How to buy with a proper discount

There are few posts which actually tell you directly how to save up to 52% on the purchase cost of your dream property.  This member actually comes from Bulgaria and explains in detail how buyers are able to save thousands of Euros when purchasing a property.  The ways in which the price can be reduced, using a mixture of efficient investing and solid negotiating, seem straight forward on paper, but are they as easy in real life? As you might expect, the thread has been met with caution by some members, but even the smallest of savings will fall into the buyers pocket!

Surprisingly this thread has not provoked more comments from the forum members, because there are some very interesting points.  While a saving of up to 52% on a purchase price would be a buyers dream, there are some interesting ideas about actually reducing the cost to you.  Tax efficient investment vehicles such as limited companies are common place in the property market, but tend to be more efficient the larger investor you are.  The bottom line is, if you do not try to negotiate a deal for yourself, the agents are not going to hand it to you on a plate - many will be willing to reduce their commission to keep you “onside”, so always ask the question! 

Want to invest in Morocco Advice Wanted

While this particular thread was started last year, it has rumbled on in the back ground for some time.  There appears to be some concerns of property development in Morocco, with some investors questioning the parties involved and calling their record to account.  On the other hand there are posters who have dealt with these parties before without any problems.  As well as highlighting Morocco, the track record of parties involved, it also shows members working together to help one another - which is what we are here for.

After going quiet for a while, this thread has jumped back to life of late, with many members unhappy about the way the project is being handled.  Interestingly a number of posters seem to have direct contacts with the developers, which they are happy to use to help others.  There is a little conflict on the thread, with differing views on the parties involved and how to  track the progress.  However, there is surprisingly little talk of Morocco as a place to invest, but this thread does demonstrate how the process works, and what can be done when all is not as expected.  Local knowledge seems to be vital when dealing abroad, and something which is offered in this thread.

Qatari Diar' launches USD-660Mn tourist project in Tangier

Yet again Morocco has come to the fore, with talk about a major new project in the area, and a pipeline of other projects on the way.  The $660 million project in Tangier has prompted a lot of comments, and with such Blue Chip backing as the Quatar government it has prompted speculation that the project is actually aimed at the wealthy Arabian market.  There is also much comment about the location of Morocco and the potential to benefit from visitors to nearby countries.  The thread has mushroomed in subject matter, and now takes in a variety of projects along the coast - interesting.     

If recent posts and comments are anything to go by, it seems that Morocco is an area which is going to see some serious investment over the short to medium term.  Favourable comment about the standard of developments, the climate and the location of the country all bode well for the future.  While many of the projects seem to be targeted at the high value end of the market, there are some cheaper options coming online.  The funds being invested in the area can only improve the attraction to tourists, with the potential for substantial growth in the property market.

Brazil: Opening A Bank Account In Brazil!!

It is not very often that there is a deep discussion about setting up foreign country bank accounts, but this thread about Brazil is interesting and informative.  Initially it looked as though investors may have difficulty setting up bank accounts, which would have obvious knock on effects for collecting rent, paying bills, etc.  However, there are a few common sense posts which highlight the fact it would be difficult for Brazil to prosper as a country if foreign investments was stemmed.  There are some useful examples of fast track ways to open a bank account, which investors should note down for the future!

While on the face of it this may not be the most exciting subject in the world, it has proved popular.  As with many other countries, Brazil has been the subject of many myths and untruths about the banking and property systems, which have greatly developed in recent times.  As mentioned on a number of occasions, it may not be easy to open an account, but there is no benefit in shutting out foreign investment.  The country continues to grow and is on the radar for many property developers looking for something a little different, and we should all expect a further relaxation of regulations in due course. 

Who are the good guys and who are the bad guys in international property?

While this article had the potential to become a “moan and groan” thread, offering people the chance to throw petty criticisms at agents in the industry, this has not happened.  Thankfully, the article has taken on a very professional and helpful format, with contributors passing on their comments, both good and bad, and asking for fellow member comments.  While we have all come across some of the more “shady” agents in the industry, there is some interesting information about links between many of these agents - something for us all to watch out for.  It is interesting to see the same names cropping up, time and time again.

While threads such as this have the potential to attract untrue and wild rumours, it is interesting to see this one develop in a balanced and informative format.  Many agents have been mentioned, with both good and bad reputations, and there has been much feedback from those who have used them.  It is always useful to hear from the “horses mouth”, and while every thing should be taken at arms length, it does offer a useful starting point when looking at your next agent appointment.  This is a thread which is sure to go on and on, and hopefully we can build up a reputation record for the agents out there.