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SheldonThinks Investments

“Investment Advise Market Trends, Commodities, Mining Stocks, Properties”

February 22, 2010 New Japan’s political reform in doubt

The latest news from Japan suggests that the chances of reform under the current PM Yukio Hatoyama are quickly deteriorating. The Democratic Party of Japan lost a local election in Nagasaki. I consider that less important considering that their candidate was a bureaucrat, and he was beaten by the Vice Governor. The more important issue is opinion polls, which are being shaped by the financial scandals. They have a few months to turn those fears around, otherwise we are looking at a ‘hung parliament’, which is not the best basis for reform. See the full story here. Ideally I would like to see the DPJ given a majority in both houses in the June 2010 elections.

NZ Property Guide
Philippine Real Estate Guide
Foreclosed Japan Guide

February 18, 2010 Philippines property ranks highly on yields and forex rates

I’m in the process of updating my Philippines Property Report. This will be the 2nd edition. A part of this report is helping prospective retirees, investors and expats to find investment opportunities in the Philippines. We do this for our own benefit as well as yours. The focus of this blog is exchange rates. The Philippines peso has tended to suffer along with the USD, though it has generally fared better. Click on the charts to the left and it will be apparent that foreign or Filipino investors holding Australian dollars, Canadian dollars or US dollars are in a pretty good position to invest in the Philippines. The same is true for expatriates or Japanese people holding Yen. The Yen is also trading a favourable exchange rate to the Philippines. The attraction of investing in the Philippines is particularly attractive given the better than average yields – 2nd only to Indonesia in East Asia at 9% per annum according to Global Property Guide. Investing in the Philippines makes less sense for Europeans given the weaker Euro, but having said that, its far easier for foreigners to raise finance in the Philippines than other countries. Some people take out loans in their partners names. Its even easier if you are buying foreclosed assets because some of the banks will not require proof of income. The implication is that even Germans, French, Dutch and other investors can buy property in the Philippines with the expectation of paying off the loan when the currency is optimal.

NZ Property Guide
Philippine Real Estate Guide
Foreclosed Japan Guide

February 17, 2010 Buying foreclosed property in Guam

I don’t offer any particular information about buying foreclosed property in Guam, but in the process of researching for my 2nd edition Philippines property report, I note that the PNB-Allied Bank of the Philippines have a listing of foreclosed property in two locations in Guam.
I thought this property might interest people because I’ve previously met an Australian military retiree who was moving to Guam to live with his Filipino girlfriend. He had been in the military for 10 or 20 years, thereafter apparently they get a lifetime pension. Seems like a good deal for someone who saw no military action. Anyway, for anyone interested the details are here. I have not been to Guam, but it might appeal to American servicemen as well. The idea of being stuck on an island might appeal to others. I don’t imagine the flight connections are very good either.

NZ Property Guide
Philippine Real Estate Guide
Foreclosed Japan Guide

February 17, 2010 Cheap tickets NZ to Japan

Are you a New Zealander interested in investigating foreclosed properties in Japan? Well there has never been a better opportunity to fly to Japan. Air NZ is offering discounted tickets:
1. Two tickets from Auckland to Osaka – see TradeMe
2. Two tickets from Christchurch to Tokyo – see TradeMe

The bids on these tickets are currently around $420 for two tickets. You could be reading my book on the plane. :) Any option is a good deal. Have a look at the other flights on offer. Of course you have to depart from NZ.

NZ Property Guide
Philippine Real Estate Guide
Foreclosed Japan Guide

February 12, 2010 Best buying in Japanese foreclosed property

We have just released our Japan Foreclosed Property eBook (3rd edition). For those of you not aware, this is probably going to be the best 2 year period for buying foreclosed property. There are three compelling reasons:
1. The Japanese elections in mid-2010 could result in the Democratic Party of Japan holding a two house majority in which to make substantial reforms.
2. The Japanese public debt has reached a point (200% of GDP) at which it is going to struggle to raise money. It has been forced into a corner. Going to the international market would mean much higher interest rates. It has to reform and slash costs. The DPJ is waiting for that election. It needs a majority in both houses.
3. The high public sector debt essentially places a ceiling over Japanese interest rates for the next 5 years, if not longer.

The implication is that you are going to have low interest rates looking forward, and you are going to see reform which boosts real incomes. These rises in income will flow through to asset prices like property and equities. Want to know more about the Japanese foreclosed property market…. all is explained in the following Japan foreclosed property report. Why rent in Japan when high yields favour owning property. You can buy a house for as little as 1-3x your annual income…. if you buy in the suburbs like Sakado (less than 1 hour from Tokyo).

NZ Property Guide
Philippine Real Estate Guide
Foreclosed Japan Guide

January 21, 2010 Mining Stock Tips – Comprehensive Guide


Finally, the most comprehensive guide on mining stocks is now available!

For all serious mining stock investors, please visit http://miningstocks.sheldonthinks.com

ARE YOU COPING WITH THE ECONOMIC CRISIS? Are you investing in the right STOCKS?

This is a 187-page book which covers all the facets about mining you need to know to really do justice to your investing goals. At just $39.95, which is cheap considering it encapsulates a lot of knowledge – both theory and practice. This book is a great resource for those who want to know the factors to consider when they buy & sell mining stocks.

A timely book as we enter the gold-phase of the resources boom.

The gold specs are on! The question is – What to buy?

This eBook is written by Andrew Sheldon.
Sheldonthinks

January 7, 2010 New Zealand Still A Good Buy for Australians



Recently, the USD has weakened against currencies of commodity countries like Australia and New Zealand. However, Australians are in the best position, now more than ever, to purchase property in New Zealand.

Why?

1. Close economic ties between Australia and New Zealand make them function like 1 country.
2. Visa and residency eligibility are not even a problem. Australians are free to travel and reside in New Zealand under the ‘resident’ status.
3. Australian dollar is consistently strong against the New Zealand dollar.
4. Australians earn generally 30% more than New Zealand residents.
5. There is still no capital gains tax for sale of property in New Zealand.

For lifestyle reasons, Aussies might now be tired of the exhausting heat from the strong Australian sun and might even appreciate the lush gardens and rolling hills in the NZ countryside.

Learn how to invest strategically in New Zealand Property. Buy this ebook called “New Zealand Property Report“, written by Andrew Sheldon, Australian author and NZ real estate investor.

Enjoy this timeless amalgamation of relevant information of the NZ real estate market.

For more information, please visit http://foreclosured.blogspot.com

January 6, 2010 Cable Cars, Tokyo, Japan


Japan is made up of approximately 7 thousand small islands. The four largest islands are Honshū, Hokkaidō, Kyūshū and Shikoku, together accounting for 97% of Japan’s land area.* Source.

This photo is taken in Tokyo, where my brother lives.

The wonderful blend of old and new, tradition and technology, nature and progress, is the reason why many westerners consider Japan as one of their must-see countries.

A lot of westerners fall in love with the place after the first visit and are instantly encouraged by the low cost properties in Japan.

This e book in Foreclosed Japanese properties is written in English. This gives foreigners important local knowledge in real estate investing on top of other helpful investment strategies.

The ebook is written by Andrew Sheldon, Australian author and investor in Japan Real Estate properties.

For more information about this ebook on foreclosed Japan properties, please visit http://foreclosedjapan.sheldonthinks.com

January 4, 2010 New Zealand Lake Hawea


I am not really well-traveled. I have
been to a couple of states in the US, Victoria and NSW, Australia, a few countries in Southeast Asia.

So far, I can not find a place that will beat the beauty, the simplicity of life and the quality of food in New Zealand.

The weather is too cold I must admit. But I’d rather have cold than the burning heat in Melbourne or outback NSW. I’d rather have the wind than the humidity in Asia. Personally, I sleep better. I sleep more in NZ.

Anyway, for people who are interested in a lifestyle proposition. Visit New Zealand and see if it’s a place for you to live.

The fresh, succulent fruits and vegetables are sold at very low prices compared to Sydney and USA. A three bedroom house in a 700 sqm lot can go as low as NZ$100k or US$70k. The cost of 2nd hand cars are low (buy from the auctions).

So if you’re a frugal person who enjoys nature, activities and a quiet life. I’d recommend New Zealand.

Find out how to purchase a property in New Zealand from NZ Property Blog.

January 4, 2010 Amazing Japan

Japan boasts a perfect blend of progress and tradition.
This photo is taken from Tokyo.

This is one of the most poignant reasons why foreigners choose to live and retire in Japan.

The convenience of high tech amenities, first class standard of living matched with wonderful outlooks and rich culture.

To find out how to buy a property in Japan, visit http://foreclosured.blogspot.com

Risk is managed – learn how to manage the risks in Japanese property investments.

Andrew Sheldon
http://foreclosedjapan.sheldonthinks.com/

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