Real Estate Investor · Brunswick, GA · Member since 2013 · 45 posts · 0 votes
Hello, Im a rookie investor with a dream of being able to invest in overseas properties. I have started a good topic before about investing in the US while being overseas, but now I would like to know some example strategies for investing in real estate for overseas countries. So if any investor has some advice for the topic please share.
Investor · Central America, Panama · Member since 2010 · 423 posts · 293 votes
13y
You need to study their economy and demographics of each country you are considering so you can identify regions of opportunity ( if there are any). Pick the top 3-4 and go for a 3-4 week visit - not as a tourist but looking for where the growth is and where the need is.
Pick one country you like best and that has the most to offer.
Ideally, you would spend at least 6 months out of the year in the country where you want to invest. It takes that much time to really spot the best thing to invest in. And you need boots on the ground to build a team of people you can rely on when you're not there.
Visit with a real estate attorney to get familiar with the rules and regulations.
Some countries are desperate for more housing to be built. Is that something you'd want to do?
Some countries have an extreme shortage of affordable rental housing. That presents the opportunity to buy with seller financing or even better master lease, then sublease.
Some countries, like Costa Rica and Mexico have an over abundance of houses for sale. If you learn creative strategies for selling houses fast and attracting buyers (with cash) from all over the world, you'll make a bundle selling houses. But you need boots on the ground to do it.
Instead of saying you want to invest in foreign countries, you need determine where the best opportunity is in the country(s) you select then provide the "thing" that country needs most.
Real Estate Investor · Brunswick, GA · Member since 2013 · 45 posts · 0 votes
13y
Hey thank you for your advice Jackie, right now my strategy is to purchase vacation homes for passive income here in Dominican republic. I'm working on finding a team here that I can trust and is reliable, after 1 year I haven't been successful in that goal; but still trying.
I will start planning on the 'thing' the countries needs, that is a sound strategy. Just a little insight about here, the housing market is the same as how you described Costa Rica, and Mexico; a lot of available homes for sale. Is there any books you recommend for seller financing, master lease, and sublease?
Investor · Central America, Panama · Member since 2010 · 423 posts · 293 votes
13y
JJohnson
Is there a need for vacation properties? In many areas around the world, that market has dried up because of the economy in most countries. People are taking fewer vacations.
Sounds like a better plan there would be to get options on houses then to aggressive marketing to find a buyer. I use a method called a HighestBidderSale.com to sell houses for maximum price fast.
Real Estate Investor · Brunswick, GA · Member since 2013 · 45 posts · 0 votes
13y
Jon Klaus I have heard from about 8- 10% depending on the area, I heard you can get the highest returns in Punta Cana, since that is the main tourist resort area, but its more expensive to purchase.
Real Estate Investor · Brunswick, GA · Member since 2013 · 45 posts · 0 votes
13y
Chhay Lim Thank you for your suggestion, I will look into that one.
Jackie Lange Thanks again, I do not have a need for the vacation rentals at all, it is the only real estate vehicle I have noticed that seems to "perform". Since I am in the country for awhile I have seen a lot of for sale signs, and no vacancies. Since it is a tourist country, that is the only Idea I could come up with for investing in this country. Your idea sounds better, since I won't have to depend on the high season for profit.
Commercial Real Estate Agent · Tulum, Quintana Roo · Member since 2014 · 37 posts · 12 votes
11y
Would be interesting to follow up with you to see how is it going with your investments in D.R. How is the market, who are you selling to? Were you able to establish a team on the ground?
We started a real estate business in Mexico a few years ago, focusing on the fast growing Tulum beach town. The beginning wasn't without its challenges. But the key for us was to make local connections (with lawyers, sellers, construction companies - because we also build houses), and to have a very strong Marketing team that was sending us leads on a constant basis.
So I would say getting established was the most difficult part. After that, besides Marketing, it's all about the old fashioned word of mouth. Past clients recommend new clients, and we are in business.