Now’s the Time to Buy a Home

Carolyn Capalbo, a respected real estate agent in Northern Virginia said that now is the time for buying a home. The overall situation just couldn’t be better, especially with the interest rates and the prices of the homes are at their lowest.

She further admits that she is surprised home buyers seem to be taking a break today. A break! At this moment when purchasing a home is more advantageous for the buyer. When your finances are sound and you do have the capabilities to get a new house, grab the opportunities that have been sprouting on this side of the state.

Carolyn Capalbo has stated some of the great reasons why getting a home makes more sense today. First is that  although the government’s $8,000 tax credit may have expired, it should not be the only reason why you should hold back from making a home purchase. It is somewhat compensated by the historically low interest rates that are being offered this year. This has been predicted in 2009 by the banks and other financial institutions. There are more affordable home prices and low mortgage rates than ever before.

And when the interest rates are at the lowest today, then there’s nowhere else for it to go but up in the future. That is why it makes even more sense to purchase a home today to take full advantage of the low interest rates. Why should you wait longer when every passing month there is that probability that the rates will go up? Carolyn Capalbo, reminded us that even a slight change on the interest rate has a significant impact on the monthly rates.

She also said that the cost of a mortgage right now is at parity with current rental rates in most of the housing markets in Northern Virginia. What this means is it makes even more sense to just go ahead and buy a new home than just rent. We all know the disadvantages of renting. That you keep on paying monthly rentals for months or years ahead and the house will never be yours. Aside from the fact that you are very much limited with what you can do to the house because it is not yours in the first place. If you want to have your front re-painted, you will have to ask permission first. Now wouldn’t it be nice if you are the master of your own domain?

For those who qualify, the mortgage interest tax deduction is a very big tax advantage that will surely be beneficial to the homeowner. That means less payments to be made, more affordable home rates, and ultimately, more money in your own pocket to pay for other important things.

Carolyn Capalbo suggested that home buyers should start looking for their new home right now. Start with presenting an offer for your target home. And when you do, give an offer that is a bit lower than the asking price of the seller. As always, there’s no harm in trying.

Again, Northern Virginia homes are more affordable this year and interest rates are at their lowest. These two reasons alone should be enough to get you started on your home purchase so contact Carolyn Capalbo today.

Here something a little bit different from my usual blogs on Dubai Property and the real estate market over here. Having lived in the U.A.E. for quite some time now I have certainly seen the Country change so much in particular the buildings and landscape.

Here are some of my favourite photo`s, image`s and picture`s, I do hope you enjoy them and it gives you an insight into what the Country is like if you are an outsider.

U.A.E.

The U.A.E. or United Arab Emirates as it is known as was formerly a trading hub in the Gulf and now is more famous for it`s oil output, hotels and shopping!

The Dhow as it is known locally is the old shipping boat that is still used up to this day.

Here is a great image and one of my favourites, this really gives you an idea of the growth that has happended here in a short space of time. Old Dubai vs NewDubai in 13 years.

Here is a map of the U.A.E. showing all the surrounding Countries and also the different Emirates within.

This is the national flag that is flown proudly all over the Emirates.

Lastly in this section is the National currency also known as the Dirham these come in some really big nominations such as 500 or even 1000!

Emirates 

This is really the same as the U.A.E. just as not to confuse things! Here are pictures of some famous landmarks

The Burj Al Arab the first seven star hotel on the World. This hotel is like no other I have been in before if you are ever in Dubai you must go and take a look it really is mind blowing!

You can never have too many pictures of the Burj in a photo gallery so here is another you cant really appreciate the size of it but it`s big very BIG.

Of course the Emirates is really one big desert although if you were in the City it`s hard to believe not far away there is sights like this… There are many tours you can go on to have this experience.

This is an old picture showing how life used to be before Dubai flew into the fast lane it was a sleepy tranquil and very hot place to be.

Dubai

Let`s move into the City now and see why this Country has been made so famous, well if you like sun, shopping, fine dining and a very high level of luxury this is the place to be seen. I chose this image as it shows the built up areas close to the coastline and also the projects offshore such as Palm Islands and the World.

Here`s what most people do in their leisure time, relax at the pool and take in the sun and why not!

Here is a close up of the heli pad on Burj Al Arab this was made famous when Agassi and Federer played a game of tennis up there a few years ago and was aired all over the World for the highest game ever!

Lastly in this section a road sign to Abu Dhabi as thats where we`re heading next in the background of this image is the Emirates Towers it`s also an amazing design and was a first for the City on such a grand scale.

Abu Dhabi

Everyone assumes that Dubai is the capital of the U.A.E. but it`s not actually Abu Dhabi is. This very oil rich neighbor down the road hardly get`s any attention that was until one of the City developers recently bought Manchester City football club!

The City is not as big as Dubai and there is a real shortage of quality housing there something which is about to change with the announcement of freehold property.

The City boasts an amazing golf club that attracts many of the Worlds best players, it`s amazing how they keep the grass so green in such ultra hot conditions.

There is a new hotel there called Emirates Palace here is an arial shot of it`s grand gardens, again another hotel trying to take luxury to another level, I think they may have done just that.

Burj Dubai

This is now officially the Worlds tallest building and has been the talking point of many conversation in Dubai over the last few years, its not surprising as you can usually see it from wherever you are located.

Here is a shot later on in the construction cycle and from above.

And lastly a more recent shot with the glass panels intact and the final shape of the tower which is like a needle.

Dubai Hotels

I would say the City now has arguably some of the finest modern hotels in the World right now and that is no mean feat considering the Global competition.

First up is the Fairmont.

Next is the Emirates Towers as mentioned before.

Next is Jumeirah Beach Hotel and the smaller sister of the Burj Al Arab

And finally when I mentioned luxurious before here is an example of what I mean an interior room

Dubai Homes

Since the Dubai property market was announced as freehold in 2002 there has been a frenzy of buying, selling, flipping properties to make it the most dynamic market in the World.

There are a range of villas and apartments that are springing up all over the City to pave way for the influx of residents.

Many come with private pools or are beachfront properties.

Others come with golf course views or lake views in nice communities these homes are great for families with kids as there is so much to do.

Dubai Jobs

In the past few years everyone has seemed to want to get a job in Dubai as it seems such a good place with tax free earnings and excellent weather year round.

If you are looking for a job in Dubai it is best to search online first if you are overseas.

If not buy a book! There are many out there that are a really good read.

If all else fails pick up a copy of the two local newspapers Gulf News or Khaleej times they are jam packed with jobs week in and out.

Dubai Map

This is the last section of my blog and I really hope you have enjoyed reading the info and viewing some great images and photos.  If you want to visit or get around the City here are a few maps that will help you along the way.

These maps are focused around the centre of Dubai which is known as the creek and where the dhows moor.

Some of them have more detail on them than other and known landmarks that you may be looking for

And finally a map of the Dubai Metro and the first I have actually come across, The Dubai Metro will hopefully ease the traffic problems that are in the City.

Thank you.

Dubai, city of golf courses? Seems like this is the case and the latest freehold project to centre around this concept is Jumeirah Golf Estates, by Nakheel. This development will feature a range of luxury homes set around not one, but four individually designed golf courses. If you are looking for a property that is high quality and sitting by a golf course, then take a look at Jumeirah Golf Estates a prime piece of Dubai property and real estate.

The concept of golf course adjacent living is not new to the freehold market. The Arabian Ranches, Emirates Hills, The Views and Victory Heights are finished projects and projects under construction that use the same idea. The difference with Jumeirah Golf Estates is that it combines four different golf courses, Fire, Earth, Wind and Water, with different styles of villas in one luxury community. Each golf course represents a theme that is reflected in the adjacent villas, so that potential buyers are getting a unique property.

The Fire course, by Greg Norman, is based around emphasising the desert surroundings through Mediterranean and Tuscan architectural styles. There are four, five and six bedroom villas to choose from within separate small communities at different locations across the course, including Sienna Lakes, Flame Tree Ridge, Orange Lake, Fireside, Juniper Way and Valencia Grove. The Earth Course, also by Greg Norman, will have a more diverse range of properties to suit different investors. With two, three, four, five and six bedroom villas of Tuscan influence, to mix in with the adjacent Fire course, this part of the community features Whispering Pines, Sanctuary Falls, Olive Point, Lime Tree Valley and Wildflower communities.

The Wind course is a little bit different to the others within Jumeirah Golf Estates or on any other Dubai real estate development infact. The properties available here vary including golf villas, waterfront apartments, boat villas adjacent to the waterside, loft apartments and town houses. This section of Jumeirah Golf Estates will also feature the community’s’ shops and restaurants, not to mention a hotel. Finally, the Water course will feature large golf villas, three and four bedroom island-style villas, as well as duplex and penthouse apartments. All of the properties at Jumeirah Golf Estates offer something different, and with the finest facilities within the community, for a peaceful way of life, look no further.

Looking to buy or sell Dubai property? Let us guide you every step of the way.

 
When you think of Dubai’s image, most people would see it as a luxurious holiday destination.  Environmentally conscious? Not so much.  This could all be about to change though as new plans under development within several well-known projects, and new initiatives to be applied to all new builds, will make the Emirate a more eco-friendly place to live and visit.

There are several projects in the pipeline right now, and several of the large family communities are being promoted as more environmentally friendly through more greenery.  Jumeirah Park and Jumeirah Village are two major developments by Nakheel, Dubai’s largest developer that will promote a more environmentally conscious way of life, with above average areas of plantation and greenery to reduce noise pollution, and recycling measures in place.  In fact, following on from this early effort, a new freehold community called the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Gardens, located conveniently near the Emirates Road and Al Khail Road, which will mix a high degree of greenery and waterways to promote the preservation of the Emirates’ beautiful scenery.  This is a bold and necessary move for the government, as the large amounts of construction since the start of the property boom have been viewed by many as damaging to the beauty of Dubai, and why it appeals to so many people as a great place to live.

The Dubai International Media Production Zone is another project that will promote a greener image for Dubai real estate.  While this development is specialised towards the Media sector, there is a selection of freehold apartments available within IMPZ that strongly promote eco-friendly living, right by the waterfront.  If you are concerned about the environment, and want to do your part to own a property that’s more aware of preserving Dubai, then ask about the environment impacts of projects you are interested in.  For eco-friendly commercial space too, there are a number of towers within Business Bay that will meet the criteria for saving the environment.  Iris Bay, a unique building shaped like an eye will use shutters to keep the building cool without the excessive use of air conditioning, while tall towers such as Lighthouse Tower and even the Burj Dubai tower will be cooled using melted ice waters from specific plants, to reduce the need for polluting air conditioners

With the brief by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum to make all new property built more environmentally viable, this has led to interesting and innovative projects such as the Time Residence, which is set to be a rotating tower that will generate its own power through turning.

We are currently selling off plan developments in Dubai Sports City and also various Ajman property projects feel free to contact us.

 
Dubai real estate is now firmly established as having some of the most sought after and most publicized real estate projects around the globe. Dubai loves to create headlines with its groundbreaking and often a little crazy real estate developments. Whether it is creating islands out at sea in the shape of Palm trees or in the shape of a map of the world as with the Palm Jumeirah and The World Dubai, or creating the world’s tallest building and freestanding tower with the Burj Dubai, Dubai real estate is always looking to push the boundaries of what can be done. With developers Emaar and Nakheel, Dubai real estate has seen groundbreaking project after groundbreaking project, and the results of which have created a property market unlike any other in the world at the present time.

So you might have heard about the Palm Jumeirah and the Burj Dubai Tower at Downtown Dubai, but what of the other freehold property on offer throughout Dubai? Well if it’s a luxury villa in the Dubai real estate market that you seek, then look no further than Emirates Hills. Featuring 6 bedrooms plus villas, all of which are unique in terms of both layout and exterior and interior design, and all of which offer some of the most exclusive and costly property within Dubai.

And for those seeking to live in an environment with a difference, the multiple themed areas of Dubailand should provide just that! This enormous tourism project will feature and array of freehold property throughout, and will have a lot to bring the Dubai real estate market especially for those seeking high end villas. However there will also be plenty of apartments of offer as well, as Dubai Sport City can testify. This freehold residential development will offer a wide range of property in a highly relaxing setting which will also feature a large of amount of sporting stadiums and academies.

For those seeking to live in a development that is pretty much self sufficient, then Nakheel’s Jumeirah Village will no doubt fit the bill. With a huge amount of property on offer, be it villas, townhomes, high and low rise apartments, and all set within a development that offer schools, medical services, shops, supermarkets, cafes, restaurants, gyms and other sporting facilities for a start!

And for those keen on an environmentally friendly living environment, then there is always Dubai Lagoon. Situated next to the Dubai’s wildlife reserve, the development aims to provide freehold real estate, but in a way that has a minimum impact on the environment, and all set around the water of a lagoon.

In the Dubai real estate market, there really is a property for everyone. With so many high quality and interesting property developments all over Dubai, you may find yourself spoilt for choice!

Dubai is the second largest emirate in the UAE, but when its comes to property, Dubai is the leader throughout the UAE and the Middle East, with Dubai property held in high regard around the globe for its innovative and ground braking real estate developments. Dubai property came from almost nowhere and almost overnight became a world wide sensation. With projects such as the Palm Jumeirah and The Burj Dubai, the Dubai property market has firmly established itself as somewhere anything is possible, and with a whole range of projects still under construction or still to come, Dubai property looks only to continue to raise the benchmark ever higher.

It all kicked off with Emaar’s Dubai Marina project and Nakheel’s Palm Jumeirah. These two projects alone brought a huge amount of media attention to Dubai, which had yet to see any really substantial development before this time. These two freehold projects had such a lasting effect due to the fact both offered some great homes in surroundings that really stood out. The Palm Jumeirah, the largest land reclamation project to ever be attempted was always going to attract attention. After all a Palm shaped island based out in the Arabian Gulf isn’t exactly your typical home! The Dubai Marina is one of the largest waterfront projects in the world, offering a huge range of property for all types of buyers.

With these projects Dubai property took on another persona, and all projects since have had to offer that little something extra in order to really make a mark on the Dubai freehold property market. And now it only takes a quick look at the Dubai property developments being offered to see that this really is the place to buy for those wanting a home with a difference. Dubai now offers not just the one Palm project, but with another two Palm developments on the way, with the Palm trilogy your desires to live out at sea should be well and truly catered for! And then there are the likes of Dubai Sports City, Emirates Hills, The Meadows and Dubai Business Bay, all offering a wide variety of differing Dubai property. With the likes of Dubailand and The Dubai Waterfront all yet to come, Dubai property is going to remain on the world real estate radar for some time to come!

The Palm Dubai despite initial setbacks has become a huge global success, offering some of the most sought after freehold real estate around the world. The original Palm Dubai, The Palm Jumeirah has since spawned two other Palm projects, The Palm Jebel Ali and The Palm Deira. The Palm Jumeirah was first unveiled to the world back in 2001 and caused a huge stir, as nothing as ambitious has ever been attempted before. Not only was the project a first in terms of construction, the concept of owning a property on a man made palm shaped island out in the waters of the Arabian Gulf was also a hugely novel concept. Built by Dubai developer Nakheel, the Palm Jumeirah has been described as the ‘8th Wonder of the World’, and along with the Palm Jebel Ali and Palm Deira, The Palm Trilogy will increase Dubai’s shoreline by around 72 miles.

The Dubai Palm projects are clearly not your average freehold real estate developments, and offer buyers the opportunity to own a truly unique piece of freehold real estate in one of the most desirable locations in the world. And the building of the Palm Jumeirah has since reestablished the boundaries as to what is possible in regards to land reclamation projects around the world. Nahkeel has since begun construction of the World Dubai, and will soon begin construction on the Dubai Waterfront, which once complete will take the mantel of being the worlds largest land reclamation project. The Palm Jumeirah and Jebel Ali will consist of the main palm trunk and then 17 fronds on which the bulk of the freehold property will be built.

And property on the Palm Dubai has become incredibly popular since its launch, and is amongst some the most expensive freehold real estate within Dubai. The project has captured a global audience, and as such investors are queuing up from all around the world to get their own piece of freehold real estate on the island. And whether it’s a freehold villa or apartment you are looking for in Dubai, the Palm Jumeirah will no doubt have something that you will like. Both the Palm Jumeirah and the Palm Jebel Ali will for the most part feature similar properties, but with the Palm Jebel Ali featuring more in the way of entertainment options.

However the Signature villas will also provide residents with their own stretch of private beach. Signature Villas therefore attract the highest prices of the property of the Dubai Palms.

There are also numerous apartment options. There are Shoreline apartments set along the trunk of the Palm, and the Palm Golden Miles Apartments located just a little future up the trunk. Both offer a wide range of facilities, such as gyms and pools, and both are within close location to the Palms main shopping and entertainment area, ensuring you never get bored. And there are also the Palm Marina apartments, which offer a freehold home with a great view and your own boat mooring at the Palms Marina.

The Palm Jebel Ali will also feature a collection of Waterhomes. These exclusive homes which will be situated in between the crescent and the crown of the Palm, sitting out in the Arabian Gulf, suspended above the water on stilts. With just 1060 four bedroom water homes available, they are increasing difficult to obtain, such has been their popularity. The Palm Waterhomes are laid out in such a way so that from above they will spell out a verse of a poem written by Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Al Rashid Al Maktoum.

All the Dubai Palm projects offer buyers the opportunity to own some truly individual residential freehold property in Dubai. People from all around the globe are aware of the Dubai Palm projects, and whilst this is now reflected in the high price of the freehold property on the islands, in this instance it is certainly a case of getting what you pay for, especially when you consider the facilities and entertainment option based on the islands. If you wish to know more about the Palm Trilogy, then please get in touch.

As one of Dubai’s first freehold developments, with first stage construction taking place as far back as 1999, one might think that Dubai Marina would perhaps have become outdated, or at least have lost some of the aura that initially surrounded it when it was announced to the world. Well, you would have thought wrong! In fact the opposite is true. Dubai Marina has continued to go from strength to strength, with more and more developers wanting to get involved in the development, and it today finds itself as one Dubai’s premium areas to own a home. It is certainly one of the most expensive places own an apartment in Dubai, but with so many buildings featured here, there is something on offer for almost all budgets. Just one of the many advantages of a development featuring property from wide range of developers!

The Marina came about as a project from renowned Dubai developer Emaar, who were the master developer and responsible for the basic construction and infrastructure of the project. The results saw 2 miles of Dubai coastline transformed into one of the worlds largest waterfront projects. Emaar has built some of its own towers at the Dubai Marina, but the bulk of the property here comes from a number of other developers, such as ETA Star, Vakson,Tameer and Damac.

The Marina covers just under 5 million square meters of space on Dubai’s coastline, offering impressive views out into the Arabian Gulf. If it’s a sea view you want, then a large amount of the property here will more than meet your requirements! Very few homes can offer such a spectacular setting, overlooking the sea, boats and yachts that are moored here. Prices may be on the high side for the majority of property based here, but overall they have still not reached the levels seen at projects like Down Town Burj Dubai for example, and that cant boast the sea views that the Marina can(although those on a high floor in the Burj Dubai might like to argue differently!).

Just off Sheikh Zayed Road, the Marina provides easy access to central Dubai and to the surrounding commercial districts such as the Dubai Media and Internet Cities, as well as the Jebel Ali freezone. And there is also the Mall of Emirates and over a dozen 5 star hotels all within short distance, meaning the Dubai Marina is ideally situated for both work and play! As freehold residential property goes, you would be well pressed to find a better place to call home.

 
Dubai is one of the worlds up and coming tourist destinations, and now that expatriates can own property in the Emirate, it is also a popular place to live.  Dubai has managed to grow into a cosmopolitan city in such a short space of time, and the future hold no bounds for what interesting, innovative and possibly crazy projects will appear in Dubai over the next few years.  The Dubai government have encouraged the increases in infrastructure and freehold properties heavily during the last half decade, and the Emirate is such a great place to live because it is always changing.

Living in Dubai offers residents a lifestyle that is superior to most countries, with luxury hotels, shopping malls, cafes and restaurants in every location possible.  Residents are also spoilt by having the beautiful coastline on one side of Dubai, the busy city life in the middle, and the peaceful desert on the other side.  Everything you could ever want is here, and to top off everything, the sun is shining almost every day.  With freehold property projects on the rise every day, more and more people are investing in a home in Dubai, and with developments to suit every budget, that dream is becoming a reality for more and more people.

One major issue with life in Dubai that residents will certainly agree on is the traffic.  There always seems to be busy traffic at rush hour, despite the fact that the road systems are excellent.  For this reason, residents will either locate right in the middle of the city to avoid delays, or outside the city to keep life at home more peaceful.  Fortunately, there are freehold properties to suit both tastes, with large and small family villas at Emirates Living Community on the outskirts of the city, or the soon to be completed Dubai Sport City, Downtown Dubai and Business Bay developments, which offer Dubai property buyers some fantastic freehold apartment’s right in the middle of Dubai, in what will soon be the financial district. 

All Dubai freehold properties come with much more than your average property back home.  Properties have excellent surrounding amenities like shops, cafes, restaurants, schools and hotels, as well as superior facilities within the development, where swimming pools and gymnasiums are standard.  Owning a Dubai property is a great opportunity for residents that want to stay here permanently, and property investors that are looking for a holiday property in a top tourist destination.

 

Although Dubai is the most widely recognised Emirate in the UAE, the capital, Abu Dhabi, is a popular place for residents and visitors.  The city of Abu Dhabi is only an hour away from Dubai, so it is a convenient place to live for many commuters, given the higher costs of living in Dubai.  Abu Dhabi is a cosmopolitan city, and it currently growing at a massive rate following on from Dubai’s lead, meaning there is also a movement towards freehold property for expatriates.

The major developer in Abu Dhabi is Al Dar Developers, responsible for aiming to bring the same success from Dubai’s property boom to the capital, and with so many exciting projects on the way; the freehold market will be fully established over the next several years.  Some of the properties that are being released include Al Raha Beach Development, Dolphin Towers, Al Reem Island, Najmay Abu Dhabi, Shams Abu Dhabi, Oceanscape, Lulu Island, Al Gurm Resort, Saadiyat Island, Al Raha Gardens, Al Mamoura and Golf Gardens.

Not all the upcoming Abu Dhabi property will be available to expatriates, as the nationals of the Emirates are being widely encouraged to buy them as well.  This is a good option as it prevents the community from being separated, and many nationals are actually choosing the option to purchase on freehold developments.  Although the projects underway in Abu Dhabi are less popular than the properties in Dubai, the freehold market is much newer, and the Abu Dhabi government have been a lot slower to push for more freehold property development.  With more and more demand for property that is affordable, Abu Dhabi is going to continue to grow.