Chinese Language Skills Can Help the Property Industry

In May, U.S. Rep. Susan Davis (D-Calif.) introduced H.R. 2313, the U.S.-China Language Engagement Act, to help American workers better compete with China. The bill would give schools competitive grants to create, expand, or enhance Chinese language and cultural classes and broaden technology options to link American and Chinese schools online. China is the world's 2nd largest economy when measured by domestic purchasing power parity, and its booming economy presents a growing export opportunity for U.S. businesses. Since 2000, U.S. exports to China increased more than 300%. Yet in spite of the growth, many businesses continue to face obstacles understanding and navigating the Chinese market. H.R. 2313 is designed to overcome these obstacles. The value for the real estate industry? Increased trade means more jobs. More jobs means more commercial and residential purchases. Track H.R. 2313's progress.

Eco-Cities

As the world increasingly embraces green living, eco-friendly design and architecture is becoming more innovative. Existing structures worth a look for their creative design incorporating green elements include Shanghai Tower, the Madrid International Convention Centre, Lindal Cedar Homes and Seawater Vertical Farm. For a look at some more futuristic designs around the world, check out Tianjin Eco-City, Zira Zero Island and Gwanggyo Power Center.

High Risk; High Reward Markets

For those with a high tolerance for risk with the potential for reward, Overseas Property Mall has published a list of five markets identified as among the most lucrative for long-term property investors. They are: Albania, Panama, Brazil, Tunisia and Philippines. For REALTORS® and their clients looking long term, the following countries may offer the best opportunity for a big pay-out. To be selected for this list by Overseas Property Mall, the destination had to have a growing economy, a stable investment environment, and be a great place to vacation. Read more about these growing markets.

Tracking Global Housing Prices

Housing prices are a bellwether of economic conditions. The Global Property Guide tracks house price changes for the year ending with the latest quarter for which they have data, compared with price changes for the equivalent previous year-long period. They publish both inflation-adjusted and nominal data. Current data available covers 2008 and through 1Q 2009.

Thailand Move Up in Ranking for Global Business Attractiveness

Despite recent political turmoil, Thailand has made great strives in attracting global business investors. The country has a skilled workforce, strong supply chain, dependable infrastructure, and enjoys strong investment support. The Doing Business 2009 study by the World Bank and International Finance Corp. ranked Thailand 13th in "ease of doing business," up from 19th in 2008. (Singapore was ranked #1; the U.S., #3.) The study cites the ease of paying taxes in Thailand, starting a business, trading across borders, and registering property. Thailand also was credited with its efforts to protect investors, improve bankruptcy procedures, and strengthen the legal rights of creditors and borrowers. U.S. investors will benefit from English being the second language. NAR maintains three organizational alliances in Thailand for REALTORS® seeking cooperative business development.

Global Demographics are Shaping Real Estate’s Future

Population growth, urbanization, aging, and migration--all factors affecting land use---are examined in Global Demographics 2009: Shaping Real Estate’s Future, a new publication from the Urban Land Institute. Population and demographic shifts will continue to place enormous pressure on urban areas. Over the next 40 years, the greatest population increases will occur in China, India and the U.S.; conversely, Europe will experience population declines. Mature but still growing economies (U.S., Canada, U.K., Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand) will offer attractive real estate investment and development prospects once the recession subsides. Many developing nations are emerging consumer markets, with a growing number of middle-income households generating enthusiastic consumer demand--boding well for the real estate industry. A summary of the real estate implications of demographic changes is included with each chapter. Read more highlights.

Governments Ease Foreign Ownership Restrictions to Stimulate Investment

With global markets down, governments worldwide are looking at ways to attract investors resulting in changes in foreign and nonresident ownership laws designed to stimulate in-bound investment, according to the National Association of REALTORS®.

Caribbean nations, China, and Australia have all recently loosened restrictions and the Philippines is discussing it. India and Turkey made significant changes in recent years with the same objective. Emerging markets are most likely to examine their laws as most western markets have had few, if any, restrictions on foreign ownership.

Read more in a recent Wall Street Journal article. Information on foreign ownership is available for 30+ countries in the Business Practices section at WorldProperties.com.