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วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 10 กรกฎาคม พ.ศ. 2551

The Philippines is the hottest real estate market in Southeast Asia

The Philippines is the hottest real estate market in Southeast Asia

by Beth Collingz


Tourism, offshore property investors and local real estate developers are driving the property market in the Philippines to the top of real estate investors' list, said Manila Condotel Investment group PLC International Marketing Networks.

Beth Collingz, sales director of PLC International Marketing Networks whom specialize in the Lancaster Brand of Condotel Investments in the Philippines said "Foreign investors are looking at the positive effects of the stable Philippine peso, increasing tourist arrivals, the BPO boom, and the positive effect of overseas Filipino worker (OFW) dollar remittances into the country with investment opportunities in tourism and real estate remaining a high priority in Metro Manila and Cebu". Tourist arrivals in the Philippines during 2007 reached over three million. New markets such as those from Russia, Middle East, China, and Korea are expected to help in sustaining tourism growth.

The projected number of tourists arriving in 2008 is set at more than 3.4 million the majority of which pass through the National Capital - Metro Manila and some 30% or 1.02 million using new direct flights into the Mactan-Cebu International Airport as their entry point to the Philippines.

Condo Hotel developer, Pacific Concord Properties Inc., [PCPI] have taken advantage of this boom as "new hotel and resort developments are currently being constructed in strategic business locations such as the Ortigas Center business district of Metro Manila as well as top tourist destinations such as Mactan, Cebu" continued Collingz. According to Statistics released by the Philippine Department of Tourism, hotel room occupancy rates rose to 73.06 percent in 2007 from 71.95 percent in 2006.

The Lancaster Brand of Condo Hotels, a new development by PCPI, includes the US$100 million Lancaster Suites Tower 1, a combined hotel and residential condominium that is now operational and Lancaster - The Atrium Condotel that will rise adjacent to Tower 1 in Shaw Boulevard, Metro Manila.

However, construction costs in the Philippines are seen to increase by more than 35% this year due to record oil, steel and cement and global shipping price rises on the back of US Dollar devaluation said Collingz. Nearly all construction materials used in the development of Philippine high-rise buildings are imported. With the strong depreciation of the US Dollar value in the South-East Asia combined with record high oil prices that may see crude hit 150/160 USD per barrel in July and August 2008, construction materials exported from China, Korea, Malaysia and Taiwan, together with their shipping costs, continue to increase in price at a phenomenal rate as exporters of steel reinforcement bars, electrical wirings, aluminum, copper based components and Portland cement in the region set upwards of 40/50% price increases.

Anyone considering Philippine Real Estate Investments should move now and lock in at current price levels said Collingz who's Lancaster Condo Hotel brand offer the security of International Standards of Trust Account Escrow Banking facilities for all buyers' payments. 'We are looking at another round of 10% price increases within the next 30 days [effective July 16, 2008] on all our inventories of Condo Hotel units at both Lancaster Suites and Lancaster - The Atrium Manila. Buyers whom reserve now can take advantage of current prices locked in for their units and see an immediate equity return on their investment"

Lancaster Manila Atrium Tower A, Shaw Boulevard, Metro Manila, Philippines is a "Full Service" Condominium Hotel ["Condotel"] offering Studio, One, Two and Three Bedroom Suites for sale on up to 12 year 'In-House' developer extended no pre-qualification payment terms available to non-resident foreign nationals and investors with the option of enrolling their units in the Lancaster Condotel Rental Pool and earn Rental Incomes when not using their units through our own Lancaster Hotels Condo Management. This makes Lancaster Suites Manila, one of the Hottest Investment Opportunities in the Philippines said Collingz.

For further info regarding Lancaster Philippines Condo Hotel Investments please do not hesitate to contact us....

Beth Collingz PLC International Marketing Networks

Pacific Concord Properties Inc., Manila Head Office Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City. Metro Manila. Philippines Phone: Manila [632] 717 1958 Fax: Manila [632] 718 1828

วันอาทิตย์ที่ 6 กรกฎาคม พ.ศ. 2551

Boom and Bust of Real Estate Industry in United States

Boom and Bust of Real Estate Industry in United States

by Melanie Bremner


Real Estate Boom in US

US Real Estate industry has seen drastic changes in last few years. During early years of this decade, United State's economy was booming like anything. Thanks to the IT, Electronics and Retail revolution that caused sudden increase in earning potential of residents. People were looking for new and more beneficial options to invest their money. Investing in Gold and commodities shares was not as rewarding as past. Share Prices of IT and Telecom companies were on its peak, so it was also not a good idea to buy them as investment purpose.

At this point of time, Real Estate became hot favorite for investment purposes. People started buying residential as well as commercial properties like there is no tomorrow. It was one of the most rewarding investments, which could return attractive benefits in comparatively less time.

Rule of Demand & Supply

There was one more reason behind this boom. It was the urbanization in almost every part of US. People were moving to cities and metros in search of better options of employment and better earning. It was a phenomenon, started during early eighties and reached to its climax during last few years of 20th century. As space were limited in metros, so according to the very old Demand and Supply rule of Economics, prices for residential as well as commercial properties started increasing and reached to all time high. However, people were busy buying properties, getting loans was easier due to flexible loan scheme offered by banks and lenders. Therefore, it was a rave of buying residential as well as commercial properties everywhere, what people were concerned is only EMI's of the loan amount.

Problem Days for Real Estate

It was the time when there were less available properties than the number of buyers. It was a win-win situation for sellers. They took benefit of the situation and sold properties on more than its actual prices. But, during last few years US has seen several problems falling dollar rates, increasing rate of unemployment, closure of several business entities, as well as bad health of sectors like IT and falling share prices resulted in hue and cry everywhere in US.

Banks increased rate of interest in this situation to recover their debt as soon s possible, however it became tough for people (who were facing several problems already) to pay their loan installments. They are left with burden of un payable loans, and the only option was to sell the property and pay the loan. However, it was also tough because they were not getting the perfect amount that can solve their problems. In fact, the price being offered used to be very less than the price paid by them when buying property. It created a major problem for Real Estate industry.

Investing in office space in Miami

Investing in office space in Miami

by Andre b


Office space in Miami is a major diversified area of business and significant part of the quintessential American Dream. Office space in Miami is an immovable property that includes land along with anything that is permanently affixed to the land such as a building or home. Office space in Miami is a billion dollar industry and every real estate agents job is to sell offices. Every real estate agent also wants the best looking offices to sell at the best selling price possible. Office space in Miami is considered like kind with all other real estate in the Florida, no matter the type or location. For example, a piece of residential property in Louisiana is like kind to a factory in Alaska.
Investing in office space in Miami is all about the numbers. If it is an income property investment, it's about one number in particular: cash flow. Investing in office space in Miami is not a new game and if done correctly with right timing, it can be a lucrative investment opportunity. For others, investing in gold and silver in the form of bullion may be a great way to invest. Investing in office space in Miami is certainly not risk free. Like we mentioned earlier there are no guarantees, but with proper research and a bit of savvy, you can maximize your earnings.
Investors are obviously keenly interested in whether the value of their investment is increasing or decreasing. Thus, frequent re-pricing is necessary to inform investors about the current value of their investment. Investors who want to be successful need to find an area within Miami-Dade area that is both reasonably priced and has a moderate cost of living. With this winning combination, investors will be able to purchase into something that they can afford while still being allowed the opportunity to make a decent profit in a reasonable amount of time. Investor foreclosure property is Miami office space being sold at public auction in order to settle the debt of a defaulted homeowner or commercial holder. By attending these auctions and bidding, you can often secure and investor foreclosure for prices that are far below the home's actual value, since it must be sold.
Investors seem to be starting to grasp that office space in Miami prices can move down as well as up. From an investment standpoint, it is of interest to take a step back and consider what we can rationally say about real estate as an asset class. Investors will not have to worry themselves with the idea of spending thousands more trying to repair.
Additionally the net of fair market value that they will accept tends to decrease meaning they will look at and potentially accept lower offers. Add the buyer's agent commission to that, and that sets the bar of cash they need to save that much higher.
Office space rentals must be depreciated over 27.5 years, but office space properties are depreciable over 39 years on a straight-line basis. In other words, even though your investment property is appreciating, you can claim depreciation losses on your tax return. Residential construction is expected to remain strong, with home builder's research projecting 29,500 new home building permits in 2004.

Real Estate Boom in Panama

Real Estate Boom in Panama

by Laurie Cooper


The once known city with a Canal is now known for real estate boom in Panama. With stunning forest and its interesting ecosystems, tropical climate, attractive beaches and affordable commodities, the convenient geographic location are just some of the reasons for the real estate boom in Panama. People from America, whether investors, retirees, vacation seekers, or individuals or families who wish to relocate outside the US considers Panama as the perfect place. By word of mouth or by various investment opportunities in Panama knocking at the doors of these people, real estate boom in Panama has been real in the recent years. Most developers are hoping that it will be sustainable in the coming years as demands are over its supplies.

Many areas in Panama are being developed for commercial or residential use. Competition has been so great that most developers are into spotting attractive locations, offering competitive price, and appropriate customer service for its foreign clients who wish to invest in the real estate in Panama. Not only are the private sectors involved in the real estate boom in Panama, more importantly it's the government tax incentives on Panama that creates the greatest reason for the real estate boom in Panama. When foreigner invests in real estate, there is no tax for such property up to 5, 15 or 20 years depending on the location and the type of property. Government's contribution to real estate boom in Panama is not only related to tax. It also tries to get rid of the Noriega stigma which has been popular in Panama. Crime rates have dropped for the past several years which make living and investing in Panama worthwhile and safe. The government is more involved now with it foreign relations as well which benefit the country for further development and sustainability. This is indeed a great advantage for investors who are considering Panama.

Aside from private developers' hard work and government support there are also other reasons for the real estate boom in Panama. Buying real estate in Panama becomes easy as it is easy to sell. Since most properties appreciate easily in Panama, investors can readily sell their properties in few months time at higher amount than its purchase price. Real estate investment in such case proves to be profitable. As if this isn't enough, another reason for real estate boom in Panama doing business in Panama is profitable. Despite the low cost of living, Panama has the largest expenditure consumption compared to its neighboring countries in Central America. Because people in Panama real spend for something, businesses also boom in the country. With such opportunity waiting for investors, the result is the real estate boom in Panama.

As the real estate boom in Panama continues in the current years, many foreigners have flocked into the country. The economy has been developing as it focuses on service industries such as tourism, trade, banking and commerce. Indeed, as there is real estate boom in Panama, the country is expected to develop more in the coming years.

วันเสาร์ที่ 5 กรกฎาคม พ.ศ. 2551

Austin Real Estate Now is the Time to Buy!

Austin Real Estate Now is the Time to Buy!

by Nell Austine


If you are thinking of relocating to the state of Texas, it may interest you to know that Austin real estate is a buyers market at this time. As we move into summer Austin real estate generally starts seeing more sales, and that is what we are seeing. With all the issues in the national market and with the subprime mortgage crisis, there was some worry that the Austin real estate market would not heat up in the summer but sales appear to be on the increase. Buyers are seeing much better deals than they saw this time last year.

The economic outlook for Austin generally mirrors the Texas forecast: local job and population growth outperforms the national economy. The Texas Workforce Commission predicts 3.1% job growth and the unemployment rate for December 2007 was estimated at 3.6%, down from 5.1% in the Austin area during October 2006.

Job growth is expected in Austin's traditional strong employment areas, such as government, education, and health services. Austin is the state capital and seat of Travis County, which makes government a major employer. Austin's local, state, and federal government employs more than 150,000 workers and that number is expected to increase. With the University of Texas and over twenty other colleges within 30 miles, Austin will need more educators. Austin continues to employ many workers in the leisure and hospitality industry, and large healthcare employers are expected to add workers in the near future. With the high quality of life and the increasing population, Austin should see positive job growth through 2009.

The quality of life and entertainment opportunities are another reason that Austin is a bright and thriving city with a diverse cultural scene. Austin is rich with theaters, live music venues, excellent restaurants and unique shopping centers. Population growth in Austin is driven by the high quality of life in the region, with the area being ranked as a top destination for relocating singles and families.

Buying and selling Austin real estate can be overwhelming so an experienced realtor that will provide you with information, but won't pressure you is advisable. They currently have over 11,000 properties to choose from in the Austin, Texas area.

Commercial Real Estate Inspection vs. Home Inspection

Commercial Real Estate Inspection vs. Home Inspection

by Opendoorinspections


What is the difference between a commercial Real Estate Inspection Unit and a Home Inspection? To answer this question, it is best to read why the lot is being done in the first place.

A house purchase deals to a large degree of emotion. Things like: "I love the house", "What a beautiful kitchen", "large backyard" and so forth. People usually buy houses because they really love something about the house or place.

Commercial Real Estate buys a lot of money. The fundamental question is: "How much?" and how much can I make this deal? That is what the commercial real estate buyers looking in: In the bottom line. How much will it cost to install the new heating and AC system needs a new roof, how much can I make on the new rents? And so forth.

With commercial real estate inspections, we are generally looking to what is going to do in the next five years. Is the roof look like it takes at least five more years with the normal maintenance? Can the heating system get? Electrical is needed to be updated because of the change in the use of the building? These kinds of questions are the usual focus. This is always tempered with consultation with the buyer to find out what they're looking for, and what their particular concerns.

We are constantly looking for a house from a performance. Will you scald when the toilet is flushed, if you are in the shower? Are the windows are open; you have enough sockets, and covered with a home.

With a commercial real estate inspection, we are looking for life of the five major systems: electrical, plumbing, heating and AC, roof and structure. The focus of the commercial control is usually much more on large systems to the interior of cosmetic issues. If the carpet is a little worn in a commercial control, we will find, but the buyer is usually not really care. He wants to know, what do I have money now or in the near future in this place?

With Commercial Inspections We emphasize the industry standards for life expectancy. This can vary greatly, depending on the system and the quality of the original design, but in general the industry standards for electrical systems, even though it about 50 years old or older it's time to upgrade is about sanitary. 40-60 years depending on many variables, commercial roofing is usually a flat roof and the main part of approx. 10-15 years. Heating and AC systems, the roof mounted around. 15-17 years expected life. The structure is the biggest variable. These can range from 70-100 years depends on many things.

The cost of a home inspection starts at $ 325.00 for a house. The usual price for commercial real estate inspections is currently about. 10 cents per square meter, if the foot sites get very large and there are a number of complex prices vary. If the buyer has some special problems, the need for detailed investigations, such as heating and AC-or structural or electrical we have specialists in the inspection. These costs are on the overall costs and time will be about the inspection. There should be only with highly qualified professionals, many years in the construction trades as a general contractor and thousands of inspections under their belt.

Orlando Florida Real Estate

Orlando Florida Real Estate

by Karen Arbutine


Why stars and famous athletes live in Windermere

Windermere has the lowest taxes in Orange County. That is a real benefit! Being located 14 miles southwest of Orlando with easy access to airports and major highways is extremely attractive to many residents.

Windermere is surrounded by spring-fed, sand-bottom lakes. Lake Butler is the largest to the west and Lake Down to the east with Lake Bessie to the southeast. They are joined by canals to form the Butler Chain of Lakes.

With so many lakes, there are many lakefront luxury properties. These homes offer the most scenic views of the lakes and tree-lined shorelines that are landscaped beautifully. This area is also a boater's and angler's dream whiles the lakes and canals are bliss for both.

Windermere is known as a premier country club community. It is home to the Arnold Palmer golf course, which has a beautifully Mediterranean-designed clubhouse, which displays famous arts pieces. The Windermere area has more famous golfers than any other US city!

Many celebrities call Windermere home. Tiger Woods, Shaquille O'Neil, Wesley Snipes, Ken Griffey Jr., Mark O'Meara, Tracy McGrady, Robert Earl. In addition, many business CEO's, and medical professionals enjoy this luxury community as well.

Windermere is also home to the sportsplex with hockey and skating rinks along with the Grand Cypress Equestrian Center: with numerous tennis courts, pools, fitness gyms, massage and aerobics facilities along with boat ramps. The lake front luxury community has it all! No wonder many sports enthusiast enjoy it!

Infamous Housing

Homes in Windermere are designed to reflect the ambient natural beauty of the lakes and surroundings. The median price home is in the $800,000 range and going for well into the multi-millions.

In this time of foreclosures, yes, there are even some in Windermere. While not uncommon for these homes to sit on the market for 1 or 2 years, when they sell, a huge profit is made!

It is located right in the backyard of Disney and other Orlando theme parks. Windermere is home to the Orlando Museum of Art, and the Orlando Ballet. There are also many private schools as well.

Where the elite meet, greet and reside Windermere Florida

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