This beautiful Mediterranean style villa nestling in a very private landscaped lot in one of the most sought after bays on the island of Tobago has just been reduced to US$1.8m

View from Tobago villa

The spacious one-level villa is built around a magnificent tropical garden courtyard and all rooms offer stunning sea views.  Steps from the outdoor patio lead directly to a secluded sandy beach with approximately 400 ft beach frontage.   An excellent investment property with potential for an exclusive ’boutique’ hotel with additional guest rooms.  Planning permission pending for condominium townhouses and/or villas and the property may be sub-divided if required.

Tobago Villa

For more information visit listings on our web site or contact us

The combination of the expertise, professionalism and good name of Raya Films together with over twenty years experience of Eugenie Smith International in the marketing of overseas property has filled a gap in the market, much needed, not only by the overseas property industry, but also for all businesses and organisations looking to benefit from high quality web video and DVD.

Having appeared on an ITV overseas property programme, I realised the importance of a good video to promote overseas property and wrote about this some time ago in my blogs in 2008 entitled Film as a marketing tool and Web video creates best image

I have emphasised in the blogs and news items, the absolute necessity, when choosing a company to produce a video, that they are professional and most importantly have the qualifications and membership of the governing bodies in the film industry, together with experience at a price that will not break the bank.

I hope you will take time to visit our video production web page where you can also see an example of filming showing myself being interviewed about safe buying abroad in a ten minute video

Forward thinking companies now have videos on their web sites, but remember a poorly filmed video can do more harm than good, so those who try to cut costs by looking for a cheap outlet to produce a video will not reap the many benefits to be gained by choosing the right company to produce a film which will enhance the product you are selling in order to attract buyers.

Until next time

Eugenie

Since I posted my blog Collaboration versus Marketing in January this year, there are fewer developers and real estate agents contacting my company offering to collaborate.

Professional Marketing

 Instead we are now at last receiving enquiries from Companies in various parts of the world for professional marketing.  I emphasise professional as so many Companies think they are capable of marketing property ranging from small to very large developments themselves , mainly because they are reluctant to take on the services of a reputable professional marketing company who have been in the business for many years and fully understand the market.

Time and time again I have been approached by developers and real estate agents from all over the world wanting my company to supply them with free referral leads, thinking because they have supplied a few brochures and put together a web site they are going to get sales.  Thankfully the tide is changing.   Perhaps it is because of the recession! 

 Developers/Investors are now beginning to realise that if they want to create a good corporate image and sell their product, their only choice is to take on the services of a good marketing company experienced in the sale and marketing of their particular product which in the long run proves to be cost effective.  Instead of wasting time trying to get free leads when it is unlikely sales will materialise, it is far better to spend that advertising budget and sell the product.   After all it’s the same old adage You only ever get what you pay for !!!

For further information on our main website click here

Panama City

As I have received enquiries about Panama just recently, I have researched into this interesting country and now understand why it is a location of particular interest to the discerning investor.

The Republic of Panama with an area of approximately 29,700 square miles, located between Costa Rica and Colombia forms the narrowest and lowest portion of the Isthmus, linking North and South America.   It is a peaceful country and the only city in the world in which a protected tropical rain forest is situated within city limits.  Famous for the Panama Canal, the country attracts tourists from all over the world as there are many attractions including five golf courses, beaches, wining and dining to name a few.

Republic of Panama

Of  particular interest to the investor is the fact that Panama uses the US dollar as its’ legal tender, virtually eliminating any currency exchange risks to foreign companies operating there, and the country has no restrictions on the outflow of capital or outward direct investment.

Not far from Panama City situated in spectacular wooded hills are five parcels of land totalling 85 hectares well priced at US$3.75/m2 = US$3,200,000.   The land is not located in the ‘protected lands’ so there are no development restrictions.

Panama Canal

Joint venture is possible to develop the entire property with both a developer and home manufacturer of two and three bedroom models.

Contact us for a complete package and view listings on our main website

That’s all until next month.

Eugenie & the team

Investors who are looking to the future will be interested in the reduced prices offered for this up-market 80 unit resort property which has been approved for short-term rental not far from Walt Disney World Resort, and minutes from international shopping, dining and golf courses.  Construction was only completed in 2008 with two four story elevator buildings (40 units in each).  The resort’s recreational centre is complete with large club house, outpool and patio.

Original prices were from US$279,000 to US$299,900 per unit furnished.  Reduced prices are now US$175,000 to US$87,000 per unit unfurnished.

The seller would consider partnership buy-in, sale of individual units, or outright sale of all remaining units.

These properties are very attractive as either rental properties or for personal family use and consist of spacious two and three bedroom units, two full baths in each unit – ceramic tile entries – fully equipped kitchens – washer and dryer in each unit and all units have private patios or balconies.  Furniture packages are available.

Investors are seeking property in Costa Rica.

In these troubled times, investors are seriously looking at the political stability, good economy and commercial freedom to be found in this beautiful country with fifty beaches set along 800 miles of sea shore.  For those wishing to retire away from the stresses and strains of city life, Costa Rica is the answer or for serious business investors.

The smaller investor can purchase properties ranging from US$80,000 to US$135,000 according to acreage size.

For the major investor seeking to buy whole projects from US$2.5 million for 170 acres with prime ocean views to US$5.94million USD for 750 acres of prime real estate located within minutes of the most popular tourist destination in Costa Rica, there are details under listings on our web site or contact us.

Investors seeking a wise investment are looking to gold as a safe haven in these troubled times.    British investors in gold have made a wise decision, as the down turn has not affected  their investment over the past year because sterling has fallen against the dollar in which gold is priced

Although investing in gold was traditionally the preserve of only a few people buying it on futures exchanges or through dealers, now retail investors are coming forward to buy, resulting in exchange-traded funds (EFTs) surging with a whole new market opening up for gold.

I wrote in my blog entitled Gold Rush on October 2nd 2008 that there was a demand for gold as a safe investment and it seems to date it is still the case.    There is no doubt that this is an opportune time for far seeing investors to invest in commodities.  Contact us for further details

Investment – Walt Disney World Florida USA

In or around the ever popular Walt Disney World in Florida USA is undoubtedly a good place to invest even during these gloomy times.  Whether purely for investment with good rental income, or for families wishing to enjoy the glorious weather and avoid package holidays, now is the time to buy with prices as low as they will ever be.

Fractional ownership is becoming extremely popular for investors wishing to achieve a good rental income, or for families seeking independent holidays in first class accommodation with every facility.  A great opportunity has arisen to obtain Fractional Ownership in a Disney Standard approved condo hotel in the centre of Disney world whereby you can own as many weeks as you like costing US$4,000 per week.  Contact us for details.

Eugenie

In these days of gloom and doom, the thought of having the opportunity to reside in beautiful Florida sunshine all year round is particularly attractive.   This is within the reach of forward thinking entrepreneurs who have recognised that investment in condo-hotel units is very much the way of the future for families who want quality holidays as opposed to package holidays, and also for businessmen who need a place of their own and like the idea of being able to put their money into the United States with the Hotel taking care of rental and management.

Many large companies are considering condo hotels as an alternative to corporate housing, as their facilities can accommodate meetings and conventions whereby condo hotel owners can enjoy the privileges a first class hotel can offer, such as concierge services, exquisite dining, recreation rooms and club houses.

There are many condo-hotels springing up all over the world and are becoming increasingly popular with Florida being ranked as a top favourite.  

The exciting news is that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service in Washington D.C has approved a Resort Village and Spa located in a prime location in Florida  as a regional centre for the EB-5 programme.   This is an employment based immigration visa programme for foreign investors interested in the Green Card and permanent U.S. residency.   The EB-5 ‘Fast-Track’ investment is new to Florida.   The coveted Green Card allows permanent US Residency within about six months of application, and the option for U.S. citizenship within five years.

How it works:  The initial offering is limited to the first thirty-five investors who invest US$1 million each and receive a1/35th interest in a Florida limited liability company which will own 70 fully, furnished condo-hotel units at the resort.   The units will be placed on a rental programme and provide investors with immediate income from rentals.

An interesting, exciting investment opportunity for discerning investors, who wish to be part of this growing industry and have the opportunity to live in the United States at the same time.

Please contact us for further details.

Eugenie

Finally at last, overseas developers/property owners are realising that they cannot expect UK agents to supply free leads and provide hours of work and expense in order to get a prospective client on a plane for the purpose of purchasing an overseas property.

It costs in the region of £500 to acquire a quality lead and on average only 1-3 out of 100 leads finally purchase an overseas property.

Many estate agents throughout the UK tried advertising overseas property alongside their UK properties in the local papers and in their windows, but most did not have the knowledge or expertise to actually achieve a sale. For the few that did, they found that for a new build property in some countries they had to wait years for their commission, whilst for others, it didn’t materialise at all… not a professional way of doing business!

There are a very small number of developers who have got it right and work in conjunction with UK and other overseas property agents, paying for international advertising, exhibitions and giving general support, leaving the agent to qualify the leads that come in from advertising and helping the client right through to close of sale. Sadly though, many agents in the UK are not experienced enough to be able to carry the procedure through to completion.

Developers in various countries often shy away from instructing a marketing company to take the whole responsibility of marketing their development away from them. This is a pity, because this really is the only way of making those hard earned sales without breaking the bank and dying of stress! Big brand names in the UK property market have recently come into the business of taking on overseas property to add to their portfolios, particularly now the UK housing market is in the doldrums. However, they are giving marketing a bad name by taking money up front for so called ‘marketing’ and then only provide point of sale material before disappearing off the scene. This is usually due to the fact that they do not have the expertise to market overseas property – it is a totally different ball game to UK property. I explain this in the ESI Video that you can see by clicking here

More and more developers/property owners in all parts of the world are now becoming enlightened about the advantages of taking on the services of an experienced/qualified marketing company who have been in the business for at least 10 – 20 years and have specialised purely in overseas property. To find out more about ESI marketing services, click here

I find myself writing once more about the beautiful islands of the Bahamas following on to my article Grand Bahama Island for sound investment

Many developers from all over the world are in contact with our Company on a regular basis and now and then an area/development/property catches my eye as it lands on my desk.   A developer on one of the larger, still unspoiled islands in the Bahamas, is selling a beautiful ocean front development parcel of ocean frontage at an extremely competitive price, and so I have researched into the area and placed details of this land on our listings

Although this island is currently still undiscovered by developers it is emerging as one of the premier tourist destinations in the Caribbean, so there is interest from discerning investors.  It has all the attributes required for a sound investment which will reap rewards in the future.  Its miles of white sandy unspoiled beaches with incredible views and safe and friendly environment offers peace of mind.   Its accessibility from two airports with frequent flights to Nassau and Florida is an added bonus.

For information about the location and fuller details contact us.  In the meantime, have a wonderful Xmas and a prosperous New Year.

From Eugenie & the team

With recession looming, many people are wondering where in the world is the best place to be?   Canada is a place I nearly went to live and wish I had.   I lived in Ohio USA for three years and enjoyed the cold winters and hot summers which is a similar climate to that of Canada. 

Canada is currently free from the problems the people of the United States are suffering – declining house sales, subprime fallout and foreclosures which is happening too in the United Kingdom.  The fundamentals of the Canadian economy are relatively solid and of all the G8 countries, only Canada is expected to show some growth in 2008 and 2009.

There are some wonderful locations to live throughout Canada and we can recommend some great places for those people planning to live permanently or to buy a second home.  For instance fifty minutes north of Toronto surrounding the shores of Kempenfelt Bay on Lake Simcoe is the vibrant and attractive city of Barrie offering every facility from health care to sports such as golfing, swimming, boating, fishing, horseback riding, fantastic shopping and big city attractions.

Located less than an hour North of Montreal, is the fantastic Laurentains region renowned for its breath taking scenery as well as its’ ski hills, vast network of cross country ski trails and top notch golf facilities.  The Saint Sauveur valley is a landmark destination with its’ picturesque villages, bustling with bistros, bars and boutiques.  There are more than 4,500 rivers and the lakes of the area are a nature lovers’ delight. For the sports lover there is an abundance of various activity – to name a few:

Swimming, sail boarding, sailing, canoeing, pedal boating, kayaking, fishing, leisure crafting, scuba diving, rafting, water slides, aquatic parks.

The price of homes are very reasonable averaging at $202,722 in October this year, but for a truly magnificent character home click hereto view a video presentation of this distinctive Scandinavian log style home set in 5.5 acres of natural beauty in the Quebec Laurentians.

This is a fabulous home for the discerning purchaser to enjoy an exquisite lifestyle so don’t hesitate to contact us for further details of the home and fantastic area.

Planning to live in Canada is relatively easy and the people are warm and friendly so many people are leaving behind the worries of debts, crime and recession to head for a better quality of life.

The Canadian job market is strong, adding more than 200,000 jobs so far this year and interest rates have remained favourable. 

Comments welcomed and listings of properties in Canada available on request.

Until next month…

Eugenie