There is no doubt that there are great opportunities in the United States at present.We have just put together a 52 unit apartment complex in Daytona Beach for 2.75 million. We were able to get a deal of 70% finance at 5.75% fixed for 5 years the building is fully renovated and now more than 90% let. The fact that you can get this sort of leverage is very exciting. I will be back in Florida late next week. We have also purchased an office building this year as well.

Another group selling house and land packages on the outskirts of the city in areas like Melton

It will depend on how much you paid. Most companies selling this type of product are making at least a $30,000 commission however since they are offering a 10 year rental guarantee who knows. I know nothing about this company apart from whatI see on there website. However they are not areas that I would personally invest in

There is a lot f corruption there. If you are planning on living there its one thing but frankly there are far better and safer areas to invest than the Philippines

Yes its a bit like a holiday brochure showing you an Olympic sized pool only to find that it is a duck pond when you arrive. Photos can be misleading. We never buy anything unless inspected. I am sure most people especially who are on this site would do the same

I have been to a lot of seminars but most of what I do I have worked out for myself. But that’s what I do is study markets.

I read a lot and have met with a number of experts over the years. The best knowledge is what you learn as you do the deals.

A valuation is carried out based on instructions. When a bank does a valuation they will often request that a valuation is done on a conservative basis. In other words if the apartment or property had to be sold what would be the worst case scenario. The bank remember is wanting to look at the valuation based on there risk. I know that in some cities in Australia there are a lot of apartments coming out of the ground so the banks are lowering valuations. The valuation does not necessary reflect the market value .
Why was your dad wanting a sworn valuation? If it was for finance then that would explain it.

Hi cat

Interesting however quite a few cities and states had strong growth last year so it could be that in some parts are just leveling out again. I don’t think anyone wants a repeat of 2008.

Now you talk about a low dollar but is that not in the US interest. If the dollar stays low then it is better for exports imports also become more expensive. I have read reports that indicate that a lot of companies that were manufacturing off shore are now returning to the United States. After all with a population of 315 million there is still a strong population base.

In terms of Mexicans is not there a lot of concern that the number of illegals coming across the border is actually increasing at present.

I am not saying that America does not have problems. Because of state rights it seems almost impossible to get a lot of reform through. Clearly he US would benefit from a major change to there tax system especially with a GST. However there is an inability to even make moderate changes. However the American have always been innovative and there is a national pride that may force them into action. It is still the strongest economy in the world and I do see investment opportunities there, but sure like anywhere there are problems

• This reply was modified 10 years, 4 months ago by  Nigel Kibel.

Hi Cat

I could not agree with you more. They have just raised interest rates in New Zealand because property prices are now on a par with Sydney which is nuts. However the economy while the Australian economy is struggling. Thats what 6 years of mismanagement can do.

I am seeing great opportunities in the United States because the economy is improving and with a lot of Americans moving to states like Texas and Florida those economies would seem to have a bright future.

you should get a town planner involved and talk to a few agents regarding design and what is selling in the area to make sure you make you land with permits salable. Once you have he permits your other option would be to look at the project as a joint venture with a builder. You would have to do your figures on what would work best