Sunday, October 5, 2008

Moving Doesn't Have to Be Horrible

If you were to ask 100 people what their thoughts where on moving I'm sure that 90% would say that it is chaotic, stressful and not much fun, wouldn't you agree!!


Well in the last 10 months I have moved country 3 times and lived in 4 different houses, sounds insane, I know, we could give gypsies a run for their money.


We have both said that for sure this will be our last time for at least several years to come.


However one positive that does come from moving is the accomplishment, when you are moving you have to have a system. The best and most efficient system, makes for more of a stress-free move.I have found that it is best to pack everything at once, set aside a day or even 2 days just for packing. Its wise to label the boxes on the top and sides, this will save you time when unpacking at your destination.


Make sure you get several quotes from shipping and removal companies as they can differ considerable form company to company. Ill give you an example, over the last 2 weeks I have called 5 companies, 4 of which have guesstimated the size of the load, with only one company making the effort to actually measure the size of all the items. The company who made the effort, not only where they the cheapest (as they knew the exact size), but the most professional. They also have explained in great depth the route to which the container will take, but to also reassured me that my items will be well looked after and showed me how they would be packed.


For me the last 10 months not only have had to manage the removal of all my household objects but the transport of 2 cats and a bull terrier. My animals seem to be more well travelled than most Brits. Its not that I have wanted to put them through the ordeals on purpose, its just consequences in life have forced me to do so, thats another story!!


What are the reasons I'm telling you this, its because, I will feature my removal company from Limassol on my new website, if you are in the same situation and need help or advice, you can email me or alternatively see if any the services we provide will be helpful to what your needs are.


I will keep you posted on how it all goes, but I will also post any other negative or positive thoughts I have.


Take a look at the site and enjoy, we are launching on the 1st November 2008.


Lucy Manynard


Chief Executive Jigsaw Overseas


Lucy@jigsawoverseas.com


www.jigsawoverseas.com




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Saturday, October 4, 2008

Emerging|Established|Capital Growth|Rental

Generally an overseas property investor will often be drawn to opportunities in new emerging markets which can be exciting, as the level of capital growth rates can be astronomical and the property purchase price low.


We know the idea is for minimal outlay, maximum return!!


This is a fantastic concept as this is where a lot of investors made their substantial gains in previous years, as the product could be flipped at completion stage. To do this now, you have to be a real savvy investor or just damn lucky.


Remember, the potential gains on an overseas property will only materialise when you sell, if you cant sell, there is no profit, be prepared to weather the storm.


Think about it like this, a overseas property in an emerging market that has doubled in value is only worth that if you can find a buyer with the capital who can afford the purchase, which usually takes out of the equation the local market.


If you think this is too much of a gamble there is another option however. This is to find an area where rental potential is strong and the region has already got a good track record of yield success, with also the steady capital growth to take in consideration.


OK capital growth will not as appealing as in an emerging market but, at least you have the security of the rental, which a property being made self sufficient is what I would call a good solid investment.


I'm not saying either is right or wrong, its horses for courses. There are all types of overseas property regions out there that suit all different investment criteria, its finding the right one that suits your business model.


When we start to look at rental regions there are many factors to take into consideration, the obvious is established areas, advanced infrastructure, a transparent tax and legal system, look at the type of person that you will be renting to, the strength of the economy, large corporate comapnies who operate in the area.


When speaking to a rental agent prior to your purchase, ask them if you can see live statistics of yields that investors are already achieving, this will give you a good indication to the type of property to purchase and the strength of your return. Try to find out whether it is a buyers or sellers market, you have to also research your exit strategies for when the time comes and you need to re sell.


What you will find is that metropolitan cities will always have a higher demand for long term lets, out weighing the supply, this always gives you a solid market.


The other end of the scale you have student accommodation, these opportunities are becoming very attractive for the buy to let investor, these can be purchased off plan like traditional investments and generally will offer great returns on investment.


However its not all plain sailing as you have to consider the management of the investment when being the other side of the world, make sure you employ a pro active and trustworthy management agent, who will cater for your needs but also that of the tenant.


Its all about research, this has to be done before you take the plunge and commit.


Investing should be fun, not taxing, if it doesn't feel right, if you are not 100% convinced, walk away and say "no thanks".


If your shroud enough and patient enough you will find the country, region and investment thats for you.


Jigsaw Overseas Team


www.jigsawoverseasproperty.com






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Overseas Property Advice

Overseas Property Advice


I really loved being an overseas property expert, I always have done otherwise, overseas property wouldn't have been my occupation for the last 13 years.


It has always given me great pleasure working with my clients because it has given me a special satisfaction knowing I am helping people get a piece of their dream by owning their first overseas property. By doing so, I have made a good living. How many people can say the more people they help, the more money they can make?


But now for me the time has come to give that bit extra, something before I used to to take for granted. Because I have always liked to help people, I feel it's my duty now to help all of the clients I have sold to in the past.


This is when I stop being that saleswomen I was once before. I now must become an adviser.


For example, my new concept for the overseas property investor is www.jigsawoverseasproperty.com Guess what? Its not like other property websites that market the sale of overseas property, in fact you will not see any property advertised whatsoever. Whats the point then? I can hear you ask.


Well it time to give back some of my expertise that I have learnt of the last decade in overseas property. I will share my mistakes and give you the best possible knowledge from somebody not only who has sold investments, but purchased in may overseas property regions as well.


Unfortunately as Im sure you are aware of, some companies just have their minds set on the sale and don't follow through with the initial expectations of the client no matter what the consequences are.


This really saddens me, not only for them but also for the overseas property industry because it affects us all


If I could get just one point across it would be this, before you purchase an overseas property investment, make sure that you do enough research to put your mind at rest before making that all important decision.


Lucy Maynard


Chief Executive Jigsaw Overseas


www.jigsawoverseas.com




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