Assignment 7: Real Estate Trends

Researchers have forever been trying to find new ways to build properties and buildings that help sustain environmental standards. The use of glass has been of recent delight to builders because it was typically a symbol for energy inefficiency, but with advancements and modern techniques it has become the staple of green building.

The use of electro-chromic glass, also known as smart glass, uses electricity to instantly darken or lighten the interiors, depending on the time and season. For years it has been used in car rear view mirrors and automobile sunroofs but recently this "masterpiece" has taken over the real estate market.

An example I have used for this trend is the W Hotel in San Francisco. By letting users regulate how much heat and light enters their building, it reduces energy and eliminates the need for blinds and screens. More information about this hotel can be found on the link provided below:

Smart Glass Windows- the cool new thing

I chose this trend because I love the idea of huge windows in a residential property, but was terrified at the amount of heat exchange or the bills I would have to pay for keeping the air conditioner working. I believe smart glass has proven to be successful in many arenas and it definitely will be seen more often!

Assignment 6: Investment in Properties

Considering the country I grew up in, I have decided to look up real-estate properties in Qatar, a middle-eastern country with the highest per-capita income and one of the most developed countries today.

I plan to invest in retail and residential properties that have seen a significant boom over the recent years. Qatar has shown at least fifteen years of economic growth and rents have tripled over the past 6 years especially in the capital Doha. Another interesting fact is that there is no personal income tax, VAT, capital gains tax, or wealth tax.

Since 2006, infrastructure in Qatar has taken a hike due to Asian Games that fostered an economic development. Ever since Qatar has been bidding on major projects with a potential to host FIFA 2022. As a result, most of the city hotspots like Messaied, Doha, Al Khor, Ras Laffan, etc., have seen tremendous growth in residential and retail opportunities. Rental rates in Qatar have increased eight percent with the highest price being around $6000 for a four bedroom apartment.

Foreign investors can own residential properties for 99 years according to the law in Qatar. If everything fails, I will rent an apartment for just $1000 in some of the coolest locations.

Here is a link to check out a few properties that we can rent:

http://www.qatarpropertyplanet.com/search_properties.cfm?page=2&search=true&submit=Search&search_home_type=1&search_home_town=1&search_home_area=null&search_rent_sale=rent&price_min=1000&price_max=7000&bedrooms=2&bathrooms=2&furnished=null&order_by=no_sort&search_agent=null&language=uk

Assignment 5: Foreclosure

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/29/fantasia-barrino-foreclosure-loses-battle-north-carolina-mansion_n_3179038.html?ir=Black+Voices

Above is a link to an article I found about Fantasia Barrino's  judicial foreclosure on a North Carolina mansion which was reportedly purchased in 2007 for 1.3 million dollars.

According to reports, Barrino failed to payback nearly $70,000 tax loan, filed by the Florida based company that provided the money. 

I think the mansion would not be foreclosed, since the lender is trying to recoup the debt by any means.

Assingment 4: My Hometown

My Hometown: Doha, Qatar

I was born and raised in Qatar, a small country located in the Arabian Peninsula, till I was eighteen years of age. It is ruled as an absolute and hereditary emirate by the Al-Thani family since 19th century.

Qatar has proven to be rich in oil and natural gas and has the world's highest GDP per capita, growing by 19%, the fastest in the world. With a population estimate of 1,903,447, the foreigners outrun the native Qataris with majority of the population constituting of other Arab countries, the Indian subcontinent, and Southeast Asia.

The economy of Qatar focused on fishing and pearl hunting before the discovery of oil. After its crash in the 1930s with the Japanese cultured pearl, discovery of oil set the country to a phenomenal boost in income resources. Today Qatar remains one of few countries with the lowest tax rates in the world.

Education in the country has become a primary objective in the recent past, enabling top level universities to set up colleges in Qatar, with Texas A&M University being one of them.

Today Qatar remains one of the fastest growing countries of the world with huge capital spending on infrastructure and transportation, all in the hope to host Fifa 2022. They also hold records and awards for spectacular buildings in jaw-dropping shapes.

I loved living in Qatar especially because it is a safe country and well diversified. Of course, if you have a bank account like the native people then you probably could enjoy your life there with super exotic cars, huge houses, extraordinary spending, and travel anywhere in the world all because you can!!