3 SIMPLE TIPS TO FIND GREAT REAL ESTATE DEALS ANYWHERE

In a hot market like the one US is experiencing now, it’s hard to find great deals. Everything is overpriced; median real estate prices are up 160% since 1990, whereas incomes are up 90%, according to seekingalpha.com. Yet, there are great deals up for the taking and this applies with foreign properties also. However, you don’t want a property that will eventually turn out to be a money sinkhole. What should you look for while on the search for your next profitable real estate investment.

1.     Less Risky.

All real estate investments are risky. However some investments are more riskier. There are so many things that can go wrong with development of real estate, land, Tenant-in-Common (TIC) investments, private real estate funds and fixer uppers. These investments are high risk. You may not see a dime of the money you invest again. Before you put money down, it is necessary to do considerable due diligence, analyze, test, review reports etc., to avoid making risky real estate decisions.

2.     Fair cash-on-cash return.

Your stocks, bonds and other financial assets generate a rate of return of between 4% to 6%. Real estate shouldn’t be an exception. It is necessary to shoot for deals that give a fair cash-on –cash rate of return. This means that you need to buy cash flow positive properties and always pro-forma your deals. Check how pro-forma works in real estate investments

3.     Doesn’t take too much of your time.

If you have to travel every week to check out the status of your investment property, then it’s not worth the effort, money and time. These type of properties require considerable time and energy investment before they become smart investments: vacation rentals, low quality properties in bad areas, college rentals etc.

Here are four basic hints you also can use to find great real estate deals, regardless of whether you're searching for an investment property, a property for your business or just a home for your family.

1. Be the first. . . Or the last one.

In real estate, often the old adage is true: The early bird gets the worm.

Often, it is not the highest bid for a property that is accepted, it is simply the first. So, if you are looking to find great real estate deals, be quick about it! Obtain prior approval from a bank so you can jump to any property immediately, and let your real estate agent set you up with automatic email alerts notifying you of any new property coming to the market. So, do not delay - check it out quickly, and make an offer the same day if possible.

On the contrary, another way to find great deals is to look for properties that have been in the market for a long time. Such homeowners are often much more willing to sell for a discount because they are tired of clinging to that property. Many times, they have been making two mortgage payments for months (or years) and will entertain almost any offer.

2. Approach absentee owners in private.

Some of the best kinds of deals can be got from absentee owners, which simply means someone who owns a property but does not live there. They may be landlords (who hate their tenants) or homeowners who inherited their homes and simply do not know what to do with them. You can find these deals in a number of ways, such as:

Drive around, look for vacant homes, and use public records online to track the owner

Buying a list of public records using an aggregate list site such as ListSource.com

Calling mom-and-pop owners who are listing "for rent" properties on Properbuz. Let them know that you are not interested in renting, but would like to talk to them about the purchase.

3. Take a look at a large number of deals.

Finally, recognize that finding discounted prices is basically a "numbers game." You may have to kiss a great deal of frogs to get the prince!

Whether you want to buy an investment property, buy a home for yourself or buy real estate for another reason, keep in mind: You make your cash when you buy. If you wish to have immediate equity on your investment, which can help you build prosperity in the foreseeable future, or save in case there is an economical turndown, you must find great real estate deals.

With delightful sights and enticing cuisine, it's no wonder France is at the top of the list for many tourists. And not only tourists, people who are banking on profiting from these fascinations are snapping up properties fast too. France also boasts collections from masters of both modern and contemporary art.

However, if you're looking to buy a home in France as a foreign investor, don't be distracted by the sights. It's easy to be carried away by the beaches of Riveira, wandering through the battlefields of Normandy or viewing castles along the French countryside. You will need to focus your efforts on getting the deal done right. Let’s consider some stats on French property prices.

Facts about property prices in France

Prices are competitive and mortgage rates are currently low in France, according to Notaires de France. In the past year, over 900,000 properties have changed hands. Even though a surprisingly large number of these properties (90%) were bought by people looking to live in, rather than let. For investors, this means there hasn't been a property bubble and this might just be the right time to buy a house in France. Price is increasing steadily. Notaires de France estimated a year on year increase of 1.2% in property prices by August of this year and a jump of 4% in property prices by the end of the year.

What to know when buying property in France

Although the process of buying property in France is fairly straightforward, here are some things you need to know:

1. You're not required to hire a solicitor. As a general rule, buying property in France must proceed without an advocator or solicitor. It can't be delegated. So you have to travel and spend time and effort on acquiring the property.  Although property buying and land registration in France are secure, you need to have your wits about you.

2. You should learn French. If buying a house in France, you should know French or at least hire a translator. Trying to infer what the other person is saying will only give you a false sense of security. On the other hand, a knowledge of the language will bolster your confidence.

3. The notaire will not verify everything. The notaire may not be able to tell you if the property would give good ROI or what liens are currently on the property. There is room for you to do your own research about the property and about prices in that neighborhood. It's also advisable to get a specialist property lawyer.

4. Estate agents mostly act for the seller. Take care to read through any written offer. Make sure that the content of the offer are subject to a written sales and purchase offer. Also make sure you read through the content of the sales and purchase offer prepared by the agent to ensure equity. As with buying property anywhere, take your time before signing on the dotted line.

5. Local mortgages can be favorable. You might want to consider buying with a French mortgage as mortgages in France are relatively cheap. If you'll be seeking a mortgage, it's important you throw in a conditional clause in the sale contract.

In conclusion, having your own notaire is advisable. Don't expect the notaire working for both seller and buyer to seek your best interest.

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Moving broad for work or fun is both exciting and frightening, here are some things you should know

An ancient quote says, 'those who travel across the seas only change their skies, but not their souls", nowadays the opposite is true. Studies show that people who live abroad find it easier to engage with other cultures. Moving abroad gives you more perspective on life. But it's not easy to take the first step. The thought of leaving your family and friends can be distressing coupled with the fact that you may not know anybody in the new country. However, it's an opportunity to leave your comfort zone and explore different cultures and issues you haven't seen before.

But there are challenges you'll encounter. Paperwork can be exhausting; The stress of trying to blend into a new environment, especially when you're not fluent in their language; The guilt that comes with leaving your family and friends, which they may not initially understand. But facts prove that the distance could actually strengthen your relationship. So if you're tired of the same old routine and want some more adventure in your life, you'll find that you can master the skill of dealing with the challenges that come with living in a foreign city. Whether you're a millennial moving to another country for work or a retiree just seeking adventure, these tips will help make the move as painless as possible.

Tips For Moving Abroad

1. Make some research. You already know this is important. It's a no-brainer. Know a bit about the political climate of the country, the economic climate, geography and important public figures. Also learn something of the culture, history and staple foods.

2. You don't really need much stuff. Unless you're running away from your home country, never to return, you'll find that excess luggage is just what it's called; excess luggage. It's a given that there will be stores and large shopping outlets in the country you're moving to. Also leaving back the excess stuff might be a way to dispose of materialism and reprioritize what's important in your life. However, never forget to take the important stuff. Don't forget to take your favorite 'Abercrombie' shirt or else your mind might not leave home.

3. Don't expect to settle in at once. It might take at least three months before you fully integrate with the culture of a particular place. You might find it hard to make friends during this time. So, don't rush and don't feel like you've to immerse completely while trying to socialize but stretching your limits of comfortability. During this time, you can observe. Also, maybe, get some interesting 'alone' activities to keep it fun.

4. Experience new things. Travelling abroad and not trying new foods, people and customs is like going to school and not learning anything. Don't be afraid to experience new things. Also, don't limit yourself to the big cities. If you travel to Spain, don't spend all your time in Madrid. Check out the smaller town, you'll learn and experience much more.

5. Make local friends. As a new property investor abroad, your local friends will be able to assist you a lot. They'll give you practical information and might even put in some legwork for you. Generally, you're not moving abroad to hang out with fellas from your home country. Therefore, mingle with the locals.