There are many companies that focus their activity only on the center of Bucharest, or the malls. This is not wrong. Most of them do the right thing, as these areas suit to their brand’s profile better. But there are several other “interesting” areas in Bucharest, except these “obvious” options for a Retailer. This especially true for the ones that have a project which can match each area’s profile, characteristics and demographics. Let us not forget that the… Retail tradition in Romania says that people are used to do their shopping only from shops located [...]
4 zones of Bucharest with great retail potential
Filed Under: Uncategorized on Oct 26, 2011 @ 4:52 PM
25.10.2011: 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 what [...]
A deal’s “normal” procedure
The period 2004 – 2008 brought a great deal of “collateral damages”. It was not just that the price increase beyond any logic, or the deterioration of mentality, with millions of people having the impression that they are the “kings of the world” or “clever businessmen” (without having earned one euro through normal work). In my opinion the biggest problem is that a big part of Romania (like in other countries as well) got the impression that business is something “easy”, that transactions occur every “few minutes or hours”, [...]
24.10.2011: Q&A of the day
Q: Since the illusion that the “Prima Casa 4” program could reduce the huge prices, in relation to the income of the Romanian people, has been shattered. Since the media manipulators have disappeared and since nothing gets sold for more then 8-900E, why do you continue to show a real estate indicator of over 1000E per sq.m.? Why am I not finding here the most professional evaluation for 2011, done by impartial specialist? IP: If you know the right indicator I would be delighted to find out what they are. Until then, the only instrument we have in order to check the direction [...]
Why the low absorption of European Grants hurts the Real Estate market
Last week I attended an important conference for European Grants in Romania. I heard Mr. Orban, the minister responsible for European matters, explaining his strategy and challenges, then several other officials, economic counselors, the president of the Cypriot Romania chamber of commerce, plus several top bankers and consultants. The experience was very interesting, as it was a short of guide for the previous 5 years (2007 – 2011) and the following 2 (2012 – 2013) of the 2007 – 2013 time frame. The actual situation in Romania, according to officials and consultants According [...]
21.10.2011: Q&A of the day
Q: How can you evaluate a real estate agent’s professionalism on the first phone conversation? IP: Firstly, he has to answer the phone! There are many who, simply, do not do this … Afterwards: – Is he polite? – Is he arrogant? – Does he know the property you are interested in? – Does he guide efficiently in order for you to receive all the information you may need? – Can he answer questions? – Do you feel like he knows what he’s talking about? – Does he call you back if he promised to? – Does he set up a meeting at his office before you go see the property? [...]
“What am I supposed to expect from my Real Estate broker?”
Part 1. First approach through a phone call Next Wednesday we will have a new session of questions and answers, as we have been doing on the last Wednesday of every month, together with www.imobiliare.ro. One of the most popular questions there (but also in tens of other emails I receive) is a very simple one: “What am I supposed to expect from my Real Estate broker?” This is a question that usually hides another one: “What am I supposed to expect from my Real Estate broker, in order for him to justify his right to receive a commission?” This is a very [...]
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 ... 
At least the deposits are protected…
Tomorrow the leaders of Europe are supposed to decide the future of Greece. Between you and me, their decision will be relevant to the future of Europe, Greece is just an excuse. Countries like Italy are waiting in the queue to become “a visible problem”, once they finish with Greece. I personally do not agree with the majority of the solutions proposed. But at the end of the day I am not the one who decides. But there is one thing that I like from all these stories: Deposits are and will remain protected. For me this is something very important, as it allows to us to think [...]