Dagmar 's Blog

APREC - Hawaii Meetings - FIABCI

Dagmar Sands (FIABCI-USA 2007-2008 President) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 23:18:06 -0600

Honolulu, Hawaii - incredible event held by FIABCI last week with many members in
attendance from all over the world. The FIABCI-USA Luxury Properties Group members
Dano and Sakara Blackwell took us on a great tour of Luxury Properties in Hawaii. We
viewed listings from $4,995,000 up to $13,500,000 with incredible views, serene settings,
unbelievable features. It was great experience for our members to network together and
preview each others listings.

Marketing sessions of both commercial and residential properties were very successful.
I have personally picked up at least one buyer that I hope to sell some U.S. properties
to. You have to circulate if you want to perculate.... and that is what we all did. Education
sessions were also very good and I am pleased to say every one of our attendees walked
out with new ideas and new visions.

I hope to attend all the future events with FIABCI because I meet new clients, new
colleagues and visit with many old time friends. It would be great if you TOO could
join us.

Sincerely, Dagmar Sands - Real Estate International, Inc.

Houston, Texas - CREW Convention - The Most Positive Experience!

Dagmar Sands (FIABCI-USA 2007-2008 President) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 23:11:55 -0600

If you ever want to be around the most positive group of women and professionals, come
to one of our CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women) conferences or monthly meetings.
I went to Houston, Texas where the most incredible vibrant women took charge of one of
the most incredible conventions. Lynny Osenbaugh, our current President did an excellent
job with the new motto "A NEW Day... A NEW Deal!"

It's great to see the synergy I've experienced in Houston. We had incredible education
sessions, marketing sessions and luncheons, trip to the Federal Reserve Bank where I
saw all the shredding of money... Dine-Arounds! The host of my Dine-Around took us
to the Capitol Grill where we got closer as a group sharing stories about business, about
our families and I feel as if I made so many new friends from all over the country.
Laughter, sharing and ideas were a complete opposite what we see in our day-to-day
routine these days. NO negative news, NO politics, NO complaining about the economy.
We all shared what works and what we can do better. Simply REFRESHING!

CREW celebrate our 20th anniversary and leadership brought out a huge cake with 20
candles. We all learned which companies are thriving, who won the awards and 10
young women received $10,000 scholarships. That's $100,000 that was raised by CREW
women that went to a great cause.

THE RESULT???? I have met several new contacts to do business with and I've met
women that I am certain I will do business with this year. Today I had a conference call
with one of them and we're planning to meet next week and see if a project that we are
working in Atlanta will fit with the expertise of this new member that may join our TEAM.

I can't say enough good things about CREW. They are also now principal members of
my favorite organization - FIABCI! I'm proud to be a member of both. Dagmar Sands

APREC - Honolulu Hawaii

Dagmar Sands (FIABCI-USA 2007-2008 President) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 04:33:33 -0500

Our next meeting is coming up this month - there is still time to register and
come network with us and market your services to the Asia Pacific Rim members
and all of our FIABCI members.

The APREC is in Honolulu from 10/22/08 - 10/25/08 and it will be a spectacular
event. Please join us if you want to market your properties internationally.

Click on our website and go to calendar of events - you can register on-line.

Sincerely,
Dagmar Sands

FIABCI-USA Task Forces

Dagmar Sands (FIABCI-USA 2007-2008 President) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 04:28:29 -0500

I wanted to see if any of our FIABCI-USA members want to work with a task force in these
areas:

1. FIABCI-USA Luxury Properties Group - making a CD, creating a flyer, new brochure.

2. FIABCI-USA Image Building & Brand Awareness - those professionals that do not
     know our organization and are missing out so much - we want to attract their
     attention to exactly what they are missing.

3. Technology - bringing to our members new technology that they may not have seen
     yet. New video productions, new marketing ideas through technology, etc.

Please contact me if you are interested.   Thank you so much. Dagmar Sands

Thank you Active Rain for Playlist.com

Dagmar Sands (FIABCI-USA 2007-2008 President) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 04:18:42 -0500

VISAS, FIRPTA, Immigration Laws

Dagmar Sands (FIABCI-USA 2007-2008 President) — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 00:48:46 -0500

This morning I attended a class for 3 hours to get updated on the new Immigration laws that
apply to foreign investors coming over to the United States to purchase real estate, buy a
business or relocate for purpose of working for a major corporation.

We learned from an Immigration Attorney Mr. Gonzales how " You, the investor, will create a company; purchase real estate through the company and apply for a selected visa status based on your roll in that company".

Mr. Gonzales explained the differences of visas. Here are few examples: E-1, E-2, EB-5, L1-A, Permanent Residency, Working Visa, etc.

EB-5 - The United States government offers of 10,000 visas to qualified individuals who simply want to purchase permanent residency in the United States through their investment immediately. In a nutshell, those investors can either invest $500,000 or $1,000,000 in twenty seriously depressed areas of the country in order to earn their permanent residency. The corporation must employ ten individuals and the total investment must be made within two years. A good immigration attorney should be hired to set up
all documents properly.

E-2 Visa - The treaty investor visa for a non-immigrant visa called (E-2) based on US and Foreign Country agreements. The E-2 visa is issued to foreign nationals of specific countries under the premise that the visa holder is coming to the United States for the sole purpose of developing and managing their particular business entity with which they have invested and the funds are at risk should the business fail.

L1-A Visa - The Intra-Company Transferee visa is a non-immigrant visa allows managers, executives and specialized knowledge employees to transfer from a foreign company to a use parent company, affiliate, branch or subsidiary corporation to perform managerial, executive or specialized worker functions.

There is also a form called FIRPTA.

FIRPTA authorized the IRS to apply a withholding income tax on nonresident aliens and foreign corporations with sales of US real property interests. A real property interest includes sales of real property as well as sales of shares in certain US corporations that primarily hold and sell real property in the US. When a person or corporation purchases a US real property interest from nonresident aliens or foreign corporation, they are required to withhold 10% of the amount realized.

The withholding tax is intended to ensure that the US is able to tax the gains realized on the sale of such interests.

A common exception to FIRPTA withholding is that the person or corporation purchasing the property is not required to withhold tax when the purchaser purchases real estate for his or her own home and the purchase price is $300,000 or less.

If you are a foreign investor looking to purchase real estate in the United States you can should hire
a good Immigration Attorney, follow the proper rules and enjoy great investments in the U.S. As
a Realtor you can attend these classes offered by NAR, FIABCI, Mr. Gonzales, and your Local Boards.

Think Globally - Sell Locally!
Sincerely, Dagmar Sands

United Nations Luncheon - Press Release

Dagmar Sands (FIABCI-USA 2007-2008 President) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:10:52 -0500

PRESS RELEASE

RELEASE DATE: September 23, 2008

Dagmar Sands ATTENDS VIP LUNCHEON AT THE UNITED NATIONS

Arlington, VA: Dagmar Sands, Broker of Real Estate International, Inc. from Atlanta, Georgia just returned from FIABCI-USA's Annual VIP Luncheon at the United Nations in New York. The luncheon celebrated the International Real Estate Federation's, or FIABCI's, Special Consultative Status to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. Over 130 leading international real estate professionals from around the world and representatives from the UN were in attendance. Sands partook in an unparalleled opportunity to network and do business on a truly global level.

"Robert M. White Jr.'s presentation on the global outlook for commercial properties and currencies was very informative, especially with recent events," said Sands. "Mr. White noted that 10% of US buyers in 2007 were foreign and 70% of European buyers are global buyers with the number of global buyers in the US on the increase. As this happens, the whole world is competing for the same buyers. These statistics are invaluable when trying to market US properties to foreign buyers. It also shows that we need to start thinking outside of American boundaries and attract Europeans and Asians to the US real estate market," expanded Sands. Dagmar is a Immediate Past President of FIABCI-USA and President of Real Estate International, Inc. based in Atlanta, Georiga specializing in working with foreign investors. Ms. Sands has relocated many clients to Atlanta, Georgia with Coca Cola, CNN, TBS, AT&T and other Atlanta based companies. Through its individual, company, and professional and association members in 68 countries, FIABCI members have access to more than 2 million potential contacts. FIABCI-USA (the US Chapter) is the only international real estate organization representing the entire spectrum of the real estate industry in the US. FIABCI-USA's mission is to open the international community to its members on a local, national, and international level, so that they may develop a broad base of real estate contacts that will translate into increased business opportunities and ultimately financial success.

Luxury Properties Group Call on Wednesday!

Dagmar Sands (FIABCI-USA 2007-2008 President) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 20:06:28 -0500

Hi FIABCI members - our upcoming monthly call for the Luxury Properties Group is coming up this
Wednesday. I would love to hear what is working for you and what it is you would love to share
with others about your market in your own area and what you have to do that is different.

Please share with us your tips, your ideas, your marketing that works.
I will post it and share with everyone else. Thank you so much. Dagmar Sands

Controversy on Customer Service!

Dagmar Sands (FIABCI-USA 2007-2008 President) — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 01:25:08 -0500

In every aspect of business people are loosing sight of what TRUE Customer Service is.

When you go out to a restaurant these days and a waiter brings you a dish that tastes
like its ingredients have passed their expiration date, one usually gets upset with the
waiter when in fact they should be upset with the chef. Too many people take for granted
the servers and sales associates that take care of them to the point that there is a constant
battle between the two categories.

In real estate it is our job to underline for our clients a complete team that will carry out
their part of the transaction so that it can be a smooth closing. Even though it is not
the job of the agent to be an inspector, the agent should have several good inspectors
to recommend. The agent can not appraise the home, however, on someone on his/her
team will be someone that can get the home appraised. The agent can not originate the loan,
however, he/she can recomend a good loan officer. It is the team that you surround yourself
with that will be a reflection on your customer service.

Clients will come back over and over again and they will refer you to their friends, colleagues
and associates. Go that extra mile to give GOOD SERVICE!

Have your found your TEAM Captain yet?

Dagmar Sands (FIABCI-USA 2007-2008 President) — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 01:05:50 -0500

I bet you are wonderfing... What is a TEAM Captain? Well, FIABCI has a great new program
called the TEAM Plan. And in order for you to be on a TEAM you need to find a TEAM Captain
that will spearhead your TEAM. You can have unique TEAMS. Either every member of the
TEAM can speak a different language, or your TEAM can be comprised of members in
different categories (appraisers, brokers, lender, inspector, architect, attorney, title co.)
or your TEAM can be brokers from different states around the country.

It doesn't matter - as long as you get on a TEAM and you work with your TEAM.
After all, on TEAM - Together Everyone Achieves More!
Sincerely, Dagmar Sands - Real Estate International, Inc. - FIABCI-USA

P.S. Just remember - if a seller is hiring you - he's not getting just YOU - he's
getting a complete TEAM!.

Multiple Sellers - One Closing

Dagmar Sands (FIABCI-USA 2007-2008 President) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 22:40:36 -0500

Have you ever had a transaction where you had multiple sellers all closing at one time?
What interesting challenges did you have to overcome. How did you handle the transaction
to a smooth closing?

I have been blessed many times to go through this and it always comes to having a great
TEAM of professionals involved in the transaction. It has to have two great agents both
representing their party but working together in communicating. It has to have a realistic
SELLER and realistic BUYER both of them willing to work with the other. Then there is no
reason why you should have any problems. Everyone arrives at the closing table smiling
and leaves the table feeling like a WINNER!

The truth will always sets you FREE! is the first rule. Always tell the truth whether you are
a buyers agent or sellers agent. Return phone calls when you are needed for answers.
Follow the GOLDEN RULE - "Do unto others as you like others do unto you".

Communication + working hard = SUCCESS!

I wish you all the success in all your closings! Sincerely, Dagmar Sands
Real Estate International, Inc.

Cooperation of Agents is So IMPORTANT!

Dagmar Sands (FIABCI-USA 2007-2008 President) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 22:30:30 -0500

Stop and think about it! Isn't cooperation of Agents the MOST important thing these
days in negotiations?

I find that agents sometimes are their own worst enemy. I know that some of them
want to protect their clients but sometimes some of them GET IN THE WAY of getting
a transaction closed. WHY?
1) Agents create fancy stipulations full of words and make the contract so complicated...
     I've had sellers tell my clients at the closing - "Oh I really didn't care anything at all
     about that" and yet their agent pressed so hard where we almost lost the deal.
2) Agents argue over commissions before the deal ever closes. Get it all worked out
     up front and then there should be no complications at the closing table.
3) Agent refuse to present offers and act as if they are the sellers. This is very scary.
4) Agents - especially in bank foreclosures don't return phone calls. They delay their
     sellers (banks, investors) from closing transactions faster.

Let's all realize that even if we work on different teams we are all still working together
to accomplish the same goal. WIN-WIN-WIN-WIN for all the parties. The only DEAL
killers these days are agents that don't take their job seriously. Let's work together
to help our buyers and sellers accomplish their goals.

Sincerely, Dagmar Sands - Real Estate International, Inc.

GEORGIA does not talk about Square Footage!

Dagmar Sands (FIABCI-USA 2007-2008 President) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 22:18:26 -0500

It is very interesting that each state has different rules in real estate. Gerogia for instance
does not talk about Square Feet in listings. As Realtors we can not post on our FMLS or any
marketing materials how many square feet a home has. Square footage is simply only talked
about in appraisals and in new homes.

When a buyer arrives from California or other states they always ask us as agents how many
square feet does the home have. As buyer's agents we can pull the tax record and show them
what that shows but we can not discuss square footage in our multiple listing service.

Does anyone from other states relate to that? I would love to hear your thoughts and your
experiencing from your state. What is different for you?

Thank you for sharing all your information. Sincerely, Dagmar Sands, Real Estate International, Inc.

Oscar of Real Estate - and OSCRE of Real Estate

Dagmar Sands (FIABCI-USA 2007-2008 President) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 22:12:51 -0500

What is the Oscar of Real Estate? It is the Prix d'Excellence Award! Once a year award is giving in
different categories: Retail, Office, Residential, Unique Developments, etc. This award is judged by
panel of judges from different countries and announced at the FIABCI World Congress.

OSCRE of Real Estate - it is the standards with a mission : "Deliver global standards for exchanging electronic real property information and drive their adoption" OSCRE Americas announced the publication of their Commercial Information Exchange (CIE) Standard enabling users of the standard to significantly reduce the cost, time and errors associated with the current method of exchanging commercial property listing information between Sellers, Brokers, Listing Exchanges and Buyers.

As you know, Europe deals with meters, centimeters and kilometers. America eals with square feet,
square yards, and miles. Asia has different measurements. What needs to happen the globalized
system. That is what OSCRE is trying to do.

I think it's great that both of these organizations realize that globalization and working on solving
issues is incredible. Check out both organizations and learn about OSCAR or Real Estate and about
OSCRE of real estate. Sincerely, Dagmar Sands - Real Estate International, Inc.

WE ALL GET BETTER WITH AGE!

Dagmar Sands (FIABCI-USA 2007-2008 President) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 01:15:56 -0500

You know what is the most exciting thing about getting older? WE ALL GET BETTER
WITH AGE! We gain more knowledge, we meet more people and our databases
get larger, we learn through experience and we get more practice.

Would I love to be 18 again? Yes, I would and I still think that I'm 18 at heart but
as I am getting older I realize how great it is to have that experience behind me
and know how to handle situations differently. I still remember my first week in
real estate and my first year. I was totally dependent on my Broker who was always
there to help me so if Dick Peischl reads this - THANK YOU from the bottom of my
heart for being there for me in my beginnings.

Then I am thankful for several buyers who drove me crazy showing them everything
under the sun, sometimes they just wanted to see beautiful homes and luxury
properties and I ended up paying for the dinner, lunch, snacks and felt as if I was
babysitting them and their 3-4 children. Thanks to them as well because today I
Prequalify all my buyers before they get a free ride in my car.

Well, now I love giving back! I love helping the younger agents, I love being there
if someone needs my help. So, thanks to my experience and getting older, I became
wiser. Our parents really did know EVERYTHING... now I see that - when we were younger
we all thought they knew nothing. So, no matter where you are in your life right now,
just REMEMBER... WE ALL GET BETTER WITH AGE! Sincereely, Dagmar Sands
Real Estate International, Inc.

Luxury Properties - Homes of Distinction - Powerhouse Listings

Dagmar Sands (FIABCI-USA 2007-2008 President) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 23:44:07 -0500

What's in a name? It is not what you say but how you say it. Many years ago in the
1990's I led a group in Atlanta, GA called Powerhouse North. We marketing Luxury
Properties, we shared with agents from many different companies how to market
these properties and we helped each other. We even published our own magazine
called "Powerhouse International".

Yesterday afternoon I had the privilege to speak with a group of Kellar Williams
agents who belong to the Homes of Distinction. What a great group of professionals.
I saw myself where I was 15-18 years ago. I am leading a group for FIABCI-USA
called the FIABCI-Luxury Properties Group. It is a nationwide group of professionals
all of them helping one another and sharing. It inspires me each month to be on
our monthly conference calls.

No matter what the name is... as long as we remember to network with each other.
Marketing is very important but sharing is even more important. So, share with
others what works for you and they will let you know what works for them.
Sincerely, Dagmar Sands - Real Estate International, Inc.

What a GREAT business we are in - REAL ESTATE!

Dagmar Sands (FIABCI-USA 2007-2008 President) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 23:32:58 -0500

Real estate is truly one of the professions that is very exciting and rewarding.
You have to find your own niche and you need to do it with LOVE. Then it will
be the most incredible profession you can wish for.

I have found my niche. I love working with International clients and solving
my clients situations and challenges. When you do both commercial and
residential you can see also many different opportunities. I have handled
for my clients buyer representation in selling them a home, leasing them
an office building, industrial building, retail space. Now the more I challenge
myself, the more interesting it is getting.

Today I had an incredible day. We had colleagues and clients in from out
of town. I feel so energized sharing with them our market and listening
about theirs. I find more energy and figure out a new way of doing my own
business. When I walk around and show property, especially land I feel so
blessed to have the freedom to be outdoors, in fresh air, beautiful sunshine
and free to not sit in a cubicle or a small office. Even though sometimes I
work lot longer hours than those who love to work from 9-5, I feel very blessed
that God led me to this profession. Loving what you do makes life that much
more fun. I hope you are doing what you LOVE to do.
Sincerely, Dagmar Sands - Real Estate International, Inc.

FIABCI - First Woman - World President Elect

Dagmar Sands (FIABCI-USA 2007-2008 President) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 05:58:23 -0500

I am so honored to have my friend, Lisa Kurrass to be elected as the first Woman
FIABCI World President Elect. She has been an inspiration to me for many years.
This is a woman who is a mother, wife, leader in her church, someone who cares
but most of all she is a person that wants to serve and wants to help. I have
traveled with Lisa to many countries and have seen her leadership skills for years
but what stands out above anything else is her caring attitude towards others. She
stops to speak with everyone, she listens and most of all, she sincerely cares.

I want to congratulate her and the organization (FIABCI) for setting the pace in
the International arena and we are blessed that an American Leader will lead the
organization next year. Sincerely, Dagmar Sands - Real Estate International, Inc.

International Buyers and Investors

Dagmar Sands (FIABCI-USA 2007-2008 President) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 05:48:14 -0500

Europeans and Asian Clients are coming to America now to buy because of the strength
of their currency. This gives US Brokers that advertise and market themselves as
Certified International Property Specialists, CCIM's, and associated with International
organizations an edge of working with these clients, buyers and investors.

How do you get to these buyers and investors? You join International Organizations,
you target market them. It's a lot of fun to work, travel and meet clients from overseas.
The reason I know is because I have been working with foreign clients when International
WASN'T COOL! Today, I'm glad that I chose this profession and that I decided that I wanted
to be different and work with International Buyers from the very beginning.

I belong to an organization called FIABCI which is based in Paris, France but we also have
Chapters in each country. I have traveled to 38 different countries and it has been a great
experience to see how my clients live, how they work, what they culture is like and what they
like and don't like. Learning the etiquette, learning the customs is very helpful when working
with foreign clients.

The most beautiful thing that I've gained is friendships with colleagues from all around the
world. I learn as I earn and I love this business. Try it, you may love it too!
Sincerely, Dagmar Sands - Real Estate International, Inc.

Czech Realtor - Atlanta, GA - Helping Czech Buyers

Dagmar Sands (FIABCI-USA 2007-2008 President) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 02:49:36 -0500

I was born in Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.

If your primary language is Czech, I can guide you through the home
selling or home buying process in your native language. I can help you
buy your new home, sell a home or relocate you and your family to or
from this area. You can turn to me with confidence! I will go an extra mile
to help you.

Zdravim vsechny moje krajany!

Nabizim Vam profesionalni zastoupeni a pomoc pri prodeji a nakupu
realit a pri relokaci. Specializuji se prevazne v oblasti Atlanty, Georgiji.
Pokud ale potrebujete pomoci v jine casti Spojenych Statu, nebo i
v zahranici, rada Vam doporucim kvalitniho profesionala z nasi skupiny.
Znate-li nekoho v okruhu Vasi rodiny a znamych, kdo hleda kvalitni
servis v oblasti realit, obratte se na me s duverou! Vasi znami se mohou
spolehnout na stejne profesionalni servis, jakeho ode me ziskate i Vy!

Whether you are considering selling or buying your home, I realize how
important it is for you to get the best service! You made an important
decision and I am here to help you achieve your goal with integrity and
dedication.

My knowledge, professionalism and negotiation skills can
help you achieve the best terms and conditions for your property. I will
work very hard to make this process a pleasant experience for you!

I want to be Your Realtor for LIFE, not just one transaction. I am interested
in building strong, lifelong relationships, one client at a time. My sole
objective is your complete satisfaction!

While I can best help you in the Atlanta,Georgia area, I can connect you
with the highest recommended professional anywhere in the United States
as well as internationally!

Sincerely, Dagmar Sands

"At te osud vede jakoukoliv cestou, nezapomen devce, ze jsi holkou Ceskou".

Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic, Ceska Zem, Realitni Kancelar, Domky,
Pozemky, Parcely, Kancelare, Relocation,Relokace, Obchodni Dum,Kostely,
Hotel Zvon, Hotel Slunce, Hotel Gomel, Cerna Vez, Ceske Budejovice Namesti,
Ceska Republika, Ceske Skoly, Cesky Jazyk, Czech,Czech History, Ceska Historije,
Cesky Krumlov, Czech Organization, Ceska Organizace, FIABCI, CSA,
Real Estate International, Inc. Realtor

World Class Real Estate Broker- Dagmar Sands - Dasa Cepakova Sandsova

FIABCI - Atlanta, Georgia - Atlanta Council - Mark Your Calendar!

Dagmar Sands (FIABCI-USA 2007-2008 President) — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 23:47:06 -0500

FIABCI-Atlanta - www.fiabci-atlanta.com

Members are invited to mark their calendar now for Tuesday August 5, 2008 to
attend a luncheon at the Azel Restaurant - 11:30 a.m. to meet other FIABCI
members, Meetup Members, Professionals, Investors and Brokers.

Please R.S.V.P. www.realestate.meeup.com/413
Cost of Delicious Lunch & Meeting - $15.00 You can pay by Pal Pal or Cash
at the door.

We will have a speaker - talking about Cost Segregation - This is a very
important topic for Brokers to share with their sellers - you will be a HERO
if you share this information with your sellers. See you in August. Thanks,

Dagmar Sands - Real Estate International, Inc.

FIABCI Press - International News - What you get being a Member!

Dagmar Sands (FIABCI-USA 2007-2008 President) — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 21:07:16 -0500

One of the great membership benefits in FIABCI is that you receive the FIABCI Press and
you learn about real estate internationally.

Here is the latest information about FIABCI Press News! Please contact me for more
information about FIABCI at dagmar@worldClassrealestateBroker.com or e-mail us at:
info@fiabci-usa.com Our corporate website is: www.fiabci.com
Dagmar Sands - Real Estate International, Inc.

Trends

Overseas Property Purchases Double in Korea

Koreans have actively invested in overseas property since the government eased investment rules, allowing the outflow of dollars in late May.

The purchases of real estate in foreign countries for investment purposes more than doubled to $54.2 million in June from $26.9 million a month earlier, according to the Ministry of Finance and Economy. The number of investments in overseas properties rose to 145 from 64.

The cumulative investment in overseas real estate in the first half to June increased to $140 million in 383 purchases from $9.3 million in 29 the previous year.

"Individuals are showing a greater interest in overseas real estate investment, following the relaxation of foreign exchange rules,'' the ministry said.

With demand for overseas real estate growing, overseas real estate development project managers are visiting Korea to attract local investors. Given the outlook for the sluggish domestic real estate market, retail and corporate investors are expected to expand their investment in overseas properties.

By region, the U.S. was the most popular investment venue with 49 out of the 145 overseas property purchases being made there.

APREC congress to take place in Autumn 2007.
Venue and dates to be announced shortly

Come and join us at our upcoming events - September 11 - New York - U.N. Luncheon and meeting.
Expo Real in October - Munich - Germany
APREC - Honolulu, Hawaii - October 23-25
Winter Business Meetings - Vienna Austrial - December

Just IMAGINE what you really want to accomplish & watch it come true!

Dagmar Sands (FIABCI-USA 2007-2008 President) — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 00:37:08 -0500

I guess I am a living example that if you want something really BADLY all you have
to do is to IMAGINE what it is you really want! That starts your dreams of seeing
yourself already accomplishing your goals. As a little girl I lived in the Czech Republic
and I used to IMAGINE what it would be like to go and visit my uncle in the United
States. Well, that dream became a reality for me at age 14. I arrived in the U.S.
in Atlanta, GA with my family. We came to visit my uncle and decided to apply for
Citizenship. It was a long legal process but it too became a reality. I learned that
everything in America is possible. You can IMAGINE what kind of car you want, what
kind of a home you want and with hard work and enthusiasm you can make it happen.

I IMAGINED owning my own company one day and it happened. I IMAGINED having
a wonderful family and it happened. I IMAGINED becoming a Certified International
Property Specialist, and it happened, I wanted to become FIABCI-USA President and
make a difference in at least one members life and it happened. I taught a session
in Washington DC at one of our FIABCI-USA meetings called IMAGINE! One member
afterwards bought me a coffee cup with the word on it that said "DREAM". I drink my
coffee from this cup every single morning and I'm reminded daily that DREAMS do
come true if only you IMAGINE! One thing that I have always told my children as
they were growing up - "DREAM BIG - for there is NO MAGIC in SMALL DREAMS!

So if you have a bad day, or you feel low, just stop and IMAGINE what you want your
life to be! And DREAM BIG! Make the dream real, make it exciting. Before you
know it... you will start living this dream. I know it worked for me and I hope it will
work for you. So, DREAM BIG and when your dreams come true - e-mail me and
let me know. Good luck and lots of happiness and success to all of you.
Sincerely, Dagmar Sands - Real Estate International, Inc.

Book that is GREAT!

Dagmar Sands (FIABCI-USA 2007-2008 President) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 21:43:18 -0500

The ART of Business Lunch!

Thank you Fred for giving me a great book - The Art of Business Lunch! I truly
enjoy the way you can do more business by having lunch with clients and how to
create this to be an art. You learn about business etiquette, how to treat your
clients, how to dress professionally, how to learn more about your clients and
your prospects.

I highly recommend this book to others. Please feel free to share any books that
have changed your life!

Sincerely, Dagmar Sands
Real Estate International, Inc.
FIABCI-USA Immediate President 2007-2008

Gadgets, Tools and Real Estate Tips

Dagmar Sands (FIABCI-USA 2007-2008 President) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 21:36:35 -0500

I would love to hear from all of you what is working for you in today's market.

I still love the following:

1. Top Producer Program - it handles all my leads and contacts.
2. Blackberry - I'm getting used to it now, even though it beeps million times a day with all
      the e-mails I receive.
3. Palm Lockbox Key - it works best for me because it has many features I use.
4. Plaxo, LinkedIn, My Space, Facebook, XING, NING, Active Rain - I use all of these for
     birthday reminders, birthday cards, blogging, meeting new friends.
5. Cardscan - I love how easy it is to download business cards into my computer without
     having to type it all in.
6. Homescenes Virtual Tours and InTouch Virtual Tours - great way to expose my listings.

These are just few of the things I use daily. What do you use? I'd love to hear from you.
Sincerely, Dagmar Sands - Real Estate International, Inc.