One (wo)mans recession = another (wo)mans opportunity.

I suspect I am, like a vast majority of the general public, sick to the back teeth (if you still have them) of hearing the ‘R’ word; “recession”, urgh, I hate the word. For months now I’ve kept my peace, told myself to ignore the doomsayers, kept my head down, got on with my work and kept a positive mindset.

But it’s happened again some poor unsuspecting sod mentions the ‘R’ word, utters something about a “falling market” and I can’t contain myself any more, if for nothing more than my own sanity I feel the urge to put pen to paper (or at least fingertips to keys) and put out a different perspective.

As far as I can see there are two parts to all of this;

1. Who says it’s a ‘global’ recession? and
2. Why does a recession have to be only bad news?

So, why is it was a “global” recession? What does the word “global” mean? I’ll tell you (‘cos I actually took the time and looked it up); it means “worldwide” or to put it another way; “embracing of the totality”. It doesn’t mean Europe and the US… it doesn’t mean only the wealthy established parts… It means the entire world!

I’m fed up of the arrogance of the (largely) Western world who proclaim it to be a “global” recession when they haven’t the slightest clue of what might be happening in other parts of the world. The world is a damn big place and to say that every single part of it is suffering financially is absurd!

Do a bit of research is what I say! It’s not that hard, analyse the facts about a country. Clearly as I work in overseas property this note will be angled towards the property market but the principles can apply to a number of markets.

Now I appreciate lowly little me might not carry much weight so here’s some quotes from some fairly authoritative figures and establishments to help persuade the doubters;

• Parts of the Caribbean are described as a “solid market” where investors can see good growth and excellent returns – Times Online and “Prices have not come down yet,” says Georgina Richards, of Knight Frank's Caribbean office.

• Barbados is the premier spot for buying into a sporting estate and is the only Caribbean country to appear on Knight Frank's Prime International Residential Index, in twelfth place. British buyers regard it as safe, thanks to its familiar legislation, which is replicated in Antigua and Grenada – Times Online

• The Philippines has a “robust” economy “secure” rentals and “good yields” – www.moneyweek.com

• Vietnam has seen prices “soar in 2007 and 2008” and “Sales continue to rise in 2009 with developers offering good discounts and good rental yields” - Times Online

• The emerging markets generate more than half the worlds economic growth and this continues to rise – www.moneyweek.com

• Australia reported a growth of 0.4% in the first quarter of 2009 – Reuters.

• Asia is seeing “booming business” with 90% of employers reporting they feel “very confident”

• Brazil (part of the BRIC’s) reports a steady growth; “Very few places have not been affected by the downturn,” says Oliver Watson, regional managing director of international recruitment consultant Michael Page. “But if you are looking for an overseas opportunity, look for a sound gross domestic product [GDP, a country’s input and output] and an economy linked to natural resources. Brazil won’t see stellar growth over the next year, but it should be steady. It has an immature and developing market and isn’t exposed to the kind of debts that developed Western countries have suffered from.” The Independent

• Malaysia and China are worth a look with advocates of the area, such as regional fund managers, noting that countries on this side of the world tend to have well-capitalised banks that fund lending the old-fashioned way, via deposits. Government debt levels in China are low – Times Online

• Thailand has a “booming” tourism industry which has had a tremendous knock on effect the property market – Times Online

These are only a handful of countries across the world reporting successes but if we turn to my second point; who says the recession is all bad news anyway? It’s widely accepted that more entrepreneurs are borne during such times and the so called “global slowdown” can, in my humble opinion, be seen as a time of opportunity which opens up new markets and new possibilities.

What’s more, on a daily basis I am confronted by good reputable developers across the world who now, more than ever, are willing to bend over backwards to help my clients buy properties across the world. It’s exciting times indeed and there are numerous incentives popping up which include;

• Reduced deposits
• Developer assisted finance
• Rent before you buy schemes
• Price guarantees
• Weekend trials
• Part exchanges
• Guaranteed rental income
• Payments towards taxes, deposits etc

Gone are the days of arrogant developers greedily demanding the full 100% of a purchase price before they are willing to dig an inch of soil. Developers now are becoming more (dare I say it) ‘humble’ (gasp) and more willing than ever to consider a clients individual circumstances. Believe it or not, his tricky time is good for the overseas proeprty market, it's weeding out those unscrupulous builders taking advantage of those hoping to make a quick buck.

All of this is excellent news for the investor willing to step their toe in the overseas property market. It may be a cliché but that doesn’t make it any less true; now is truly a buyers market.

I can assure you that the cash rich keep quietly investing and will undoubtedly reap the rewards but it doesn’t have to be that way, we can all make sensible, profitable investments right now, if we are just willing to shift our mindset, do the research and make the most of the benefits of a recession (reduced taxes for one!)

Those who invest now will benefit from low entry prices which can be sold high once the big, bad R is over. There seems to be a psychological fear factor permeating our society which I for one am tired of. Recession is a state of mind so let’s change the mentality and look to the opportunities.

I'm clearly of the ‘glass half full’ variety but call it what you will, it's true what they say; one mans loss is certainly another mans gain…

Which one do YOU want to be?

Good luck!

Some emerging hotspots in Asia & S. America?

In recent weeks I've seen a dramatic rise in my clients interest in some very exciting countries. A large number of enquiries are for Asia in countries such as; Cambodia, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam.

Another highly desired location is one which has been brewing in popularity for a while, the sun drenched South American land of the beautiful bronzed; Brazil.

Aside from recommending property deals, a large part of my job involves listening to my clients requests and putting together research on their preferred investment Country. That way a balanced and informed decision can be made. Because of this I am in the process of putting together some 'fast fact' guidelines for investing in each of these countries, if you'd like a copy please do email me.

In the meantime here's a little taster indicating why Brazil is shaping up to be more than simply a hot spot from which to view thongs and the Corcovado, one thing's for sure, it's a serious contender in the realms of overseas property investing.

Some fast facts on Brazil;

• Tourism is one of their fastest growing industries
  
• Tourism growth rose 20% in 2008
  
• 90% of tourists are currently Brazilian
  
• Brazil is the largest and most populated country in South America
  
• Brazil is the 5^th largest country in the world
  
• They are politically stable
  
• They are destined to have an enduring phase of economic growth and stability
  
• Recent discoveries of oil and gas reinforces economic stability
  
• 9^th largest economy in the world
  
• Have an emerging property market on the verge of a boom
  
• International flights to Brazil have increased 13% p/a for the past 3 years
  
• Well known as a popular destination amongst the Portuguese, Spanish, Italian & South Americans
  
• A rapid tourist growth = huge demand for property
  
• Brazil along with China, Russia and India form the BRIC's and will be one of the 5 largest economies in the world by 2050 (as estimated by Goldman Sachs)
  
• Brazil is one of the world's largest exporters
  
• They are one of the most tolerant countries towards other nationalities
  
• Foreigners have the same rights of property purchase as nationals
  
• Is the 11^th most popular place in the world for UK and Irish investors
   

On a final note we currently have the following hot deals in Brazil;

• Land plots in Ceara from £7,000 (payable in 3 instalments if required).
  
• Land plots in Bahia region on a 5 * hotel for £30,000.
  
• Hotel apartments in Bahia region with rental guarantees & finance from £50,000.
  
• 2 bed apartments in Maracajau from £56,000.
  

If you are interested please don't hesitate to contact me for further details.

Life post house move ...

I've been a bit remiss about my blogging these past few weeks, due mostly to the house move to pastures green. The move went well although there was a moment of 'Mexican standoff' half way up the hallway stairs where (whilst precariously balancing a large sofa bed) I shouted "it WILL go up" and my other half replied "it WON'T". Needless to say it did, I was right, enough said!

So the home life is semi sorted (albeit with rubbish Internet connection, currently am relying on my dongle thingy - cant wait for the wifi to be connected next week) it was back to work with a vengeance. That's the rub with being self employed, when the work stops so does the income so all periods of absence from work have to carefully managed.

I had a pretty good week this week, my colleagues and I met a great developer building lovely developments on a golfing resort in Portugal. Provided the buyers can show the equivalent of 20% equity in some form of security such as cash, shares or equity on home then they can obtain near total finance with a modest outlay of only 3500 euros. Prices start at 135,000 euros. Looks good so far and is something I shall be looking into some more over the coming weeks. I've always liked Portugal.

Funnily enough the new home is opposite a golf course so I might have to take up the sport as a form of market research!

We have also been approached to market a stunning 5* apart-hotel complex in the South of France, three words can only describe this; stunning, stunning, stunning and definitely something a little bit different.

The rest of the week was filled with admin (snore), meeting clients (smile) and more admin (more snore). Oh, one thing I have discovered this week is a rather exciting skin care range called NuSkin, my friend Terry gave me an example of how it works. I am not the most technically minded but I think it works with electrical currents which run into the skin and make it feel 'alive'. I was told it boosts circulation and metabolism. Sounds good to me, yes my skin certainly did look a bit less wrinkled after the trial run although unfortunately I am now sporting a rather unsightly pimple on the cheek, the side effects of toxins being released I am told.

One things for sure, being in my new home has done me wonders. I feel more settled than have done in years, I go for little jogs round the green in the morning and am thoroughly enjoying the peace and tranquility. Home is certainly where the heart is. I can't help but think how lucky I am that homes across the world are also my livelihood!