Special Edition: A Little Slice of Europe from the
Comfort of Your Home
Greetings Rogue Investors,
I'd like to let you know how our trip to Spain and France went. As
many of you know, we conducted our Slice of Europe Tour the week of
May 22nd. To say it was a success is an understatement.
We
had three Rogue Investors attend and they immediately saw the unique
values in this area and purchased properties. One Rogue Investor
couldn't make it at the last second, but we are planning on seeing her
on the September trip.
Ask Danielle, Craig or Vicki what they thought about the trip:
When are we going back? I love it there!
-Danielle
We wanted to thank you and Bryan again for all your help
and insights during the trip. We had a wonderful time, and learned (or
started learning) a great deal. We've been exchanging emails...and
will be sending...a package tomorrow of the materials the real estate
agent needs for our loan application, so we'll keep you posted on our
progress there.
-Vicki and Craig
This brings me to the point of this special newsletter. We also
found a spectacular deal and are putting together a joint venture. We
are looking for a few other investors who would like to take advantage
of this opportunity. Two investors have said yes already and Rogue
Investor will be part of the deal as well.
What am I talking about?
Imagine condominiums overlooking the Mediterranean, within walking
distance of plaza-type shops, a museum, beach and restaurants. Now
throw in one of the best views I've ever seen, as well as an in-house
spa right downstairs. How much would you pay for these condominiums
with a spectacular sea view in the U.S.? My guess is at least $400,000
per unit. How much did we secure all five of these units for? Only
450,000 euros; that is 90,000 euros each or about $112,500 each. Based
upon our analysis of the area, these units are currently each worth
about 130,000 euros.
These sea view condos are located in Banuyls sur Mer, which
translated in English means "Vineyards by the Sea." This quaint town
is situated where the Pyrenees Mountains touch the Mediterranean Sea.
Vineyards are literally part of the landscape and many of these
vineyards have enviable views of the sea. France is very particular
about preserving this land so there is not an overabundance of
building opportunities along the coast.
See for yourself:






Why do we think these properties are so valuable?
1. Built in Appreciation and Growth Potential. You are
getting these properties at a discount because we purchased in bulk
and the market is just starting to turn. We looked at similar units
that cost at least 130,000 euros. According to our European liaison
and realtor, real estate in this area has appreciated 87% in the last
four years, and he anticipates an average annual appreciation of
approximately 25% to 30% per year.
2. Rental Income. These units are currently producing rental
income and a property management firm takes care of everything. The
rental income is greatest during the months of July and August, when
many Europeans vacation. Rental income ranges from a low of 355 euros
per week in the off season to 695 euros per week during the high
demand period. When we were there in May, all properties were rented.
We had to make special arrangements to look at them.
3. Location. Imagine experiencing over 330 days of sunlight
and moderate to warm temperatures. Imagine snow skiing one day and
laying on the beach the next -- all within a couple of hours of your
vacation home and/or investment property. In the U.S., you would have
to pay a fortune for a location like this.
4. Euros. The conversion of most of Europe's currency into
euros has been a big success. In addition to huge cost and efficiency
savings, euros have opened up trade barriers between countries causing
an economic boom in business. However, the benefits of this conversion
are just starting. Given these factors I think it is very likely that
the euro will appreciate against the dollar over the next 20 years. By
investing in European real estate you can participate in the
appreciation of the euro.
5. Language. Many European countries teach English as a
second or third language. In France, for example, English is a
required subject. And, unlike the United States, speaking another
language for the modern European is not terrifying. They embrace other
languages and cultures, while still maintaining their own.
6. People. Contrary to popular belief, one would think that
Europeans would be less than friendly with Americans. However, we
experienced some of the nicest people in the world. Also, just as the
United States is experiencing an aging population and increased demand
for real estate in warm, southerly climates, so is Europe. This trend
is resulting in increased demand for Mediterranean properties. For
example, local realtors are seeing high demand from Ireland, Great
Britain, and other northern European countries.
7. High Speed Trains and Infrastructure Improvements. High
speed trains, known as the TGV, travel at about 120 miles per hour.
These trains are making it possible for individuals to live far from
the large cities and commute into work. The high speed trains are
equipped with wireless Internet so you can work on the train during
your commute. Each time a new high speed branch is completed, the area
grows economically and real estate values rise. For example, in Aux en
Provence, a city near the French Mediterranean, real estate values
started rising and doubled in about five years after completion of the
high speed train branch to Paris. By 2009, high speed trains will be
connecting to this area and a 2-hour drive to Barcelona will be a
45-minute ride on the TGV.
I invite you to be a part of this unique investing opportunity.
Please call Bryan or me at 913-381-4520 as soon as possible to
become part of this joint venture.
Next Trip to Europe
On September 10 through 15, 2006, Bryan and I are heading back to
this area to check on some additional opportunities as well as our
current joint venture. If you would like to own "Your Own Slice of
Europe," I challenge you to come with us on our next scheduled trip.
So what can you expect traveling with us on Your Own Slice of
Europe Tour?
Without a doubt, in addition to finding some of the best real
estate deals in Europe, I can promise you some of the world's best
historic culture, art, architecture, scenic vistas, unspoiled coast
lines, wine, cheese and coffee.
Due to space limitations, we can only accommodate 5 to 7 Rogue Real
Estate Investors on this trip. As part of the trip we will provide
instructions on real estate investing techniques and trends throughout
Europe. We have also made arrangements with European real estate
professionals to help guide you through the process of purchasing
properties.
If finding undervalued ocean view/mountain view properties along
the Mediterranean Sea sounds fun to you, call me at 913-381-4520 or
visit this link:
http://www.rogueinvestor.com/european_real_estate.html
for more information.
Happy investing,
Michael Williams