K. Van Liew asked:




Investors typically choose real estate for a number of reasons: cash flow, appreciation, tax benefits, and leverage.  A real estate investor holds property for personal or commercial investment reasons.  This differs from real estate dealer who holds property primarily for resale to potential clients.  An active investor typically buys a property and then makes repairs or improvements with the intention of selling the property for a profit.  A passive investor usually hires an investing firm to find and manage potential profitable opportunities, and is not actively involved in any improvements or negotiations related to the property.  Unlike a professional realtor who has to pass a series of exams and be licensed by local and state agencies, an investor simply needs capital and confidence. 

By putting down payments on a real estate transaction, an investor can significantly increase his profit percent and better the terms of the financing loans.  By bettering the terms of the loan, an investor can increase his available cash for other transactions, thus increasing potential earnings exponentially.  This process creates a strong cash flow.  This cash flow is very enticing to real estate investors.

Barring any unforeseen declinations in quality, real estate, unlike a car, generally appreciates in value.  This means that once a property is purchased, the value of that property steadily increases over time.  Residential real estate is especially prone to this process.  This is so because residences are comparatively priced.  This means that the value of a property is largely dependent on the value of the surrounding properties.  Therefore, if one house appreciates in value, then the surrounding properties also increase in worth.  An investor can force appreciation by investing in repairs or improvements.

A somewhat lesser known reason that so many people are learning how to become a real estate investor is the beneficial tax rules governing such transactions.  State and federal governments try to encourage investment by writing financial rewards into the tax code.  There are two main rewards built in.  First, an investor can claim monthly mortgage payments as a tax deduction.  Secondly, tax deductions can be made through a process called depreciation.  Though a property may appreciate in value, an investor is allowed to make the assumption that it will actually depreciate over the projected useful lifespan of the unit.  He or she is then allowed to claim this theoretical loss as a tax deduction.

Another strong reason for becoming an investor is called leverage.  Leverage can best be explained through an example.  Say you bought a house for ten thousand dollars and then sold it for eleven thousand dollars.  Your profit margin would be ten percent.  However, if you get an initial loan for the purchase and make a down payment of only one thousand dollars, then your profit margin would be one hundred percent.  This method is called leverage and is a great way to maximize profits.

For all these reasons real estate investing is both an easy and very profitable business to get into.

Wantanee Khamkongkaew asked:




A part of the Guangdong province as well as the Special Administrative Region of China – Hong Kong is one of the most vibrant and intriguing destinations in the world. Hong Kong is also among the world’ most busiest and fast-paced cities.

Hence, no wonder why real estate in Hong Kong is so much sought after. Real estate in Hong Kong is regarded as one of the costliest as well as the lucrative in the world. In other words, buildings and land in Hong Kong form a significant portion of the nation’s wealth and economy. Further, due to its attractive tax system, many international business firms and corporations find their way to Hong Kong for the establishment of their innovative projects. This in turn has led to great demand for high grade industrial and residential real estate in the city.

According to certain records, the cost of residential real estate in the city has gone up to US$ 585 per sq ft. The price is even higher in such posh areas as the Peak – the area between Victoria Peak and Mount Gough, covering spots such as Peak, Victoria Gap, Mount Kellet, Jardine’s Corner, Mount Gough, and Plantation Road.

Nowadays, great choices as well as potential are made available for those who are interested in real estate investment in Hong Kong. Additionally, real estate in Hong Kong provides great benefits to investors. The main advantage is that investing in a property in the city allows you to have access to world’s one of the established markets.

Another worth mentioning benefit of investing in a real estate here is that not any kind of restrictions have been imposed on international investors to buy a property or asset. Further, buying a real estate in Hong Kong is considered one of the best options for long term investment, as it can undoubtedly fetch you huge profits.

Above all, the laws and procedures involved in the process of real estate buying are liberal as well as simple. Once you have found an appropriate property, an Agreement of Sale and Purchase would be signed between the property owner and investor, and this completes the sale procedure.

Hong Kong’s property buying processes are administered by the Conveyancing and Ordinance, which is modeled in the form of English Law. In other words, the real estate law of this Special Administrative Region is quite similar to the one found in the UK, which in turn has attracted many American and British real estate investors.

One of the unique things regarding the Hong Kong Property Law is that all of the land found here belongs to government, ie, each of the real estate in Hong Kong is held under leasehold title. Hence, those who are interested in property investment buy an agreement or a lease for a period ranging from 50 to 999 years.

A real estate or property in Hong Kong can be either solely owned by one person or through jointly by several investors. However, joint investment may be usually in the form of tenant or a joint tenancy. Further, a property can also be owned through a company structure. But, in case, if a company would like to conduct its business through the purchase of a property on lease, then it should be registered with the Hong Kong Companies Registry. In addition, every type of lease should be listed at the Hong Kong’ Land Registry.

Nowadays, a large number of real estate firms and realtors are now there in order to help you find and buy your dream property in Hong Kong, no matter it is single detached home, villa, apartment, office, or industrial space. Many of them render the services of professional lawyers to help you in effectively carrying out buying procedures, such as agreement process, listing on the Hong Kong Land Registry or Hong Kong Companies Registry, tax matters, and negotiation of purchase.

In addition, there are also real estate firms providing steps to arrange mortgages for the purchase of property. But, prior to approaching a service provider, it is important to undertake an investigation with regard to their reputation and the quality of service rendered. Some firms may charge huge fee. Hence, it must be checked for. Apart from other sources such as yellow pages, magazines, and newspapers, the internet also serves as an excellent source to find the most competent service provider in Hong Kong.