Buying Property Abroad: What Does it Take?

Buying a house or an apartment at home is quite a process already - so becoming the proud owner of a property abroad must be even more difficult. The trick to either owning property in another country or becoming an expat is to do your homework first.

Since you don’t know the country abroad as you know your home country, it’s way too easy to either be maliciously tricked into something or simply misunderstand the conditions - and when we’re talking about a large amount of money, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

pexels-photo-632522.jpg

Use this guide to understand the property market in the country you’re considering as well as what you need to do to make sure you’re fully up to date before you sign any papers. That way, you can enjoy your new house or apartment as soon as possible, and with a bit more confidence.

Why buy property abroad?

If you haven’t considered purchasing land, a house or a property in a foreign country, you might be wondering why so many people are starting to do it. First of all, it tends to be a lot cheaper than at home. So much so that you might not even need financing for it - just use your savings and pay up straight away.

Secondly, you’ll be able to use the property as an investment or as a place to live if you’d like to become an expat. Your life will be significantly more affordable, that’s for certain, and you’ll no longer have to pay down on your mortgage or rent every month if you don’t have a place in your home country as well.

Many people choose to buy property abroad to increase their income, by the way, by renting it out to holiday-goers. If you paid for the property without having to take up a loan, the money you make of it will provide you with a significantly higher income over the years.

Just make sure that you find someone who can take care of the property for you while you’re away, though, if you’d like to rent it out to others. This can actually be a bit tricky; some countries don’t really have a professional company that will manage the property for you so you’ll need to rely on word of mouth.

Get in touch with the local expat community in your country of choice or just ask around when you’re there. They should be able to set you up with someone reliable who’d like to make a bit extra by looking after your place.

First: Which country are you considering?

Now that you understand the benefits of investing in properties abroad, it’s time to take a closer look at how you should research the markets once you’ve made up your mind.

Some markets abroad are a bit hotter than others. Even though you may already have a country or two in mind, it’s a good idea to figure out which countries that may be a better investment than others.

Several countries in Europe, for example, are quite decent from an investors point-of-view. Spain, Portugal, and France are all among the top three countries to buy property in so if you’ve already been considering one of these countries, you can rest assured that it’s a safe bet.

If you’re looking outside of Europe, Australia is another excellent option for property investment, with cities like Brisbane standing out due to their strong economic growth and rising real estate demand. For those interested in Australian opportunities, exploring options to buy property Brisbane can be an excellent way to tap into a market that combines lifestyle appeal with long-term investment potential. Brisbane offers affordable property prices, a sunny climate, and proximity to iconic holiday destinations, making it a highly attractive choice for investors and homeowners alike.

Remember that even though the country boasts a great real estate market, there will be certain areas that are way better to invest in than others. Try to either ask people you know who live in the area or give a real estate agent in the country a call.

They should be able to steer you away from the dodgiest neighborhoods at least so that you don’t invest in an area that is generally unpopular among the locals.

If you’d like to own property somewhere else than in Europe, you might want to consider Indonesia for its tropical climate and affordable prices. It’s really popular for expats as well so have a look at https://rumahdijual.com/bekasi/perumahan-murah and browse the pages for inspiration.

#1 Research the laws and regulations

Now that you’re up to date on the real estate market in the country you have your eyes on, it’s time to get down to business. One of the biggest problems for foreigners getting into property markets abroad is that they simply don’t understand their laws and regulations.

First of all, you might not be allowed to own property there, in the first place. It’s a good idea to figure this out sooner rather than later so that you save yourself the trouble of figuring it out when you’ve already done all the preparations.

Secondly, you need to think about whether or not you’d like to rent it out. Even though you figure out that you are indeed allowed to buy property there, you might still not be allowed to rent it out - and that would be quite frustrating to learn when you’ve already bought it.

The reason for this is that a large number of foreign investors, particularly in countries such as Spain, are squeezing out the local hotels and hostels by renting out the apartments or houses they bought. It’s not good for the local economy, so make sure that you know the country before you try to rent it out to anyone.

pexels-photo-462024.jpg

You might be able to read up on all of this online but it’s a good idea to have a chat with a lawyer who understands the laws in both countries - as well as a real estate agent. While you probably wouldn’t go to these lengths when buying property at home, you need to safeguard yourself as you simply don’t understand the market as well.

Make sure that the lawyer is fluent in both languages and has a good understanding of how it is for foreigners to buy property there. It could save you from making a major hiccup with your money so get this one over with right away.

#2 Getting financing for your new property

If you have found a real estate agent you can rely on as well as a lawyer that’s knowledgeable competent, it’s time to find a place you’d like to buy. This both will and should take quite some time in terms of researching and considering - so make sure that you don’t rush into anything before you’ve done your homework.

Finding a place that you love and would like to own doesn’t mean that you’ve come to the end of the road, though. It’s actually just the beginning. Most foreign investors encounter a problem when they need to find financing for their property as most banks at home don’t really offer financing for properties abroad. Have a read at https://supermoney.com to learn more about your options.

Some of them do offer this, though, so do a bit of research online first and have a long chat with your bank. They might be able to come up with a solution for you. The best would, of course, be if you were able to just pay everything down at once. This isn’t always an option, so see if you’re able to buy it with the equity of the property you own in your home country.

That way, you can buy the place without having to pay for everything at once - and when you’re ready to move abroad for good, you simply sell your property at home to pay off the loan you have on the one you’re buying now.

This means that you’ll become a true expat, though, and it might be a good idea to wait with this until you’re either ready to move abroad with your family or just ready to retire.

#3 Get all documents translated

The property of your dreams have been found, you’ve researched and talked to everyone that’s relevant, and you’ve got financing for the place. Now it’s time to sign those papers. Don’t put your name on anything before you know that you’re able to understand everything it says on those documents, though, even if you think that you’re slightly fluent in the language.

Get them translated right away, and make sure that you have someone nearby who understands both languages and can guide you through the process. It’s an important point, and the best way to safeguard yourself against those who would like to take advantage of naive foreigners.

Buying property abroad can be quite a challenge as the laws and regulations can be completely different from those we have at home. That’s why you absolutely need to take your time, research the location, and get a network of contacts that can help you throughout the purchase process.

Once you have it, you’ll hopefully think that purchasing it was a breeze - but you don’t want to look back at it and think it was a nightmare. Take the precautions even though it seems a bit like a hassle, and you’ll make your dream about owning property abroad a dream soon enough.

Related Stories

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

What To Look For In An Apartment Rental For Your Next Trip

If you’ve got a trip planned, whether for business or for pleasure, you need to make sure you’re staying in the right place. Having some home comforts and the right amenities close by will make your trip far more enjoyable, and probably more productive.

Here, we’re going to talk about what you should be looking for in your next apartment rental:

The Right Price

The price of your apartment is going to be important - so this means you need to know your budget. It can be all too easy to ignore the price if the apartment is beautiful and the views are even better, but it isn’t a good idea to go over your budget for this.

Set a budget before you even start your search. What can you afford, and how long for? Whether you’re staying for one week, a few weeks, or a couple of months, make sure you know your numbers as accurately as possible. Make sure you think of anything else you’ll have to pay for, such as food, utilities, gym membership, social activities, and more so that you don’t overshoot and end up choosing somewhere you can’t afford in the long run. You don't want to have to move to another, more affordable apartment once you’ve settled in!

Always look at the price of an apartment before looking deeper into information and pictures so you can avoid falling in love with something that you can’t afford. Remember, the time of year will play a part in how much you pay when you look at utrecht apartments for rent or wherever you may be visiting. The prices will be much higher during summer because that’s the time of year people search for somewhere to stay. In general, when it’s colder outside, prices will drop. If you can secure the price of the apartment out of peak season, then you will get a much better deal.

hotel-1209021_1280.jpg

Schedule In Person Visits

When you have 2 or 3 apartments on your short list, perhaps a maximum of 4, you should visit them in person. Checking them out in person will help you to get a feel for the place and whether it will suit the way you’re planning on spending your time while you’re there. This may not always be possible, but if you’re looking into long term rentals then it should be considered a must. You can look at these long term rentals in Paris to get an idea of where you could be staying and what you want to look for during your visit. Don’t forget to take the people you’re going to be staying with, as they can help you to see another perspective and find the perfect place.

Plan To Stay As Organized As You Can

If you are viewing multiple apartments, make sure you keep track of the important details so that they don’t all blur into one when it’s all said and done. Make a note of things like:

  • Amenities

  • Rental rates

  • Security deposit amounts

  • Contact information

  • Side notes

  • Other relevant information

Making a spreadsheet could be the most effective way of noting these things down where you can easily compare and contrast.

You may want to look for different things in an apartment depending on the purpose of your trip. It can be a good idea to make a priorities list before you go to viewings so you end up staying in a place that is perfect for you. For instance, would you like a kitchenette, and somewhere you can wash clothes? Or are you happy with a laundrette near by? Think up as many possibilities as you can, and don’t forget to make notes so you remember to look for these things when visiting a rental. Try to stay focused during viewings, writing everything down and looking for what you need. Don’t be dazzled by views and things that are considered non-essential!

Considering Public Transportation

Knowing what you have nearby will be a huge help if you’re planning on renting somewhere. You want to have the right facilities and amenities - public transport is especially important, even if you plan on using a car some of the time. Public transport can save you a lot of money in the long run, so see if you can easily access it from your chosen apartment. Saving money on things like gas, car insurance and maintenance leaves more in your budget to put towards to monthly rent and other expenses.

What will you look for in your apartment rental for your next trip? Leave a comment below!

Related Stories

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

Our Favorite Real Estate Instagram Accounts

Looking to expand a following on Instagram? Take a look below at some of our favorite accounts and how they promote their listings and a sense of personality. Why should you be on Instagram as a realtor? Being social allows you to be part of a community and share your current listings or accomplishments.  Having the social visibility will allow you to show potential clients who you are, and why they'll want to hire you.

Check below for some of our favorite real estate accounts and who you should follow, and while you're at it check us out at @OffTheMRKT and tag us in your new listings.

Eric Goldie

Alexander Boriskin

Dick Cavett's Famous Montauk Home Reduces Price

UPDATE: The home has now been reduced to $48,500,00 and currently listed by Gary DePersia at Corcoran.

Corcoran just listed the famed Tick Hall in Montauk for $62M, owned by talk show host and author Dick Cavett – it has been part of Hamptons and Montauk lore for 135 years, when it was first built by the infamous Stanford White as one of the “Seven Sisters” of shingled homes known as the Montauk Association.

The actual structure of how the current iteration of the home came to be is fascinating: Tick Hall tragically burned down in 1997 in an accident possibly linked to a roof repair, leaving only the chimney standing, and years of family heirlooms and antiques destroyed.

Cavett and wife Carrie Nye vowed to build and exact replica on its place, not allowing any updates or even to fix any mistakes of the original home. With no plans remaining of the homes, the couple relied on photographs, their own memories, and even unorthodox methods like measuring the height of their actual pet dogs, because they had a picture of them jumping up on a windowsill. The rebuilding of the home was the subject of a 2003 documentary, “From the Ashes: The Life and Times of Tick Hall.”

One of the most extraordinary Homes in the world, it is bordered to the east by over 170 acres of oceanfront parkland with an additional 1,200 ft. of pristine coastline. A top-of-the-world site provides 360 degree views over your unmatched domain. A private path winds to your own oceanfront cove known by local cognoscenti as, “Cavett’s Cove”, with the most private sandy beach on the East End.

Incredible natural beauty in this setting and Miles and miles of equestrian trails are at your doorstep. A secluded fresh water pond offers a location on the property that screams for meditation as well as the swimming pool set away from the home down a special canopied trail boasting views of the sea. Only minutes to the regional airport, Lake Montauk marinas, world class golf and the renowned amenities of the Hamptons.

Guests in the home have included Muhammad Ali, Sir Laurence Olivier, Tennessee Williams, Alec Baldwin and Woody Allen.

For more information click here

Inside The Steiner East Village Last Penthouse

Steiner East Village has only two available units left and we are taking a look at the Penthouse G, currently listed for $6,995,000. Developed by Steiner NYC, Steiner East Village is a partnership of sought after talents in architecture and design, with residential interiors and amenities by Paris Forino Interior Design, architecture by S9 Architects and landscape architecture by Future Green Studio. 

THW_2686_HIGH RES.jpg

With popularity in the East Village, Steiner East Village is down to it's final two units with their Penthouse G still up for grabs asking just under $7 Million, bringing luxury onto 12th st.

Measuring 2,258 square foot four-bedroom, three and a half bath penthouse residence designed by Paris Forino offers ceiling heights up to 15'6" and 840 square feet of private outdoor space. Oversized casement windows framed in statuary bronze and dramatic southern and courtyard views accentuate natural light. 

A second expansive terrace blurs the distinction between indoor and outdoor space with access from three separate bedrooms.  The master suite is a true sanctuary with a large walk in closet, and an en-suite five fixture master bath highlighted by luminous design details.

See our gallery below

Fredrik Eklund, John Gomes and Chloe Rosen are the listing agents at Douglas Elliman

For more information click here

Related Stories

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

Inside 1 Flatbush's 183 Rental Residences

For those of you looking in Downtown Brooklyn 183 new residences are now on the market at 1 Flatbush, a new 19 story luxury rental tower developed by Slate Property Group and located at the crossroads of Downtown Brooklyn.

1 Flatbush EXTERIOR HERO.jpg

With a modern design that pays tribute to the borough’s industrial past, 1 Flatbush has a steel, brick and glass façade – with warehouse-style mullioned windows, and floor-to-ceiling windows, ‘driftwood’ stained wide-plank oak hardwood floors designed by Hill West Architects

1 Flatbush Living Room

1 Flatbush Living Room

Each bathroom includes a custom black-oak vanity with white marble countertop and mirrored medicine cabinet.  The Carrara and ‘absolute black’ tile floors are arranged in a chevron pattern – and each bathroom is outfitted with Kohler & Moen fixtures.

1 Flatbush Game Room

1 Flatbush Game Room

Amenities include spaces to work, relax and entertain include a residents’ lounge with co-working space, a communal dining room with private event party kitchen and a wrap-around outdoor patio.  Tenants and their guests can enjoy pool or shuffleboard in the building’s game room.  This space is also outfitted with vintage arcade machines and a wet bar – and is the perfect place to unwind with friends.

1 Flatbush Fitness Center

1 Flatbush Fitness Center

When it’s time to work out, the building’s state-of-the-art fitness center is complete with a movement studio for dance and yoga classes.  With BBQ grills, lounge seating and city skyline views, the landscaped roof deck at 1 Flatbush is the perfect place to end the day – above the heart of Brooklyn.  The building also offers the convenience and security of a 24-hour lobby concierge and on-site super. 

Off The MRKT 1 Flatbush Lobby

Located at the triangle where Flatbush Avenue and Fulton Street intersect, 1 Flatbush is for those who want to live at the center of all New York’s hottest borough has to offer.  The Barclays Center, Ft. Greene Park and The Brooklyn Academy of Music are in the immediate vicinity – and Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO and Boerum Hill are just moments away.

“We selected this location because of its unparalleled access to transit.  There are no fewer than 10 subway lines nearby,” explains Martin Nussbaum, Principal at Slate Property Group

The entire city – and region – are at the residents’ doorstep via the B,Q and R trains at Dekalb Ave., the 2,3,4 and 5 at Nevins St., and the A, C and G trains at Hoyt-Schermerhorn station.  The nearby Atlantic Terminal also provides access to the Long Island Railroad.

“With new destination retail and entertainment venues – including Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, The Apple Store, Century 21 and Alamo Drafthouse – now open, the area surrounding 1 Flatbush has experienced a renaissance in recent years.  It’s the best place to explore the best of both old and new Brooklyn”  says Citi Habitats’ EVP of New Developments for Brooklyn and Queens, David Maundrell. 

The starting monthly rents below reflect the current incentive of no broker’s fee and 2 months free on a 14-month lease – with immediate move-ins available. 

  • Studios starting at $2250 (net)
  •  1 bedrooms starting at $2895
  • 2 bedrooms/1bath starting at $3415
  • 2 bedrooms/2baths starting at $3915

For more information on these new luxury rentals, visit www.1flatbush.comCiti Habitats New Developments is the exclusive marketing agent for the building.

Related Stories

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

The Benefits of Buying a Smaller Home with More Land

pexels-photo-280222.jpg

Buying a small home with a lot of land has many benefits, but what they are does depend on where you live.  Different states have varying rules on what you can and cannot do with the land, and they all have their own rules and regulations you have to follow. Before you go ahead with a deal for a small home with more land, check out the rules for the state you will be living in to ensure you can do what you have planned.

Privacy

According to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension, the main reason people buy a home surrounded by more land is for privacy. They can fence off their property, put gates at the end of their drive and hide away from the rest of the world for as long as they like. With gates that have to be opened from within the house, or with a remote control from outside, people cannot just wander in as they like, and you can decide who gets to your front door and who doesn’t.

Not everyone likes city life or even living on a street with other houses. If you feel this way, a smaller home with more land around could be the ideal solution.

Back To Nature

Generally, you cannot control what happens outside of your property boundary. This does mean that is you are living in a neighborhood you would be limited in what you can do with nature.

However, with some land to use you can do all sorts of things to encourage wild plants, birds, and even wild animals if you want. A pond is a great way to let the birds have a bath or drink, and it would also be good for any animals that make their way through your land.

Many properties you see of this sort have trees planted around the borders, but also further into it you can grow fruit trees and perhaps have a vegetable garden. Although you can buy fresh produce in most supermarkets these days, nothing tastes quite as good as the ones you have grown yourself. You would also know what has been used to encourage them to grow, and would not have to be concerned about the chemicals that are so often used for mass-produced foods.

Making Money

Some people want this type of property because they see an opportunity to turn it into a business.  This is one of the reasons that ranches for sale have become so popular in many states and why they do not stay on the market for very long. They offer so many options.

Having the land gives you a wealth of opportunities for businesses, such as selling produce in the markets, rearing a few animals, or maybe even starting a garden center and raising all the plants and trees for sale from scratch, Of course, what you can do does depend on the amount of land you have bought, and what the rules of the state you are say.

Expand The Building

Having the land needed lets you expand the building in many different ways. You could add a pool house, build a spa, have greenhouses for growing plants or maybe you need a workshop or office for some new venture you are considering.

You could decide to build a garage, or maybe a second small house for your elderly relatives to live in or to use as a guesthouse. The options are endless.

It is often cheaper to start with a small home buy from Highland Homes for Sale which has all these additions already.

Cost Advantages

Apart from the obvious advantage of a small home being cheaper to run, there can be other cost savings as well. Tax wise they can be cheaper than a larger house on a smaller piece of land, and repairs will be less to do too.

The maintenance of indoors and outdoors will be a smaller job, and if you need something such as a new roof the price difference compared to a larger house can be amazing. You only have to look at the small home plans available out there to see how much money you can save in the long run. While it's pretty straightforward on the surface that it will be cheaper to run a smaller home, but when you can pocket the difference you can invest this back into the property.

It is Your Dream

It could be that you want a smaller home with more land for no other reason than it has always been your dream. If this is the case, you are probably already aware that land has to be cared for and that there may be more work involved than you originally thought. However, if it is what you have always wanted and the opportunity presents itself, you should buy the smaller home and enjoy the extra land.

Related Stories

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

Walk Through 16 Sunset Rd - Kings Point

This week we are taking a virtual look through 16 Sunset Road in Kings Point, NY. A 4 bedroom/ 3 bathroom house with 5,600 square feet that is waterfront inspired by famed Architect Stanford White. The home is currently listed for $10,500,000.

Virtual open house is powered by GeoCV.

Nestled In 1.1 Acre Of Property, This Luxurious Masterpiece Sits Upon 209 Feet Of Water Frontage With Priceless Views Of The Glorious New York City Skyline, Throgs Neck Bridge, And City Island. Enjoy Breathtaking Sunsets From The Comforts Of Your Home With Floor To Ceiling Windows Throughout 1st Floor Of The House. 

Modern EIK Featuring Top Of The Line Appliances With Unique Onyx Countertops And Back Splash, Offering Custom Lighting. Bonus Breakfast Lounge Area Where You Can Admire The Sights And Sounds Of Flowing Water From The Private Patio That Extends Outside Of The Dining Room While You Take In The Morning Air. Useful, Easy Access To 2nd Floor With Additional Stairwell From Kitchen. Treasure The History The Living Room Has To Offer With Its Pioneered 1887 Archway, Framed With Intricate Glasswork And Warm Up To The Fireplace Beneath The Authentic Ornate Marble Mantel.

Photo courtesy of Douglas Elliman

Photo courtesy of Douglas Elliman

Take In The Serene Scenery From The Original Open Arched Window Right Beside A Grand Stairwell Leading Up To A Skylit Atrium Ceiling Surrounded By A Courtyard Gallery. The Second Level Introduces An Open Foyer With 4 Bedrooms And 3 Full Bathrooms. Spacious Master Suite Joined By Generous Sitting Room, Balcony With Stunning Water Views, Two Walk-In Closets Including A Cedar Closet. Finished Basement With Recessed Shelving And Custom Fireplace.

Exquisite Exterior Mill work, Interior Base And Crown Molding. Equipped with Hard Wood Floors Throughout. Three Car Detached Garage. Entertain Your Guests In The Heated Gunite In-ground Pool Surrounded By Stone And Lavish Landscaping Looking Out Over The Long Island Sound. Enjoy The Tranquility And Serene Beauty While Lounging In The Gazebo Set Just Above The Water.

Ina Romano at Douglas Elliman is the listing agent.

For more information click here

Related Stories

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

 

 

 

Our Favorite Listing: Has A Built In Roof Hottub

Our favorite listing this week is 421 Broome St. Penthouse a 4 Bedroom, 6.5 bathroom,  SoHo loft transformed into extraordinary living space encompassing over 8,000 square feet of interior and 3,700 square feet of private exteriors. And will cost you $65,000,000.

Photos courtesy of Corcoran

Photos courtesy of Corcoran

This AML Architecture/Roman and Williams designed home, four years in the making, has been constructed from the ground up with entirely custom fabricated steel doors, windows and skylights. Only the finest natural materials have been used to accent the property including: Meyer of Munich, Dinesen, Dolomite and Ann Sack, as well as appliances by LaCanche, Wolf, SubZero, Miele and Lynx.

With direct elevator access to each of the living areas leading to entries appointed with profiled steel gates, this Penthouse property begins on the 5th Floor, opening into a 31 X 46-foot great room. Marked by six oversized arched windows, this room overlooks historic Soho below 15 foot ceilings and two skylights, anchored by opposing wood-burning fireplaces encased in honed petit granite.

Outfitted to the liking of a professional chef, the spectacular 20-foot brick barrel-vaulted ceiling kitchen includes and 86-inch range, black granite countertop/backsplash and wood-burning fireplace, as well as two proper butler's pantries and wine rooms. A second master suite with a private terrace, guest bedroom with bath, wood-paneled home office and laundry room complete the floor.

Encased in a LaForge bronze stair railing, a Chesney cantilevered black marble staircase leads to a master level with his and hers bathrooms. Marked by over 20 custom closets, dumbwaiter, coffee bar, wood-burning fireplace and dual private terraces, this master suite is unlike any offering on the marketplace today.

One flight up, the top level opens to entertaining terraces, paved in Cenia Gray granite, are designed for outdoor/indoor living with large heated, hotel-style, steel and glass canopy, wood-burning fireplace, and TV alcove- all accessible by six sets of French doors. A screening room with wood-burning fireplace, fitness room, second full kitchen and laundry, and dining room have been intelligently placed to serve this floor's interior. Three additional landscaped terraces, equipped with custom gas lanterns, offer a heated spa, fountained garden, and open-air dining. An adjoining staff room with full bath completes this incomparable residence.

J. Eric Becker is  the listing agent at Corcoran. For more information click here.

Related Stories

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

 

 

 

Mischa Barton Goes House Hunting In Southampton

Bishops Pond

Bishops Pond

Misha Barton, who stars in the soon-to-be-released supernatural horror film "The Toybox" with Denise Richards, has been seen house hunting in Southampton with Douglas Elliman Broker Aaron Curti.

The former "The O.C." actress--who has family homes in London, Los Angeles and New York--visited a few properties with a friend recently. The trio then headed to dinner at Tutto il Giorno in Southampton, which is owned by Donna Karan's daughter Gabby Karan de Felice. 

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

Novak Djokovic Hosted Fundraiser at 565 Broome SoHo

On Monday, August 20, in advance of the 2018 U.S. Open,  Novak Djokovic hosted a fundraiser for his Novak Djokovic Foundation to help raise funds to provide early childhood education programs in disadvantaged Serbian communities.

The charity event was held at the sales gallery for 565 Broome SoHo, the first residential building in New York City designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Renzo Piano which Djokovic recently purchased a residence within the building.

Off The MRKT

 

At the event, Djokovic personally signed the tennis racquet that he used to win the final in Cincinnati on Sunday, a victory that made him the first man to claim all nine Masters events on the ATP Tour. The racquet will be auctioned off alongside his personal, limited edition Seiko watch next month as part of Christie’s “Falling for Time” online watch sale from Sept. 6 – 20. All proceeds from Djokovic’s contribution will benefit the Novak Djokovic Foundation, which provides early childhood education programs in disadvantaged Serbian communities. 

"I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to make a difference in my country, and the support of organizations like Bizzi & Partners Development and Christie’s helps make that possible.” said Novak Djokovic

The August 20 fundraiser was hosted by global real estate firm Bizzi & Partners Development, which is developing 565 Broome SoHo along with Aronov Development and Halpern Real Estate Ventures.

Related Stories

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

Our Favorite Listing of the Week: The $39M Mansion In The Sky

This Mansion in the Sky is over 7500 sprawling square feet, all on the 82nd Floor of 845 United Nations Plaza, currently asking for $39M

.Have a listing you think should be featured contact us to tell us more!

845UnitedNationsPlaza82ACD-TurtleBayNewYork_Sandy_Scheinman_DouglasElliman_Photography_64314450_high_res.jpg

The six-bedroom, five-bathroom luxury “mansion in the sky” encompasses nearly the entire 82nd floor of United Nations Plaza with 7,500sq.ft. of living space and 360 degree views of New York City and beyond. This architectural masterpiece was meticulously designed and created by famed architect Mojo Stumer, the size, scope and location of which is unlike any other available property in Manhattan. 

The home includes a personal gym, a luxuriously sleek home office, a gallery to showcase your fine art collection, two state-of-the-art kitchens, two laundry rooms, a temperature controlled wine room with sitting area and Central Park views and so much more. 

 There are 2 separate entrances to the residence for additional privacy and convenience. Voice and touchscreen smart home technology throughout the home includes 24 televisions many of which are hidden on discrete automated panels, automated curtains, integrated sound systems, LED lighting that allows colors to be changed with the mood, and sophisticated privacy panels, to name a few. The massive master closet room with 12-foot ceilings is completely motorized, bringing upper clothing racks down to eye level.

Amenities include a world class Health Club & Spa, Massage & treatment rooms, Sauna & Steam Rooms, 60 foot Indoor Swimming Pool, Yoga & Pilates classes, Wine Cellar, landscaped Garden & courtyard, Porte cochere driveway with valet service and garage. The building also houses the delectable UN Plaza Grill restaurant and the elegant World Bar.

 Liza Nematnejad and Sandy Scheinman. at Douglas Elliman are the listing agents

For more information click here.

Related Stories

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

Is It Better To Build A Home Than Buy One?

Buying a house is the biggest investment you’re going to make in your life so naturally, you’re going to spend a long time trying to find the perfect place that suits all of your needs. But what if you can’t find it? You’re getting close but you just can’t find a property that is absolutely right for you. You’ve got two options here; settle for a house that’s almost perfect or build your own. Most people don’t consider building their own home when it’s time to move but in some cases, it’s a far better option. However, building your own home isn’t always the most sensible move and it all depends on your personal circumstances. If you’re toying with the idea of building your own home and you’re not sure whether it’s the right thing to do, check out this list of the benefits and drawbacks to help you decide.

15868117604_22737f60cf_z.jpg


Get Exactly What You Want

The biggest benefit of building your own home is that you’ll get exactly what you want. If you buy an existing home, you’re buying somebody else's vision of a great house. It might line up with your idea of a great home to some extent, but there will always be things that you wish were different. But if you get a custom home builder to construct a house from scratch, everything will be exactly as you want it to be. You can plan every single tiny detail of the house and make it the ideal place for you and your family to live in. You’re never going to get that with an existing house, even if you make a lot of changes to it.

Live In A Unique House

Most commercially built houses have a similar shape and layout. That’s just how houses are, but they don’t have to be. When you bring in custom home builders to build your own house, you don’t have to follow any of the conventions of normal houses. You can come up with any design you like and make it a reality. Nobody else in the world will live in a house like yours. It’ll tick all of your boxes and be perfectly suited to you and your needs and preferences.

Time And Money

There are some great benefits to building your own house but it’s not all good news. The time it takes is a big drawback. If you’re buying a house, you can probably sign all of the paperwork and be ready to move in a couple of months after choosing a house. If you’re building your own, it’s probably going to be more like a couple of years. If your current house is way to small, or has a lot of problems, staying for that long might not be a viable option. A good middle ground between the two is choosing to look at a new home builder in Pennyslvania (or wherever you are), as this saves the long hours building yourself but may still allow you some personalization when it comes to the specifications of your new home - ultimately, this will also be cheaper.

Custom home builder in Boise, Idaho, such as those from Acadia Building Co., specialize in creating personalized homes tailored to clients' specific needs, making them a great choice for those who want customization without the full burden of building from scratch.

The money is also an issue because it’s going to cost you more to build a house than buy an existing one. However, you’ll get more resale value out of it so it is a good investment.

Stress

Planning and building a house takes a whole lot of hard work. It’s going to be a year or two of long days, seven days a week. Finishing work and then heading straight to the site to do work on the house is incredibly draining and some people just can’t handle that stress. Before you take on the project, make sure that you fully understand what it is that you’re letting yourself in for.

Building your own house is going to be a long, expensive, and stressful process. But if you really want a home that’s perfect for you in every single way, it’s the best thing to do.

Related Stories

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

Playing Your Property The Smart Way

zoltan-tasi-675280-unsplash.jpg

Property has long sat at the top of the investment pile. This valuable commodity is almost impossible to live without in the modern world, with the vast majority of people either owning or borrowing a building to live in. Giving it the chance to flourish regardless of the economy, this makes homes into a great way to make some money, but you have to play your cards right. To give you the push you need to make the most from your property investment, this post will be exploring some tips which can maximise the return you get at the end of it. Of course, though, you have to start in the right place, and this means doing some learning.

Learning The Market

The real estate market is always on the move, with prices going up and down, and the level of effort you have to put in being dictated by consumers. Thankfully, giving yourself a quick education in this field is easier than ever. Most of the tools you need for something like this can be found for free, though it could be worth paying for some support if you plan to do a lot of DIY but don’t have any experience. Below, you can find some examples of the sort of places you should be looking for this information.

Blogs: Blogs like this one can be a very powerful resource in a complex field like this. Being written by professionals and enthusiasts, they can give you a great insight into the work you’ll have to do to get the very best price for your property. It’s always worth doing some background research to make sure that you’re not being led astray, as this environment can be very challenging, and it could hurt your chances if you follow bad advice.

Real Estate Agents: There are few better places to go for help selling your home than the people who will be making money from selling it. Companies like this often have decades of experience, giving them a wealth of knowledge about their work, while also enabling them to get an insider scoop. They will be very honest if you ask them what you could do to improve the return on the place.

Video Services: Paying for training or a course is all well and good, but this will eat into the money you make on your first property. Instead, using a website like YouTube can be just as effective, without costing you a penny, and you probably have access to it already. There are hundreds of channels devoted to subjects like DIY and real estate. This enables you to find content which is genuinely helpful, without having to spend a long time searching for it.

Buying

Once you feel confident about your knowledge of the real estate market, you will be ready to begin the process of your first investment. Buying a property can often be a daunting process. Very few people have a lot of experience in this area, and you will probably have to do some of your learning on the fly, adding a big challenge to the project. To make this a little simpler, you can find a selection of tips below which will, with any luck, push your property investment to new levels.

Watch The Trends: Knowing which property sizes and types are the most popular, the locations which make it easiest to sell, and places which have a lot of development going on can be invaluable when you’re getting into property investment. Figuring this out could a little bit of time browsing the web. Of course, though, much of the process will involve spending time at a computer, and this will give you the chance to keep an eye out for any changes.

Sign Up For Updates: There are a lot of real estate companies out there, with a lot of them having their own websites. When they have this resource, they will also often offer automatic updates tools which can tell you when new properties come up for sale, saving you the effort of checking them each day. If you’re able to do this with a comparison site or two, you could give yourself a great advantage, and it won’t cost anything in the process.

Go To Auction: Saving money on property isn’t always an easy process. You won’t find coupon codes, and there are few places which have options for people on a strict budget. At this point, you have two options; buy something small or go to auction. The latter option is preferable, as it will usually provide the best savings, while also giving you the power to boost your return. Of course, it’s always worth researching an auction before going to it.

Don’t Be Afraid: Being a business, most people will want to get the very best deal for their home, and this means that you might have to fight for yourself if you want to save money. Having the confidence to make a low deal can often clinch a sale, while also boosting your mood for the next time around. If you get rejected, it’s usually best to move onto the next place, as this will help you to avoid making compromises which you’d rather avoid.

Improvement

Once you have a place under your belt, you will be ready to make any improvements which will help it to sell for a little bit more. The best route to go down at this stage will be things which are skin deep. Replacing things like radiators or windows will rarely have a big impact on the value of a place, whereas a new kitchen will make people much happier to move in. To help you to achieve this goal, you can find some improvements tips below.

Go Secondhand: With a lot of homes going for rustic feel at the moment, you have the chance to use secondhand goods to your advantage. Websites like eBay often have listings for whole kitchens, including all of the units you’d need, along with work surfaces and other components. You can find an array of other options like this around the web, making the process of improving your property much cheaper.

DIY: While it can take a lot time and effort, doing as much of this work as possible yourself will make the whole process much cheaper. With the help of the research you did at the start, you should already have a good grasp of DIY, and will know how to handle a lot of the jobs which are thrown at you. Of course, it could be a good idea to get someone on board who has some experience, giving you the chance to watch and learn.

Selling

Finally, as the last part of the process, but possibly the most important, it’s time to think about selling your property. There are a lot of ways to make more money at this stage, and a lot of people struggle to get it right. In the half hour or so visitors will spend in your home when they are considering buying it, they won’t have much of a chance to see past the top layers. This gives you the chance to make a real difference with very little extra investment.

Presentation: People will rarely visit for very long during a viewing, and this makes the time they spend there crucial. They have to be wowed by your property, seeing it in its best light, and this makes presentation very important. To make the most of this, you should work hard to make the place look like a show home. Not a lot of people put this sort of effort in, giving you the perfect way to distinguish your property.

The Method Of Sale: Along with making the property look great, the method of sale you choose to get rid of it will also impact the return you can hope to get. A traditional agent can cost a small fortune, forcing a real estate investor like yourself to look down other avenues. Nowadays, you can find companies around the web which can buy properties at the drop of a hat, without expecting it to be in perfect shape. Being able to turn something over this quickly is a rare gift in this sort of market.

The Agent: Finally, as the last area to consider, it’s time to think about the agent or company you choose to get rid of your property and turn it into cash. You should always read reviews of professionals like this, giving yourself the chance to find the very best, while avoiding options which could hurt your chances of success. Of course, it isn’t always easy to find the best examples, but it will be worth the effort.

hardik-pandya-294216-unsplash.jpg

Hopefully, this post will give you everything you need to get started in the world of property investment. Playing this game to win is very important when you want to make money from it, especially when you consider how competitive it can be. This shouldn’t be cause for concern, though, as you already have what you need begin, and simply need to take the first step.

Related Stories

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.