Property Going Global February 2012 | Page 12

SCOTT PICKEN PROPERTY GOING GLOBAL The purpose of this book is to provide you with a system or framework to make the right decisions, no matter what happens in the markets. Yes, the markets will change. Yes, different economies or drivers will change. But the fundamentals will always remain the same. With the array of global experts we work with, the knowledge of where to find the right research and the GPS system, we will provide you with an evergreen system to be able to make sophisticated decisions about where to invest internationally for many years to come. WHO ARE WE AND WHY USE US? – TWO SOLUTIONS dynamic, and knowledgeable team. Using this strategy, we help you create global wealth through property – and preserve wealth through international property – and build a better life for you and your family in perpetuity. for more information go to www.ipsinvest.com. 2. Wealth Migrate 1. International Property Solutions (IPS) It is important for investors to understand exactly who International Property Solutions (IPS) is and how we have the ability to find the absolute best partners in each international property market. IPS provides an all-inclusive private banking solution to off-shore investors, essentially doing only two things: we educate sophisticated and intelligent investors about their future; and then we provide them with the solutions. Over 80% of people who invest overseas actually lose money. But with our experience in assisting over 2,000 people invest internationally – to a value of R1.7 billion – we can ensure that you Invest with Confidence and ultimately create wealth preservation, a Plan B and peace of mind. IPS offers far more than just international property investment. We understand your needs and will help you design a solution to achieve your long-term investment goals. We then help you implement that plan by choosing an investment destination, the right property, arranging the finance, and fulfilling all legal obliga­ions. We will help t you manage the sometimes confusing process of buying an international property until you are ready to hand it over to a local management agent. We take pride in our strategic affiliations with what we call our “Bestof-Breed Partners,” who specialise in international property investments in each country, and we take great pride in our own highly professional, XXX In 2008, when Lehman Brothers went bankrupt and the Global Financial Crisis (or GFC) began, there was an opportunity to buy a fully occupied building in Wimbledon, London, at less than 50% of the market value. (We were buying them for £160 000 when 86 South Africans had just bought through another company for more than £320 000 each.) These properties had extraordinary yields at this value, and, more importantly, they were in an already established area and community. I had lived in Wimbledon for nine years, invested in a lot of property there and knew the rental market implicitly. I was nervous about the impact of the GFC, but my logic was that Wimbledon was always one of the most desirable areas, and no matter what happened to the values, people would always want to live there, which would sustain the income on the building. I only had one problem. I needed to find £10 million to buy the property outright from the developer, who had basically panicked due to the global economic conditions. I approached everyone I knew who had money, but I just didn’t seem to be able to find a solution quick enough. I tried to buy one unit on my own, but the ]