It was almost 18 months ago when I shared with you my opinion regarding the future of the Romanian economy. For those who have forgotten, during the beginning of 2010 there were too many people and media who were sure that we exited the crisis (the same ones who celebrated the end of the crisis in the beginning of 2011 as well). At that time I described to you the 3 scenarios for the Romanian economy. You can check them here: The positive scenario. The negative and the more realistic one. The negative scenario proved out to be the right one. For some months the more realistic one gained [...]
26.09.2011: Q&A of the day
Q: How attractive will the Arad-Timisoara area become for investors, after the opening of the highway? IP: This area is very interesting as a logistical hub and because it is a place that can attract many investments in the industry sector, outsourcing services etc. I know that the authorities there are very ambitious and I'm expecting things to happen. Unfortunately, until now, the results have not been fantastic but it's an area of Romania where the potential is clear and easily seen. (PS: This does not mean that people should raise the prices, but if they keep their properties, [...]
Greece’s debt crisis odyssey (by BBC) and Germany’s additional 5 trillion Euro debt
Some weeks ago I wrote to you about the new phase of the Greek crisis and the… “poker game” that has started since the beginning of September. You can read more here. As the problem evolves and news is added every single day, many of you keep on asking: “what will finally happen with Greece”. Probably the Greek issue worries the entire world, this is why BBC presented a very simple and useful diagram, where you can see all the scenarios and their consequences. It was tweeted by Mr. Abraham Tsoukalidis, CEO of Positive Energy (one of the most important “green” [...]
The most common and dangerous trap for investments in agricultural lands
The latest “trend” for Real Estate investments in Romania is definitely the purchase or concession of agricultural lands. Too many people, from experts (who know what they are doing) to amateurs who just “heard that it is a good business” are searching and buying this type of property. Some of them have a strategy, while the majority simply “goes with the flow”, like many others did in the past, for different market segments. Next week I will talk to you about the advantages and disadvantages of such an investment, but today I would like to share with [...]
23.09.2011: Q&A of the day
Q: What is the period of investment recovery for an apartment that is rented? IP: I'd say 10-12 year (8-10%) but 16-20 years would also be good (6-6%). It depends on the property, the investment strategy and much more. Keep in mind that when we calculate we take into account the entire price, not just the one paid to the owner. Add the taxes, the renovation costs. Plus, for the anual income, you have to deduct from the rent and cost or taxes that you pay. Then you will have your answer. – the question was asked during the q&a session organized by imobiliare.ro - [...]
Comment of the day: Grand Cinema Digiplex opens at Baneasa The retail map of Bucharest changes again
Today Baneasa Shopping City made a move that will change the map of Malls in Bucharest. It opened “Grand Cinema Digiplex”, upgrading the existing status of the retail project. In order for you to find out more, you can check here. “Is this important for the market?” many friends of mine ask me. The answer is simple: Yes, it is, for various reasons: · First of all, it transforms Baneasa Shopping City into a “complete” Mall. So the standards of competition change again. · [...]
Gold or properties? Which is the ideal means of storing wealth? – Part 2
Part 2 (In order to read part 1, with the advantages of gold and the disadvantages of properties, please press here ) After my friend finished with his analysis regarding the properties’ faults and the advantages of storing wealth in gold, it was my turn to present my point of view: Properties: “Bullet proof during the crisis, with justified constant growth for decades” Some of my friend’s arguments are correct, but from my point of view most of them are wrong. Here you have my personal take on the matter: 1. [...]
Q: How did 2012 start for the residential market in Iasi?
Dan Mihoci: The real estate market is headed towards normalcy, without “sentimental” pretentions of the seller or unfounded requests from buyers with an evident need for consultancy, for both buyers and sellers. Despite the bad weather and the economic and political instability, the real estate market is an interesting chapter for everyone.
Q: In 2011, the year started with a high level of interest but few transactions. How did the market evolve ... 
Important changes to the fiscal and fiscal procedure codes: Details regarding submission process
Two weeks ago I posted some important information regarding the changes done to the fiscal procedures codes, analyzed by VTM, Vulpoi & Toader Management, a leading accounting firm in Romania (www.vtm.ro). You can read this article here: (article). Today let us check the additional information on the new changes of the deadlines for mandatory statements. I think this should be regarded as very important data which is why I suggest you read through it carefully. After all, information IS power! “Details on the submission of D112 "Statement of obligations to pay social contributions, [...]