The preferences of foreign expatriates, young domestic business professionals and their families are centered around 3 main offerings: apartments, condominiums and town-houses. Very often, most tenants in Thailand don’t understand the simple difference between apartments and condominiums. The mysterious answer resides in the ownership of the unit by one individual for apartments and by multiple and individual owners for condominiums. This can make a notable difference especially when dealing with a query or an issue.  The point of communication will be central and unique for apartments whereas for condominiums a mixture of Juristic Office staff - managing the common areas and services of the building - and the owner of the particular unit will take place. The time response and efficiency in the handling of any issues such as an A/C or washing machine being out-of-service can make a positive or negative lasting impression on a tenant and will certainly motivate his or her choice for future extension in the long run.

Ideally, a landlord wants to secure a tenant for as long as possible by providing the best service possible. In reality, this doesn’t necessarily happen and often tenants leave their units to the great demise of their landlord at the end of the lease without having given the chance for the owners to address some issues for which they are not necessarily aware of or have not been contacted for. This situation alone makes apartments more desirable on a tenant point-of-view as they are often kept in a more recent or updated condition, the communication channel between tenants and landlord is more direct and efficient and all issues handling is centralized.

But rest assured, some advantages of condominiums are notable such as a less standardized decoration, more flexibility in allowing your friendly domesticated companions to live in the premises (cats, dogs, turtles and other adorable creatures) and more room for price’s negotiation as renting price in the building is not set by one owner. From an investment point-of-view and if your budget allows owning standardized units, centralized management can create interesting economies of scale and increase your ROI while safeguarding your capital, helping you reach the long-term goal of capital appreciation. For a more controlled budget, condominiums can be great opportunities to generate monthly cash flows and secure your savings into a long-term asset. Foreigners can benefit from full ownership in projects that are respecting the 51-49% ratio rule between Thai national and foreign owners.

Dr. Sopon Pornchockchai, President of the Agency for Real Estate Affairs (AREA), develops in his 2011 Land Survey Valuation Report, that although there are limited amount of apartments’ development in the pipeline, some 300 projects are ready to be launched in the next 4 to 5 years in Bangkok’s BCD; hence offering more choices and ultimately, more value to both domestic and foreign users. This ensures the attractiveness for Bangkok’s property investment from both domestic investors and foreigners who want to diversify their portfolio.

KSI Realty Thailand predicts that the fast development trend of the last 5 years of high rises will slow down in favor of more harmonized and community-oriented low rises or town-home sub-divisions. Although land prices remain strong and have increased more than 3 times in the last 15 years, some developers will follow the trend of building more quality than quantity-oriented housing and offer ultimately more luxurious, city and eco-friendly-oriented lifestyle to their customers. For more info on Real Estate news in Thailand please visit our Blog www.Kijner.com/blog, like our Facebook Page www.facebook.com/ksirealty and follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/ksirealty.  

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Article by Kijner & Sons International Realty, 21 February 2012

Montaña del Mar

Exclusive residential community set on over 400 acres of beautiful natural forest lands

Incredible natural beauty with waterfalls, local fauna and flora and spectacular views of the coastal mountain ranges

Phase I consists of 45 large, private estate lots - average lot size is 6,100 m2 or 1 ½ acres, most lots with expansive views  

Exceptional location very close to airports, hospitals, beaches, shopping, fine dining, PGA golf courses, sports fishing, horse back riding, diving, canopy tours, and less than 10 miles from the new JW Marriot (opened Dec 2008) with five excellent restaurants  

Current pricing offers exceptional value and future capital appreciation potential with lots selling for $15-20 per square meter (subdivided residential lots within 15 minutes of Monta?a del Mar are selling for $30 - $300 / m2)

Planned facilities and amenities include:
> Gated front entrance with 24x7 security
> Large swimming pool with cascading waterfalls
> Clubhouse area
> BBQ / picnic areas, bathrooms, full kitchen
> Tennis court, horse stables and mountain bikes
> Beautiful natural waterfalls in main common area
> Meditation pools and gardens (the Seven Sacred Pools)
> On-site health spa exclusive to Monta?a del Mar residents
> Future commerical center at the front of the property lMonta?a del Mar is a unique lifestyle and investment opportunity with a superb location, incredible natural beauty and unparalleled value 

Close to airports: 
> Liberia International (45 mins)
> Tamarindo Regional (15 mins)

Close to medical facilities:
> Santa Cruz medical clinic (10 mins)
> Nicoya regional hospital (25 mins)
> Liberia major hospital (45 mins)

Close to spectacular beaches
> Tamarindo (15 mins)
> Playa Avellanos (15 mins)
> Playa Junquillal (15 mins)

Close to shopping
> Santa Cruz (10 mins)
> Tamarindo (15 mins)

Close to gas stations: 
> Santa Cruz (10 mins)
> Huacus (20 mins)

Close to fine dining:
> Hacienda Pinilla (10 mins)
> Tamarindo (15 mins)
> Nicoya (25 mins)
> Conchal (30 mins)

Close to PGA golf courses:
> Hacienda Pinilla (10 mins)
> Melia Conchal (30 mins)

Beach Club

New beach club at Haciena Pinilla

> 15 minutes from the property
> Set right on the spectacular Pacific Ocean beach of Avellanas
> Super pool / pool bar / deck chairs
> Bath rooms / lockers
> On-site spa
> Air conditioned observation deck
> Beach side hammocks
> Excellent restaurant / bar

LOTS:

Lot 3 
Size: 5,353 m2
Price: $95,000

Lot 5 
Size: 6,279 m2
Price: $90,000

Lot 6 
Size: 6,172 m2
Price: $120,000

Lot 9 
Size: 7,710 m2 
Price: $120,000

Lot 18 
Size: 5,253 m2 
Price: $100,000

Lot 23 
Size: 5,779 m2 
Price: $85,000

Lot 24 
Size: 5,021 m2 
Price: $110,000

Lot 36 
Size: 6,514 m2 
Price: $115,000

Lot 37 
Size: 6,942 m2 
Price: $110,000

Lot 40 
Size: 5,625 m2 
Price: $125,000

A total of 963 contracts were signed for property transactions of which 723 for single family homes and 240 for condominiums with respective median sales prices of $162,000 and $180,000. "The median sales price rise from last year is very striking, and probably has a lot to do with the lower inventory of available properties and the improved national economic picture," explained SAR President Laura Benson.

As for inventory last January, they stood at 4,711, a 22% drop from last year 6,047 showing that "the law of supply and demand will likely start to take hold in the Sarasota market, pushing asking prices higher". 

To read the full January 2012 SAR Report and get all the statistics, please click here. 

To learn more about real estate opportunities in the Sarasota area, contact Kijner & Sons International Realty at info@kijner.com.

Kijner & Sons International Realty is glad to be once again participating at this show under the FNAIM pavillion, the French National Real Estate Federation, which by its number, is the first European organization for real estate professionals.

Come and meet with KSI Realty and its certified Realtors® to learn more about investment opportunities and relocation in Florida, Thailand, France and Costa Rica. This year, we will specifically focus on real estate owned properties (REOs) such as short sales and foreclosures in South Florida and will present you with unique properties whether you are interested in residential or commercial real estate and whether you want to relocate to the Miami or Sarasota Florida area. 

To download your free invitation to the show, just click here. For any other inquiry, do not hesitate to contact us at info@kijner.com.

HOUSE & LAND FOR SALE:

This Gorgeous Penthouse unit is luxurious and is right in the heart of Bangkok with an innovative design and is quite inspired by nature. With the prestigious location, the unit is enhanced with a modern decor, as a lavish personal sanctuary style, and is furnished. The unit is easily accessible to the Emporium shopping center, J Avenue, and famous international schools; The American School of Bangkok, Wells International School, and The Early Learning Center. There is also the well known Samitivej Hospital. Don't forget that there is easy access to BTS station Thonglor and Phrom Pong.

- Security 24/7

- Parking

- Cable and Satellite TV

- Hi Speed Internet

- Copy Machine

- Fax Services

- Telephone

- Sauna

- Fitness Center

- Playground

- Squash

- Table Tennis

- Tennis

- Basketball

- Pool/ Jacuzzi

- Jogging Track

- Spa

- Library

Located in the heart of Thonglor, this unit offers a modern style of living in Bangkok. Wooden floors and modern furniture surround this unit. The unit can sleep more than two and is extremely affordable. Just under a thousand dollars a month for a two bedroom is a great steal. The apartment is located in a prime location with pubs, restaurants, entertainment and shopping centers nearby. And the building provides a generous amount of facilities that you won't have to leave to work out, or take a few laps around the pool. 

- Parking

- CCTV/ 24/7 guard

- Washing

- Cable Television

- Gym

- Large Pool

- Playground

Located in the heart of Bangkok, this serviced unit is not only affordable but provides all your necessary needs at your feet. There are linen changes three times a week and a maid to clean your unit six times a week, Monday-Saturday. The unit is large and furnished. There is also a great deal of facilities provided for you at the building ranging from gym/fitness to pool. Out side your unit, you can easily find the Samitivej Hospital, International Schools for learning and a plethora of restaurants, pubs and entertainment places.

Facilities

- Pool

- Maid Service

- Gym and Fitness

- Sauna

- Cable TV

- Parking

-CCTV/ & 24/7 Security Guard

Located in the heart of Bangkok, this unit is affordable and has all the necessary facilities right at your door. The unit is modern with wooden floors. The unit is located in Soi Thonglor, one of Bangkok’s most popular expatriate districts, and this well-appointed residence is close to the financial and business districts with entertainment, nightlife, shopping and restaurants nearby. The residence offers business and recreational services and facilities desired while working overseas. The BTS station Thonglor and Phrom Pong are minutes away. 

- Washing Room

- Pool

- Maid Service

- Fitness Center

- Playground

- Internet

- Security/ CCTV

This unit is for sale in the heart of Bangkok, which is something very difficult to come across. Most units are for rent. This unit is located in a prime location with the BTS station Thonglor and Phrom Pong moments away. The unit comes furnished including a stove, refrigerator, and microwave.  The facilities in the building are quite useful with all necessary needs at your door step. Outside you have the infamous Samitivej hospital with many other joyous pubs, restaurants, and entertainment places. 

Facilities

- Fitness

- Pool 

- Sauna

- Steam

- Security/ CCTV

- Cable TV

- Children's playroom and playground

But before you choose one of these mortgages, make sure you understand the risks and how they work.

Specialty mortgages often begin with a low introductory interest rate or payment plan - a “teaser” - but the monthly mortgage payments are likely to increase a lot in the future. Some are “low documentation” mortgages that come with easier standards for qualifying, but also higher interest rates or higher fees. Some lenders will loan you 100 percent or more of the home’s value, but these mortgages can present a big financial risk if the value of the house drops.

Specialty Mortgages Can:

• Pose a greater risk that you won’t be able to afford the mortgage payment in the future, compared to fixed rate mortgages and traditional adjustable rate mortgages.
• Have monthly payments that increase by as much as 50 percent or more when the introductory period ends.
• Cause your loan balance (the amount you still owe) to get larger each month instead of smaller.

Common Types of Specialty Mortgages:

• Interest-Only Mortgages: Your monthly mortgage payment only covers the interest you owe on the loan for the first 5 to 10 years of the loan, and you pay nothing to reduce the total amount you borrowed (this is called the “principal”). After the interest-only period, you start paying higher monthly payments that cover both the interest and principal that must be repaid over the remaining term of the loan. 

• Negative Amortization Mortgages: Your monthly payment is less than the amount of interest you owe on the loan. The unpaid interest gets added to the loan’s principal amount, causing the total amount you owe to increase each month instead of getting smaller.

• Option Payment ARM Mortgages: You have the option to make different types of monthly payments with this mortgage. For example, you may make a minimum payment that is less than the amount needed to cover the interest and increases the total amount of your loan; an interest-only payment, or payments calculated to pay off the loan over either 30 years or 15 years. 

• 40-Year Mortgages: You pay off your loan over 40 years, instead of the usual 30 years. While this reduces your monthly payment and helps you qualify to buy a home, you pay off the balance of your loan much more slowly and end up paying much more interest. 

Questions to Consider Before Choosing a Specialty Mortgage:

• How much can my monthly payments increase and how soon can these increases happen?
• Do I expect my income to increase or do I expect to move before my payments go up?
• Will I be able to afford the mortgage when the payments increase?
• Am I paying down my loan balance each month, or is it staying the same or even increasing?
• Will I have to pay a penalty if I refinance my mortgage or sell my house?
• What is my goal in buying this property? Am I considering a riskier mortgage to buy a more expensive house than I can realistically afford?

Be sure you work with a REALTOR® and lender who can discuss different options and address your questions and concerns!

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Sources:

Learn about the National Association of Realtors® Housing Opportunity Program at www.realtor.org/housingopportunity.

For more information on predatory mortgage lending practices, visit the Center for Responsible Lending at www.responsiblelending.org.

Located in the heart of Thonglor, this unit is big, affordable, and is  in a prime location with restaurants, clubs, and entertainment. Situated minutes away from the BTS Thonglor station, the unit is partially furnished with a maids room and toilet as well as plasma T.V.'s. If you are a tennis fan, no need to leave the building, bacause on the roof, there is a built in tennis court. Not only is there great tennis but a great view as well. 

-Tennis court

-Fitness

-Sauna

-Cable TV

The apartment complex located on Sukhumvit Soi 49 in the centre of the business and shopping district of Bangkok. The facility is just minutes from shopping malls, hospitals, embassies, businesses and many other convenient sites. There is also convenient access to the nearest skytrain station. This Penthouse, is affordable and massive. For under $2700 a month, one can live like a king in the heart of Thonglor. The unit is partially furnished and has a 360 degree view of Bangkok. It's big, it's cheap, it's a catch. 

Facilities

-Playground

-Sauna

-Swimming Pool

-Fitness

-Internet

-Cable TV

-Washing

Located in the hustle and bustle of Bangok, this unit is where one should reside. The convenience and comfort of the residence is in a prime location for international executives, families and leisure travellers. Located in Soi Thonglor, one of Bangkok’s most popular expatriate districts, this well-appointed residence is close to the financial and business districts with entertainment, nightlife, shopping and restaurants nearby. The unit is big, and quite affordable. 

Facilities

-pool

-fitness

-playground

-Washing

-Internet

With an astonishing rise in real estate prices since 2009 and numerous government restrictions on domestic real estate investments, more and more Chinese homebuyers and investors have turned to overseas properties and international real estate as the better choice in terms of ROI and safety. 

Kijner & Sons International Realty will also hold a conference on international real estate investments. Come and meet with us to learn more about real estate, investing and relocating to the United States, Florida, Thailand, Costa Rica and France. We look forward to welcoming you on our booth #2009 at the Shanghai Exhibition Center (SEC)!

For more information on this exciting event, please visit www.kijner.com/Events and for all the latest updates, check regularly our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ksirealty.

Do you have listings you want to promote with us at this event? Contact us at info@kijner.com.

Photos courtesy of http://www.chinarealestatexpo.com/?page-page-pic.html

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Source: Global Perspectives December 2011

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdKiPR3kdjo&feature=g-vrec&context=G25c5b3aRVAAAAAAAABg

If you are looking to invest in or relocate to Costa Rica, we can help! To learn more about Costa Rica, click here.

You can also read our Q&A about investing and living in Costa Rica whether you are considering buying a commercial or a residential property. We sell casinos, teak farms, hotels, restaurants, luxurious villas....just check our "Featured Properties" page!

Questions, comments? Contact us at info@kijner.com. 

This report highlights what motivates both the high-net-worth individual "HNWI" (a person whose investible assets, excluding their primary residence, total between $1M and $10M) and the ultra-high-net-worth individual "UHNWI" (a person whose investible assets, excluding their primary residence, are valued at over $10M).

You will also learn more about Asia's ongoing rise as the World's new economic powerhouse and that education is one of the most important factors that encourages wealthy people to buy properties and invest abroad. 

To read the full report, click on the image below. 

If you are looking to invest abroad, buy a property in Thailand, Florida, Costa Rica or France or send your children study in the USA, we can assist you! Just visit our website www.kijner.com to learn more about investment opportunities aborad. Questions, comments, inquire at info@kijner.com, we specialize in wealth management, international consulting, relocation, promotion and development, residential and commercial transactions as well as property management. 

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Source: http://www.knightfrank.com/wealthreport/

Pour télécharger le guide, cliquez sur la photo ci-dessous!

Si vous souhaitez vous expatrier en Thaïlande, acheter ou louer un appartement en copropriété à Bangkok ou la maison/villa de vos rêves à Koh Samui, Pattaya, Hua Hin ou Phuket, nous vous invitons à lire nos dossiers spéciaux:

> Pourquoi investir en Thaïlande?
> Comment investir en Thaïlande?
> Questions & Réponses Thaïlande

Un projet résidentiel ou commercial précis en Thaïlande, des questions? Contactez-nous à info@kijner.com.

Pour vous faire une idées d'une partie de nos biens sur la Thaïlande, cliquez ici. 

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Source: http://www.expat-blog.com/guides/guide-Thailande.pdf

1. Develop a household budget. Instead of creating a budget of what you’d like to spend, use receipts to create a budget that reflects your actual spending habits over the last several months. This approach will factor in unexpected expenses, such as car repairs, as well as predictable costs such as rent, utility bills, and groceries.

2. Reduce your debt. Lenders generally look for a total debt load of no more than 36 percent of income. This figure includes your mortgage, which typically ranges between 25 and 28 percent of your net household income. So you need to get monthly payments on the rest of your installment debt — car loans, student loans, and revolving balances on credit cards — down to between 8 and 10 percent of your net monthly income.

3. Look for ways to save. You probably know how much you spend on rent and utilities, but little expenses add up, too. Try writing down everything you spend for one month. You’ll probably spot some great ways to save, whether it’s cutting out that morning trip to your favorite coffee shop or eating dinner at home more often.

4. Increase your income. Now’s the time to ask for a raise! If that’s not an option, you may want to consider taking on a second job to get your income at a level high enough to qualify for the home you want.

5. Save for a down payment. Designate a certain amount of money each month to put away in your savings account. Although it’s possible to get a mortgage with only 5 percent down, or even less, you can usually get a better rate if you put down a larger percentage of the total purchase. Aim for a 20 percent down payment.

6. Keep your job. While you don’t need to be in the same job forever to qualify for a home loan, having a job for less than two years may mean you have to pay a higher interest rate.

7. Establish a good credit history. Get a credit card and make payments by the due date. Do the same for all your other bills, too. Pay off the entire balance promptly.

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Source: The National Association of Realtors® (NAR)