A favorite topic these days in our Forex trading community is what to do with the ever expanding profits. Many traders are excited about discovering good sources of long term passive income and the quest for ideal investments has proven to be a great source of fun and fulfillment.
Because they just aren't making any new land and the demand is still growing, real estate remains one of the most solid investments available in spite of recent fears about the global economy. One way to beat the waiting game while markets are in temporary slumps is to locate emerging markets internationally that are likely to appreciate over the next several years. I love to explore new emerging markets for international real estate investing and one of my favorites right now is in Brazil. What a great way to diversify your investment portfolio while also enjoying a few trips to beautiful and exotic destinations!
This year, Brazil is attracting a lot of attention as a rapidly emerging real estate market from investors around the world. And why is this so? Apparently there are many reasons that all combine to make this a hot opportunity. Brazil has a rapidly expanding economy just like China. Over the last four years alone, Brazil's middle class has swelled by 24%, lifting roughly 20 million people out of poverty, according to Brazil's Census Bureau. Today, many leading economists forecast Brazil to be among the 5 richest countries by GDP by year 2020.
Although Brazil was brought to my attention by one of the international real estate investing gurus, I have been hearing about the glories of Brazil for years prior to discovering its real estate opportunities. My own brother has lived in Brazil for 16 years now and he cannot say enough good things about the benefits of living there. This year he is buying a new condo in Sao Poulo and will accompany me on my next real estate scouting trip. Naturally, I am looking forward to having a tour of the locals' favorite sites that are off the beaten path for tourists.
Brazil has also been selected to host Soccer's Confederation Cup in 2113, the 2014 Football World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games. This will result in the construction of new infrastructure, commercial buildings and homes across Brazil. $5.5 billion will be spent on infrastructure and toursim amenities in the state of Ceara, of which Fortaleza is the capital. Aside from that, Brazil's real estate market is flourishing because of its tropical climate, rich culture, some of the world's best beaches and of course, low property prices. You can find townhouses beginning at $49,000, lots at $19,000, and oceanfront lots for $29,000.
To be able to purchase property in Brazil, a foreigner must obtain a Cadastro de Pessoas Fisicas or a CPF which is similar to a Social Security Number in the U.S. After that, you can now start looking for a property that best suits your budget and personality.
Limited financing can be obtained in installments of 12, 24, 36 or 48 months, but interest rates can be as high as 35%. If you opt to pay in installments, there is also a currency risk. In other words, if the value of the Brazilian Real goes down, your real estate becomes cheaper, and vice versa. Transferring the property to your name costs approximately 4%-5% of the purchase price.
Keep in mind that location is still the primary consideration when choosing investment property. For investment purposes, it only makes sense to buy a property in an area with an influx of potential tenants or buyers, whether it is for rental or re-sale purposes. Very few clients are interested in renting or buying a property in a location with no infrastructure like bars, restaurants and other amenities which are necessary for enjoying a vacation. One of my own mentors who owned a vast empire of apartment buildings and homes in Seattle's most desirable areas told me to always look for the "areas of romance". The beachfront areas will always grow in desirability. Just look around and ask, "Where do people like to go when they are not working?" Where are the art galleries and chic fashion boutiques? Where do you smell the fine aroma of European coffee shops and gourmet international cuisine restaurants? Most likely this is a good place to start looking for long term investments.
Fortaleza and other beachfront cities in Northeastern Brazil have come to my attention over the last several months and some international real estate experts are saying this area now has the best beach front deals in the world. I am particularly interested in the low maintenance income of commercial office space and the case for buying this type of property is pretty straightforward. There is a chronic shortage in that area. As business is booming more office space is needed for leasing unlike what is happening accross America where commercial buildings sit vacant and bank owned.
There is so much to learn about investing in Brazil that this subject will require a series of articles. Meanwhile, I am also currently scouting for opportunities in Ecuador, Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Nicaragua, Uraguay, Guatemala, Romania and other emerging markets. The plan is simple. Build capital through Forex trading and transfer the capital into international real estate.
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