The Turkish real estate market is poised to recover more quickly than others because it is among the least leveraged and least negatively affected property market, reports Sunday’s Zaman, the highest circulation English-language newspaper in Turkey. Prices in Istanbul, and Turkey as a whole, did not drop as much as elsewhere due to the lack of a developed mortgage financing system. Most property owners own their property free and clear, so as prices dropped and bargain hunters came looking, … [Read more...]
Abu Dhabi Tops MENA Real Estate Markets
October 28, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Abu Dhabi is projected to be the strongest performing market in the MENA region (Middle East/North Africa) real estate market over the next two years, according to a survey of 200 investors for Jones Lang LaSalle’s Second Investor Sentiment Survey. MENA property investors are much more confident overall than they were six months ago. This has resulted in more buyers than sellers.Saudi Arabia and Qatar are also expected to be among the first to recover from the downturn. Abu Dhabi , … [Read more...]
FDI Declines In 2009 With Slow Recovery In 2010
October 28, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Global foreign direct investment (FDI) flows have been severely affected by the economic and financial crisis. According to a new report from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) The Celestine Prophecy psp , inflows are expected to fall from $1.7 trillion in 2008 to below $1.2 trillion in 2009, with a slow recovery in 2010 (up to $1.4 trillion) and gaining momentum in 2011 (approaching $1.8 trillion).The U.S., along with China, India, Brazil and Russia (the BRIC … [Read more...]
The quest to go paperless
October 28, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Have you ever wondered how can I or how can my office that I manage start the transition to go paperless or inch closer to paperless on the realtor end of the equation? Well, although tablet PCs have been out for quite a while, tablet PCs are just starting to come on strong in the real estate business, especially in the Midwest market. In short, a tablet PC allows users to digitally sign documents anywhere on the screen. Let me be clear, you can hand write a novel on the tablet pc using … [Read more...]
Could there be a Tax Incentive in the works for Commercial Real Estate
October 25, 2009 By Leave a Comment
We have all witnessed how proactive the Federal government can be. Cash for Clunkers, the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit are successful examples. It is no secret that the commercial real estate market is experiencing the same problems as the residential side has. Commercial properties are going into foreclosure, new loans are getting more and more difficult to obtain and large projects are being stalled or canceled.In an article on Wall Street Journal, Phil Izzo brings up an interesting … [Read more...]
Home Buyers and Sellers Pulling the Plug on Granite Countertops
October 25, 2009 By 9 Comments
Granite countertops have long been the staple of luxury housing. If you were buying a home with granite countertops it almost always meant it was a luxury home with an upscale kitchen. A status symbol.That seems to be changing as a recent AZCentral.com article Baby Mama buy highlights the new, fresh styles home buyers and remodelers are seeking for their kitchen work surfaces. Among the up and coming counter stars are some old niche favorites like glass and concrete while new contenders … [Read more...]
RE/MAX and Heart Financial work to streamline short sales
October 21, 2009 By Leave a Comment
In a press release, it was announced that RE/MAX International and Heart Financial are now working together to streamline the short sale process."It's unfortunate that the Short Sale process has been so difficult to navigate in this marketplace," says Dave Liniger, Chairman and Co-Founder of RE/MAX International. "We've been working hard to promote streamlined Short Sales to provide both significant benefits to lenders, and a welcomed opportunity for homeowners to get a fresh start."At-risk … [Read more...]
Howard Brinton – An Interview I wish we had done.
October 19, 2009 By 2 Comments
While this is not an interview per se, it is a tribute to a good man and a great person in our industry. Howard Brinton announced that due to his failing health, he is closing down the "Star Power" business that he has operated effective October 1, 2009. Although I never had the chance to meet Howard, he remains one of the most influential and intriguing teachers and sharers of marketing insight in the real estate industry over the last 30 years.Simply put, there are few things that I regret … [Read more...]
Realogy sells OpenHouse.com to Scripps Networks
October 19, 2009 By Leave a Comment
.!.In a move widely touted as a good deal for HGTV, Scripps Network announced that they have purchased OpenHouse.com from Realogy. It was also indicated that they will provide content to it at least partially via an existing arrangement with FrontDoor.com.What is next for OpenHouse.com? Only time will tell...How much did Realogy sell OpenHouse.com to Scripps for has not been disclosed at this time. … [Read more...]
The Pros Advantage – WARNING! BEWARE!
October 17, 2009 By 4 Comments
The internet is truly a wonderful thing. The easy access to information and sharing of ideas with others provides a venue that has never been equaled. Unfortunately along with it, you also have a bad element of persons that want to essentially mug you, steal your products and information, and sell them as their own to others for profit.Which brings us to the case of The Pros Advantage and David Bigham Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country move . The Pros Advantage has apparently … [Read more...]
