http://www.realestateforum.com/blogs/rajesh-s-ullal/ The National Real Estate Forum is a Real Estate Social Network to exchange ideas about the Real Estate Industry en Thu, 23 May 2013 18:04:15 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.realestateforum.com/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.realestateforum.com/blogs/rajesh-s-ullal/ http://www.realestateforum.com/blogs/rajesh-s-ullal/8174-tips-buying-real-estate-dominican-republic.html Thu, 19 Jul 2012 02:18:47 GMT Property investments and real estate markets in a number of countries these days have taken a substantial beating because of recession. This scenario has left investors looking for other options to keep their money safe or in a profitable position. Many investors have quit the real estate market... Property investments and real estate markets in a number of countries these days have taken a substantial beating because of recession. This scenario has left investors looking for other options to keep their money safe or in a profitable position. Many investors have quit the real estate market completely and turned to investing in precious jewels such as diamonds and precious metals like gold and silver. While these may be good investments if you are looking for portable wealth, they do not meet the terms of having a safe investment that is kept safe thousands of miles away from you or can be used to earn a handsome parallel income. For this many wise investors from all around the world have now started concentrating on buying properties in foreign countries, where the real estate is not hit by recession and in fact even booming. One such place is the Caribbean, especially Dominican Republic.

Nowadays many properties ranging from million dollar villas to empty plots are sold in the country daily. Dominican Republic real estate for sale is making news far and wide for having a market that is appreciating at an average rate of 15% per year. This is a fairly large number if you think about it, and this is the chief reason why so many foreign investors own various properties in different parts of this country. These properties are put on the rental market to be used by tourists, which visit the nation in millions throughout the year.

Rental properties at prime locations can ask for premium amounts as stay charges, especially during peak season and earn extensive amounts in the long run. In fact, many investors have made this into a thriving business by buying land, developing condos and apartments and leasing or renting them out to tourists or hotels for employee stays. According to them the properties pay for themselves and start earning an extra income in no time. Of course, this does depend on the location, size and amenities offered in the villa or condo. Then there are others that want the investment to be kept unused for years and eventually sold for a profit. These homes are mostly used as vacation homes or second homes by the owners.

When you buy a home in the Dominican Republic there are some things to be aware of. For example, if we talk about insurance; title insurance for the property is provided by the government. For investors from Latin American or European countries, this may be no different than the laws in their nations, but for Americans or Asians these rules are unheard of. According to the Property Registry Law in effect since April 4, 2007, in order to establish an indemnity fund a new 2% tax on all conveyances is being levied. The old Land Registry Law established a protection fund that was paid to claimants who due and were deprived of their property. Unfortunately, the funds collected were used by the government for other purposes and thus the new law was passed. It is also possible to obtain title insurance from private insurers, in case you feel the need.
There are many other obscure matters involved in buying Dominican Republic real estate for sale and hence it is recommended that you make the dealings through a reputable real estate agency working in the area you wish to invest in. Local agencies are ideal as they know the area well enough to give you more options and choices in properties, evaluate the property and negotiate at the best price, assist in getting a loan or required paperwork in order, etc. ]]> Rajesh S Ullal http://www.realestateforum.com/blogs/rajesh-s-ullal/8174-tips-buying-real-estate-dominican-republic.html http://www.realestateforum.com/blogs/rajesh-s-ullal/7843-real-estate-punta-cana.html Wed, 27 Jun 2012 13:21:09 GMT The Caribbean has always been the number one destination for tourists, but these days some of the countries of the Islands are making a name for themselves in other industries as well. One of the top contenders for significant rise in foreign investment in the past decade or so is the Dominican... The Caribbean has always been the number one destination for tourists, but these days some of the countries of the Islands are making a name for themselves in other industries as well. One of the top contenders for significant rise in foreign investment in the past decade or so is the Dominican Republic. A country known for its scenic magnetism, party central places, fun activities and the like, even the so called small tourist towns in DR are now being seen as hotspots for property investment. One such town making waves in the property market is Punta Cana. It is a small resort town with good connectivity, many resorts, plenty of restaurants and party places, sightseeing options, the beach, and every amenity needed by the avid traveler.

These days there is a high demand for real estate in Punta Cana and other like small towns in the DR. there are quite a few reason for this present scenario. The first and predominant reason is that the rate of appreciation for property in the Dominican Republic is growing at 15% annually. This large figure has urged many investors from all over the world to consider this country for investment in the real estate sector. In view of the fact that the government of the country is fairly stable, investment is safeguarded. Other important aspects that lure foreign investors into buying expensive real estate in the country are the lenient property laws, expert real estate agencies, handsome rental income, good mortgage schemes, and many more.

If you are considering buying property in Punta Cana or any other part of the DR, there are some questions you need to answer in order to avoid confusion or disappointment at a later date. Some of these questions are as follows: What is the purpose you have in mind for the property you are buying? It is to ask whether you plan to relocate here, use it as a second home or holiday home, rent it out to tourists and earn some money, etc. If you wish to immigrate and live in the house at any point of time, it may be imperative to buy a property in a locality that has good facilities in terms of electricity, water supply, amenities, shops for grocery and other household needs, and the like. If the house is strictly investment, prime locality is crucial for its price to escalate in the coming years. On the other hand if you are looking to put up your property for rent to tourists or local, make sure that the house is in a safe area, has close proximity to fun areas in town, is well-furnished will all amenities, and kept in top shape at all times.

What is the budget you have set for procurement of the property? It is important to know your upper limit as more often than not, investors end up spending way more than what they had expected. To handle this aspect and that of mortgage, it is vital to get hold of a good local real estate agency to assist you in the matter. In fact, the agency will also help out with legal assistance for the tax formalities and other tasks.

It is essential that you take your time to find and select a reputable real estate agency to assist you through the process, right from the start. The benefits of doing so will be quite apparent. A majority of well-known real estate agencies hold expertise in ensuring that you find a property at the best possible location, the property is negotiated at the best price, there is potential for substantial appreciation, and you can get great rental income. ]]> Rajesh S Ullal http://www.realestateforum.com/blogs/rajesh-s-ullal/7843-real-estate-punta-cana.html http://www.realestateforum.com/blogs/rajesh-s-ullal/7465-real-estate-punta-cana.html Tue, 29 May 2012 23:56:44 GMT Punta Cana has become one of the most sought after holiday spots in Central America. It has the longest stretch of beaches in the Caribbean, a serene atmosphere and a temperate climate which makes it the ideal place to own a vacation home or a beach house. *Punta Cana real estate* has developed... Punta Cana has become one of the most sought after holiday spots in Central America. It has the longest stretch of beaches in the Caribbean, a serene atmosphere and a temperate climate which makes it the ideal place to own a vacation home or a beach house. Punta Cana real estate has developed considerably over the last decade to accommodate the increasing number of people who are interested in purchasing property in the region. Not only does it offer one of the best sea side locations in the world but is very likely to prove as an excellent investment option.

Among the various neighbourhoods, the areas of Corales and El Cortecito stand apart from the rest. The location is easily accessible with numerous hotels and restaurants lining the beach front. The popular captain cook restaurant is also situated in this region. Other attractions include local handicraft shops and water sports. There are also schools which teach aquatic sports like kite-boarding and surfing.

The most attractive feature of this area is the availability of private beaches in addition to public beaches. Corales has Catamarans, banana boats, kayaking, double storied boats, sailing trips, glass bottomed boats etc. for hire. The sea here is perfect for deep sea fishing, snorkelling and diving. Travelling in the area is facilitated by taxis.

Both El Cortecito and Los Corales are small beach towns which offer local as well as international cuisine. They are pretty close to popular golf courses, casinos, supermarkets etc. Many people even buy property within resorts with the intention of renting it out to tourists. This adds to the value of the property. There are also independent free standing residential buildings. The price varies according to the proximity to the beach and ranges from budget to luxury. An apartment would cost around US$ 100,000 to US$ 200,000, while a beach front property would be around US$ 200,000 to US$ 700,000.

Another great option is the Punta Cana Village in Punta Cana. It is a planned township which is divided into residential and commercial areas. Besides shops, restaurants and supermarkets, the commercial area also has schools, banks, offices etc. Shops include video rental, international food joints and clothes brands. There is also a beach club at Playa Blanca.

The residential area is built with Caribbean architecture and includes playgrounds for children. Other attractions include helicopter tours, deep sea fishing, golf and much more. Land and water activities in the area have sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, deep sea fishing and snorkelling. There are coaching schools which offer lessons in water sports and even conduct diving tours to sunken ships!

The township’s proximity to the Punta Cana International Airport makes it a sought after location by families. The ecological park and reserve attracts those who want to enjoy natural beauty. The area is under constant surveillance by twenty four hour security. Foreigners and locals can purchase modern condos, tropical villas and apartments.

Such properties are suitable for living with your families, as renting and investment options and also as vacation or retirement homes. Standard prices for apartments in the area start from US$ 100,000, while Villas may cost around US$300,000.

Hundreds of people are buying land or homes in and around Punta Cana, while thousands more wish to do the same someday. While investing in Punta Cana real estate, it is essential that you sign a title deed. Scams are not unheard of in the region and if one is not careful enough it might cost them thousands of dollars. A title deed gives you undisputed ownership of the property and thus significantly increases its value. ]]> Rajesh S Ullal http://www.realestateforum.com/blogs/rajesh-s-ullal/7465-real-estate-punta-cana.html http://www.realestateforum.com/blogs/rajesh-s-ullal/7012-oman-complete-holiday-destination.html Thu, 26 Apr 2012 02:09:11 GMT The Sultanate of Oman or simply Oman, as it is known more popularly, is admired for its highly developed tourism industry and attractive travel destinations. Sightseeing spots are situated all over the country at various distances. This means that you will probably need good airport transfers from... The Sultanate of Oman or simply Oman, as it is known more popularly, is admired for its highly developed tourism industry and attractive travel destinations. Sightseeing spots are situated all over the country at various distances. This means that you will probably need good airport transfers from Muscat to visit as many of them as possible.

The state, situated in southwest Asia is bordered by the United Arab Emirates on the northwest, Saudi Arabia on the west and Yemen in the southwest. It also has coastal areas in the southeast and northeast, which open to the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman respectively. The climate is pleasant with little rainfall, though it may get pretty hot during May to September.

Oman is a beautiful country with a very dramatic landscape which includes green wadis, vast deserts, endless beaches and rugged mountains. A huge coastline of almost 3000 km has also made it a popular beach destination. Wadis on the other hand are oases of lush green palms, grasses and flowers, which are in drastic contrast to the surrounding areas. Some of them even have cool pools of water that are a hit among the tourists and open throughout the year thanks to the ancient ‘aflaaj’.

The country has a very rich cultural background filled with amazing wealth and prosperity. The hospitality of the people is unmatched anywhere else in the world. The northern region of Musandam boasts of beautiful lagoons, hills and fjords. One can ride the water in a traditional dhow or experience the life in Bedouin colonies of the Wahiba desert. The Jebal Sham has breathtaking canyons and rare Green Back Turtles in Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve. The old capital of Nizwa with its palaces, forts and traditional markets is something tourists should not miss.
In contrast, the new capital Muscat is a vibrant modern city with happening parties, great food and luxurious lounges. The stride at which Oman has developed into a global economy is highly commendable, considering the country was almost entirely closed to tourists as recently as 30 years ago. Now it houses gigantic malls like the Qurum to the Al Khuwair. The Muscat City Centre is the largest mall in the country, complete with a French Carrefour hypermarket, though the new Muscat Grand Mall is expected to supersede it soon.

The convenient airport transfers in Muscat will be able to take you to the numerous castles, forts, places and other historical locations which are the pride of Oman. They are not only cultural landmarks and symbols of a glorious past, but also a hot-spot for historians. There are around 500 historical buildings which were meant to guard and rule the lands. Many of these forts and castles have now been converted into museums, which are open to visitors. It would be a good idea to find out the visiting days and hours of such places since many of them are closed on Fridays.

The traditional markets or ‘Souks’ are located in many parts of the country, especially around Nizwa. The Muttrah on the Corniche is one of the oldest Souks in Oman. It is a labyrinth of small walkways where small stores sell everything from handicrafts to jewellery to ornaments and spices.

Since the Oman government now takes tourism very seriously and encourages it whole-heartedly, Oman tourists are provided with all modern amenities and facilities to make their stay as enjoyable as possible. All you need to do after landing is enquire about airport transfers to and from Muscat and get ready to enjoy a vacation of a lifetime. ]]> Rajesh S Ullal http://www.realestateforum.com/blogs/rajesh-s-ullal/7012-oman-complete-holiday-destination.html http://www.realestateforum.com/blogs/rajesh-s-ullal/6817-luxury-villas-punta-cana.html Sat, 07 Apr 2012 00:39:01 GMT If you are looking for a property investment in the Dominican Republic, you must check out the newly created Punta Cana – Bavaro – Veron – Macao municipal district in La Altagracia, especially Punta Cana. These days *luxury villas in Punta Cana... If you are looking for a property investment in the Dominican Republic, you must check out the newly created Punta Cana – Bavaro – Veron – Macao municipal district in La Altagracia, especially Punta Cana. These days luxury villas in Punta Cana are being sold by the dozen, mostly to people living abroad. And while this fact may not come as a surprise for those who have visited this beautiful place that is becoming a favourite among foreign tourists as well as investors, those who have not been here wonder why. Well, for one it houses the busiest international airport in the country and is known for its awesome connectivity to all major destinations around the globe. This means no multiple flights to get to your vacation home or back. Secondly, it is gorgeous here. The weather is fabulous all through the year, there are tons of activities to undertake from water sports to trekking, the night life is superb and keeps the energy in high spirits, and hospitality of the locals is to die for.

Punta Cana is a small resort town that is known for its quiet and less commercial ambiance, which turns into a party central after sunset. The town is a popular destination for tourists, immigrants and retirees, and these are precisely the people who buy villas and other real estate here. If you are interested in buying a luxury villa in Punta Cana, the first thing you need to do is find a reliable and well-known real estate agency. You can either ask for recommendations or find one online. Do take the time to do a background check on the firm and even go thoroughly through their official website to make sure of their expertise and knowledge. You should also make sure that the real estate agency you are dealing with is a full service real estate agency with services that entail real estate consulting, travel assistance and planning, legal and tax advice, mortgages and financing advice, property and rental management, and interior design.

Finding a perfect real estate agency is imperative to finding that perfect villa of your dreams. This may not seem like a big deal but the perks of employing a celebrated agency are unparalleled. Some of the marked benefit of employing the services of such an agency are that you can rest assured that you will be staying in the best possible location, the house will be negotiated at the best viable price, you will see a substantial appreciation in your property in the years to come, and that you will get great rental income in case you wish to rent out the villa to visitors and tourists when you are living abroad. Another thing you could do is look for a real estate agency that works specifically in Punta Cana. This will ensure that they know the local market, the ongoing rates at various locations, the different villas and other options that may fit into your budget or find interesting, etc.

The government of the country is taking special interest in the development in facilities, infrastructure, and amenities of towns such as Punta Cana, particularly now when the nation is enjoying a steep appreciation rate of about 15% per year in the real estate sector. The government is also encouraging immigration to the Dominican Republic, in addition to promoting foreign investments by laying down some pretty beneficial laws. For example, the enactment of Law No. 171-07 entitles annuitants and retirees of foreign source to receive several benefits and incentives if they invest in the country. Do you need any other excuse to start looking at some luxury villas in Punta Cana? ]]> Rajesh S Ullal http://www.realestateforum.com/blogs/rajesh-s-ullal/6817-luxury-villas-punta-cana.html