April 2019 – Express Observer

Buying property abroad is a life goal for many people. Property ownership is becoming more expensive in advanced Western economies, with a growing number of people renting instead. Buying property abroad can end up being more affordable for many people.

But while there are endless reasons why you might want to buy a property abroad, there are certain things that you should always consider. Here are three of the most important considerations.

The Location

Most people who are planning a move abroad will already know where they are going. If you have decided that you want to move to another country and are free to choose your own destination, you will likely have your own set of needs and wants. Buying property is a major decision, especially when it’s in another country. You should, therefore, make sure that you find out as much as possible about your chosen destination.

If you are able to spend some time staying in the general area that you plan to buy property in, this will give you some idea of what living there would be like. Don’t fall into the trap of moving to a country that you know little about but have romanticized in your head. While your heart should definitely be in your final choice, wherever that may be, it is also important to use your head and think about the long-term.

The Purpose

Are you buying property abroad with the intention of moving there? Or are you looking for a holiday property? You might even be looking for somewhere to live temporarily for professional reasons. There’s no end of potential purposes for the purchase of an overseas property.

Your property requirements will vary depending on its purpose. For example, if you are going to be moving overseas for work with your family, you will need to find somewhere for your kids to go to school. Proximity to an international school may well be a priority, in which case, something like this apartment international school Sathorn would be perfect. These recently renovated apartments also illustrate the amazing value you can find in a modern property in a major city.

The Economy

The local economy and housing market will both change over time. As they do, the value of your home can be affected. If events are dramatic enough, they could lead to a change in the political climate. If you are buying your property as an investment, you will want to ensure that you are buying it somewhere relatively stable.

Before you commit to purchasing a property, make sure that you take the time to research the local economy so you know what to expect. If a nation’s economic outlook is poor, you might be able to get more bang for your buck by holding off buying for a while.

If you plan for it properly, buying property abroad should be a life-changing experience. However, make sure that you don’t rush into property investment in an area that you don’t understand. Do your research beforehand and make sure that you find the perfect property for you.

When talking about things that make life easier, you may immediately think of technical devices like cellphones and laptops, or household appliances like dishwashers and washing machines. Have you ever taken the time to realize that there are a lot of little seemingly insignificant things that also make life easier? If you haven’t, but you’re curious, take a look at these four small ideas that add up to big convenience.

1. Caster Wheels

If you have ever had to lift something substantial, you’ll appreciate why adding wheels to things would make things so much better. While wheels don’t work on everything, they do make some things more portable. Caster wheels are not regular wheels. They’re wheels that turn to make maneuvering things easier on any surface. If you have a big toolbox in your garage, it most likely has industrial steel caster wheels. This allows you to move the toolbox fully loaded (and heavy) freely from one place to another. Other common uses include bed frames and refrigerators.

2. Zippers

Imagine trying to brave the cold in a coat that just wrapped around you and tied. Sure, it would be better than nothing, but imagine skiing down a mountain in below-freezing weather and having it flap open. Enter the zipper. Before it was invented in the late 19th Century, people had no practical way to increase and decrease the size of an opening allow the fabric to flex. Once the little invention caught on, it became an essential part of pants, dresses, coats, backpacks and tents.

3. Band-aids

Before Earl Dickson invented the Band-Aid for his wife, wounds took two people to dress. Dickson’s wife was always cutting and burning herself around the house, so he created a wound covering she could apply without assistance. Dickson brought the invention to his employer, Eric Johnson of Johnson & Johnson, who immediately started manufacturing the ingenious design. It is their biggest-selling item ever.

4. Nails

Think about what it would be like to live in a house that was built without nails. In the late 16th Century, the first appearance of a nail in construction appeared. It wasn’t until the industrial revolution in the late 18th Century that the more common nails were invented. These were some of the first items to be mass produced by machines.

Throughout history, people have continued to evolve and create items to improve upon existing ideas and concepts. When you reach for something like a Band-Aid remember: It was a small idea that makes life easier.