The Frozen Sea and Land Around

Black sea often gets frozen due to the sub zero temprtatures in that region. The scene is a spectacular one as the gushing sea stands still as if following the commandment of a higher order!

Here are some stunning pictures, and they really make an impact on you, you might want to invest in property near by. Just for info, the Black Sea borders six countries -- Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, The Ukraine, Russia and Georgia.

These pictures below are the coast off Odessa, the third largest city in Ukraine.

Very close to black sea, in Odessa, are fabulous apartments for sale as well as rent. Odessa boasts of providing several options to invest on residential real estate.

First, the fab pictures...

Black Sea frozen on the coast of Odessa

Odessa and Real Estate In Ukraine

Odessa and Real Estate In Ukraine

The city of Odessa, is said to be very different from most cities we know. With a nightlife that claims vibrancy, beautiful beaches and museums, one can safely say that this city is meant to be enjoyed completely. 

Reports say that real estate prices are now faling in Ukraine, making it the right time to invest in apartments. There are hoards of just completed residential houses, and also several under construction ones!

Ukraine has seen a real estate boom ever since the Orange Reveloution, way back in 1994. It has seen a lot of foreign investments in real estate in recent times, too. Ukrainian property can also be bought through some real estate agencies without the buyer's physical presence, through online services. Nevertheless, buyers, especially of expensive property, prefer to make the deal in person.

However, as is the case with real estate purchases in any part of the world, the buyer must excersice caution before finalising any deal. Thofough research is required to be done. Not just that, it’s important that foreign investors keep all necessary documents in order and take extra care and precaution before buying property/ renting property or even giving out own property on lease.

Property Buying Tips

Buying property? There is more to it than getting the finance and picking a reputed builder. Here is a quick run through of common sense tips. You already know it all, but the best of us, forget the best of things at times.

1. The Real Reason: Why do you want to buy the property? To have your ‘own’ home, for investment purpose only, a holiday home, a place to retire to, or to relocate? Once you know the reason, you will be more clear on what type of property to zero in on. This is especially important if you are buying a home outside of your city or even country.
2.  Research: This is very important. Before you set out, read up, browse through several websites, talk to people, use your network to know more.  And, yes... prepare a checklist of what you want.
3. Visit: Of course, you must pay a visit and check out the property or properties, as the case maybe. Go along with someone -- a relative, a friend, or better still, someone from the town/ country! This is because, that person may bring in a fresher perspective and probably see what you don’t! Ask questions. Click photographs and go through your checklist!
4. Repeat Visits: Try visiting the property several times before you pay up, and visit the place at different times of the day.
5. Facilities & Amenities: Look for what the builder-developer is offering you vis-a-vis the price you are paying. Also, its important to know how far the nearest medical care unit, school, railway station, airport, shopping mall, etc., are located.    
6. Language: In case you are relocating to another city or country, you must be prepared to learn the local language as also about the culture of that place.
7. Time: Be prepared to invest time into the project. You cannot expect to find your dream home the first time around!
8.  Insurance: Go through the due diligence bit and get home insurance done. It’s really a must!
9.  Solicitors: Pick someone you know. Avoid solicitors who have been recommended by agents. Find an independent one of repute.
10. Survey: Get a property survey done by a professional -- someone who is familiar with local construction processes and materials.

All this apart, enjoy the process. The journey is always more important than the destination.

Trinidad & Tobago -- The Indian Link!

Trinidad & Tobago -- The Indian Link!

With the First Lady of Trinidad & Tobago visiting India, the media is full of news about Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s Indian roots and her attachment to our nation. Do the similarities between T&T and India end there?
Let’s dig deeper...





CUSTOMS & CULTURE
Apparently, people in T&T love to dance to Bollywood music. There’s more! Just like in India, there is always something to celebrate in Trinidad. Different ethnic groups have settled in these Caribbean twin islands, over generations, creating a rich mix of dance, music, art, cuisine and festivals. Diwali is celebrated with great pomp and vigour, just as Eid-Ul-Fitr is.

May 30, celebrated as Arrival Day, commemorates the arrival of the first Indian indentured labourers to Trinidad from India in 1845. The Indians brought a wide range of festivals, spices and food into the country, To this day, the influence of these early immigrants can be seen in the language, music, dance and customs of Trinidad and Tobago.
During the month of March, the colourful fest of Holi is celebrated to the tunes of folk songs and the sounds of the Dholak!



LANGUAGE
Interestingly, Trinidad, a multilingual region, has its inhabitants, speaking in Urdu and Bhojpuri, apart from English and Spanish! Language used in Tobago, is mainly English!

FOOD
Food is one way to trace the roots of any culture. A typical Trinidadian meal always has a generous portion of rice, curry, potatoes and Chick peas, as well as rotis (Indian Flatbread).

FUTURE CONNECT
The T&T PM seems to be thoroughly taken in by what she saw at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, held at Jaipur. Like India, Trinidad and Tobago too have a rich and divers cultural heritage. This may form the basis of connect between the two countries for investment opportunities, as well as knowledge sharing.

We now need to wait and watch to see the growth in both countries through mutual benefit and exchange.