WHY YOU SHOULD ADVERTISE YOUR HIGH END PROPERTIES INTERNATIONALLY!!!

Foreign Buyers, A Great Target for High End Properties in the USA

According to the National Association of Realtors, more than $82 billion of homes were sold to international buyers in the 12-month period ending in March 2012. Buyers from China and Hong Kong alone accounted for $9 billion in U.S. home sales during that same time period, which doesn’t include the large number of private sales transactions not officially reported.  Zillow.com stated that foreigners it was a 24% increase from 2011.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:  Foreign investors mostly from China have been buying up real estate in the US in a major way the past few years. Foreign investment contributed to 3% of all real estate investment in just the month of Sept 2011.

“VISAS FOR VERANDAS” was a bill that a group of senators introduced to congress (2011) in aims to entice foreign buyers to snatch up homes in the US by offering them US residential visas in exchange. The bill proposes that foreign buyers who buy a property in the US at least worth $500,000 would be eligible for a new residential (but non-immigrant) category of visa.

Some quick facts:  What’s in this bill?

The proposed visa is not a work visa. So the foreign home buyer is not entitled to work while residing in the US.

The buyer has to live in the house for 6 months out of every year. This means they will be in the US and not working for 6 months at least. This also means you cannot rent out the primary place.

The buyer’s dependents are also eligible for the visa.

The proposed visa is valid only till they continue to own the house.

The house must be bought for at least $250K and total investment must be at least $500K.

The home purchase has to be made in cash – with no bank loans.

In a nutshell, the foreign buyer must be able to put down $500K cash in the US housing market. The US hopes that a substantial amount of foreign buyers would be eagerly interested in this offer and that they would start buying property, everything from commercial property, land, houses, condos, even short sale properties and foreclosed homes.

There is already the EB-5 Green Card category that enables foreigners to invest $500,000 in the US ($250K in certain areas) in exchange for a Green card. The EB5 gives you instant access to permanent residency, allows you to work in the US and does not restrict you to living in the place where you invest. The EB5 is a much better alternative for people who have $500K at their disposal to do a down payment.

So if you have listed a high-end property that is unique and picturesque, it more than likely would appeal to these international affluent buyers.  Some realtors don’t consider the valuable asset marketing internationally has to offer their business.  Having an international internet web presence as well as applying to Travel, Residential and Architectural magazines to be featured could greatly assist you in breaking the curse that most high end properties have in America…Most sit on the market anywhere from six to 12 months because they don’t receive proper marketing and advertising.  Small minds = no results.  You have to think big and go big to get the big fat commissions.

Our company is working towards implementing marketing strategies that will get our property listings more exposure on the international real estate market.  We strives for perfection daily. Although we know perfect isn’t always possible, we refuse to settle for adequate and intend on moving towards innovative techniques that will increase our visibility globally.  Louisiana happens to be the little southern state with a lot of appeal.  Because of Louisiana’s historical ties to both France and Spain, we have cultivated a diverse population and the sense of intrigue to other cultures.  The festivals, the food, the music popularity are all appealing to those from other countries.

Right now in our little corner of Louisiana, Denham Springs and surrounding areas have a lot to offer international buyers.  We have the most affordable picturesque and the most appealing home designs than (I believe) anywhere else in the world.  New Construction homes in Livingston Parish that range from $400k on up can truly give you a lot of bang for your buck.  You can easily find a moderately sized mansion for under a million dollars.

 Real Estate Industry PR Consultant- Sonia Percle

 

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5 Things a Realtor Should Never Say to a Client

5 Things a Realtor Should Never Say to a Client

      -        “How much money do you make?”

-        “You don’t want to live here.”

-        “You can’t afford this house.”

-        “Your home is an unsellable.”

              -        “I don’t work after 5 or on Sundays.”

 Realtors all across the country at some point encounter difficult real estate cases or complex clients.   It is imperative that realtors remain professional and apply discretion when dealing with clients from different socio-economic statuses or those who may have trouble selling or buying a home. When these types of scenarios present themselves, in order to maintain a great professional reputation there are only 3 things to do:

1. Resort to the mandates of Fiduciary Duty and uphold ethics laws

2. Refer the client to another agent or consult with your broker

3. Take some time off to attend continuing education classes that may better prepare you in assisting clients with complex situations.

 In the real estate industry, reputation and character is EVERYTHING.  To be successful you must be well educated in real estate, open to working with people from all socio-economic backgrounds, and be willing to continuously pursue ongoing techniques/strategies to make your business a success.

At Darren James Real Estate Experts, LLC we provide our realtors with ongoing in-house technology training and marketing classes.  We are in the process of implementing online weekly skills assessment quizzes for our realtors which they can access and take at a time convenient for their busy schedules.  It is important to us that we provide open and innovative support to our team.  When our realtor’s go out “into the field” we prepare them with all the garden tools they need to cultivate and produce a harvest.

 

Real Estate Industry PR Consultant- Sonia Percle

 

#Homes for Sale in Baton Rouge

#Houses for Sale in Baton Rouge

 

Can You Afford an Upscale Home???

CAN YOU AFFORD AN UPSCALE HOME???

 

 

First things first... consider your income, then your current debt. The dream is always there but sometimes our economic status provides goals more than they provide us with a reality.  You simply cannot make spaghetti without tomato sauce. So take a good hard look at your current income as well as current debt. Never base your goals on "maybes" or coulds", for example:  "Maybe I will get a raise in six months" or "I could borrow the down payment from family".  The hardcore facts of your financial status must be verifiable and concrete. 

 

Now that you know how much money you have at your disposal, you're ready to begin comparing individual home prices that match your budget.

While you may be able to afford a $500,000 if you maintain a strict budget, don't forget to take into consideration the upkeep and maintenance costs of a luxury home. This is something most homebuyers forget to consider before they purchase a home.

Lawn maintenance, electricity ( landscape lighting, security lighting, extensive square footage electrical coverage), pool maintenance, and if it is in a gated community or country club- homeowner's fees and/or club fees. 

 

So before you step into a huge mortgage that will put a strong grip on your wallet, consider the big picture and what actually is in your wallet.

Consult with a mortgage lender to determine what would be the appropriate comfort zone price for you to reach for and begin the process of making your dreams a reality.

Below is a virtual tour of one of our affordable premier properties that is now available for purchase. 

#Homes for Sale in Denham Springs

#Houses for Sale in Livingston Parish

#Houses for Sale in Baton Rouge

#Homes for Sale in Ascension Parish

 

 Real Estate Industry PR Consultant- Sonia Percle



What is Considered an Upscale Home in the Deep South?

What is Considered an Upscale Home in Louisiana?

There are Four Tiers...

 

The Immaculate Ultimate $800,000-$2,000,000

 

The Four Tiers are comprised of location, design and high demand.  There is a home to suit every type of affluent buyer's needs whether it's a single gentleman, single mother, married couple or seniors.  The best thing about Louisiana's Upscale atmosphere is that it thrives on hospitality and tradition.  The culture of the capital city, Baton Rouge lends an approachable sportsman's outlet.  There is LSU football to keep you entertained during the Fall and Winter, during the Spring season there's one of the world's largest Bass Pro Shops located just under 15 minutes away from Baton Rouge. Additionally there is also another sporting,hunting and fishing paradise shop twenty minutes south of Baton Rouge in Ascension Parish called Cabela's.  The fact that there are two major shopping outlets of this nature surrounding Baton Rouge further proves that the old traditions of the south are still alive and thriving.  The most desired home designs are however transitioning more towards the French Country Chateau style in smaller and larger versions.

More affluent couples are gravitating towards the Country Club lifestyles and Gated Communities.  In East Baton Rouge Parish, Ascension Parish and Livingston Parish you can purchase a home within those types of upscale environments for prices between $350k and up. 

The surreal aspect of this is that homes up north in states such as California and New York offer the same type of upscale living for fifty to seventy-five percent higher prices than the state of Louisiana.

Of course the cost of living is higher in those states and the availability of homes with the desired upscale flair are not as abundant as here in Louisiana.

 

 

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