Advantages of Offshore Investment Accounts

December 30, 2009 by admin · Comments Off
Filed under: Offshore 

Many of us think of offshore bank accounts as something that applies only to celebrities or spies, but they actually have some great advantages for regular investors. Offshore investment accounts are mainly about reducing taxes and liability. Read on to learn more about this exciting method of investing.

What is an Offshore Bank Account?

As exciting as the term "offshore bank account" sounds, it’s really less about James Bond than you might think. Offshore bank accounts are any bank holdings you have in another country. Despite the associations many people have, there isn’t anything illegal about opening an offshore investment account.

Advantages of Offshore Bank Accounts

Offshore bank accounts come with a multitude of advantages. Most people find that the many benefits of offshore investment accounts help them overcome their preconceptions about the topic. Some of those advantages include the following:

- Keeping your money in an offshore bank account can have significant tax advantages, since the income from these accounts is not reported to your home country.
- When liability is a concern, offshore investment accounts are a good idea. A creditor is limited in accessing your money when it is held in an offshore bank account.
- Privacy is another important advantage of offshore investment accounts. When your money is kept offshore, you are the only one who has to know the details about your account.

What are QROPs?

"QROP" stands for "qualified recognized overseas pension schemes." QROPs are offshore investment accounts that are a great alternative for citizens of Canada and the UK who are living in other countries. This is a completely legal way for citizens to move their pension accounts off shore. Citizens of the UK and Canada must have lived overseas for more than five years to be eligible for QROPs.

Advantages of QROPs

There are several advantages to setting up a QROP. It’s important that investors work with a reliable, responsible offshore investment firm to ensure the process is handled legally and correctly. Some of the many advantages of QROPs include the following:

- QROPs allow investors to consolidate their pension accounts. Rather than hassle with managing several accounts, pension-holders can handle one QROP instead.
- QROPs allow pension-holders to choose exactly how much they receive from their accounts and when they receive it. This flexibility is extremely helpful to most people.
- If you have a QROP, your assets may not be vulnerable to estate taxes. This is important for investors who hope to protect their assets for their families.
- Setting up a QROP is easy!

Typical Services Provided for Offshore Investment Accounts

In many ways, having an offshore investment account is much like having any other type of bank account. Many of the same services are provided, including the following:

- Offshore banks take deposits and extend credit to customers.
- Electronic funds transfer is available for most offshore bank accounts.
- Most offshore banks provide fund management, trustee services, and investment management.
- Offshore banks usually provide letters of credit and participate in foreign exchange.

These services are not offered by all offshore banks.

More About Offshore Investment Accounts

It is estimated that about one third of the money belonging to wealthy individuals is held in offshore bank accounts. This amounted to $6 trillion in 2000. In addition, more than a quarter of the world’s wealth is held in offshore investment accounts.

Offshore investment accounts are a great alternative for many people. These accounts have many of the same benefits as regular bank accounts, as well as many unique advantages.

Wondering how an offshore bank account can benefit you or if you can apply for Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme , contact LOM. Our market professionals can answer any of your questions related to your offshore bank account.

Article Source: articlestreet

Wealth Management Resources Must Include Offshore Incorporation

December 17, 2009 by admin · Comments Off
Filed under: Offshore 

Of course the steps are numerous and will depend on your individual circumstances. However, one of the key benefits of a well-laid out financial plan that is implemented and monitored is that it will generally allow you to reach financial independence sooner than if you had not formulated a plan of action.

Financial independence can mean different things for different people but for many it means the ability to cease regular employment. Wealth management resources, astutely deployed, can help you to have enough assets and retirement income to maintain a certain lifestyle for the rest of your life and provide for your beneficiaries after death.

Everyone has different goals and objectives, and everyone has different financial conditions and circumstances. It is conceivable that your current financial decisions are not compatible with your true goals and objectives. And that you have not deployed the wealth management resources available to you because of the current timing.

Financial decisions are strongly influenced by emotions. According to medical studies, we all make decisions in the emotional part of our brains, and tap into the rational side of our brains to justify them. Unfortunately, emotions can overwhelm our capacity to reason rationally and objectively.

This severely limits our ability to make logical investment decisions. This is not to say that emotional decisions are a bad thing! Only, sometimes we are unable to see clearly our alternatives, in the heat of the moment.

But what kind of wealth management resources would have helped in the current financial meltdown? One analogy that is making rounds recently, is that when a fire is raging your first priority has to be to put it out! There will undoubtedly is water damage subsequently but hopefully you will have time to rectify that.

It is doubtful that any one will come out unscathed, and this meltdown is a rare occurrence! Until the fire (in this case the under capitalization of the banks) is put out, the banks will not feel able to make capital available to businesses and the economy is unable to get going.

There is a raging debate on what the various governments should do to get their countries out of the crisis, and the answer is best left to them or other pundits.

The question we need to look at is how we are going to deploy our wealth management resources in this era of high taxes, to deal with our finances in this environment. Incorporation offshore is an absolutely doable action that you can take.

In the meantime the headlong drive to reduce interest rates is having little effect simply because, although money is cheap, the banks are reluctant to lend. And as financial results are released by companies, banks will find that their balance sheets do not warrant additional credit risks!

Most of us buy and keep personal assets, not trade them regularly. Whether it is real estate or stock & shares in our own companies, or jewelry. Many times are assets are illiquid and are rarely bought and sold and therefore rarely valued. And we are only looking for a way to own them without having everyone eye them!

The real value of these assets in many cases is far greater than their monetary value. So you do not really know the value of what you have until you sell it. And this in most cases is only when you pass it on to your heirs.

The wealth management resource that is most helpful in such a case is of course an offshore incorporation with perhaps a trust registered in a tax haven such as Mauritius.

Possibly, you are invested in hedge or mutual funds. Of course, the more sophisticated the fund manager appears to be, and the more complex the model. And it is harder for the client to tell what type of returns the strategy will produce.

As a consequence of market turbulence over the last 5 years, the private client has realized that a traditional core domestic equity/bond portfolio is incapable of delivering consistent returns in all market circumstances.

Wealth management resources will of course ensure that the client is not invested in these funds only. Wealth management resources professionals are keen to deliver a suitable response to the client, and to demonstrate how performance volatility can be managed through a wider set of market conditions.

Many wealth managers’ current investment proposition and existing investment expertise, has been focused specifically on their domestic markets, and so they are unlikely to use offshore incorporation as the inexpensive tool that it is.

There are a variety of options readily available to support the investment open architecture models through use of fund vehicles. Wealth management is an advanced type of financial planning that benefits not only high net worth individuals and families, but also middle income ones.

Private banking, estate planning, asset management, legal resources, and investment management are resources offered, with the goal of sustaining and growing long-term wealth.

Due to their higher value accounts, banks create separate branches, services and other ‘benefits’ to retain or attract these high net worth customers who are typically more profitable than other retail banking customers.

But families recognize that when the concentration of knowledge and experience resides with a patriarch or office executive, it can prevent other family members from fully assuming responsibility for wealth management.

Few resources have been available to help families meet the complex challenge of wealth management education. Now, due to the accessibly enabled by the internet, anyone can take financial matters into their hands.

Wealth management resources are available easily, not only in the hallowed halls of expensive firms. The internet will give you easy and affordable alternatives, including starting with offshore incorporation in Seychelles, Mauritius, British Virgin Islands or Dubai or Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates.

Ramapati Singhania specializes in creating and managing web businesses. His focus on incorporation offshore saves wealth, will help you to incorporate offshore companies in Seychelles, Mauritius, BVI, and Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates.

Article Source: articlestreet

Wealth Management Resources Must Include Offshore Incorporation

December 17, 2009 by admin · Comments Off
Filed under: Offshore 

Of course the steps are numerous and will depend on your individual circumstances. However, one of the key benefits of a well-laid out financial plan that is implemented and monitored is that it will generally allow you to reach financial independence sooner than if you had not formulated a plan of action.

Financial independence can mean different things for different people but for many it means the ability to cease regular employment. Wealth management resources, astutely deployed, can help you to have enough assets and retirement income to maintain a certain lifestyle for the rest of your life and provide for your beneficiaries after death.

Everyone has different goals and objectives, and everyone has different financial conditions and circumstances. It is conceivable that your current financial decisions are not compatible with your true goals and objectives. And that you have not deployed the wealth management resources available to you because of the current timing.

Financial decisions are strongly influenced by emotions. According to medical studies, we all make decisions in the emotional part of our brains, and tap into the rational side of our brains to justify them. Unfortunately, emotions can overwhelm our capacity to reason rationally and objectively.

This severely limits our ability to make logical investment decisions. This is not to say that emotional decisions are a bad thing! Only, sometimes we are unable to see clearly our alternatives, in the heat of the moment.

But what kind of wealth management resources would have helped in the current financial meltdown? One analogy that is making rounds recently, is that when a fire is raging your first priority has to be to put it out! There will undoubtedly is water damage subsequently but hopefully you will have time to rectify that.

It is doubtful that any one will come out unscathed, and this meltdown is a rare occurrence! Until the fire (in this case the under capitalization of the banks) is put out, the banks will not feel able to make capital available to businesses and the economy is unable to get going.

There is a raging debate on what the various governments should do to get their countries out of the crisis, and the answer is best left to them or other pundits.

The question we need to look at is how we are going to deploy our wealth management resources in this era of high taxes, to deal with our finances in this environment. Incorporation offshore is an absolutely doable action that you can take.

In the meantime the headlong drive to reduce interest rates is having little effect simply because, although money is cheap, the banks are reluctant to lend. And as financial results are released by companies, banks will find that their balance sheets do not warrant additional credit risks!

Most of us buy and keep personal assets, not trade them regularly. Whether it is real estate or stock & shares in our own companies, or jewelry. Many times are assets are illiquid and are rarely bought and sold and therefore rarely valued. And we are only looking for a way to own them without having everyone eye them!

The real value of these assets in many cases is far greater than their monetary value. So you do not really know the value of what you have until you sell it. And this in most cases is only when you pass it on to your heirs.

The wealth management resource that is most helpful in such a case is of course an offshore incorporation with perhaps a trust registered in a tax haven such as Mauritius.

Possibly, you are invested in hedge or mutual funds. Of course, the more sophisticated the fund manager appears to be, and the more complex the model. And it is harder for the client to tell what type of returns the strategy will produce.

As a consequence of market turbulence over the last 5 years, the private client has realized that a traditional core domestic equity/bond portfolio is incapable of delivering consistent returns in all market circumstances.

Wealth management resources will of course ensure that the client is not invested in these funds only. Wealth management resources professionals are keen to deliver a suitable response to the client, and to demonstrate how performance volatility can be managed through a wider set of market conditions.

Many wealth managers’ current investment proposition and existing investment expertise, has been focused specifically on their domestic markets, and so they are unlikely to use offshore incorporation as the inexpensive tool that it is.

There are a variety of options readily available to support the investment open architecture models through use of fund vehicles. Wealth management is an advanced type of financial planning that benefits not only high net worth individuals and families, but also middle income ones.

Private banking, estate planning, asset management, legal resources, and investment management are resources offered, with the goal of sustaining and growing long-term wealth.

Due to their higher value accounts, banks create separate branches, services and other ‘benefits’ to retain or attract these high net worth customers who are typically more profitable than other retail banking customers.

But families recognize that when the concentration of knowledge and experience resides with a patriarch or office executive, it can prevent other family members from fully assuming responsibility for wealth management.

Few resources have been available to help families meet the complex challenge of wealth management education. Now, due to the accessibly enabled by the internet, anyone can take financial matters into their hands.

Wealth management resources are available easily, not only in the hallowed halls of expensive firms. The internet will give you easy and affordable alternatives, including starting with offshore incorporation in Seychelles, Mauritius, British Virgin Islands or Dubai or Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates.

Ramapati Singhania specializes in creating and managing web businesses. His focus on incorporation offshore saves wealth, will help you to incorporate offshore companies in Seychelles, Mauritius, BVI, and Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates.

Article Source: articlestreet

Offshore Investment Opportunities for High Net worth Individuals

December 17, 2009 by admin · Comments Off
Filed under: Offshore 

The general notion is that the rich are getting richer, while there are others aspiring to make it rich. The fact is that there is more money flowing today as compared to any time before. The high net worth individual has put in effort with wisdom in investment opportunities, and is becoming richer by the day. Where is the high net worth individual investing?

One of the investment targets is "offshore". What does this mean? It simply means investing in a country which is other than the one in which you reside. What is the reason behind investing offshore? Countries with low taxes or no taxes for foreigners are the targeted zones, either for personal or corporate investments.

The investments made are in stocks, bonds and securities, and real estate ownership. The legal and taxation laws are unique for foreign investors, whether individual or business. This is where more than half the world’s wealth thrives.

The other side of being so overly wealthy brings in high quality life style, which is very expensive. This makes it difficult then to hold onto your wealth and assets. You then get subjected to heavy taxes and need to be careful about the kind of investments you choose, to profit from rather than lose out on.

With the stock market crash that occurred in 2001 and the slow recovery that followed, many of the high net worth individuals suffered tremendous losses from which it took them considerable time to recover. This setback made the high net worth wise enough to start spreading out their investments into many baskets rather than one only, for long time gains.

So how should you organize your wealth so that you could continue to become and stay rich always?

One of the ways is to protect yourself and your expected beneficiaries, estates and assets from heavy taxation. Another way is to create and manage an investment portfolio which is diversified and balanced. This is also a cue for those average investors who want to make it rich.

Today with news channels and other specialized websites updating you on the money market there is much to be informed about investments, risks involved, and how to offset and cope. What really is required for a long term asset growth and protection is the specialized advice of wealth managers.

Today there are offshore financial advisors who offer their services to investors irrespective of their wealth potential. Some suggest buying in the new economy of IT, media and telecoms, and considering pharmaceuticals, which are forward looking rather than stocks and shares.

Some brokers prefer to see where the profits lie and invest accordingly while funds invested in the stock market are left aside to grow. They literally get into the skins of businesspersons to predict where the profit lies. Most sell outs are for redemptions and the volatility of the market. Another thing that people are opting for are the small cap companies rather than the large cap ones. Fund managers are also recommending offshore gilt, equity and umbrella funds.

More and more offshore companies are being hired to legally mitigate taxes and protect your assets.

Real Estate Investments in 2008 are a bargain for high net worth individuals who can afford to buy and hold properties. This Real Estate Investment Company specializes in finding wholesale investment homes for investors at no extra cost. Their website is http://www.realnetusa.com

Article Source: articlestreet

How To Avoid Common Offshore Real Estate Investing Mistakes

December 17, 2009 by admin · Comments Off
Filed under: Offshore 

The real estate investment industry, within a region or offshore, is very lucrative as it is unpredictable. The industry is known to have made people rich overnight and at the same time reduce the careless investors to paupers. The benefits of offshore real estate investments include tax benefits, regular and profitable cash flow and the opportunity to expand. However, the industry is also one that involves intricate aspects to every deal, which any investor cannot afford to ignore.

Real estate is big time investment for anyone, irrespective of the indulgence. You can make the real estate investment market work for you by exercising a little caution and paying heed to your intuition! There are a number of first-timers who end up parting with cash, without even studying the market. You cannot rely wholly on traditional trends within a region. As an offshore real estate investor you need to assimilate all the information you can on the current market trends, professionals who can give you sound advice and the legalities involved.

You need to pre-plan essentials like the cash flow, both during the ‘ups’ and ‘downs’- calculating on the differences experienced in the recent past, capital appreciation and tax benefits and most importantly the equity implications which could be major. You should always evaluate your needs and ‘cover’ the possible deal from all angles. You should also double check claims and contact numbers. Never get carried away. Look into aspects like the payment history, taxes, expenses, and possible future modifications. Cover yourself and your business with a sound insurance policy.

Do not only focus on the positives of offshore real estate investing. You should also consider some potential difficulties like possible eviction, re-investment and even dealing with inefficiency in time management. Avoid properties that simply eat into the business capital. This will culminate in stress and frustration. However, a thorough inspection could save you the negation. You could consider hiring a professional inspector, who can check out tenant problems and structural damage on your behalf. This will save you from making some costly mistakes in the long run.

Remember that investment property always brings along liability in different forms. Hence, an insurance coverage is indispensable to protect your hard earned assets. Go through the documentation personally, with a professional. In the case of offshore real estate investment there are building permits, zoning laws, lease applications, health licenses, by-laws and title policies amidst a myriad of other documents that have to be looked into and maintained.

Take the time to check references and insist on Estoppel letters. Offshore real estate investment can be very rewarding with a little care and professional handling. It can enhance your existent financial portfolio. But, ensure that you play by the rules pertaining to offshore real estate investments. Conduct thorough research and do not hesitate to call in the professionals. There are a number of online and offline resources available to guide you through the nuances of offshore real estate investment; all you need to do is look!

Real Estate Investment firm RealNet USA is offering advice on how to profit in any Real Estate Market. RealNet has come up with a Real Estate Investing plan that makes the purchase of wholesale investment homes. To sign up for a newsletter go to http://www.real-estate-investments-and-investing.com.

Article Source: articlestreet

Offshore Investment Opportunities for High Net worth Individuals

December 17, 2009 by admin · Comments Off
Filed under: Offshore 

The general notion is that the rich are getting richer, while there are others aspiring to make it rich. The fact is that there is more money flowing today as compared to any time before. The high net worth individual has put in effort with wisdom in investment opportunities, and is becoming richer by the day. Where is the high net worth individual investing?

One of the investment targets is "offshore". What does this mean? It simply means investing in a country which is other than the one in which you reside. What is the reason behind investing offshore? Countries with low taxes or no taxes for foreigners are the targeted zones, either for personal or corporate investments.

The investments made are in stocks, bonds and securities, and real estate ownership. The legal and taxation laws are unique for foreign investors, whether individual or business. This is where more than half the world’s wealth thrives.

The other side of being so overly wealthy brings in high quality life style, which is very expensive. This makes it difficult then to hold onto your wealth and assets. You then get subjected to heavy taxes and need to be careful about the kind of investments you choose, to profit from rather than lose out on.

With the stock market crash that occurred in 2001 and the slow recovery that followed, many of the high net worth individuals suffered tremendous losses from which it took them considerable time to recover. This setback made the high net worth wise enough to start spreading out their investments into many baskets rather than one only, for long time gains.

So how should you organize your wealth so that you could continue to become and stay rich always?

One of the ways is to protect yourself and your expected beneficiaries, estates and assets from heavy taxation. Another way is to create and manage an investment portfolio which is diversified and balanced. This is also a cue for those average investors who want to make it rich.

Today with news channels and other specialized websites updating you on the money market there is much to be informed about investments, risks involved, and how to offset and cope. What really is required for a long term asset growth and protection is the specialized advice of wealth managers.

Today there are offshore financial advisors who offer their services to investors irrespective of their wealth potential. Some suggest buying in the new economy of IT, media and telecoms, and considering pharmaceuticals, which are forward looking rather than stocks and shares.

Some brokers prefer to see where the profits lie and invest accordingly while funds invested in the stock market are left aside to grow. They literally get into the skins of businesspersons to predict where the profit lies. Most sell outs are for redemptions and the volatility of the market. Another thing that people are opting for are the small cap companies rather than the large cap ones. Fund managers are also recommending offshore gilt, equity and umbrella funds.

More and more offshore companies are being hired to legally mitigate taxes and protect your assets.

Real Estate Investments in 2008 are a bargain for high net worth individuals who can afford to buy and hold properties. This Real Estate Investment Company specializes in finding wholesale investment homes for investors at no extra cost. Their website is http://www.realnetusa.com

Article Source: articlestreet

How To Avoid Common Offshore Real Estate Investing Mistakes

December 17, 2009 by admin · Comments Off
Filed under: Offshore 

The real estate investment industry, within a region or offshore, is very lucrative as it is unpredictable. The industry is known to have made people rich overnight and at the same time reduce the careless investors to paupers. The benefits of offshore real estate investments include tax benefits, regular and profitable cash flow and the opportunity to expand. However, the industry is also one that involves intricate aspects to every deal, which any investor cannot afford to ignore.

Real estate is big time investment for anyone, irrespective of the indulgence. You can make the real estate investment market work for you by exercising a little caution and paying heed to your intuition! There are a number of first-timers who end up parting with cash, without even studying the market. You cannot rely wholly on traditional trends within a region. As an offshore real estate investor you need to assimilate all the information you can on the current market trends, professionals who can give you sound advice and the legalities involved.

You need to pre-plan essentials like the cash flow, both during the ‘ups’ and ‘downs’- calculating on the differences experienced in the recent past, capital appreciation and tax benefits and most importantly the equity implications which could be major. You should always evaluate your needs and ‘cover’ the possible deal from all angles. You should also double check claims and contact numbers. Never get carried away. Look into aspects like the payment history, taxes, expenses, and possible future modifications. Cover yourself and your business with a sound insurance policy.

Do not only focus on the positives of offshore real estate investing. You should also consider some potential difficulties like possible eviction, re-investment and even dealing with inefficiency in time management. Avoid properties that simply eat into the business capital. This will culminate in stress and frustration. However, a thorough inspection could save you the negation. You could consider hiring a professional inspector, who can check out tenant problems and structural damage on your behalf. This will save you from making some costly mistakes in the long run.

Remember that investment property always brings along liability in different forms. Hence, an insurance coverage is indispensable to protect your hard earned assets. Go through the documentation personally, with a professional. In the case of offshore real estate investment there are building permits, zoning laws, lease applications, health licenses, by-laws and title policies amidst a myriad of other documents that have to be looked into and maintained.

Take the time to check references and insist on Estoppel letters. Offshore real estate investment can be very rewarding with a little care and professional handling. It can enhance your existent financial portfolio. But, ensure that you play by the rules pertaining to offshore real estate investments. Conduct thorough research and do not hesitate to call in the professionals. There are a number of online and offline resources available to guide you through the nuances of offshore real estate investment; all you need to do is look!

Real Estate Investment firm RealNet USA is offering advice on how to profit in any Real Estate Market. RealNet has come up with a Real Estate Investing plan that makes the purchase of wholesale investment homes. To sign up for a newsletter go to http://www.real-estate-investments-and-investing.com.

Article Source: articlestreet

Buy Real Estate Offshore or Not

December 17, 2009 by admin · Comments Off
Filed under: Offshore 

Most of the off shore advertised properties I see (and not all of them of course) are in boom markets. In other words, markets that are doing so well that the prices are high and will go even higher.

Which spell out immediately the problem: PROPERTY SPECULATION.

I find it hard to understand that most people still do not see nor understand the difference between property speculating and property investing.

To put it in simple words, the overseas markets that are sold are in boom markets. In other words you rentals will NOT cover the bond.

This also means that you are exposing yourself to stronger currency shortfalls. In simple words you pay MORE for the pleasure of risking your money, when you could do it just as well at home with less risk if you are into taking risk in the first place.

I really don’t understand why people are so blind to shortfalls and so blind to the fact that you make money when you BUY. That of course is not in boom markets.

You have to buy low enough to make the money when you buy, but you can’t buy low if the market is a boom market = high.

Yes, of course if you are a multi-millionaire and you can buy outright and keep for as long as you wish and you don’t really care if you lose it because these buys are speculations (in case the markets will not go further up in some boom areas) – then it is not a problem.

(Side note: all things being equal – which they never are – usually people with a lot of money know what they are doing, and yes, there are professional speculators in the market are making fortunes, but they are not the majority of the public that wants to invest in property and create wealth through this asset class).

I see these places are sold to hard working people with high salaries. A salary is a salary and a shortfall is a shortfall and it HAS to be sustained not to lose the property.

Most people still don’t get the difference between speculation and investing and will pay a high price for it.

Many investors that did not understand the difference between property investing and property speculating are already paying a high price for it in South Africa for buying high and wanting to sell to the "last fool in line" (as they say on the stock market).

All you have to do is check the repo lists and auctions in execution to see the state of the affairs.

Now the market is depressed here in South Africa so we are looking to make the same mistakes overseas. How does that make sense?

Really, there is no rocket science here, it is simple maths and knowing how to calculate your property deals and the risk you are taking.

To all the people that want to invest overseas, I suggest they learn and learn and learn and learn as much as they can about property investing, then about the country they are about to invest and make sure they are making an educated decision and NOT follow one hot market after another to keep buying high and end up never seeing financial freedom.

There are so many deals right now in South Africa that can build a solid property investing portfolio that is hard to count anymore.

So, why risk your money in a territory you don’t know enough about and a currency that may kill you financially?

These are just some points to think about when investing in property offshore.

Sean Wheller is a real estate agent, investor and the founder of the largest online property investing education website in South Africa that specializes in real estate training, and property investing courses and seminars.

Article Source: articlestreet

Buy Real Estate Offshore or Not

December 17, 2009 by admin · Comments Off
Filed under: Offshore 

Most of the off shore advertised properties I see (and not all of them of course) are in boom markets. In other words, markets that are doing so well that the prices are high and will go even higher.

Which spell out immediately the problem: PROPERTY SPECULATION.

I find it hard to understand that most people still do not see nor understand the difference between property speculating and property investing.

To put it in simple words, the overseas markets that are sold are in boom markets. In other words you rentals will NOT cover the bond.

This also means that you are exposing yourself to stronger currency shortfalls. In simple words you pay MORE for the pleasure of risking your money, when you could do it just as well at home with less risk if you are into taking risk in the first place.

I really don’t understand why people are so blind to shortfalls and so blind to the fact that you make money when you BUY. That of course is not in boom markets.

You have to buy low enough to make the money when you buy, but you can’t buy low if the market is a boom market = high.

Yes, of course if you are a multi-millionaire and you can buy outright and keep for as long as you wish and you don’t really care if you lose it because these buys are speculations (in case the markets will not go further up in some boom areas) – then it is not a problem.

(Side note: all things being equal – which they never are – usually people with a lot of money know what they are doing, and yes, there are professional speculators in the market are making fortunes, but they are not the majority of the public that wants to invest in property and create wealth through this asset class).

I see these places are sold to hard working people with high salaries. A salary is a salary and a shortfall is a shortfall and it HAS to be sustained not to lose the property.

Most people still don’t get the difference between speculation and investing and will pay a high price for it.

Many investors that did not understand the difference between property investing and property speculating are already paying a high price for it in South Africa for buying high and wanting to sell to the "last fool in line" (as they say on the stock market).

All you have to do is check the repo lists and auctions in execution to see the state of the affairs.

Now the market is depressed here in South Africa so we are looking to make the same mistakes overseas. How does that make sense?

Really, there is no rocket science here, it is simple maths and knowing how to calculate your property deals and the risk you are taking.

To all the people that want to invest overseas, I suggest they learn and learn and learn and learn as much as they can about property investing, then about the country they are about to invest and make sure they are making an educated decision and NOT follow one hot market after another to keep buying high and end up never seeing financial freedom.

There are so many deals right now in South Africa that can build a solid property investing portfolio that is hard to count anymore.

So, why risk your money in a territory you don’t know enough about and a currency that may kill you financially?

These are just some points to think about when investing in property offshore.

Sean Wheller is a real estate agent, investor and the founder of the largest online property investing education website in South Africa that specializes in real estate training, and property investing courses and seminars.

Article Source: articlestreet

What Training Do I Need to Become an Offshore Investment Broker?

December 15, 2009 by admin · Comments Off
Filed under: Offshore 

Are you fascinated by the rise and fall of stocks around the world? Do your bedtime stories consist of books on tax laws? Do you love to travel and want to make more money? Are you ready for a career change? If so, you might make a great offshore investment broker.

What Does an Offshore Investment Broker Do?
Offshore investments are classified as such on a stock exchange, which means that investors are not taxed on dividends paid by the fund. In addition, the corporate profits of these funds are usually subject only to very low local taxes. Several types of accounts are available, including investment club accounts, individual and joint accounts, estate and trust accounts, and corporate or partnership accounts.

An offshore investment broker helps investors select and manage offshore accounts. They generally work overseas and meet with clients one-on-one via the Internet or phone. Offshore investment brokers generally work through a larger offshore investment company, rather than independently providing financial services to customers. Many offshore investment brokers need to be available at odd hours to assist customers in different time zones.

What are the Advantages of Working in Offshore Investments?
Although offshore investment brokers must work very hard to earn a living, the living they do earn is considerable. Because of the tax savings on offshore investments, offshore investment brokers can frequently charge a higher commission than their traditional counterparts. This translates to a higher personal income for the broker, often in the range of $300,000 per year.

Offshore investment brokers also work in exciting locations. If you love to travel and enjoy the idea of living in a foreign country, this might be a great career for you. Brokers working for offshore investment companies get to see the world.

What Do Offshore Investment Firms Look for in a Broker?
Because clients are located all over the world, offshore investment brokers may need to speak two or more languages. This allows them to communicate with clients in one location while handling investments in another. In addition, offshore investment brokers should be able to move to other world locations as needed by the brokerage.

Offshore investment firms are interested in brokers who are great with people. Because of the intensive one-on-one nature of offshore investment, people skills rank high on the list of desired qualities in a candidate. Ideal brokers are also self-motivated, positive, and work well in a team. High value is placed on ethics and courtesy as well.

Offshore investment brokers sometimes need to work long hours, so brokerages are interested in candidates who are hard working and driven by rewards and results. A clean criminal background check is also a major requirement for this type of work.

How Do I Become a Broker?
Becoming an offshore investment broker is a multi-step process. It’s important to make sure you have the proper training and qualities before applying for positions and preparing to pack up your life and move to another country.

Most offshore investment firms provide training in the specifics of being an offshore investment broker, but they expect candidates to have qualifications related to investment brokerage in general. Specifically, they expect to see people who work at a senior management level, have a great track record when it comes to sales, and have a history of completing high-value transactions.

- Here are some specific steps you can take to become an offshore investment broker:
- Establish yourself as a broker in a domestic firm. Try to attain a senior level position and perform well at this position for a couple of years.
- Learn at least one other language. The language you choose to learn depends on the location of the brokerage where you would like to work, as well as the language spoken by many of its clients.
- Be sure to document your sales successes, especially those involving high-value transactions.
- If possible, establish a relationship with other offshore investment brokers. As with any career, networking is very important.

One of the world’s largest and most established offshore investment firms provides offshore accounts, offshore mutual funds and offshore QROPS to those that qualify.

Article Source: articlestreet

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