Eric Cleton Asks - Buying Abroad Maybe Popular But Is It The Right Thing For You

I work with Eric Cleton and we're International Real Estate Investors. I've been in this business a few years and I have noticed since the collapse of the domestic market there has been a HUGE buzz about international real estate investing. Most of the info out there paints it as a perfect investment opportunity for everyone. But to be honest, it only suits certain types of investors and if you are not that type, it may end up being a nightmare for you. To help you decide if real estate investment abroad is the best opportunity for you I've put together a checklist. I hope it helps you decide whether to move forward or not...

So here are the questions!

1. Would you consider yourself a risk taking investor? I do not mean would you be willing to gamble away a fortune on a tip overheard in a trader’s bar, rather, does the idea of risk turn you off completely? Does the idea of potentially losing all your money cost you sleep? If this is the case then international real estate investment really is not for you. You are operating in another country with different rules and regulations; often in a different language. Yes, there are some great rewards to be made, but if the process of making those rewards is going to give you a border line nervous breakdown then there are other investments better suited to you. Try another angle within the domestic market. Remember there is always money to be made for people who keep their minds open to opportunity - perhaps you have automatically rejected something that has promise.

2. Do you presently have a housing investment portfolio or, do you have past experience with housing deals. If this is a first time investment and you are looking to make money rather than simply buy a holiday home for your family, than this probably is not the best place to start. As I mentioned, working within another country's rules and regulations can be tricky but, at least if you are an experienced real estate investor you can fall back on the formulas that made you money before. Although they need to be adjusted and adapted to suit the country you are looking at, many of the rules for U.S real estate investment can apply overseas.

3. You are not willing to travel to the country to do the groundwork research for your investment. Then investing in real estate abroad is a huge, huge no, no. If you want to buy a property within a complex at a hugely reduced price compared to the domestic market, this is a risky strategy but acceptable. If you are looking to find a bargain locally that has not already been purchased and developed by a foreign investor, to rely on website adverts and email communication, is incredibly risky. In fact if you can say yes to this question I would urge you to not invest in real estate internationally.

I hope this has been beneficial and you will now see whether investing abroad is a great idea for you or not. Should you would like to see more Eric Cleton guides to real-estate on a general level and international property in particular, please check out my web site.