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27.01.2012: Q&A of the day

Q: I'd like to know how much prices have gone down since 2005?  IP: It is not sure that prices are down comparing to 2005. It depends on the area, the type of property etc. Imobiliare.ro has Real Estate indicators, measuring from 2008, I have a personal archive from 2004, I don’t know who can give you a precise answer. But for sure this answer requires more feedback from your side. - the question was asked during the q&a session organized by imobiliare.ro -  … [Read More...]

26.01.2012: Q&A of the day

Q: What is the trend of asking prices for apartments in Bucharest in 2012?    IP: I am expecting that the prices for old apartments will have a declining trend in the first half of the year, due to many reasons: ·         Prima Casa is influencing the market less than in the past. ·         Banks will provide fewer loans. ·         The European and global instability make more people cautious before they proceed in an investment. ·         More “foreclosures” will be announced in the following months. ·         (Plus there are … [Read More...]

Romanian Real Estate 2007 vs. Romanian Green Energy 2012. 5 major differences between 2 “golden periods”

  Last week I participated at the “Wind Power Romania” event, one of the most important conferences for Green Energy in Romania and the Balkans. I was impressed by the quality of speakers and their presentations. I consider it a “training” by some of the top experts in Green Energy today in Romania and Europe. It was clear that the interest is very strong for Romanian Green Energy, especially in the wind and solar segments (hydro and biomass will move as well, but not as fast). Hundreds of investors want to enter the market, reminding me sometimes of the “golden period of Real Estate properties”. But now things are totally different. Let’s check together why: 1. Nowadays no deal is signed without a proper, thorough due diligence 5 years … [Read More...]

25.01.2012: Q&A of the day

  Q: I'm looking for a 2 room apartment in a semi central area through the Prima Casa program. Do you think I can handle it on my own or should I hire a real estate agent?  IP: I definitely suggest you collaborate with a Real Estate professional. If he is a good one, he will be a positive factor in your search and will help you save time and money. But this does not mean that everyone is good for you. The market is full of “tarani” who have 0 respect for their clients, so you should choose based on such principles as: Respect for the client, good knowledge of the market, [...]

24.01.2012: Q&A of the day

  Q: I want to buy a house in Bucharest. The house that fits the needs of my family the best is in Ferentari! My sister does not want to help me because the house is in FERENTARI! What is the mystery with this Ferentari??? IP: Well this is a delicate subject. Ferentari is a neighborhood  with a very bad reputation and is thought as one of the worst 3 neighborhood in Bucharest. I know people who live there and have never had any problems but there are also many others that have all sorts of stories to tell. But before you make up your mind, I suggest you invest one-two weeks of your [...]

23.01.2012: Q&A of the day

    Q: What is the optimum time of recovery for an investments for an apartment ment for rent? IP: I’d say 10-12 years (8-10%) but, even better, 16-20 years (aprox. 6%). Depending on the property, investment strategy and many more. Be aware of the fact that when we do the numbers, we take into consideration the entire price, not only the one paid to the owner. You have to add taxes, the cost of renovation, etc. In plus for the annual income, you have to deduct from the rent any costs and taxes that you have. Then you will have your answer.   – the question was asked during [...]

20.01.2012: Q&A of the day

    Q: If you had 100.000 euro, what would you invest it in: gold, silver, the stock market, real estate, your own business?  IP: Certainly not in silver or gold. In my opinion, the price is high. It might go up but I don't find it comfortable to buy something when it's reached a historical price. I'd rather let someone smarter than I get rich from such investments.  The stock market is an option, but not with a larger capital than 20-30% of the total amount you have. Real estate is an option as well but you need a strategy, you shouldn't buy "anything".  The [...]

19.01.2012: Q&A of the day

    Q: To the point: what can a real estate agent do for me? What should he do in order to earn his commission? Below, you have an answer I gave to someone else concerning this topic: ·         To know his/her field of expertise very well ·         To be able to explain the advantages and disadvantages of every property (not just to take you there, open the door and let you see it, like some kind of taxi driver) ·         To put in contact [...]

18.01.2012: Q&A of the day

    Q: I want to buy an apartment in Iasi. What should I know before buying it since I grew up in the country and don’t really know? IP: I wrote an entire book about this! Tens of answers regarding all the aspects that you should know before buying a property. I apologize but I can’t reproduce everything here! A few advices: – The lowest price is not always the best – Take into account the cost of the renovations – Buy what you need, not what others tell you is best (FOR THEM) to buy – Be patient, it’s going to take some time before you find something that matches [...]

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