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Euros, Dollars & Yen- Oh My... America is a Bargain

International Currency

First off... let me make one thing clear... the graphic notwithstanding, this is not a post about money laundering. It is, however, a post about international currency.

In a nutshell- the dollar's value against other world currencies is depressed. Quick facts:

The Euro has been climbing upward. This year it hit an all time high agains the U.S. Dollar.
The Yen? Also climbing
Bonus Question...Which dollar is more valuable... U.S. or Canadian? Answer below.

The dollar is losing ground against other currencies. And yes, the Canadians own the most valuable dollar.

What does that mean for the United States with regard to real estate? It means the Europeans, Asians, Canadians and anyone else who trades in these currencies are seeing America as a bargain hunter's dream. I see it in my everyday business as a real estate investment agent.

Note: Many predict that these trends can be short lived. The rest of the world is entering into the phase that America is currently in... that is- housing prices are on the down swing. For those outside the U.S. ... it's time to strike while the balance is in your favor.

Posted by Chuck Willman, Arizona Realtor® 480.292.0600 on 12/28/2007 05:34 PM

Comments (33)

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Originally posted at: Arizona Real Estate Specialists: Euros, Dollars & Yen- Oh My... America is a Bargain

Post is included in group: Investing in Real Estate
Post is included in group: Certified International Property Specialists

33 Comments on Euros, Dollars & Yen- Oh My... America is a Bargain

DEC

2007

Hi Chuck, Your right on the money! As our USA interest rate falls our dollar falls in value to foreign currencies too. If Canada had not lowered their interest rate the values would be even worse.

Well, for once the Canadians will be the poplar buyers for Mexican Real Estate

We have seen some of our northern border friends coming into the US and buying more than homes they are power shopping too! nice post Chuck congrats on the feature...have a great 2008.

Have you heard the US, Canada and Mexico are going to combine currencies to make the Amero? This would certainly change things a bit wouldn't it?

I have been saying this for awhile - why don't all of us have the same currency. In mexico the US dollar is used as much as the peso. While we are at it we need to change the whole border thing too.

One other thing I forgot. Many Mexicans have a dollar bank account and a peso bank account.

US, Canada and Mexico are going to combine currencies wouldn't that be more like the Camero.

I think 2008 will be a great year for foreign Investments, The key is knowing how to market in foreign marekets

Wishing You HAPPY HOLIDAYS and Best Wishes for A GREAT YEAR 2008.

Tommy New York Certified Home Inspector Long Island NY Nassau/Suffolk/Queens Home Inspections

Let's hope this can bolster the market!

I think that even if you are planning to pay in US dollars, this is a great time to invest in real estate, at least if you're in for the long run.

I wish I had some dollars of ANY sort to invest right now. This is going to be one of those years I look back and say "Shoulda".

Chuck you are absolutley right. Also the US Government has actively encouraged a weaker currency to make our exports more attractive and aid the balance of trade.

DEC

2007

I heard the low dollar has helped spur some international buyers to buy US real estate which makes sense

I've recently seen a huge surge of Canadians purchasing just about everything and anything in some of the warm Florida climates. When I was in Sarasota recently, they were doing shopping trips on buses.

Wow. I had no idea that the Canadian Dollar was more valuable than our dollar now. Thanks for this enlightening post

My daughter is living and working in France. I keep telling her she needs to take any excess money she earns each month and put it in her US bank account. It might be worth more today then wehn she comes back to the US next year.

If our government interferes in the current credit mess, It will take a much longer time to bring the Dollar back to were we all like to see it. In Fact it can get a lot worst.

Interesting to see how the balance is shifted for now. But from what I've been reading it is coming their way as well so hopefully those that can take advantage will...

I've heard of this. Yes this could possibly stimulate our economy. But at what cost to America? I know this country is considered a melting pot. Can you imagine ALL the changes that would occur?. Something to ponder.

We expect the money to begin flowing in from oversees. We are at a discount right now. For those who live here...I can not think of a better to time buy...HERE!

That's a great time for foreign investors to buy real estate in America. I work with Russian investors who are very interested in US real estate now. Good question is about right marketing to the right people. Sure we want to attract right people with legal money. Big problem for right people is getting an American visa. People who are ready to invest substantial amount of money on a long run to American economy want to make sure that they will have an access to their assets. We need to work with good immigration attorneys to be successful in sales to foreign investors. Happy and successful New Year to all of you!

I totally agree with you. We are switching to the Euro here in Cyprus in 2 days and everyone expects home prices to rise but it is already on the decline. Many of the expats over here want to move to the US if they could (get visas) or if it were advertised and they had a contact that could help them. Also, even if the dollar strengthens the US is still a lot cheaper than many EU countries such as the UK, Cyprus and Greece.

The weak dollar is attracting foreign investment. It will reverse when our dollar strengthens. It's been over 25 years since the Canadian dollar was equal to ours. Great post.

DEC

2007

Thanks to all who commented on my first feature post. Please note... currency valuations are in a constant state of flux- each currency reacting in different ways to market data. Still- I expect that the trend of others coming to the U.S. for bargains should run for the immediate foreseeable future. May you all have a prosperous new year!

JAN

2008

Chuck - while we're definitely a bargain because of the currency valuation many European clients are finding that those bargains are outweighed by an immigration policy that no longer assures them of six months here to enjoy their second home but an arbitrary time period to be determined by the agent at the point of entry. The intense questioning they often face also makes them feel unwelcome - they have many other choices of warm, sunny climates that are closer to them and more welcoming.

JAN

2008

Interesting posts and comments. I knew about the Euro vs. dollar situation, but was unaware of how immigration laws affect the foreign investor market.

JAN

2008

Let me put my 2 Cents /€ 0.013/ in. Despite our current immigration situation, which is in my opinion pitiful, foreign investors still think that the U.S. real estate is the safest medium to long term property investment. They look at us as the most stable political and economic society /regardless of what WE think/ and the property laws are perhaps the best in the world. They also do not need to worry, like in some emerging markets to have the property taken away when the government changes, conveyance of property in the U.S. is also made easy for the owners.

If I am not mistaken, there is a "push" from several State associations and the NAR to create a so called "Silver Visa" for retirees from the U.K. to be able to stay in the U.S. past the 6 month tourist visa.

Also something that all of us who deal with foreign nationals should use to make sure that we cover our six is the U.S. Treasury's SDN /Specially Designated Nationals/ list.

And as far as the US. Dollar getting much stronger against foreign currencies, there is not much of anything out there that would indicate that it will happen in the foreseeable future. Many of the slumping real estate markets - like the ones in Florida and Las Vegas will only get their "salvation" this year from those international buyers.

Zsolt- I can see that this is your first comment in Active Rain and let me say WOW! Your comment could easily stand on its own as a blog post... you have an excellent take on the situation that others would benefit greatly by reading in a larger forum.

Thank You Chuck. I just try.

JAN

2008

Zsolt - You are so right. We still have a model real estate system in the US. Another point, although we, Realtos, get bashed here in the states, all you have to do is come in contact with a "agent" in some of the south American countries to realize how lucky the citizens in the states have it when it comes to professionalism and skill.