Today’s Fire Sale Auction in Ireland

Today’s Fire Sale Auction in Ireland

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July 7, 2011

I'm watching developments in Ireland closely. In 2008 Ireland's banks and real estate industry spectacularly imploded. Since then we have been waiting. Not much happened until a couple of months ago. The real estate market never found a floor. There were almost no transactions. The nationalized banking system and the bad bank (NAMA: National Assets Management Agency, established to wind down failed developers and get land speculation loans off the banks' books) stayed silent. They have been sitting on all the Irish inventory on their books. That's set to change. Get ready.

3 Deals…and My 7-Country Scouting Schedule

3 Deals…and My 7-Country Scouting Schedule

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June 10, 2011

Summer...180 attendees...and 23 of my trusted contacts...have all arrived in Toronto for the International Real Estate Investment Forum. The exhibit hall is buzzing. It’s great to see so many of those green badges that are reserved for members of our little group. It’s been energizing and informative to share ideas and experiences with those of you who have been able to make it. It has also been exciting to see so many RETA members connecting. At member-only events in the past, friendships have been made that turned into business relationships. That’s what happens when you pack a room with smart people chasing the same thing: Undervalued real estate opportunities.

All-in Trip to Tulum This July

All-in Trip to Tulum This July

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June 3, 2011

As you know, I’m bullish on Tulum. Not just because of the coast and white sands but also because improved infrastructure and a government program plans to grow tourist number. When I was last there, I was impressed with progress at Tao. I stayed in the Sian Ka’an condo Hotel where some RETA members bought last year. This project is also being developed by Benjamin Beja. The build quality and the finishes are first class. The staff are friendly, the food is great...everything is tastefully done. It bodes well for the quality at Tao. Today, I would like to extend an invitation from developer Benjamin Beja to visit and see what I saw; to get the Tao experience. This is an offer you should give serious consideration to.

New Markets, New Opportunities – 8 Places I’ll Visit This Summer

New Markets, New Opportunities – 8 Places I’ll Visit This Summer

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May 27, 2011

Summer has arrived. For me, it brings with it a jam–packed schedule of scouting trips on your behalf. I'm looking for new places where we can profit from the major trends on my beat, including: – New Middle Class: As people join the middle classes they can afford things they couldn't before like a new condo or vacation on the beach. – Path of Progress: New bridges, roads and airports that are going to improve accessibility – Distressed opportunities created by crisis. My travels will take in Colombia, Ireland, London, Hong Kong, Macau, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.

Ecuador’s Next 2 Opportunities

Ecuador’s Next 2 Opportunities

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May 20, 2011

Nestling in an Ecuadorian valley just 20 minutes north-east of downtown Quito is the upscale neighborhood of Cumbaya. At 2,400 meters (7,874 feet) it's a bit lower than Quito's downtown. That makes it sunnier and warmer. Here, you will find high-end gated communities, restaurants, malls and car dealerships. You will also find the Hospital de los Valles...a private hospital of 100 beds and 250 doctors. This hospital plans to target Americans for medical tourism.

How to Appeal to Brazil’s “Jet-Set” Market

How to Appeal to Brazil’s “Jet-Set” Market

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May 13, 2011

Finally, a true five-star resort community is coming to the Fortaleza area of Northeast Brazil. It’s been years in the making. In fact, when I visited this part of Brazil over three years ago roads had already been constructed and earth moved for the golf course. Today, the golf course is open…as is the five-star Dom Pedro Hotel. We can now get in on the first luxury condo pre-release with special member-only pricing and terms.

Video Reports From the RETA Jungle Trip…

Video Reports From the RETA Jungle Trip…

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May 1, 2011

The evening of the first day of our recent "Path of Progress" private members retreat, developer Greg Schnurr invited us to his Los Arboles Tulum project. To remind you, Los Arboles Tulum is a development of 221 five-acre residential lots, and 10 commercial lots, set in 1,200 acres of pristine jungle. Your back yard is home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna. Members of our little group bought these five-acre lots last year with a small down payment and interest-free monthly payments.