Archive for October, 2009
Discount Property Listings
October 16th, 2009
Amelie Mag asked:
If you really interested in investing on the real estate market, then the best thing to do is find discount property offers. However, there are many resources out there and for someone who is a first-timer the avalanche of information can be quite burdening. Don’t fret, as you have professional ready to help you discover interesting facts about property investment. You can start by joining a property club and checking out the offers they send to you!
How does being a member of a property investment club work out for you? It’s simple. You are a member; they send a list of discount property offers to you. You look at what they have to present and decide whether you are interested in investing or not. There is nothing to lose and you can definitely find some pretty interesting properties sold below market value. These companies have extensive experience on the real estate market and they can definitely discover many exciting offers. It depends on you if you want to jump in the offers.
Property investment requires experience and a fairly good knowledge of the real estate market. You cannot jump on the first opportunity that you come across, hoping that it will be a success in the near future. This is where a company that specializes in offering discount property comes in. They have realistic expectations and know how to choose the right properties for investing. The years of experience ensures their credibility, making all of their clients perfectly satisfied with the listings sent to them.
Even if a discount property is found, there are many things to take into consideration before investing. As property investment is their main area of expertise, these guys will do all the research for you and present with important information about things like financing and development. They will take care of you and your needs, offering discount property listings on a regular basis. All you have to do is look at the overseas properties they send and pick out your favorites. They deal a lot with emerging real estate markets and this is why you will probably notice that there are lots of properties in tourist areas. These guarantee a great return investment.
What you have to understand about a company that specializes in property investment is that they do not offer unrealistic opportunities. They base their offerings on careful and extensive research, guaranteeing profit for discount property at all times. These properties are sold below market value at impressive discounts, as they have been in distress for some time now or repossessed by the bank. There are many benefits when it comes to working with such a professional company and you will have to discover them as each day passes.
Deciding to enter the world of property investment is a big thing to consider. However, taking into consideration the benefits offered, it seems to be worth it. You can easily become the owner of a discount property that is located overseas and start cashing in the profit. Finding a professional company is only the first step and you have to continue by checking their offers on a regular basis, deciding which properties are more suitable for your investment needs!
Resource box: If you are looking for property investment, then you are in the right place. Become a member today and you will receive discount property offers on your email every day. Are you ready to start investing?
If you really interested in investing on the real estate market, then the best thing to do is find discount property offers. However, there are many resources out there and for someone who is a first-timer the avalanche of information can be quite burdening. Don’t fret, as you have professional ready to help you discover interesting facts about property investment. You can start by joining a property club and checking out the offers they send to you!
How does being a member of a property investment club work out for you? It’s simple. You are a member; they send a list of discount property offers to you. You look at what they have to present and decide whether you are interested in investing or not. There is nothing to lose and you can definitely find some pretty interesting properties sold below market value. These companies have extensive experience on the real estate market and they can definitely discover many exciting offers. It depends on you if you want to jump in the offers.
Property investment requires experience and a fairly good knowledge of the real estate market. You cannot jump on the first opportunity that you come across, hoping that it will be a success in the near future. This is where a company that specializes in offering discount property comes in. They have realistic expectations and know how to choose the right properties for investing. The years of experience ensures their credibility, making all of their clients perfectly satisfied with the listings sent to them.
Even if a discount property is found, there are many things to take into consideration before investing. As property investment is their main area of expertise, these guys will do all the research for you and present with important information about things like financing and development. They will take care of you and your needs, offering discount property listings on a regular basis. All you have to do is look at the overseas properties they send and pick out your favorites. They deal a lot with emerging real estate markets and this is why you will probably notice that there are lots of properties in tourist areas. These guarantee a great return investment.
What you have to understand about a company that specializes in property investment is that they do not offer unrealistic opportunities. They base their offerings on careful and extensive research, guaranteeing profit for discount property at all times. These properties are sold below market value at impressive discounts, as they have been in distress for some time now or repossessed by the bank. There are many benefits when it comes to working with such a professional company and you will have to discover them as each day passes.
Deciding to enter the world of property investment is a big thing to consider. However, taking into consideration the benefits offered, it seems to be worth it. You can easily become the owner of a discount property that is located overseas and start cashing in the profit. Finding a professional company is only the first step and you have to continue by checking their offers on a regular basis, deciding which properties are more suitable for your investment needs!
Resource box: If you are looking for property investment, then you are in the right place. Become a member today and you will receive discount property offers on your email every day. Are you ready to start investing?
Short Sales vs. Foreclosure: Tips for Working with Mortgage Lenders
October 15th, 2009
Simon Volkov asked:
Most people are confused about short sales vs. foreclosure. Both are options presented by mortgage lenders when borrowers can no longer afford to stay in their home. Homeowners facing foreclosure or attempting to negotiate short sales should consult with their bank’s loss mitigation department to determine which option is available.
Similarities and differences exist with short sales vs. foreclosure. Neither option allows borrowers to keep their home. Short sales allow borrowers to sell their property at a discounted rate to satisfy the balance owed on their mortgage note. Foreclosure forces homeowners to return the property to the lender and relinquish all monies vested in the property.
Short sales are usually the better solution for borrowers delinquent on their mortgage loan, but not yet entered into foreclosure. This type of arrangement requires approval from the mortgage lender and requires borrowers to undergo a financial audit.
When borrowers become delinquent on their mortgage loan, their account is turned over to a loss mitigator. These individuals work with borrowers to resolve the delinquency. Loss mitigators will first attempt to obtain a loan modification if borrowers are able to make future mortgage payments.
When borrowers do not qualify for a modified loan, banks can offer the option of a short sale if the borrower and their property meet specific criteria. In order to determine eligibility, borrowers must submit a short sale packet consisting of various financial documents such as bank and credit card statements, payroll records, tax returns, and a list of income and expenses.
Most loss mitigators require submission of a short sale hardship letter. The letter of hardship allows borrowers the opportunity to explain circumstances which caused the mortgage delinquency. Loss mitigators prefer handwritten letters that not only include a timeline of events, but any actions taken to overcome financial difficulties.
Depending on the lender’s policies, borrowers must either have a buyer lined up or list their property through a realtor. If banks allow borrowers to list their property, the home must be sold within a few months. Otherwise, the lender will commence with foreclosure proceedings.
It is important to understand the type of short sale available through the lender. Two types exist and include Payment in Full or Deficiency Judgment. Payment is Full is the preferred choice because is releases the borrower from paying additional funds.
When banks issue deficiency judgments, the borrower is held responsible for the difference between the sale price and loan balance. Deficiency judgments can amount to several thousand dollars and take years to repay. Judgments remain on the borrowers’ credit history until paid in full and can prohibit them from obtaining any type of credit for several years.
Foreclosure remains on borrowers’ credit reports for up to ten years. The foreclosure process can take between three and twelve months to complete. Once property is foreclosed it is placed for sale through public auction. If the property does not sell, it is returned to the lender.
Bank owned homes are sold through the bank’s loss mitigation department or local realtors. When foreclosed real estate sells for less than the loan balance, mortgage lenders can issue deficiency judgments against the homeowner.
One solution to prevent foreclosure deficiency judgments is to request a Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure. Similar to ‘Payment in Full’, a deed in lieu releases borrowers from repayment of the deficiency amount.
Most people are confused about short sales vs. foreclosure. Both are options presented by mortgage lenders when borrowers can no longer afford to stay in their home. Homeowners facing foreclosure or attempting to negotiate short sales should consult with their bank’s loss mitigation department to determine which option is available.
Similarities and differences exist with short sales vs. foreclosure. Neither option allows borrowers to keep their home. Short sales allow borrowers to sell their property at a discounted rate to satisfy the balance owed on their mortgage note. Foreclosure forces homeowners to return the property to the lender and relinquish all monies vested in the property.
Short sales are usually the better solution for borrowers delinquent on their mortgage loan, but not yet entered into foreclosure. This type of arrangement requires approval from the mortgage lender and requires borrowers to undergo a financial audit.
When borrowers become delinquent on their mortgage loan, their account is turned over to a loss mitigator. These individuals work with borrowers to resolve the delinquency. Loss mitigators will first attempt to obtain a loan modification if borrowers are able to make future mortgage payments.
When borrowers do not qualify for a modified loan, banks can offer the option of a short sale if the borrower and their property meet specific criteria. In order to determine eligibility, borrowers must submit a short sale packet consisting of various financial documents such as bank and credit card statements, payroll records, tax returns, and a list of income and expenses.
Most loss mitigators require submission of a short sale hardship letter. The letter of hardship allows borrowers the opportunity to explain circumstances which caused the mortgage delinquency. Loss mitigators prefer handwritten letters that not only include a timeline of events, but any actions taken to overcome financial difficulties.
Depending on the lender’s policies, borrowers must either have a buyer lined up or list their property through a realtor. If banks allow borrowers to list their property, the home must be sold within a few months. Otherwise, the lender will commence with foreclosure proceedings.
It is important to understand the type of short sale available through the lender. Two types exist and include Payment in Full or Deficiency Judgment. Payment is Full is the preferred choice because is releases the borrower from paying additional funds.
When banks issue deficiency judgments, the borrower is held responsible for the difference between the sale price and loan balance. Deficiency judgments can amount to several thousand dollars and take years to repay. Judgments remain on the borrowers’ credit history until paid in full and can prohibit them from obtaining any type of credit for several years.
Foreclosure remains on borrowers’ credit reports for up to ten years. The foreclosure process can take between three and twelve months to complete. Once property is foreclosed it is placed for sale through public auction. If the property does not sell, it is returned to the lender.
Bank owned homes are sold through the bank’s loss mitigation department or local realtors. When foreclosed real estate sells for less than the loan balance, mortgage lenders can issue deficiency judgments against the homeowner.
One solution to prevent foreclosure deficiency judgments is to request a Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure. Similar to ‘Payment in Full’, a deed in lieu releases borrowers from repayment of the deficiency amount.
When a Real Estate Broker is Asked: “why Won’t you Buy the Property Yourself?”
October 14th, 2009
Yoav Etiel asked:
Real-estate agents are often asked by clients “why won’t by the property for yourself if it’s such a good deal?” A typical sarcastic answer would be that if a chef would have eaten all the cakes he had baked which appealed to him, quite soon he would not have been able to fit through the door. In other words, real-estate agents’ work is negotiating transactions, not participating in such. An agent competing with his own clients will soon find himself in a different business. There’s also a limit to the number of transactions the agent will be possible to make, attractive as they may be.
Still, every once in a while, my attention is drawn to a transaction I would be very willing to perform. I admit that in retrospect, I often regret not taking them myself. About a year ago I came across a lovely apartment in the center of the colony, in spite of the fact it was located in a building without an elevator. The seller was determined to sell it for a fair price. We concluded the paperwork and went off to put “for sale” signs on the apartment. As I was carrying a sign to place in the apartment, the woman renting it contacted me, interested in purchasing the apartment. In a few hours she arrived to our office and I started to negotiate the purchase with the owners. After several days the renter decided to purchase the apartment. It was another successful (though small) deal, to the satisfaction of both parties.
Why do I regret not purchasing it? Firstly because I was not determined and didn’t act fast enough. Some say that haste is dangerous, but sometimes hesitating is dangerous as well. Did you see a property you liked? The price is fair? Place an offer! Move on with the process! It really doesn’t matter if you spend a few thousand dollars more than you expected, since prices are on the rise in Israel Real Estate in the past few years. Even if you would decide in retrospect that the apartment doesn’t match your needs, that apartment could have been put up for sale several months later, and it would have achieved 10-20% more than what it was purchased for.
In conclusion, I am very happy that the deal was closed, because it ended in the best interest of the purchaser/renter. Why is that? Because it’s important that clients will know that the real-estate agent behind the “for sale” sign is committed to give them the best offer for their money, and to promote it without any personal interest. The real-estate agent is allowed to desire the same property, and it is not impossible for him to purchase it, but if an interested client appears, the agent’s commitment to the client cancels his own plans.
Real-estate agents are often asked by clients “why won’t by the property for yourself if it’s such a good deal?” A typical sarcastic answer would be that if a chef would have eaten all the cakes he had baked which appealed to him, quite soon he would not have been able to fit through the door. In other words, real-estate agents’ work is negotiating transactions, not participating in such. An agent competing with his own clients will soon find himself in a different business. There’s also a limit to the number of transactions the agent will be possible to make, attractive as they may be.
Still, every once in a while, my attention is drawn to a transaction I would be very willing to perform. I admit that in retrospect, I often regret not taking them myself. About a year ago I came across a lovely apartment in the center of the colony, in spite of the fact it was located in a building without an elevator. The seller was determined to sell it for a fair price. We concluded the paperwork and went off to put “for sale” signs on the apartment. As I was carrying a sign to place in the apartment, the woman renting it contacted me, interested in purchasing the apartment. In a few hours she arrived to our office and I started to negotiate the purchase with the owners. After several days the renter decided to purchase the apartment. It was another successful (though small) deal, to the satisfaction of both parties.
Why do I regret not purchasing it? Firstly because I was not determined and didn’t act fast enough. Some say that haste is dangerous, but sometimes hesitating is dangerous as well. Did you see a property you liked? The price is fair? Place an offer! Move on with the process! It really doesn’t matter if you spend a few thousand dollars more than you expected, since prices are on the rise in Israel Real Estate in the past few years. Even if you would decide in retrospect that the apartment doesn’t match your needs, that apartment could have been put up for sale several months later, and it would have achieved 10-20% more than what it was purchased for.
In conclusion, I am very happy that the deal was closed, because it ended in the best interest of the purchaser/renter. Why is that? Because it’s important that clients will know that the real-estate agent behind the “for sale” sign is committed to give them the best offer for their money, and to promote it without any personal interest. The real-estate agent is allowed to desire the same property, and it is not impossible for him to purchase it, but if an interested client appears, the agent’s commitment to the client cancels his own plans.
A Simple and Easy Guide to Renting a Service Apartment in Bangkok, Thailand
October 13th, 2009
Rex Freiberger asked:
What are the best areas of Bangkok to rent? What facilities and services can I expect from a Bangkok serviced apartment? What are the best and worst serviced apartments in Bangkok? Read on to learn the answers to these questions and much more in my simple and easy guide to renting a serviced apartment in Bangkok for expats and travelers.
Bangkok is the Center of Southeast Asia
As the commercial center of Thailand and the hub of business and leisure travel within Southeast Asia, Bangkok has exceptional hotels of all kinds catering to the business elite and casual traveler.
Recently, a new kind of accommodation has gained favor with business executives on short stays in Bangkok–the luxury serviced apartment. With increased commercial expansion over the past several years, serviced apartments are quickly becoming the favorite choice of living style for their affordable luxury.
What is a Serviced Apartment?
The serviced part of the equation usually refers to the daily or twice weekly cleaning of your room, the furniture, kitchen amenities and so on that normal apartments do not include. Some service apartments also function as hotels, and these are called Aparthotels.
What’s So Special About Bangkok Serviced Apartments?
Real estate and relocation agents believe Bangkok has the most number of sophisticated apartments the world has to offer. There are not just one or two luxurious apartments, but close to 50. This is because skilled labor is cheap in thailand, and the city itself is a major business hub for the southeast asia region.
Renting a serviced apartment in bangkok can be a daunting task for several reasons–the primary one being there are so many ‘fine print’ and extra costs involved when signing a weekly, monthly or yearly contract.
I have been living in Bangkok for a few years now, and have gone through several serviced apartments, learning on the way which ‘services’ are included and what to expect from your stay in Bangkok.
Bangkok’s City Plan
The Bangkok Jungle has several meanings, one of them being that the city was never built with a city plan or urban design in mind. The city is a sprawling landscape, a montage of residential and commercial buildings juxtaposing one another. It is home to 10 to 15 million people, depending on who is arriving from the rural country and abroad. The people as well, from poor to affluent, live side by side.
The city itself is lopsided; if you look down any major road in bangkok, you will see that both sides of the road arent balanced, building heights are different, and there is an overall lack of symmetry. This is what makes Bangkok unique and charming. And what makes it a jungle.
The Best Areas To Live In Bangkok
Bangkok contains inexpensive to exclusive apartments, but the best ones are found in the following regions of Bangkok:
Sukhumvit, the main road or artery of Bangkok
Asok, one of the most exclusive and expensive areas to live
Thong Lo, the chic and fashionable street,
Sathorn, the business district of Bangkok
Silom, another business and red light district
Ploenchit, business district
Chit Lom, business district
The areas listed above are all within easy access to shopping, dining, entertainment, trains, skytrains, and expressways. If you choose to live in one of these areas, you will experience life in the center of Bangkok’s thriving business and shopping centres while indulging in an ultra private serviced apartment in Bangkok. I personally recommend Asok and Chit Lom, as they are the classiest areas of Bangkok, but if you are looking to be close to the night markets Silom is perfect, and Sukhumvit is always a colorful experience.
Facilities and Services of Typical Bangkok Serviced Apartments
These vary between the different types of apartments and condos, but a standard of excellence has been establlished from the increasing competition among serviced apartments. Facilities and services are upgraded regularly to keep up with rival residences. However, before investing in a serviced apartment, be sure to check if these services and facilities are available.
5 Services That Should Be Included Free of Charge:
Room Cleaning
Water/Utilities
Internet Usage
24 Hour Security
Room Service/Errand Boy
4 Facilities That Should Be Included
Restaurant
Gym
Pool
Convenience Store
The Loopholes: Length of Stay, Deposits and Electricity
If you are staying for a month or year, the serviced apartment may charge you for electricity. Make sure that you negotiate this price to 6.5 Baht/Unit. A lot of times the apartment owners will charge 8 Baht/Unit for more profit. They only pay 3 or 4 Baht/Unit.
Be careful when signing leases; most require a 2 month deposit, and if you move out before your contract is finished you forfeit this deposit.
Make sure the serviced apartment has a laundry service, either in house or out of house. Most serviced apartments have coin operated laundry rooms as well as pick up services. More deluxe suites will have washing machine in the room. Note that most places do not have dryers.
How much Should I Pay?
This is a difficult question to answer, but the more facilities a serviced apartment has, the more it will cost. If a serviced apartment has a pool, gym and also functions as a 24 hour hotel, then the monthly price will be above 30,000 Baht.
Location also has a large part to do with cost of a bangkok serviced apartment. If you are staying in an area not close to skytrain or subway access, your price will be much lower. Conversely, staying in the business districts of Silom or trendy spots like Ekkamai or Thonglor will raise your monthly rent.
Which Serviced Apartment Should I Choose?
The serviced apartment market in Bangkok is lead by three groups, The President Group, The Ascott Group, and Centre Point. Most of them offer first class accomodation and have a decent system of serving their customers. However, there are numerous independent serviced apartments to choose from.
The 2 Worst Serviced Apartments in Bangkok
Ascott Bangkok Sathorn
There have been several articles written in trade journals about the decline in service at the once famous and most prestigious serviced apartment in Bangkok. Once known for attention to customer relations, their lack of it is now glaringly obvious to everyone who stays there. This place is an example of a chain serviced apartment becoming too much like a corporation with no human touch of service.
Lebua
Rumor is their staff is very untrustworthy. Read the trade journals and ‘google’ the residence for reviews.
Top 2 Most Luxurious Bangkok Serviced Apartments
Siri Sathorn Apartments
Siri Sathorn is a five-star luxury `boutique` property which epitomises private and elegant living in a residential setting. It is a concept of the perfect home which appeals to international traveller. This place caters to Japanese clientelle but of course is open to everyone.
Fraser Place Urbana Langusan
They have an exclusive 45-metre driveway leading from the main road to the serviced residence for great privacy. They also have some of the best services and customer relations I have ever experienced, pampered is the only word that comes to mind
Best Value Bangkok Serviced Apartments
Silom Convent Garden
Newly built in November 2006, this chic serviced apartment is located in the Silom-Sathorn area but has some of the cheapest rates for this business and night market district. For 36,000 Baht/$1000 a month you can have a 38 square meter, 1 bedroom, fully furnished luxurious apartment complete with full kitchen, washer machine, flat screen tv, and rain shower. The only drawback is the place doesn’t have a pool or gym, but thats the reason the price is so low and why its one of the best values in Bangkok.
If you are still undecided whether to have a stay in Bangkok on your next trip, it was just recently announced that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) plans to make Bangkok a “paradise” city. The article from the Bangkok Post states the BMA will establish a fund to address trash, pollution and traffic problems. Now is the time to take your next vacation or business trip to Bangkok, as life couldn’t get any better in the City of Angels!
What are the best areas of Bangkok to rent? What facilities and services can I expect from a Bangkok serviced apartment? What are the best and worst serviced apartments in Bangkok? Read on to learn the answers to these questions and much more in my simple and easy guide to renting a serviced apartment in Bangkok for expats and travelers.
Bangkok is the Center of Southeast Asia
As the commercial center of Thailand and the hub of business and leisure travel within Southeast Asia, Bangkok has exceptional hotels of all kinds catering to the business elite and casual traveler.
Recently, a new kind of accommodation has gained favor with business executives on short stays in Bangkok–the luxury serviced apartment. With increased commercial expansion over the past several years, serviced apartments are quickly becoming the favorite choice of living style for their affordable luxury.
What is a Serviced Apartment?
The serviced part of the equation usually refers to the daily or twice weekly cleaning of your room, the furniture, kitchen amenities and so on that normal apartments do not include. Some service apartments also function as hotels, and these are called Aparthotels.
What’s So Special About Bangkok Serviced Apartments?
Real estate and relocation agents believe Bangkok has the most number of sophisticated apartments the world has to offer. There are not just one or two luxurious apartments, but close to 50. This is because skilled labor is cheap in thailand, and the city itself is a major business hub for the southeast asia region.
Renting a serviced apartment in bangkok can be a daunting task for several reasons–the primary one being there are so many ‘fine print’ and extra costs involved when signing a weekly, monthly or yearly contract.
I have been living in Bangkok for a few years now, and have gone through several serviced apartments, learning on the way which ‘services’ are included and what to expect from your stay in Bangkok.
Bangkok’s City Plan
The Bangkok Jungle has several meanings, one of them being that the city was never built with a city plan or urban design in mind. The city is a sprawling landscape, a montage of residential and commercial buildings juxtaposing one another. It is home to 10 to 15 million people, depending on who is arriving from the rural country and abroad. The people as well, from poor to affluent, live side by side.
The city itself is lopsided; if you look down any major road in bangkok, you will see that both sides of the road arent balanced, building heights are different, and there is an overall lack of symmetry. This is what makes Bangkok unique and charming. And what makes it a jungle.
The Best Areas To Live In Bangkok
Bangkok contains inexpensive to exclusive apartments, but the best ones are found in the following regions of Bangkok:
Sukhumvit, the main road or artery of Bangkok
Asok, one of the most exclusive and expensive areas to live
Thong Lo, the chic and fashionable street,
Sathorn, the business district of Bangkok
Silom, another business and red light district
Ploenchit, business district
Chit Lom, business district
The areas listed above are all within easy access to shopping, dining, entertainment, trains, skytrains, and expressways. If you choose to live in one of these areas, you will experience life in the center of Bangkok’s thriving business and shopping centres while indulging in an ultra private serviced apartment in Bangkok. I personally recommend Asok and Chit Lom, as they are the classiest areas of Bangkok, but if you are looking to be close to the night markets Silom is perfect, and Sukhumvit is always a colorful experience.
Facilities and Services of Typical Bangkok Serviced Apartments
These vary between the different types of apartments and condos, but a standard of excellence has been establlished from the increasing competition among serviced apartments. Facilities and services are upgraded regularly to keep up with rival residences. However, before investing in a serviced apartment, be sure to check if these services and facilities are available.
5 Services That Should Be Included Free of Charge:
Room Cleaning
Water/Utilities
Internet Usage
24 Hour Security
Room Service/Errand Boy
4 Facilities That Should Be Included
Restaurant
Gym
Pool
Convenience Store
The Loopholes: Length of Stay, Deposits and Electricity
If you are staying for a month or year, the serviced apartment may charge you for electricity. Make sure that you negotiate this price to 6.5 Baht/Unit. A lot of times the apartment owners will charge 8 Baht/Unit for more profit. They only pay 3 or 4 Baht/Unit.
Be careful when signing leases; most require a 2 month deposit, and if you move out before your contract is finished you forfeit this deposit.
Make sure the serviced apartment has a laundry service, either in house or out of house. Most serviced apartments have coin operated laundry rooms as well as pick up services. More deluxe suites will have washing machine in the room. Note that most places do not have dryers.
How much Should I Pay?
This is a difficult question to answer, but the more facilities a serviced apartment has, the more it will cost. If a serviced apartment has a pool, gym and also functions as a 24 hour hotel, then the monthly price will be above 30,000 Baht.
Location also has a large part to do with cost of a bangkok serviced apartment. If you are staying in an area not close to skytrain or subway access, your price will be much lower. Conversely, staying in the business districts of Silom or trendy spots like Ekkamai or Thonglor will raise your monthly rent.
Which Serviced Apartment Should I Choose?
The serviced apartment market in Bangkok is lead by three groups, The President Group, The Ascott Group, and Centre Point. Most of them offer first class accomodation and have a decent system of serving their customers. However, there are numerous independent serviced apartments to choose from.
The 2 Worst Serviced Apartments in Bangkok
Ascott Bangkok Sathorn
There have been several articles written in trade journals about the decline in service at the once famous and most prestigious serviced apartment in Bangkok. Once known for attention to customer relations, their lack of it is now glaringly obvious to everyone who stays there. This place is an example of a chain serviced apartment becoming too much like a corporation with no human touch of service.
Lebua
Rumor is their staff is very untrustworthy. Read the trade journals and ‘google’ the residence for reviews.
Top 2 Most Luxurious Bangkok Serviced Apartments
Siri Sathorn Apartments
Siri Sathorn is a five-star luxury `boutique` property which epitomises private and elegant living in a residential setting. It is a concept of the perfect home which appeals to international traveller. This place caters to Japanese clientelle but of course is open to everyone.
Fraser Place Urbana Langusan
They have an exclusive 45-metre driveway leading from the main road to the serviced residence for great privacy. They also have some of the best services and customer relations I have ever experienced, pampered is the only word that comes to mind
Best Value Bangkok Serviced Apartments
Silom Convent Garden
Newly built in November 2006, this chic serviced apartment is located in the Silom-Sathorn area but has some of the cheapest rates for this business and night market district. For 36,000 Baht/$1000 a month you can have a 38 square meter, 1 bedroom, fully furnished luxurious apartment complete with full kitchen, washer machine, flat screen tv, and rain shower. The only drawback is the place doesn’t have a pool or gym, but thats the reason the price is so low and why its one of the best values in Bangkok.
If you are still undecided whether to have a stay in Bangkok on your next trip, it was just recently announced that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) plans to make Bangkok a “paradise” city. The article from the Bangkok Post states the BMA will establish a fund to address trash, pollution and traffic problems. Now is the time to take your next vacation or business trip to Bangkok, as life couldn’t get any better in the City of Angels!
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Tags: Apartments In Bangkok, Furniture Kitchen, Living In Bangkok | 
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Flipping Houses in 2009
October 11th, 2009
Gen Wright asked:
Just a couple of years ago, if you are in the business of flipping houses, it would have been near impossible to find great properties that you can buy and sell off quickly. Flipping houses is not a new business model. Many investors and real estate brokers have been involved in flipping houses to make a quick profit. In brief, here is how it works.
In order for this business model to work, you must first find a property that you know you can sell off quickly at a profit. How do you do that? You can do so when you have your key metrics at your finger tips. The key metrics are: market value of the property, the asking price of the property, and the potential selling price of the property. Let’s take a look at each metric, and see how they come together to help you make the right decision.
1) The market value of the house.
Every house has a market value. The market value of a property is the dollar value of similar properties in the area. Not everybody knows the market value of a house. Sometimes, even the homeowners are not aware of the market value of their own homes. That’s because they are not in the real estate industry, and they do not follow property trends. You can easily ascertain the market value of a property by having a qualified valuer value the house. Even without a proper valuation, you should have a good idea of how much the house is worth.
2) Asking price of the property.
When times are good, demand for property is high. Therefore, the asking price during such times may even be higher than the actual valuation. That’s why it is difficult to find great deals while the economy is booming. It is not impossible though. It just takes more time and effort.
However, during a downturn, jobs are lost, and many homeowners may be forced to sell their properties at low prices just to meet their financial obligations. Now is the time to grab as many bargains as you possibly can.
Of course, as you acquire the properties, you should always keep in mind that since it’s the downturn, there may be a lack of buyers. If you really want to flip houses in 2009, then you must be confident of the third point.
3) The potential selling price of the property.
This is what separates the professionals from the amateurs. The professionals already have a ready pool of customers. They are likely to be in the real estate business longer than most people, and they have a wide network of contacts. When they buy a property, it’s very likely that they already know the potential selling price of the property. In other words, they have a few ready buyers in mind.
This helps to minimize risks. The pros are confident that they can flip the houses and make a quick profit. The amateurs may just buy, and hope to sell off quickly. When that doesn’t happen, they get stuck with the property, and run into cash flow problems.
If you are serious about flipping houses, be sure to learn as much as you can about this trade.
Just a couple of years ago, if you are in the business of flipping houses, it would have been near impossible to find great properties that you can buy and sell off quickly. Flipping houses is not a new business model. Many investors and real estate brokers have been involved in flipping houses to make a quick profit. In brief, here is how it works.
In order for this business model to work, you must first find a property that you know you can sell off quickly at a profit. How do you do that? You can do so when you have your key metrics at your finger tips. The key metrics are: market value of the property, the asking price of the property, and the potential selling price of the property. Let’s take a look at each metric, and see how they come together to help you make the right decision.
1) The market value of the house.
Every house has a market value. The market value of a property is the dollar value of similar properties in the area. Not everybody knows the market value of a house. Sometimes, even the homeowners are not aware of the market value of their own homes. That’s because they are not in the real estate industry, and they do not follow property trends. You can easily ascertain the market value of a property by having a qualified valuer value the house. Even without a proper valuation, you should have a good idea of how much the house is worth.
2) Asking price of the property.
When times are good, demand for property is high. Therefore, the asking price during such times may even be higher than the actual valuation. That’s why it is difficult to find great deals while the economy is booming. It is not impossible though. It just takes more time and effort.
However, during a downturn, jobs are lost, and many homeowners may be forced to sell their properties at low prices just to meet their financial obligations. Now is the time to grab as many bargains as you possibly can.
Of course, as you acquire the properties, you should always keep in mind that since it’s the downturn, there may be a lack of buyers. If you really want to flip houses in 2009, then you must be confident of the third point.
3) The potential selling price of the property.
This is what separates the professionals from the amateurs. The professionals already have a ready pool of customers. They are likely to be in the real estate business longer than most people, and they have a wide network of contacts. When they buy a property, it’s very likely that they already know the potential selling price of the property. In other words, they have a few ready buyers in mind.
This helps to minimize risks. The pros are confident that they can flip the houses and make a quick profit. The amateurs may just buy, and hope to sell off quickly. When that doesn’t happen, they get stuck with the property, and run into cash flow problems.
If you are serious about flipping houses, be sure to learn as much as you can about this trade.