Information is power, especially when it comes to real estate investing on foreign soil. You have to know the area, the schools around, transport, new developments planned and real estate laws that apply. Staying ahead therefore means you have to do considerable research. However you look at it, you’ll find that having a local realtor is still the best way to get important information you need. Here are five things a local real estate agent will help you with if you wish to buy a home abroad.

1.     Local pricing.

The important thing with buying or selling real estate is price. How do you assess the ‘fair’ value of a property in another location? You have to rely on data from comparable properties. The price of a similar property in the next town may be lower than the price in your current city, for example. Real estate agents have access to such data, given their access to the MLS and can help you determine if what you’re paying for a property is ‘fair’.

2.     Get pre-approved for mortgage.

Sellers give more preference to pre-approved buyers and you might be able to lock in a favorable rate with your bank. You need an agent’s help when getting pre-approved for mortgage. They have gone through the process many times before and can be of invaluable help.

3.     Help find catalysts.

One sign that an area is coming up and that will be desirable in the future is the development of new infrastructures. When you see new roads and built schools, it is a sign that the community is ready for growth. Investing in a growing community can be very profitable.(check how to spot a developing market). In addition, certain types of development, such as new shopping malls, can be extremely attractive to home buyers, and can also help keep the tax base low. Real estate agents have a general idea of ??what new projects are about to take off.

4.     Explore low-tax alternatives

If there are two cities side by side - one with high property taxes (or the progressive increase in property taxes) and the other with low property taxes - the one with the lowest taxes will usually be more in demand.

Real estate agents can help you determine which areas have the best and worst tax structures. Also look to see if a revaluation is set to take place in the near future as it may mean that property taxes are about to rise.

5.     Check school rankings.

Almost all states rank their schools for how well students in each district benefit from math and English tests. Sharp investors should look for schools that are moving up or are at the top of the list. These areas are often desirable for parents. Access to quality education is a great selling point for new home buyers. Agents have access to this information.

The bottom line: Doing your homework, getting free information and putting in the leg work alone might not do the job. A local real estate agent is an invaluable resource when looking to buy property abroad. 

BUYING PROPERTY ABROAD: HOW TO CURTAIL RISK WHEN MAKING OVERSEAS PROPERTY INVESTMENTS

Many people are buying property abroad today because of the investment potential. The price of foreign property can be especially attractive when exchange rates tip the balance in favor of a prospective buyer’s currency. Imagine buying a beachfront house in Brazil for $50,000 when you’d spend $400,000 for the same house in a place like Orange County. Buying property abroad is a way to get actively involved during retirement.

If you don’t want a hands-on management, this type of investment would still generate passive income for you, an income not depending on the US dollar, denominated in another currency. There are reputable property management companies that can help you take care of your new investment and help you make consistent rental income from your investment. The fact that many Americans are not preparing adequately (or even preparing at all) for retirement means many Americans are not living out their dreams after retirement. “About 60% of Americans have no savings in retirement accounts like 401(k)s or IRAs,” reports Business Insider. The Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) estimates the shortfall in retirement savings to be at $4.13 trillion for heads-of-households aged 25 to 64.

One of the reasons why many Americans lack sufficient retirement savings is that the traditional means of saving are unreliable, according to USmoneyreserve.com. If protecting your retirement is important to you, buying property abroad can help you get the ideal retirement and offer the kind of security that other asset classes cannot provide.

Moreover, there are wasteful aspects in some markets that haven't worked themselves out yet, and those inefficiencies can work further bolstering your good fortune. For example, there are some markets in the world with restricted wellsprings of capital where people need money. Without access to easy credit, they frequently offer their property at a much lower cost to have fast access to money.

Furthermore, when you spend money on overseas property you do not just get the benefit for those market inefficiencies, you additionally have the advantage that a lot of shareholders are so concerned about risk that they create no real hazard, nor create any competition. But even though overseas properties offer a chance to diversify your investment and can help you get the retirement of your dreams, there are some risks. Here are some tips to help you curtail risk when buying property abroad.

1.     Read the books.

The key to successful property investments overseas is to do your homework and not cut corners. By all accounts, read books about the country you are considering buying an international investment property and read relevant forum posts online but do not get sucked in by the sellers and never overlook the power of local knowledge. Even a simple walk around the area can give you a great insight into the events and settings that take place on a daily basis, giving you a real feel for the place.

2.     Beware of overseas investment property in "emerging markets".

This term can be used to dress up areas of neglect. Look around for signs such as closing shops and boarded up houses, as these may suggest a struggling economy. If you come across something else that you do not feel at ease with, do not go with the property investment. Foreign buyers should feel 100% safe in the area before taking the plunge. Likewise, if you look at a series of new developments that are beginning to emerge, this could be a sign that the real estate market in the area is about to take off.

3.     Do not leave yourself at the mercy of the laws of the country when buying property abroad.

Buying investment property on foreign soil requires the advice and guidance of a local lawyer. Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you are accredited and credited as well as fluent in English and the language of the country you wish to purchase.

4.     Don’t take the risk of using cash.

Using a bank with an office abroad to conduct large transactions is always the best. Foreign investment properties and those that sell them must be approached with caution and due diligence.

It’s normal to be apprehensive when buying property abroad for the first time or trying anything new. And yes, the risks are there but to be successful in property investing, you mustn’t let that hold you back.

Are you curious about what the future holds for the real estate industry? With the rapid evolution of technology and shifting market trends, it can be challenging to stay ahead of the game. In this article, we'll dive into the emerging trends in real estate 2023 that are set to shape the industry. From technological advancements to shifting demographics, we'll cover it all.

Introduction

Real estate has always been a dynamic and ever-changing industry, and 2023 is no exception. As we move towards the future, we can expect to see significant changes in the way we buy, sell, and manage properties. The real estate industry is set to undergo a major transformation as emerging trends continue to shape its landscape. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the most prominent emerging trends in real estate 2023.

The Emergence of Smart Cities

One of the most significant emerging trends in real estate 2023 is the rise of smart cities. As technology continues to evolve, so do our cities. Smart cities are designed to improve the quality of life for their citizens by utilizing technology and data to optimize city services and infrastructure. This includes everything from traffic management to public safety, waste management, and energy consumption. Smart cities are set to transform the real estate industry as they create new opportunities for developers, investors, and property managers.

Benefits of Smart Cities

• Improved quality of life for citizens
• Increased sustainability and energy efficiency
• Improved public safety
• Enhanced transportation systems

Increased Adoption of Virtual Reality

Another emerging trend in real estate 2023 is the increasing adoption of virtual reality. Virtual reality technology is transforming the way we buy, sell, and market properties. It allows buyers to take virtual tours of homes and properties, which can save time and money. Additionally, virtual reality can help property managers showcase their properties in a more engaging and interactive way.

Benefits of Virtual Reality

• Saves time and money
• Enhances property marketing
• Allows for remote property viewing

The Growth of Co-Living Spaces

As the world becomes more interconnected, we're seeing a rise in co-living spaces. Co-living spaces are shared living environments where individuals or groups of people live together in a communal setting. This type of housing is becoming increasingly popular among young professionals, students, and digital nomads. Co-living spaces are designed to foster a sense of community and provide affordable housing solutions in urban areas.

Benefits of Co-Living Spaces

• Affordable housing options
• Sense of community
• Shared resources and amenities

Shifting Demographics

The demographics of real estate are changing, and this is set to continue in 2023. The aging baby boomer population is downsizing, while millennials are becoming the largest group of homebuyers. This shift in demographics is creating new opportunities for real estate developers and investors.

Impact of Shifting Demographics

• Increased demand for affordable housing
• Demand for urban, walkable communities
• New opportunities for real estate investors

Sustainability and Green Buildings

As the world becomes more environmentally conscious, the demand for sustainable and green buildings is on the rise. Green buildings are designed to minimize their impact on the environment, reduce energy consumption, and provide a healthier living environment for occupants. In 2023, we can expect to see an increased focus on sustainable real estate development.

Benefits of Green Buildings

• Reduced energy consumption
• Healthier living environments
• Lower operating costs