiring a real estate agent for foreign property purchases is vital:

 

1. Full access to the market: Buyers in North America who work with agents have a full access to the Multiple Listing Service (A service that offers access to information regarding market value, comps and properties on the market). While some countries do not have a property listing service, a good agent will likely have a slew of properties and connections with other agents. This ensures he can secure a property that fits your criteria.

 

2. Detect overpriced properties: Where there is no MLS to set pricing, sellers and their agent often pad the asking price on their properties. Especially when the buyer has no agent on their side. Even in countries with MLS, ignorance can be a justification for an agent to charge you up to 40% above asking price. You can take advantage of an agent's market knowledge in this case. An agent has comps and data coupled with market experience and should be able to tell you instantly when a property is overpriced. However, do not neglect to do your own research about properties that catch your fancy. This will help you keep unethical agents in check.

 

3. Help with securing mortgage: One of the risky aspects of buying property abroad is getting financing. When considering going for a mortgage, your real estate agent can give you the low-down on mortgages for foreigners. He or she might also be able to connect you with bankers. An agent can also facilitate your loan by helping you with the necessary paperwork. This is one major reason why the services of a real estate agent are invaluable when you're buying a house overseas.

 

4. Negotiating and drawing up an offer: Negotiating tactics you have mastered in the US might fail to work when negotiating with sellers in Japan. The reason is that there are culture and language differences which can be difficult to fathom. So instead of trying confrontation or hard sell tactics, it is usually best to hire a professional agent who understands your situation and can persuasively represent this to a seller.

 

5. Help with finding good deals: You're probably trying to scoop up a good deal on a property. However, it's unlikely you'll find great deals by driving around a neighborhood. Agents have connections with other agents and access to a lot of properties. Hence it's much easier to find great deals by working with them.

 

6. Recommend trusted professionals: A trusted real estate agent would probably have a number of reputable service professionals in his network from inspectors, lawyers, handymen, mortgage lenders etc... This would be highly beneficial since you have little experience in the neighborhood and might be susceptible to pseudo professionals.

 

Caveat: When choosing agents to work with, work with vetted professionals. Don't just go with the agent down the street as that might turn out costly. This is why we periodically recommend agents in select communities who are vetted and have significant market experience to make your foreign property dream come true.

By Bebuzee Admin Read More
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5 Inexpensive Home Improvement Tips To Improve Your Homes Value

  • 29, August 2023

Depending on your home's value, your market and comps in your neighborhood, you could consider making renovations in your home before listing. In a place like New York, however, where houses are being snapped up fast and prices are over the roof, renovating your house for sale might be a crazy idea. But in suburbs with high inventory, your house needs to measure up.

 

When selling, you wouldn't be looking through the same eyeglasses as a new homeowner. Your calculations and priorities will be much different. The most important thing when you have to consider value is return on investment. What renovations will make my house sell fast and at the same time give good return on investment? Before you embark on gutting your circa 1990 kitchen, the first thing you might need to do is consult an experienced realtor who knows what works best in your particular neighborhood.

 

You might find out that minor cosmetic upgrades will get more buyers through the door. And yea, the door is important. Instead of spending money on pricey renovations like adding a deck or basement revamp, Remodeling magazine’s 2015 Cost vs. Value Report says that replacing your existing front door with a new steel door will net you a 101.8% ROI for a minimal replacement cost of $1,230. Knowing which areas to spend on will help save you a lot of money when making renovations. Let's look at five low-cost ways to increase your home's value.

 

        Inexpensive Home Improvement Tips to Improve Your Home’s Value

 

1. Consider curb appeal. Nothing says 'welcome to this lovely house' to a prospective buyer as a nicely mowed lawn, a few shrubs here and there and a well-swept walkway. The first impression buyers have as they drive to your home is truly important. So, it's necessary you set the stage right. Hiring a good landscaper will be worth the money. Not only will your home appeal to prospective buyers, your neighbor would also love the effort.

 

2. Have a cohesive kitchen. Kitchen plays a big role in home improvement. Many Realtors call it the heart of the home. Indeed it is; since an average American homeowner spends at least 37 minutes daily in the kitchen. Sprucing up your kitchen demands that you create the impression of a clean and updated kitchen. One way to achieve this impression is creating cohesiveness, especially with color. Mix and match kitchens are not the best. If your kitchen appliances don't match, consider ordering new doors, e.g new cabinet doors or face panels for them.

 

3. Work on your bathroom. Next to the kitchen, bathrooms are important to potential home buyers. You can make a difference in your bathroom at a low cost by adding new toilet seat and a pedestal sink. These are also pretty easy for homeowners to install on their own. One thing you may not be able to do on your own but which will add value to your bathroom is replacing an old, discolored, bathroom floor with vinyl tiles. Bright, energy efficient lighting will also improve your bathroom's appeal.

 

4. Update closets. Cramped storage spaces are not attractive to potential buyers. You can step up your storage by adding a do-it-yourself wire and laminate system to bedrooms and pantries.

 

5. Check the mechanics. Having a minor inspection and working on existing faults in your home like faulty outlets, loose wires and water leaks give the impression that someone has really taken care of the home.

 

 

 

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