Live and Invest Overseas Names Top International Real Estate Investments For 2010

Online, January 11, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Baltimore, MD - Live and Invest Overseas Names Top International Real Estate Investments For 2010.

1. Panama. Yes, I'm well invested, but I'm also actively shopping and keen to buy more at the right price. In Panama City, buy any apartment (new or resale) for which you can negotiate a price that will translate to a good yield. Sellers are very open to your offers, and it's going to continue to be very possible in this market to see net rental yields of 8% and higher. I'm currently seeing 12% net from my avenida Balboa rental. Outside the capital city, buy land in the path of progress. The region that best qualifies is the Veraguas Province, not only the west coast of the Azuero Peninsula, but throughout the province in general, including in the mountain and river towns of Santa Fe and San Francisco, etc. New President Ricardo Martinelli hails from Veraguas. He's already making it clear that his home province is going to benefit generously from the aggressive investment in infrastructure this country continues to make.

2. Philippines. Along with Panama, this is the other market I'm most focused on. Great opportunity for yields through resort rentals and condo hotels. You're going to be hearing a lot more from me on why you should be looking closely at the Philippines right now over the coming months.

3. Dominican Republic. Shop for land-early-in lots in planned developments or raw ocean-view land.

4. Australia. Look for renovate-to-flip opportunities. This commodity-based economy is already recovering from its downturn, and I believe it is going to continue down this track, seeing steady appreciation. In fact, the demand for housing in key markets in this country continued to outpace supply even through the global financial meltdown. Again, I see this continuing.

5. Colombia. The market I'm most interested in understanding better in the New Year. I'm planning a scouting trip early 2010.
"What about other markets I've recommended and invested in in recent years? Here's what you need to know about past picks:

1. Nicaragua. Yes, current President Daniel Ortega has adjusted this country's constitution so he can run for re-election in 2011 (the country's constitution disallowed any president to sit consecutive terms; Ortega didn't feel ready to move on, I guess, so he recently changed this). Running again doesn't guarantee winning again, though, and, as long as the opposition parties unite, as they're already indicating they will do, Ortega should be out. The Nicaraguan on the street has had enough of his do-nothing, blow-hard politics. Still, the guy is a loose canon. I'm well invested in Nicaragua and holding tight, happy to wait out the Ortega Factor. Eventually, Danny'll go away. Meantime, I don't intend to invest further. If you don't currently hold a stake in this country with a beautiful Pacific coastline and a history of political strife, consider it. Understand the risks and shop for a deal. You should be able to find one. Right now, this market is dead, meaning sellers can be eager.

2. Ecuador. There is no compelling reason to believe prices in this country will increase. I wouldn't buy here now, with the possible exception of productive land. Though, if you're in the market for farmland, for example, you have better choices.

3. Costa Rica. On sale! However, real estate in this country was so over-priced pre-crash that even a 40% to 50% drop in asking price might not get you where you want to be. Remember Costa Rica's track record for infrastructure (they had not built a new road in nearly 40 years until recently) and remember, too, that the current administration is broke. The Costa Ricans are making some effort to improve their battered roads and collapsing bridges and even to build, finally, long-promised new ones. But you have to wonder where all the money will come from. And, to buy now, you have to see some reason for prices to turn around and move up again. I don't anytime soon.

4. Brazil. Good opportunities, especially in vacation rentals at the beach. Also a growing middle class, which is an important indicator when shopping real estate investment markets. However, this isn't an easy place to do business. Moving money in and out of the country can be complicated. Plus, you've got a currency risk. The real is strong right now. Factor this in to your buy decision. Also understand the currency exchange implications for whatever terms of purchase you choose. If you sign on for a long-term monthly payment program, consider buying reals ahead.

5. France. A short-term rental in Paris remains a solid long-term, bolt-hole play. You won't get rich this way, but a short-term rental in the City of Light means steady yields over the long haul.

6. Argentina. Yield plays in Buenos Aires can make sense if you buy for the right price, and productive land in the interior can be a good play (again, if you buy right and if you're buying for the very long term).

7. Uruguay. Not the time for investment. Great place to live or retire, but I see no compelling reason for appreciation. The exception can be an investment in a beach apartment for rental yields; however, prices have risen, so you have to shop harder to make the numbers work."

Live and Invest Overseas (http://www.liveandinvestoverseas.com) is dedicated to uncovering the world's best opportunities for living, retiring, investing, and owning real estate. Publisher Kathleen Peddicord, with more than 25 years experience covering this beat, and her global network of in-country connections are on the move continuously in search of opportunity. Their from-the-scene dispatches, tips, recommendations, discoveries, and insights are delivered every day to readers of their free e-letter service, the "Overseas Opportunity Letter."