Abstract
This paper focuses on the future of eminent domain and what this means to private homeowners and less so to corporations. Eminent domain is defined as a method of obtaining private land for public purposes. The paper describes the original intent of this practice, yet addresses the pitfalls in today's system. In particular, the author considers the issues of eminent domain from the homeowner's perspective. The Kelo case is cited as a notable example of litigation regarding eminent domain. The author concludes that debate between eminent domain and homeowners has proven to be a difficult one in which both sides need to be willing to compromise.

From the Paper
"Thus, the debate between eminent domain and homeowners has proven to be a difficult one and one in which both sides need to be willing to compromise. Or, for homeowners, the opinion seems to be that they should not have to be forced into condemnation or selling their property for private use reasons. Forbes (2006) gives a certain outlook for the future of homeowners in regards to eminent domain. The federal court is setting mandates on state legislatures to ban any misuse of power for the development of big businesses over homeowners rights, as Forbes states, Several states, including Texas and Alabama, have taken steps toward banning the process, and a number of others are considering doing so. Congress may also weigh in and enact legislation that would bar federal development aid to states permitting such an abuse of power". Thus, the future of homeowners and eminent domain seems to be that justice is on the side of the homeowners and eminent domain will not give another case such as Kelo again in the near future."

Tags:land seizure, state government, homeowners, real estate, Kelo case

Abstract
The paper focuses on a legal case from which an eminent domain event occurred in Los Angeles, California. The paper points out the inherent ethical dilemmas which arise in eminent domain cases and therefore concludes that eminent domain, while necessary, is also fraught with ethical problems. The paper offers the recommendation that all U.S. states conduct further research in this area.

Outline:
Objective of the Study
Background of the Study
The Issue
Los Angeles: Cases of Eminent Domain
Summary of Review
Ethical Dilemmas
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Eminent Domain is defined as the power held by a government, either federal, state, country or city and to include school and hospital district and other agency to secure private land for public use and this may be with or even without the permission or approval of the owner of the property. It is provided in the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution that 'private property [may not] be taken for public use without just compensation.' Added by the Fourteenth Amendment is the requirement of 'just compensation' when property is taken and involves a condemnation which includes a public need declaration, next followed by an appraisal, offer and negotiation. In the event the individual whose property is taken is not satisfied they may sue the government agency and have a court determine what is 'just' compensation."

Tags:Constitution, property, compensation, benefits

Abstract
The paper examines the case of Kelo v. City of New London and reviews the competing interests, rights and responsibilities at issue in the case. Additionally, this paper examines the issues relating to property owners (who frequently fight a condemnation plan) in order to determine where should society place a premium and who is the primary beneficiary of this public policy. Finally, this paper also makes a conclusion about who benefits from eminent domain and asserts whether or not it is an appropriate policy.

From the Paper
"The legal definition of eminent domain is the power of the federal or state government to take private property for a public purpose -- even if the property owner voices an objection. It is the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution that allows the government to take private property if the taking is for a public use and the owner is justly compensated (which typically means the owner is paid fair market value) for the loss. The definition of "public use" is broad and can mean virtually anything that is sanctioned by a federal or state legislative body. This means that eminent domain can be exercised in the creation of roads, parks, reservoirs, schools, reservoirs, hospitals or other public buildings. Eminent domain can also be utilized to take land away from citizen to benefit mainly private parties."

Tags:eminent, domain, policy

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
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 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
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

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