Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses real estate investing. The writer looks at ways to invest and save money in real estate. The writer examines the appeal of real estate investment for individual homeowners. In this paper, the writer also discusses real estate investing as a financial investment on a larger scale.

From the Paper
"Investing in real estate has long held a strong allure for many individuals-their homes may be the only real estate investment they own, but with options such as reverse mortgages and home equity loans many individuals consider a single residence investment sufficient. Other investors are drawn to real estate because there is a tangible asset-land or buildings-that does not exist with many other types of investments. Still, other investors think of themselves as real estate moguls in the mold of Donald Trump who ..."

Tags:real, estate, investing

Abstract
This paper analyzes the franchising strategy as an opportunity of successful overseas expansion for international real estate companies. The paper explores the history as well as the general concept of franchising as an expansion strategy from both the franchisor's and the franchisee's perspective. The paper specifically focuses on the franchising strategies of Engel & Voelkers in the flourishing real estate market in the Middle East. The paper contains an appendix, as well as graphs and tables.

Table of Contents:
Executive Summary Introduction
Literature review
Terms of Reference
Introduction
Franchising - a Method of International Expansion
The Need for Franchising
Advantages of Franchising
Disadvantages of Franchising
Benefits for the Franchisee
Financial Benefits
Becoming a Franchiser
Careful Screening and Selection of the Franchisees
Developing the Franchise Package and the Operational Manual
Marketing the Franchise Package
The Basic Business Concept and Pilot Operations
Developing the Franchisor's Organization
Legal Aspects of Franchising
Franchising in Real Estate
Conclusion
Methodology
Introduction
The Research Process
Research Philosophy
Research Approach
Research Strategy
Time Horizon
Summary
Primary Research
The Interview Questions
Secondary Research
Main Advantages and Disadvantages of Primary and Secondary Research
Research Credibility
Limitations of the Research Methodology
Findings
Introduction
Company Overview
Engel & Voelkers - Franchising
Internal Analysis: Strength and Weaknesses
Engel & Voelkers in the United Arab Emirates - a Big Opportunity
The Real Estate Boom in United Arab Emirates
The "Freehold Zone" Regulations in United Arab Emirates - a Threat
The Impact of the Economic Crisis
The Economy in the Middle East Today
External Analysis: Opportunities and Threats
Conclusion
Recommendations for Engel & Voelkers
Recommendations for Engel & Voelkers Middle East
Appendix

From the Paper
"Along with this diversified layout of the company, the specialization in the high end real estate market allowed Engel & Voelkers to earn substantial profits. This in turn places the company in a position to take on the risk of global expansion. The impressive company profile, the successful history and the company's ability to detect opportunities in the worldwide real estate markets attracted the interest of franchisees. Engel & Voelkers' expertise gets successfully transferred to franchisees by professional training which gives an overview of the standardized franchising model used in 32 countries. Furthermore, the constant monitoring of the franchisees' actions by the company's advanced IT system successfully controls risk. In addition to a common IT system, the shared marketing materials for more than 200 shops reduce the company's expenses in comparison to their competitors. The strategy against shop closures and retraction throughout the economic crisis reduced the losses to a minimum and left the company in an even more dominant position for the expected upturn in many markets, especially in the United Arab Emirates. However, the company has some weaknesses and faces several threats in the Middle East. The author briefly lists recommendations that should enable the company to avoid future difficulties and to continue its road of success."

Tags:real estate, expansion market SWOT

Abstract
This paper is the literature review of a paper on real estate risks in the Middle East and more specifically in Kuwait, identifying the many factors that pose risks and focusing on the real estate bubble and what has promoted its development.

From the Paper
"Among the risks currently prevalent in the Middle East, this paper focuses primarily upon real estate risks. In this chapter, the state of Middle Eastern real estate and Middle Eastern real estate risks will be detailed and the real estate bubble will be examined in detail. The chapter will discuss the factors that precipitate and constitute a bubble, what economic indicators signal the development of and measure a bubble, what makes a bubble volatile and why it..."

Tags:asset bubble, real estate bubble, housing bubble, Middle East, Kuwait, risk, property costs, economy, recovery, literature review

Abstract
The paper examines a single industry competitor, First Choice Realty, which is a franchise of Century 21 Real Estate, in the context of the environmental difficulties which the industry is currently facing. The agency's competitive environment is examined as its market and a series of alternatives are offered that are considered to be potentially effective at allowing the agency to remain viable and relevant in the tightening real estate market. The alternative that is finally settled upon is to update its onsite signage to a customizable electronic sign which can be regularly updated with a new message to better reflect the industry's trends and movements such as interest rates and sales figures or similar. The project concludes with a strategic action plan meant to illustrate how First Choice might move forward with this strategy.

From the Paper
"This document outlines an industry and company analysis centred on the real estate industry. A single industry competitor, First Choice Realty which is a franchise of Century 21 Real Estate, is examined in the context of the environmental difficulties which the industry is currently facing. The agency's competitive environment is examined as its market and a series of alternatives are offered that are considered to be potentially effective at allowing the agency to remain viable and relevant in the tightening real estate market. The alternative that is finally settled upon is to update its onsite signage to a customizable electronic sign..."

Tags:real, estate, signage

Abstract
The 1900 to 1930 period was one of economic boom in Canada. This period, therefore, marks the era of modern real estate. This brief paper looks at the development of property and real estate during this 30 year period. In doing so, a very brief historical sketch of urban development is given, along with the factors that led to extensive urbanization and property development.

Tags:canada, real, estate

Abstract
A variety of real estate concepts and essential legal terms are covered in this question-and-answer format. Several math examples are included, covering things such as commercial property cap rates and property tax calculations. A discussion of the concept of life estate is also included.

From the Paper
"All of the followings are benefits of buying a house EXCEPT A) saving rent B) possible house price appreciation C) making mortgage payment D) using the space 2. Which of the following is NOT part of real estate? A) wall B) water supply..."

Tags:real, estate, concepts

Abstract
The paper discusses how Capell's article notes how the London commercial real estate sector has been battered by the global downturn - to the point where many office building projects have been put on hold. The paper relates that the article points out that commercial property values fell 27 percent in 2008 and another 3.5 percent in January of this year. The paper notes that according to at least one expert with a leading firm, the British commercial property sector was the first to react to the financial crisis (Capell, 2009).

From the Paper
"Capell's article notes how the London Commercial real estate sector has been battered by the global downturn - to the point where many office building projects have been put on hold. The article points out that commercial property values fell 27 percent in 2008 and another 3.5 percent in January of this year. According to at least one expert with a leading..."

Tags:commercial, real, estate

Abstract
This paper explores the real estate bubble in Shanghai, China, and the after-effects of it bursting. According to the paper, the burst has left developers and home owners scrambling. The paper also notes how Shanghai's housing slump will only get worse while putting the Chinese economy at risk. The paper also addresses the issue of who is to blame, concluding that culpability becomes a matter of shared responsibility amongst government, investors, and lending institutions.

From the Paper
"The following report discusses the recent phenomenon known as the Shanghai real estate bubble. The purpose of the current study is to provide an explanation in terms of culpability for the occurrence of this problem in Shanghai. As the current study shows, real estate bubbles result primarily from speculative investment. Speculative investment, in effect, is a gamble that market conditions will continue to expand and, therefore, sustain risky investments. The study concludes that real estate bubbles occur because governments, investors, and lending institutions fail to act responsibly. Culpability, therefore, becomes a matter of shared..."

Tags:economics, housing bubble, real estate bubble

Abstract
This is an addition to an existing paper on real estate risks in the Middle East that adds a model and further information, as well as a number of charts and figures.

From the Paper
"This paper was submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Maastricht School of Management (MSM), the Netherlands.
"The Middle East has enjoyed booming property markets in recent years, so much so that the number of foreign players has grown dramatically and the Gulf Cooperation Council nations have amassed substantial surpluses that they are..."

Tags:Kuwati, Middle East, bubble, real estate, risks, rational model, near-rational model, fundamental model

Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses the issue of real estate in the Middle East and looks at related risks and factors.

From the Paper
"This paper was submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Administration MBA At Maastricht School of Management.
"The real estate risks currently prevalent in the Middle East include those related to geopolitical events, the global economic strain and the region's real estate bubble characterized by ..."

Tags:Middle East, Kuwait, risks, real estate, bubble, asset, property, Japan