Real Estate In Brazil

Buying Property in Brazil – making hay while sun shines

First Published Date: May 29, 2016

With its fast expanding economy, Brazil is now being counted in the top 10 largest growing economies in the world (currently at the 9th position but quickly gaining in ranking). The Investment Grade bestowed on Brazil in 2008 has further boosted its economic position and the real estate in Brazil is selling faster than hot cakes.

Why Brazil?

Investment in Brazil accounts for more than 40% of the total GDP of South America. Major contributors to the economic upliftment have been the manufacturing industries and the production of ethanol, in which Brazil stands at no.1 position. The recent discovery of oil and gas reserves in the country catapulted the country’s self sufficiency in energy and also opened up the doors of economic

stability. The first thing that such stability and economic boom has on is the interest rates on loans which at present in Brazil are running at an all time low. With a controlled inflation level (in fact by maintaining the rate at 5.7%, President Lula has created an all time low record); the private sector industries are thriving with the flood of investment.

On the other hand this economic boom and development has led to severe shortage of real estate in Brazil. While there is already a deficit of over 8 million housing units, the growing middle class is further crunching the demand and supply chain. The silver lining is the rise in availability of mortgaged real estate. In fact many Brazilians for whom owning a house was a distant dream, the economic independence combined with the mortgage products has opened new vistas.

International Standing

Brazil will be hosting the 2014 Football World Cup. There is little doubt on how such events can positively impact the host country’s developmental abilities. Such mega events mean sizeable increase in revenue from tourism and hospitality and huge investment ininfrastructure and tax base.

Some of the other facts that have helped the boom of real estate in Brazil are

· Affordable cost of living (just twenty percent of what you would spend to live in UK or Europe)

· Predicted increase in the property price by at least twenty percent

· Active encouragement by the government towards foreign investment

· Currency exchange receiving a favorable response which means foreigners will find it more lucrative to invest in Brazil

· Low maintenance costs of the properties

· Improved travel infrastructure – the air network between cities in Brazil is fast expanding and also many direct flights to US and Europe have been introduced

· Active encouragement of tourism – thanks to the dedication by the government tourism has increased by 100% with the creation of over two hundred fifty thousand jobs for Brazilians

· Warm and welcoming environment – Brazil has sunshine round the year with day time temperatures at a comfortable 27 degrees centigrade. Add to this natural beauty and fantastic scenery and Brazil is just a heavenly place to stay in. Brazilian people are known for their friendly nature and their rich culture what with all the vibrancy in the cities and the revelry at the carnivals and music festivals held each year with great pomp and fuss.

· The most important aspect, especially in today’s world would be the low risk that Brazil faces from international terrorism and war

Which real Estate in Brazil to invest in?

João Pessoa in north east Brazil with beautiful beaches and an exciting lifestyle provides many opportunities for the investors. Thanks to JPA international Presidente Castro Pinto Airport, João Pessoa has easy accessibility from all over the world as well as well connected to the other cities of Brazil. João Pessoa has a rich history still visible in the stunning architecture, ancient temples, historical finds and fine baroque structures.

Coming to the present era, João Pessoa is filled with beautiful white sandy beaches lined with palm trees as well as tiny islands. The highlights include Tambaa, Manaíra, surfing beaches like Oiteiro and Campina and the nudist Tambaba beach. Riding on the buggy strolls that connects to the beaches one can enjoy the mesmerizing sunsets or revel in the nightlife in the numerous bars and clubs. People with a green thumb will particularly find this part interesting – João Pessoa is world’s 2nd greenest city. The squares and parks keep the city center green and the residential areas are filled with ornamental and fruit plants and trees. One of the main sources of income here is the rapidly developing tourism industry and this natural beauty having the friendly and safe reputation is also a
hotspot for Brazilians to settle down in.

Another place worth exploring is the Queen of the plateau – Campina Grande. All round the year various cultural events are held here which is also the main attraction for most tourists visiting the country. One of the major events held here is the São João festival held over the whole month of June. Numerous little huts spring up in the city’s main park Parque do Povo during this festival where regional crafts and foods are on display and sale. The month of July is witness to the Winter Festival which features traditional singing, theatre, dancing, music, cinema and merriment. Another small festival that takes place in March is the Micarande carnival. But Campina Grande is not only about festivals. There is also an artificial lake in Boqueirão where swimming, boating and fishing takes place while the nearby forest region gives ample opportunities of mounting biking.

The other seaside town that is popular with investors is the pretty and quaint Jacumã. A sleepy fishing village, local and international tourists flock this town to enjoy the beautiful beaches which are rated amongst the best in Brazil. Jacumã has a tranquil cove setting and is especially child-friendly making it ideal for swimming and bathing and thus a favorite spot for holidaying families. There are also little sand dunes in the area where one can play skybunda (sliding on the dunes on boards). From the investment point of view, Jacumã is the place to lookout for as the government pumps in millions for improving the infrastructure and putting up shopping malls, supermarkets, golf courses and holiday resorts of international standards.

Hiring A Home Inspector

What To Know When hiring A Home Inspector

First Published Date: June 3, 2016

When you are buying a home, it is extremely important that you hire a home inspector. A good home inspector will ensure that you are not given any surprises when you move into your new home, and a bad home inspector can cost you thousands in things you never knew you would have to repair or replace in your home.

First things first, the realtor will probably give you a home inspector and you can use them, but do not rely on them. They probably are associated with the realty agency somehow, are being paid through them somehow and are not likely to stop a home sale. Always get a second opinion.

When you are looking at hiring a home inspector, make sure you ask them open-ended questions about their experience and training. You want them to explain their experience, rather than just answering yes or no to your questions. Your inspect needs to have training in construction and maintenance because that will give them a proper background for what you need. An inspector who also knows, or is, a structural engineer is also very important.

When you are interviewing the home inspector, find out what they will inspect and what they will not. If the inspector only looks at the interior of the house, rather than the roof and the outside as well, then you should not hire them.

Most inspectors should be able to provide you with a report template, or a sample report, which you can use to see what they are going to look on, how much detail goes into it and whether or not they will provide a lot of information in the report.

It goes without saying, but you need to get references for your home inspection. A lack of references means you could end up getting a bad home inspector. Once you have the references, call the people on the list and ask them about their experience with the home inspector and how satisfied they were. Talk to individuals who had a home inspection a year or more ago because some problems may not show up right away when a person buys a home. Mold is a good example of this.

Ask the home inspector what the policy is for mistakes or omissions that they make. No home inspector can catch everything, so you want a home inspector who can admit to mistakes and have something in place to remedy any problems that surface down the road. This will protect you in case something is found that the home inspector did not tell you about.

Lastly, find out if the home inspector is a member of any association. When a home inspector is a member of a home inspector’s association, they will be held accountable by the standards of that association. It also gives you an avenue for complaint if something goes wrong with the inspection, or the home inspector.

Home inspections are great, if you get one that is qualified.

The Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Credit Card: Should You Keep It?

Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card Review

First Published Date: September 13, 2016

Disclosure: Information provided here may not be accurate and no longer valid. The mentioned card provider is not related to A Dawn Journal and neither monitor this site nor responsible for any inaccurate information. Contact the card company directly for accurate and updated information. A Dawn Journal or my YouTube Channel are not compensated by or affiliated with any credit card companies. All credit card articles are 100% unbiased and honest.

The Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite card is a cash back rewards credit card that lets you earn cash rewards for everyday purchases, which can be credited to your account balance at the end of each 12-month period once a year in November.

The Cost

Annual Fee = $99. Additional cards = $30

Minimum annual income required = $60,000 (or household income = $100,000)

Rewards Points Snapshot

– Earn 4 percent at eligible gas stations and grocery stores Canada.

– Earn 2 percent on eligible drug store purchases and recurring bill payments.

– Earn 1 percent on everything else.

Author/Copyright: Ahmed Dawn www.adawnjournal.com

First Time Bonus

From time to time, Scotia runs a promotional $100 bonus. Also, the annual fee is waived for the first year.

Anniversary Bonus

None.

Features & Benefits

– Visa Infinite benefits, including Concierge Services.

– Emergency Medical Insurance (15 days <65, none if 65 or older, Amount: $1 million).

– Travel Accident Insurance (Up to $500,000 CAD)

– Auto Rental Theft and Collision/Loss Damage Insurance.

– Trip Interruption Insurance ($2,000 each, maximum $10,000)

– Flight Delay Insurance (After 4 hrs, $500 per trip).

– Lost and Delayed Luggage ($500 maximum)

– Purchase Security (For 90 days, up to $60,000 lifetime)

– Extended Warranty Insurance (1 additional year)

What’s Missing

Because this is not a travel rewards credit card, I can’t mention anything here like I do for a travel credit cards review.

My Take

It’s almost impossible to beat the high cash back return the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite card provides. These days, investors are having a hard time generating 4 percent return from investments, so a credit card that provides 4 percent rewards on groceries is a big deal. However, if your grocery spending is not that high, but spending on another category (that provides 1 percent return) is high, this card won’t make sense and you should probably look for another card.

Although this is not a travel rewards credit card, it offers many travel insurances and provides the option to add Trip Cancellation Insurance, which is a good thing. But don’t forget that travel spending will attract a low 1 percent return.

The $99 annual fee is very reasonable, although Scotiabank could have charged a $120 annual fee – which is standard for Visa Infinite cards.

The only thing I can complain about is that the cash back rewards are awarded only once a year. I have seen other cash back cards that have done a better job at this. For example, some award cash back every month or when you reach a certain amount.

The Tallest Skyscraper in Israel

The Tallest Building in Israel

First Published Date: September 16, 2016

Israel is getting a new skyscraper – which will become its tallest building with a height of 241 meters (790 feet). The Tel Aviv Regional Planning and Building Commission approved the plan. The Infrastructure work has already started and construction will start in the coming weeks.

Currently, Israel’s tallest skyscraper is the 68-floor Ramat Gan Moshe Aviv Tower, which stands 235 meters (770 feet) tall. At that time when it was built in 2003, it was the tallest tower building in the Middle East. Today, it is the 3rd tallest building in the Middle East.

The new tower, called The Eurocom Building, will be built by Eurocom Global Real Estate Ltd and its partners. Its architect is Amnon Schwartz. Its location will be on the corner of Shefa Tal and Arvei Nahal streets. It will be connected to the Tel Aviv Central Railway Station and the Ramat Gan Diamond Exchange via pedestrian and bicycle bridges and light rail.

Author/Copyright: Ahmed Dawn www.adawnjournal.com

The Eurocom building will have offices, a conference centre, a shopping mall, a hotel, and the Givatayim Municipality offices. The price tag to build will be approximately $270 million and will require five years to complete.

Currently, Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the world’s tallest skyscraper. It’s 830 meters (2723 feet) tall and has 163 floors. Recently, Saudi Arabia announced that it would build the world’s tallest building reaching 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) tall.

Donald Trump - A True Real Estate Entrepreneur

Donald Trump and Real Estate

First Published Date: Mar 1, 2011

Even in these days of severe recession it is only the likes of Donald Trump who can say, “Well, real estate is always good, as far as I’m concerned.” For him it has always been “It’s tangible, it’s solid, it’s beautiful. It’s artistic, from my standpoint, and I just love real estate.”

Being born to Fred Trump, a New York property developer on June 14th, 1946, Donald Trump began his journey in the real estate industry quite early in his life and went on to stamp the Trump brand name on many prestigious properties in New York. Many prime properties including fine hotels, building complexes and casinos in New York City bear Trump’s name.

Since a young age, Donald was strongly influenced by his father’s business sense and he acknowledges the same by stating that his father was his mentor and that he learned tremendous knowledge from him especially in the construction industry. Donald Trump completed his studies at Wharton Business School and subsequently joined the real estate business developed by his father. During the 5 years that he worked in the family business under his father, Donald Trump made numerous profitable deals to an extent where his father even admitted to Donald’s having a Midas touch and said that whatever Donald touched seemed to turn to gold. Donald gained invaluable business skills under his father and then moved on to test the waters of the Manhattan real estate market. He successfully acquired numerous exclusive properties here, including Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort, Trump Casino, Trump Tower, Trump Marina Hotel, Trump International Hotel, etc. Donald’s portfolio of prestigious properties just seemed to grow exponentially. All the real estate properties that become a part of the Trump Empire proudly carry the Trump name prominently, not only in their titles but also by the symbolic “T” displayed on distinctly visible areas of the building.

The Trump organization has been responsible for recognized developments across the world and also happens to be the only luxury super brand in global real estate. Its leadership in developing real estate, sales and marketing as well as property management is unparalleled. They have been able to maintain a high level of excellence and luxury in all their real estate projects that range from retail and office properties to residential complexes. Trump properties have been sought after for the quality and excellence they stand for. The Trump organization demands superior quality and perfection in minute details no matter what the project is; whether it is a hotel or a residential project, a luxury resort or a golf course, or even if it is a commercial and retail office – they all get the Trump treatment. The lifestyle and experience that Trump offers on owning one of their properties is unparalleled. The standard of perfection is visible in every aspect, from the design-driven facades created with cutting edge technology by renowned architects and the flawless interiors in which no detail is considered trivial. These are specifically designed to consistently maintain the world-class service that Trump is so renowned for.

The Trump organization owns 26 domestic properties in the U.S.A and 6 international properties. One such domestic property is the Trump International Golf Club and residences in Puerto Rico. This property has been developed to combine a beach resort with a world-class golfing facility and lavish residences over one thousand acres on a private peninsula on the Atlantic Ocean. The highlights of the property are pristine beaches and exquisite landscapes with an oceanic view in the front and the lush greenery of El Yunque Rainforest creating an appealing background. The property houses 3- and 4-bedroom residences, two world-class 18-hole golf courses, a 46,000 square-ft. clubhouse with an outdoor pool, a fitness center, a spa and many restaurants.

The Trump organization’s investment in global real estate encompasses Capcana in Dominican Republic, Dubai, Israel, Istanbul in Turkey, Panama City, Seoul in South Korea and Toronto in Canada. The Trump Farallon Estates in Cap Cana, Dominican Republic has been one of the most significant real estate developments in the Caribbean. The white sands, the crystal blue water, the coral reefs, the palm trees, the wildlife sanctuaries that all make up the mesmerizing Caribbean attract investors from across the world to the Trump Farallon Estates. This complex has more than 1000 residential units, a 350-room Club Hotel, an international golf course and 2 condominium residential units.

Future plans of the Trump organization include real estate development through hotels in Scotland’s Aberdeen, New Orleans, LA, Cap Cana in Dominican Republic and in Dubai, UAE. Almost all the hotels developed by Trump have luxurious guestrooms and suites, with most of them providing stunning oceanic views, golf courses and golf villas, private access to beaches, exclusive beach club, boutique shopping and fine dining.

The organization is not limited to only development and sales of properties but also has a division dedicated to providing real estate brokerage services in both commercial and residential sectors. They provide discreet, professional and quality service. Through a simple form on their website, the team of brokers dealing directly with Trump apartment owners or Greenthal managed buildings help provide the best brokerage in any area that one may be looking for. Their other services include portfolio expansion through ground-up development projects, existing property redevelopment, repositioning of properties that are under-performing as well as reflagging of currently operational hotels. The Trump organization has a stake in almost every aspect of real estate property development and with its 35-year history in hotel development and management they have proved themselves to be an unparalleled leader in the industry.

Trump has not only been successful as a real estate developer but in other areas of businesses too. Apart from this, he even bears a celebrity personality with many magazines and gossip columns frequently reporting news about him. He has also been the inspiration for television programs and he even starred in his own 2004 reality program, The Apprentice.