For those who are curious about what people in other countries are saying about the US RE downturn, here’s a news article posted to MSN Taiwan News today on wealthy Southern Taiwanese wives coming to LA and buying real estate for investment.  Scroll down for translated version in post 2 and 3:

http://news.msn.com.tw/news903969.aspx

台灣人進軍美房市 大撿便宜貨      中時電子報
更新日期:2008/08/11 04:16
 
　美國房地產因次貸危機，正面臨空前沉重的打擊，無數屋主被迫賤賣房子，更多人因失業或支付不起房貸，房子遭到銀行回收，甚至法院拍賣的命運。而嗅覺靈敏的台灣人卻趁機進軍美國，在低迷的房市撿便宜，希望未來景氣復甦後，能賺取可觀收益。

　一批拎著LV、Ferragamo名牌包的台灣貴婦，出了洛杉磯國際機場海關後，只見幾名華人熱切迎上，隨後以專車送到飯店。這些操著台灣腔國語的貴婦，都是台灣南部的醫師娘，隨行帶著鉅款現金的中英文證明，看到中意又便宜的豪宅，下單毫不手軟。

　次貸回收屋 醫師娘買廿幾棟

　這些醫師娘在台灣南部有自屬的俱樂部，消費能力驚人，聽到美國有好康的投資機會，立刻在姊妹淘間傳報，此行來美既是找投資機會，順便又觀光採購。地產業者為了伺候這些遠來的貴客，在美國行程的食宿旅遊全部招待。

　醫師娘們在地產業者帶領下，先看銀行回收屋。不同於一般銀行回收屋，這批銀行回收屋（REO）是以大宗交易（bulky）進行，一買就是廿、卅棟房子，因為是整批交易，價錢比市場價格低了好幾成。

　因為一次要買下的房子實在太多，這些銀行回收屋又分散各區，一下子也看不完，醫師娘們先看了二、三棟豪宅，對占地幾畝的豪宅讚賞不已，庭園池塘、游泳池、網球場漂亮新穎，附贈的室內家具都屬豪華頂級，幾個女人以台語討論後，豪氣十足地說：「就這麼決定了，剩下的房子也不用看了，我們全買了。」

　地產經紀喜出望外，這卅幾棟房子雖然都是賤價出售，但合算起來也不是小數字，賣方的銀行定價為五百多萬美元，因為是銀行回收屋大宗交易，完全沒有議價空間，還必須現金交易。但這對台灣的醫師娘不是問題，上飛機前所需的現金證明文件都已備齊，當場說買就買，讓美方銀行印象深刻。

　考察團絡繹不絕 不乏科技人

　這樣的購屋考察團正絡繹不絕，台灣錢悄悄地流進美國房市，除了南部的貴婦團，新竹科學園區的科技新貴、上市公司老闆、北部的建設公司、電子媒體業者都先後組團來美西，看過一批又一批的銀行回收屋，一遍遍敲打著計算機，計算著：租金收入、管理費支出、台灣銀行利率，以及美金兌換台灣的匯率。

　以男人為主的看房團行事比較謹慎，經常左思右考，有些上市公司老闆是熬到最後，才施施然出手，卻又很怕被人知道，當成高度機密。有些人是一直下不了手，等到時機過後，才悔恨莫及。在美方銀行業者的觀察裡，台灣南部的醫師娘行事瀟灑，投資眼光狠又準，氣魄最讓人敬畏。

　全美台灣同鄉會副會長李秉信在洛杉磯從事地產經紀十三年，對房市動態相當敏銳，當多數地產業者度小月之際，他卻積極展開團隊作業，兵分兩路在台灣、洛杉磯兩地進行看屋團計畫。

　李秉信說，因為台灣飛到加州時間遠比到美東為短，台灣投資人對在美西置產比較有興趣，也比較方便來察看、打理。在這波房市崩盤裡，洛杉磯房產跌得最凶，約在二成到三成之間，法拍屋更是不勝枚舉，猶如跳樓大拍賣。

　購買法拍屋有相當條件限制，台灣人因非美國公民，在美國亦多無信用記錄，因此很難投資法拍屋買賣，但是銀行回收屋則不受此限。

　美房市低迷 房仲猛跨海促銷

　所謂的銀行回收屋是屋主交不出房貸，銀行進行法院拍賣耗時長久，拍賣價錢未必能補回貸款，因此銀行視情況釋出房屋求現，所以價錢遠比市價為低。而在銀行回收屋交易方面，又以大宗交易價錢壓得最低，是海外投資人的好機會。

　除了銀行回收屋的大宗交易外，大洛杉磯地區還有許多零星台灣人房地產投資，住在台北的石易凡在夫婿過世後，身為家庭主婦的她考慮到未來生活問題，先將價值二千多萬台幣的房子賣掉，然後在台北買間國宅，供她和兩個女兒居住，又用七百萬台幣買了間小公寓收租過日子。剩下的餘錢，則在洛杉磯外圍的奇諾（Chino），和姊姊合資買了間四房兩廳的房子。

　內陸賤價豪宅滿地 鮮少人買

　石易凡買的房子位於新社區，建商當初蓋了太多間，積壓太多賣不出去，因為之前已經賺到錢了，所以餘屋就以現場叫價方式拍賣，該房子市價為四十八萬美元，最後卅三萬五千美元成交，因為姊姊在美有信用，然後再向銀行貸款。買下房子的第一個月就租出去了，月租一八五○美元，足以支付社區管理費、貸款、稅金等等。

　她投資這棟房子，是看好日後景氣復甦，等房市翻身後再大賺一筆。

　同在加州的舊金山，因房價跌幅不若洛杉磯這麼大，法拍屋或銀行回收屋的數量有限，當地的地產業者未走大規模交易路線，僅針對市面的廉售屋向台灣客推銷。

　舊金山的「YM America」為台灣人所成立，經營項目包括地產仲介，負責人蔡小姐說，她的公司也是分台、美兩組團隊作業，台灣的團隊負責在平面媒體登廣告、在街頭發傳單，及接聽問津者的電話。美國團隊則帶著台灣買家看房子，接洽銀行和律師。

　蔡小姐表示，因舊金山鄰近矽谷，有意來這裡購買地產的台灣人多為竹科、南科的科技新貴，例如鴻海的子公司員工等，他們希望在美國房市低迷時買到物美價廉的房子，用途多為將來小孩來美留學，或是自己退休後用，目前買下先暫時出租。

　不久前，一名台灣科技新貴以七十多萬美元，在舊金山市區買了一間二臥室公寓。因為在美國不能貸款，買家也嫌美國利率太高，所以全部以現金支付，該公寓月租可收三、四千美元，算是相當好的投資。

　紐約不跌反漲 鮮少見台灣買家

　這位科技人買得開心，在蔡小姐的介紹下，又花了十幾萬美元，到亞利桑納州的鳳凰城買了一棟房子，一般台灣人很少深入美國內陸購屋，其實中西部房子跌得更慘，豪宅滿地賤賣。

　在東岸方面，紐約房價在逆勢中不跌反漲，尤其是曼哈頓房價驚人，台灣人財力不若中東、歐洲人，因此曼哈頓房市鮮見台灣人蹤跡。台裔地產仲介李小姐說，她已好幾個月沒有做過一筆交易，這半年來都在坐吃山空。

　路途太遠 美東不若美西搶手

　美東地區房價雖一直落跌，不過台灣人多嫌坐飛機太久，不喜來美東投資，但若有特殊地緣因素，台灣錢一樣會流進來。

　大波士頓台灣商會會長許漱馨為資深房地經紀，目前在瑞比士（William Reveis ）地產公司任職。她舉例說，這個暑假，有個台灣媽媽陪女兒到波士頓遊學，這位媽媽看到波士頓劍橋區的房子很漂亮，哈佛大學、麻省理工學院等名校都在附近，動了置產的念頭，並決以現金支付，希望在這裡買到漂亮房子後，能激勵女兒日後進入名校就讀。

　另一對父母遠從台灣趕到波士頓，幫兒子買了一間兩臥室的豪華公寓，還包括停車位，售價為五十萬美元。他們的兒子才從麻省理工學院畢業，現已在波士頓找到工作，父母愛兒心切，所以出錢買公寓送給兒子。該公寓若出租，月收入在三千到三千五百美元之間，無論自用或出租，以新台幣來購買，都是很划算的投資。（系列一）

本則新聞由中時電子報提供 2008/08/11

===========================

Google translated version, part 1:
(the translation is horrid, I’ll try to edit)

http://64.233.179.104/translate_c?hl=en&sl=zh-CN&tl=en&u=http://news.msn.com.tw/news903969.aspx&usg=ALkJrhg-b1uOJj683L1Lr3JzTpTEFESQHw

The people of Taiwan into the United States and the City cheap goods seized   (Taiwanese marching into American Housing Market, big bargain-hunt)
更新日期:2008/08/11 04:16 Update: 2008/08/11 04:16
 
美國房地產因次貸危機，正面臨空前沉重的打擊，無數屋主被迫賤賣房子，更多人因失業或支付不起房貸，房子遭到銀行回收，甚至法院拍賣的命運。 U.S. real estate loan-to-dimensional crisis, is facing an unprecedented blow to many homeowners were forced to Jianmai house, more people unemployed or can not afford the mortgage, the house was Bank of recovery, even the fate of the auction. 而嗅覺靈敏的台灣人卻趁機進軍美國，在低迷的房市撿便宜，希望未來景氣復甦後，能賺取可觀收益。 And olfactory sensitivity of the Taiwan people have managed to enter the United States, the downturn in the housing market seized cheap, hope that the future economic recovery, can make a handsome income.

一批拎著LV、Ferragamo名牌包的台灣貴婦，出了洛杉磯國際機場海關後，只見幾名華人熱切迎上，隨後以專車送到飯店。 Carrying a group of LV, Ferragamo brand-name packets of Taiwan Guifu (Guifu = rich wives), a Los Angeles International Airport after Customs and saw several Chinese eagerly went up, followed by limousine to the hotel. 這些操著台灣腔國語的貴婦，都是台灣南部的醫師娘，隨行帶著鉅款現金的中英文證明，看到中意又便宜的豪宅，下單毫不手軟。 These Caozhe Taiwan cavity Mandarin Guifu (er, group of wealthy wives wielding Taiwanese accents), southern Taiwan are the physicians mother (wife, not mother), accompanied with a huge sum of money in cash, in both English and Chinese that China and Italy also cheaper to see the mansion, under single-not soft.

次貸回收屋醫師娘買廿幾棟 The recovery of loan-to-house physician mother to buy several 20-dong (dong = Chinese word for housing units)

這些醫師娘在台灣南部有自屬的俱樂部，消費能力驚人，聽到美國有好康的投資機會，立刻在姊妹淘間傳報，此行來美既是找投資機會，順便又觀光採購。 These physicians mother (edit: wife, not mother) in southern Taiwan since there is a club, the spending power of alarming, the United States have heard of goodies investment opportunities in the immediate inter-sister Amoy reported that the trip to the United States is looking for investment opportunities, tourism and the way procurement. 地產業者為了伺候這些遠來的貴客，在美國行程的食宿旅遊全部招待。 In order to serve the real estate industry to the distinguished guest from those in the United States travel itinerary of all the hospitality room and board.

醫師娘們在地產業者帶領下，先看銀行回收屋。 Niangmen physicians in the real estate industry, under the leadership of the banks look at the recovery house. 不同於一般銀行回收屋，這批銀行回收屋（REO）是以大宗交易（bulky）進行，一買就是廿、卅棟房子，因為是整批交易，價錢比市場價格低了好幾成。 Unlike banks housing recovery, recovery of these banks estate (REO) is significant transactions (bulky), is to buy a 20, 30 houses, as is the entire batch of transactions, the price lower than the market price of a few.

因為一次要買下的房子實在太多，這些銀行回收屋又分散各區，一下子也看不完，醫師娘們先看了二、三棟豪宅，對占地幾畝的豪宅讚賞不已，庭園池塘、游泳池、網球場漂亮新穎，附贈的室內家具都屬豪華頂級，幾個女人以台語討論後，豪氣十足地說：「就這麼決定了，剩下的房子也不用看了，我們全買了。」 Because a house to buy too many of these banks and scattered housing recovery district, all of a sudden also Kan Buwan, Niangmen look at the two doctors (doctor’s wives), three luxury flats, an area of several acres of luxury flats appreciate it, garden ponds , Swimming pools, tennis courts beautiful novel, comes with the indoor furniture are considered luxury top, a few women to Taiwanese discussion, the full Hao Qi said: “It was so decided, the rest of the houses do not have to read (look/inspect), we all Bought.“

地產經紀喜出望外，這卅幾棟房子雖然都是賤價出售，但合算起來也不是小數字，賣方的銀行定價為五百多萬美元，因為是銀行回收屋大宗交易，完全沒有議價空間，還必須現金交易。 Real estate brokers pleasant surprise, this 30-some houses are cheap although the sale price, but it is not cost-effective small number of the seller’s bank priced at more than 5 million U.S. dollars, because the bulk of bank recovery estate transactions, there is no room for bargaining, it is also necessary Cash transactions. 但這對台灣的醫師娘不是問題，上飛機前所需的現金證明文件都已備齊，當場說買就買，讓美方銀行印象深刻。 But on the Taiwan issue is not your mother’s physician, on the plane before the cash requirements of the documents have been备齐the spot said Maijiu Mai, the U.S. bank is impressive.

考察團絡繹不絕不乏科技人 The delegation flooded many people Technology

這樣的購屋考察團正絡繹不絕，台灣錢悄悄地流進美國房市，除了南部的貴婦團，新竹科學園區的科技新貴、上市公司老闆、北部的建設公司、電子媒體業者都先後組團來美西，看過一批又一批的銀行回收屋，一遍遍敲打著計算機，計算著：租金收入、管理費支出、台灣銀行利率，以及美金兌換台灣的匯率。 This mission is flooded home, quietly Taiwan’s money flows into the U.S. housing market, in addition to the south of Guifu corporations, the Hsinchu Science Park technology upstart, a listed company bosses, the northern part of a construction company, the electronic media industry has all groups to America West, read a batch after batch of bank housing recovery,一遍遍敲打a computer, calculate: rental income, expenditure management fees, bank interest rates in Taiwan, the Taiwan dollar and U.S. dollar exchange rate.

以男人為主的看房團行事比較謹慎，經常左思右考，有些上市公司老闆是熬到最後，才施施然出手，卻又很怕被人知道，當成高度機密。 Kanfang mainly of men to act more cautious corporations, often Zuo Si right test, some listed companies is the boss Aodao Finally, before Shi Shi Ran shots, but Henpa be aware, as highly confidential. 有些人是一直下不了手，等到時機過後，才悔恨莫及。 Some people are not always under the hand, wait until after the time, before-and remorse. 在美方銀行業者的觀察裡，台灣南部的醫師娘行事瀟灑，投資眼光狠又準，氣魄最讓人敬畏。 In the observation of the U.S. banking industry, the physicians in southern Taiwan to act潇洒mother, relentless and quasi-investment perspective, the boldness of vision, most people fear.

全美台灣同鄉會副會長李秉信在洛杉磯從事地產經紀十三年，對房市動態相當敏銳，當多數地產業者度小月之際，他卻積極展開團隊作業，兵分兩路在台灣、洛杉磯兩地進行看屋團計畫。 Taiwan Association of the United States Li Bingxin, vice president of real estate brokers in Los Angeles in 13 years, the housing market dynamics rather sensitive, when most of the real estate industry, Xiaoyue when he was active team operations, Bingfenlianglu in Taiwan, two in Los Angeles Mission plans to Kanwu.

李秉信說，因為台灣飛到加州時間遠比到美東為短，台灣投資人對在美西置產比較有興趣，也比較方便來察看、打理。 Li Bingxin said that because Taiwan flew to California to the eastern U.S. time than shorter, the people of Taiwan investors in the United States and the West purchase more interested, but also more convenient to see, care. 在這波房市崩盤裡，洛杉磯房產跌得最凶，約在二成到三成之間，法拍屋更是不勝枚舉，猶如跳樓大拍賣。 In this wave of the housing market to collapse, the most fierce and Los Angeles real estate fall, about 20% to 30% between Fapai Wu also abound, like jumping off a building big auction.

購買法拍屋有相當條件限制，台灣人因非美國公民，在美國亦多無信用記錄，因此很難投資法拍屋買賣，但是銀行回收屋則不受此限。 Fapai Wu purchased a considerable constraints, the people of Taiwan by non-US citizens in the United States Yiduo no credit history, it is difficult investment Fapai Wu trading, but banks are not recovered by this limited housing.

美房市低迷房仲猛跨海促銷 U.S. housing market downturn Fangzhong Meng sea promotions

所謂的銀行回收屋是屋主交不出房貸，銀行進行法院拍賣耗時長久，拍賣價錢未必能補回貸款，因此銀行視情況釋出房屋求現，所以價錢遠比市價為低。 Bank of the so-called recovery is homeowners pay no estate mortgage, banks long time-consuming court auction, the auction price may not be able to make up for loans, the bank as the case is now seeking the release housing, so the price is lower than the market price. 而在銀行回收屋交易方面，又以大宗交易價錢壓得最低，是海外投資人的好機會。 Bank of recovery in housing transactions, again pressed by the minimum price of bulk transactions, overseas investment is a good opportunity for people.

Part 2:

除了銀行回收屋的大宗交易外，大洛杉磯地區還有許多零星台灣人房地產投資，住在台北的石易凡在夫婿過世後，身為家庭主婦的她考慮到未來生活問題，先將價值二千多萬台幣的房子賣掉，然後在台北買間國宅，供她和兩個女兒居住，又用七百萬台幣買了間小公寓收租過日子。 In addition to housing the bulk recycling bank transactions, the Los Angeles area there are many sporadic Taiwanese investment in real estate, living in Taipei’s Shi Yifan in after her husband died, as a housewife in her future life issues to consider, first of 2000 Multi-million Taiwan dollars to sell the house, and then buy in Taipei between the State House for her and two daughters live, with 7 million Taiwan dollars to buy a small apartment rental in life. 剩下的餘錢，則在洛杉磯外圍的奇諾（Chino），和姊姊合資買了間四房兩廳的房子。 The remaining money, in Los Angeles outside the Chino (Chino), and his sister bought a joint venture between the four of the Office of the two houses.

內陸賤價豪宅滿地鮮少人買 Landlocked cheap price Montreal few people to buy luxury flats

石易凡買的房子位於新社區，建商當初蓋了太多間，積壓太多賣不出去，因為之前已經賺到錢了，所以餘屋就以現場叫價方式拍賣，該房子市價為四十八萬美元，最後卅三萬五千美元成交，因為姊姊在美有信用，然後再向銀行貸款。 Shi Yifan bought the house in the new community, originally built to cover too many, too many Maibuchuqu backlog, because prior to earn money, so I housing on the way to the scene outcry auction, the price of a house for 480,000 U.S. dollars, 35,000 U.S. dollars (the market value or asking price was 480k, it was sold for 305k) turnover last 30, because his sister in the United States have credit and then to bank loans.  (the buyer’s sister has established credit in the US and applied for the loan)  買下房子的第一個月就租出去了，月租一八五○美元，足以支付社區管理費、貸款、稅金等等。 Bought the house to rent out the first month (after purchase the house was rented on first month), the monthly rental of 1,850 U.S. dollars, sufficient to cover the community management fees, loans, taxes, and so on.

她投資這棟房子，是看好日後景氣復甦，等房市翻身後再大賺一筆。 She这栋investment house, is optimistic about future economic recovery, such as the city turned the cash in the future.

同在加州的舊金山，因房價跌幅不若洛杉磯這麼大，法拍屋或銀行回收屋的數量有限，當地的地產業者未走大規模交易路線，僅針對市面的廉售屋向台灣客推銷。 In California, with San Francisco, because if prices do not decline in Los Angeles so much, Fapai Wu bank or a limited number of housing recovery, the local real estate transactions are not taking mass line, only for the market to Taiwan passengers Lianshou housing market.

舊金山的「YM America」為台灣人所成立，經營項目包括地產仲介，負責人蔡小姐說，她的公司也是分台、美兩組團隊作業，台灣的團隊負責在平面媒體登廣告、在街頭發傳單，及接聽問津者的電話。 San Francisco, “YM America” for the people of Taiwan by the establishment of business projects including real estate agencies, the responsible person Cai said that her company is also at Taiwan, the U.S. team operating the two groups, responsible for Taiwan’s team in the print media advertising, in the streets of Leaflets, and answering the telephone Wenjin. 美國團隊則帶著台灣買家看房子，接洽銀行和律師。 The U.S. team, with Taiwan buyers see a house, contact the banks and lawyers.

蔡小姐表示，因舊金山鄰近矽谷，有意來這裡購買地產的台灣人多為竹科、南科的科技新貴，例如鴻海的子公司員工等，他們希望在美國房市低迷時買到物美價廉的房子，用途多為將來小孩來美留學，或是自己退休後用，目前買下先暫時出租。 Cai said that in response to the Silicon Valley near San Francisco, intends to buy the property to the people of Taiwan for more than Caryophyllaceae, STSP the upstart technology, such as Hon Hai, a subsidiary of staff, etc., they want the U.S. housing market downturn to buy inexpensive The house, more for the future use of children to the United States to study, or their own retirement later, bought temporarily rent.

不久前，一名台灣科技新貴以七十多萬美元，在舊金山市區買了一間二臥室公寓。 Not long ago, an upstart Taiwan’s technology to more than 700,000 U.S. dollars, in the urban area of San Francisco bought a two bedroom apartment. 因為在美國不能貸款，買家也嫌美國利率太高，所以全部以現金支付，該公寓月租可收三、四千美元，算是相當好的投資。 In the United States can not loan, the buyer is also suspected of U.S. interest rates too high, so all the cash to pay the monthly rent apartments to be three to 4,000 U.S. dollars, is a good investment.

紐約不跌反漲鮮少見台灣買家 New York is not rare or seldom-up buyers in Taiwan

這位科技人買得開心，在蔡小姐的介紹下，又花了十幾萬美元，到亞利桑納州的鳳凰城買了一棟房子，一般台灣人很少深入美國內陸購屋，其實中西部房子跌得更慘，豪宅滿地賤賣。 The technology people bought happy, Cai in the introduction, have spent more than 10 million dollars (edit:  actually it means 100k-some, which could be 120k, 140k, etc), of Phoenix, Arizona to buy a house, few people in Taiwan generally in-depth U.S. inland home, in fact, the central and western Houses fall even worse, Montreal Jianmai mansion.

在東岸方面，紐約房價在逆勢中不跌反漲，尤其是曼哈頓房價驚人，台灣人財力不若中東、歐洲人，因此曼哈頓房市鮮見台灣人蹤跡。 In the east coast, prices in New York contrarian or not the anti-inflation, housing prices in Manhattan in particular is amazing, the people of Taiwan if the money is not the Middle East, the Europeans, the Manhattan housing market uncommon for traces of the people of Taiwan. 台裔地產仲介李小姐說，她已好幾個月沒有做過一筆交易，這半年來都在坐吃山空。 Taiwan origin real estate agencies Miss Li said that she had not done for months a deal, which in the past six months Zuochishankong.

路途太遠美東不若美西搶手 Way too far eastern United States if America West is not in demand

美東地區房價雖一直落跌，不過台灣人多嫌坐飛機太久，不喜來美東投資，但若有特殊地緣因素，台灣錢一樣會流進來。 Although housing prices in the eastern United States have been laid down, but many suspected the people of Taiwan to travel by plane for too long, not-to the eastern U.S. investment, but if special geographical factors, Taiwan’s money will flow like come.

大波士頓台灣商會會長許漱馨為資深房地經紀，目前在瑞比士（William Reveis ）地產公司任職。 Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce chairman of Taiwan’s Hsu Shu-hing, a senior broker premises, in Switzerland than disabilities (William Reveis) service real estate companies. 她舉例說，這個暑假，有個台灣媽媽陪女兒到波士頓遊學，這位媽媽看到波士頓劍橋區的房子很漂亮，哈佛大學、麻省理工學院等名校都在附近，動了置產的念頭，並決以現金支付，希望在這裡買到漂亮房子後，能激勵女兒日後進入名校就讀。 She, for example, this summer, a Taiwanese mother to accompany her daughter to travel in Boston, the Boston, Cambridge mother to see the house is very beautiful area, Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and other schools are in the vicinity, moving the idea of a purchase And must pay in cash to buy here in the beautiful house, the daughter of the future will inspire students to enter elite schools.

另一對父母遠從台灣趕到波士頓，幫兒子買了一間兩臥室的豪華公寓，還包括停車位，售價為五十萬美元。 Another parent far from Taiwan arrived in Boston to help his son bought a two-bedroom luxury apartments, including parking spaces, priced at 500,000 U.S. dollars. 他們的兒子才從麻省理工學院畢業，現已在波士頓找到工作，父母愛兒心切，所以出錢買公寓送給兒子。 Their only son graduate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is now available in Boston to find work, anxious parents love children, so the money to buy an apartment given to her son. 該公寓若出租，月收入在三千到三千五百美元之間，無論自用或出租，以新台幣來購買，都是很划算的投資。 If the apartment rental, the monthly income between 3,000 to 3,500 U.S. dollars, whether for personal use or rental to the purchase of NT, are very cost-effective investment. （系列一） (Series 1)

本則新聞由中時電子報提供2008/08/11 The news provided by the Times reported 2008/08/11

It’s interesting to note the stereotypes at work.  In the US we have the “wealthy Asian buyer” stereotype, in Taiwan it’s “wealthy Southern Taiwanese” (from places like Kaohsiung), and to top it off, doctor’s wives with their private social club, invading Los Angeles with wads of cash and buying 30-40 homes with cash for investment.  Doctors in Taiwan actually don’t get paid that well, but it’s assumed that wealthy families can afford to send their kids to med school.

However, articles like this are read by millions of Taiwanese, and informs RE investors of potential opportunities here in LA.  “Orange County” is not well known and many people overseas refers to this area of Southern CA collectively as “Los Angeles”.

“Los Angeles area” includes Orange County.

  I would rather read the Koran.  Who can read these articles besides you two?

Suprisingly, The whole Rich Foreign China Man that Panda once thought existed is only a myth, not a reality. I stopped by the Villa Rosa sales office in Woodbury and I asked this lovely Villa Rosa Sales Lady, “How many of the 20 homes were 100% cash buys and she told me that there were several. Then I said, “Let me guess, these are all the Rich Foreign Chinese buyers right?“ The sales lady told me that only 1 of the 20 homes was bought by a foreign asian, and I was like “Are you telling me the truth??“

The sales lady also told me that most of the homes were bought by local U.S. residents living in Southern California. Again, most of the 100% cash buys were by local Southern California residents, not by the Rich Foreign China Man that Panda once believed. So I guess Graph was right telling Panda that the Rich Foreign China Man buying up the Irvine homes is a Myth, and NOT REAL.

My genuine apologizes to all the Rich Foreign China Man that Panda accused of buying up all the inventory of Irvine homes and not allowing the prices to fall.

Panda

The fallacy with your observation is that RFC does not buy low-end houses in Villa Rosa….

momopi - 11 August 2008 09:05 AM

Doctors in Taiwan actually don’t get paid that well, but it’s assumed that wealthy families can afford to send their kids to med school.

However, articles like this are read by millions of Taiwanese, and informs RE investors of potential opportunities here in LA. 

Well, it’s my understanding that with the national healthcare system, there is really not as much money for the doctors as before. (Other then surgeons who get “red envelope” for surgeries or doctors who own their own clinics and earn a lot from the affiliated pharmacy, etc.)

Back in the days, it’s supposed the rich Taiwanese families prefer to have doctors as their son-in-laws.  At least that’s the trend in my parent’s generation.  I don’t think that’s really the case any more.  Both those doctor’s wives are mostly likely spending money from their own families.

I don’t doubt they exist.  But I don’t believe there are enough of them to make a difference.

I am also amused by the Manhattan real estate broker who haven’t closed a deal for half a year.  I can see that happen in California soon.

So… this is like the Japanese Housewives playing the currency arbitrage thing?

How’s that turning out for them?

PANDA - 12 August 2008 06:14 PM

Suprisingly, The whole Rich Foreign China Man that Panda once thought existed is only a myth, not a reality. I stopped by the Villa Rosa sales office in Woodbury and I asked this lovely Villa Rosa Sales Lady, “How many of the 20 homes were 100% cash buys and she told me that there were several. Then I said, “Let me guess, these are all the Rich Foreign Chinese buyers right?“ The sales lady told me that only 1 of the 20 homes was bought by a foreign asian, and I was like “Are you telling me the truth??“

The sales lady also told me that most of the homes were bought by local U.S. residents living in Southern California. Again, most of the 100% cash buys were by local Southern California residents, not by the Rich Foreign China Man that Panda once believed. So I guess Graph was right telling Panda that the Rich Foreign China Man buying up the Irvine homes is a Myth, and NOT REAL.

My genuine apologizes to all the Rich Foreign China Man that Panda accused of buying up all the inventory of Irvine homes and not allowing the prices to fall.

Panda

That sales lady just jeopardized her Real Estate license. As she can not answer any questions regarding race or ethnic background in any conversation as she is discriminating.

OCCOBRA - 14 August 2008 01:09 PM

That sales lady just jeopardized her Real Estate license. As she can not answer any questions regarding race or ethnic background in any conversation as she is discriminating.

C’mon now, she obviously knew that Panda was a tire-kicker the minute he walked thru the door of the sales office.
She was probably just humoring him and didn’t want seem rude by directing him to the lower end condo development in VOC, which matches his budget.

momopi - 11 August 2008 09:05 AM

However, articles like this are read by millions of Taiwanese, and informs RE investors of potential opportunities here in LA.  “Orange County” is not well known and many people overseas refers to this area of Southern CA collectively as “Los Angeles”.

I really dislike the Taiwan newspapers.  It’s amazing how they stretch things and base articles on rumors.  My mom (and the many other Taiwan/Chinese-born Americans) read it like truth, and constantly call me to tell me that I can buy a house in “LA” for 60% off.  It’s a bit frustrating because many of the Irvine sellers are still smoking crack.

cantaloop - 14 August 2008 02:36 PM

I really dislike the Taiwan newspapers.  It’s amazing how they stretch things and base articles on rumors.  My mom (and the many other Taiwan/Chinese-born Americans) read it like truth, and constantly call me to tell me that I can buy a house in “LA” for 60% off.  It’s a bit frustrating because many of the Irvine sellers are still smoking crack.

It’s their job to give you unwanted advice in which they’re not qualified to give.  Comes with the “Asian parents” package.  LoL.

In Taiwan the “freedom of press” package also comes with ambulance chasers, who’d run into the hospital emergency room after accidents, in hope of recording some bloody footage with crying relatives, so they can broadcast it on the news over and over again for rest of the day.  It’s also a problem when you have too many news stations and not enough news.

My Starcraft friends in South Korea once told me that they have a serious problem with too many newspapers.  They’d open their door to find bundles of unwanted newspapers that they didn’t subscribe to.

I think you’d find that prices in Irvine is beginning to fall through small cracks.  Wait until late 2009.

Here’s a recent one about wealthy Taiwanese wives visiting Riverside and Corona to look for investment properties.  The article mentioned that they toured the properties and asked about potential rental incomes:

http://news.msn.com.tw/news945311.aspx

If you can’t read Chinese, you can use Google translation tools:
http://www.google.com/language_tools

Use “translate web page”, Chinese >> English.

While US RE market is tanking, oversea markets in SG is booming:
http://www.littlespeck.com/content/economy/CTrendsEconomy-070729.htm

Property prices
The heartland moves
Choice HDB flats being offered at prices not far below those of private suburban condos.With comment. By Seah Chiang Nee
Jul 29, 2007

THE property crunch has been intruding into Singapore’s heartland, where the vast majority of people live.

Since the past year, values of resale Housing Board (HDB) flats, which can be bought only by citizens and permanent residents (including many Malaysians), are becoming more expensive in the wake of rising demand.

With rents in the private condos escalating – by 30% or more – a growing number of expatriates are moving into these public apartments, pushing up rents to a 10-year high.

This is beginning to hit young professionals who are starting off in life. They usually buy a flat on the open market before they get married in order to be able to select a location they like.

In some places, runaway prices have put off plans to own a resale apartment.

A recent example is the couple who waited for a year to buy one at a choice site only to find that the price had gone up by a third or S$118,000.

Marketing executive Zubaidah Salim, 25, and her software engineer fiancé turned down an offer to buy a five-room resale HDB flat for S$349,000.

Now when they are ready, the price is S$467,000.

“We feel like kicking ourselves for not buying (it) last year. Resale prices are so high now that I don’t think we’re able to afford a five-room flat anymore,” she told The Straits Times.

For expatriates, it’s even worse. When their private condo leases expire they have to fork out rental increases of 33% or more, depending on location.

“Our lease is coming up in two months, and the landlord has asked for a 100 per cent rise in rent,” said a posting in ExpatSingapore.com. “I laughed but after many depressing weekends, I’m not laughing any more,”

At the Bayshore Park condominium, which is popular with foreigners, monthly rents for a two-bedroom unit have doubled to S$4,500 from a year ago.

Singapore is now the eighth most expensive city in Asia in terms of housing costs for expatriates, says a global human resources firm.

“The owners are getting greedy. It’s really a landlord’s market right now,” said a property agent.

Singapore’s residential property is facing a crunch that could worsen in the next few years under the weight of a large inflow of foreigners and a resurging economy.

About 85% of Singaporeans live in HDB estates, which have for decades been the government’s showcase of achievements.

This has made housing costs much more bearable for its people in this land-short, high cost city.

(Only citizens with a monthly household earning of S$8,000 or less can buy one but foreigners with PR status can purchase one on the resale market.)

During most of the past decade, Singapore’s real estate has been in a state of general neglect, languishing after a 35% drop in the mid-90s.

This recovery has raised the value of people’s assets. This is good news for Singaporeans, who have the world’s highest proportion of homeowners. Nine out of ten residents own their apartments.

There is, however, a downside for those who don’t own one. Prices of newly completed ones sold by the Housing Board have also been creeping upwards but at a controlled pace over the years.

But since it is only available after a wait of several years and in places that people don’t like (many who plan marriage wish to live near their parents or workplace), they often buy one in the dearer resale market.

These days, the preferred blocks closer to the city centre are offered at prices not far below those of private suburban condos.

The government is faced with a dilemma. It wants to see people’s asset values rise, but only gradually, not excessively, which could prevent young people from buying a home.

The recent en bloc frenzy is seeing thousands of displaced owners seeking an alternative flat. Flush with cash, some turn to the resale HDB market, adding to the demand pressure.

A three-bedroom HDB flat was sold for a record S$675,000 (RM1.5mil); a week later another fetched S$720,000. As a result, other sellers have generally been demanding exorbitant prices.

Why the sharp jump, and will it last? It is caused by a large influx of foreign workers and a strong economy.

Since 1990, the population increased by a phenomenal 62% from 2.7 million to 4.5 million, one of the fastest rates in the world.

Last year alone, the government granted PR permits to 58,200 and citizenship papers to 13,900 foreigners.

In the next five years, at least 240,000 PR permits and citizenship papers will be issued, which will further exert demand on the supply chain.

The government is rushing to build 42,200 more private homes between now and 2010 but economists believe this will not be enough.

A Citigroup report said the property supply crunch was likely to get worse in the next four years despite these assurances. Its analysts said that units under construction suggested a potential shortfall.

Over the long term, demand for real estate in Singapore, which measures only 650 sq km, will always outstrip supply as long as there is stability and growth.

Its ambition is for a 6 to 7 mil population in 30-40 years’ time. This means a million new homes will have to be built.

(An expanded version of article published in The Star on Jul 28, 2007)

OMG momo! You just posted what real estate is like when there is not enough supply for the demand. Gasp! That crazy econ 101 everyone forgot here in OC.

Can you do the hi-rise homebuilders in OC a favor, and forward that article to them as well as the below 1% population growth stats for OC? I doubt they will get it, but it is worth a shot.

OCCOBRA - 14 August 2008 01:09 PM

That sales lady just jeopardized her Real Estate license. As she can not answer any questions regarding race or ethnic background in any conversation as she is discriminating.

I don’t know what you mean. The term is “demographics” and it’s frequently discussed with realtors and salespeople when discussing home purchases. There is nothing discriminatory about stating facts and numbers.