Investments in real estate are basically classified as long term investments. Investing in real estate abroad could potentially become a source of alternative revenue for some investors; it is a good retirement plan.
You might have become familiar with the processes for real estate investments in your country but there are certain points to note when investing in real estate abroad. The business of property rental has huge potentials in every part of the world. The success of businesses like Airbnb is a proof of that good real estate investments are worth it.
You will find these following tips very useful before you commit yourself to any foreign real estate deals.
1. Study the real estate market in the location you have chosen
It is true that the global rates might influence the local real estate rates in different parts of the world but this influence is not very strong. The local values tend to fluctuate based on a variety of reasons.
While the real estate values might be appreciating in your country or state, it might be depreciating in other parts of the world. Understanding these trends is crucial for investors who aim to buy low and sell high.
It is also common to observe that many countries have certain limitations to the level of investment in real estate that a foreigner can make. This means you should know the policies that guide the real estate sector in your preferred country to avoid being defrauded of your precious money.
Another important aspect before you proceed to make a deal is to confirm the foreign exchange rates. With this information, you will know if you are getting a good deal or not.
2. Recruit the services of a reputable real estate firm
The best foreign real estate deals remain those deals transacted directly with the property owners. But as a foreigner, you might be forced to engage the services of a reputable real estate agency in the foreign country except you are very familiar with the country.
Working with these professionals will ensure that you avoid making costly mistakes. They will guide you with the right information to ensure you know all about the deal before committing yourself.
3. Take Note of Maintenance Costs
Real estate properties that include vast gardens, a swimming pool, golf course etc. will attract additional funds for maintenance of these facilities.
Find out all the features of the property you are interested in buying before making a decision. You need to be sure your budget can cover any extra costs before proceeding with the transaction.
4. Get into an agreement with a reputable foreign exchange agency
The foreign exchange agency you use can make a lot of difference in the final payments you make for the real estate property abroad. Reputable agencies must have a lot of experience in offering these services because they are basically the main source of funding for investors who buy properties abroad. Many of these deals involve a payment plan that extends over a couple of years, working with a good foreign exchange agency will ensure that your payments are not affected by the fluctuations in foreign exchange expected in the coming years.
It might not be in your best interest to use regular banks to process your payments for foreign properties because you could lose a lot of money over time. For example, In Australia, the initial payment for a home is 265,000 AUD. The quote obtainable from the Bank of America to cover an Australian Dollar exchange rate will be about 1.25 AUD to $1. The final figure to be paid will be $212,695.63. But working with a foreign exchange specialist, you can get a quote for 1.30 AUD to $1. The final payment here will be $208,057; you will be saving close to $4,000 for a US/Australian international money transfer transaction in a case like this.
The difference is so significant. You can get accurate quotes for international bank exchange rates here.
Torsi Utley is a professional blogger.