Special Edition: Real Estate Investing in Europe

Greetings Rogue Investors,

I want to let you in on an exciting new development at Rogue Real Estate Investor. Michael Williams and I just returned from a European Real Estate Research Trip and we found some amazing deals. On our continuing quest to find the most beautiful and undervalued properties in the world, we located something special: real estate (land, apartments and homes) with panoramic views of the Mediterranean Ocean on one side and mountains on the other. In the United States, very few properties like this exist and they sell for millions of dollars. However, the properties we located in Europe are selling for $50,000 to $100,000 in the case of land and $125,000 to $250,000 in the case of apartments and villas.

In our opinion, this real estate is highly desirable for the following reasons:

Unique Beauty and Low Market Valuation. I have spent the better part of 15 years looking for unique and beautiful properties across the United States, Canada, Mexico and Caribbean. Properties selling for well below market value with ocean, mountain and lake front/views. I have had success following this strategy, but in the United States unique properties are getting harder to find. The properties Michael and I located in Europe are some of the most beautiful I have ever seen and the prices are 50% to 75% less than what my market value estimates indicate they should be.

Growth in Real Estate and Commerce. Unlike the United States, some areas of Europe are only beginning to participate in an upswing in real estate values. Starting from low market valuations, these areas will likely appreciate in value for at least the next 10 years, if not longer. According to our European liaison and realtor, real estate in the areas we have identified has appreciated 87% in the last four years, and he anticipates an average annual appreciation of approximately 25% to 30% per year. This growth is being fueled by several complementary factors.

Demographics and Aging Population. 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.

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.

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.

Language. Many European countries teach English as a second or third language. In France, for example, English is a required subject. In the Netherlands, English is spoken by over 90% of the population. Why is this trend occurring? Europeans recognize that trade with Great Britain, Ireland, Australia, Canada and the U.S. is extremely important. 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.

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.

High Speed Trains and Infrastructure Improvements. High speed trains, traveling at about 120 miles per hour, 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. The Mediterranean properties we have located are just beyond high speed train access. However, by 2009, the area we are targeting will be connected to the high speed line.

On May 20 through May 25, 2006, Michael and I are heading back to this area with the goal of purchasing properties for ourselves and assisting other Rogue Real Estate Investors that want to do the same. 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 Ocean sounds fun to you, visit this link for more information: http://www.rogueinvestor.com/european_real_estate.html

Happy investing,

Bryan Rundell