Q: What type of real estate investments do you think are the most profitable long term for a buyer with a budget of 100.000 euro? IP: I will prepare an analysis on my blog, concerning this topic. The main question is what type of investor you are. The same medicine isn’t appropriate for every patient. In any scenario, because of the troubled times we live in, I’d suggest you put 30-50% of your capital in the back, in a 3-6 month deposit. There are options for real estate investments, stock options or other types of investments and if you give me more details on your investment [...]

Q: A question for Mr. Papageorgiadis: why do real estate agencies present the price for BUILT square meter and not for the useful surface? In the notary’s grid we are presented with the useful surface. IP: When a developer sells an apartment, he sells the built surface. The client does not only buy the apartment, he becomes co-owner of the land and the conjoint spaces. When he buys an old apartment, he buys just the useful surface (and, in some cases, the part of the land that belongs to him). Many agents don’t pay attention to these distinctions and do not explain all these details [...]

Q: How can a real estate agent promote a sales offer with a 0 comission from the buyer, when in reality he pays 2%? Most of the time they lie to the seller saying that “we take charge of the offer and we make it public”!!! Do you know where they publish it? On free sites, that’s the investment real estate agents make (Constanta). IP: First of all I don’t agree with you that all agents in Constanta are like that. I know some serious people there and they have many happy clients as well. Now regarding the “0 commission”. It is normal that this broker receives [...]

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? (I [...]

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 life and go [...]

  Q: I would like to buy an apartment in the near future and I’m thinking of enlisting the help of a real estate agency. Unfortunately, I only vaguely know what their duties should be and I’d like to know what my rightful requirements in this collaboration should be. IP: Firstly, you don’t only need a real estate broker or consultant. You are, probably, also going to need the services of a lawyer, an engineer or an architect (I’m not even going to mention the other professionals that are involved in the inspection of a property before the actual transaction). A real [...]

  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 [...]

  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 [...]