Barone Estate Management

11/28/2019

In Germany and most of the world, real estate is not looked at as a commodity but a unit of value depending on the use. For example a building and the land it sits on has value, both objective and intrinsic or market value. The cost to build a home and the material it is used is one way to value a home, but typically, like any other product available, the market will decide on the value it is given. A building may also be valued based on its cash flow or balance sheet, just like a business. This is typical for most all apartment buildings or multi family properties.

In some places in the world (like the United States) many single family homes are valued based on their comparisons. This can very easily create a bubble if everyone keeps raising the price of their home compared to their neighbors by 10%.

In Germany, the first step in valuation is determining the value of the land on which the building sits on. This is called the Bodenrichtwert. The Bodenrichtwert is calculated in cooperation with local government offices and private appraisers. Each city in Germany releases the valuation around every two years and makes it available to the public.

The valuation is calculated based on the price per square meter. Generally, in larger cities the price per square meter is much higher than in the suburbs or in rural areas.

In order to find the Bodenrichtwert of your property or of a house you are evaluating to purchase, just go to your favorite search engine and search for “Bodenrichtwert” and then your city name.

Here I will show you an example of how to find the land valuation of areas of Wiesbaden and Frankfurt.

11/01/2019

Do you know how to find the trash pickup schedule in Germany?

In this tutorial, I walk you through exactly how to find the trash pickup schedule in your area. I give you the words to use and websites to search for.

I personally find it convenient to print out the calendar and put it on my fridge so I always know when they pick up what from my street.

Additionally, I walk you through what each item means on the legend so you know what bin or bag to put out.

I hope this helps you with your move to Germany

In this tutorial, I walk you through exactly how to find the trash pickup schedule in your area. I give you the words to use and websites to search for the c...

10/31/2019

Profit off Brexit: Could Property Investment In Germany prior to BREXIT be profitable?

Brexit is one of the major hot topics currently in Europe. The UK’s withdrawal from the European Union has produced a cloud of uncertainty that’s lingering over the continent, and at the moment there are more questions than answers about what the future might bring.

Brexit may create a high demand for housing in the Frankfurt and Rhein Main area of Germany. This is due to multiple factors. The first factor is that if or when BREXIT actually completes, many banks currently established in London are looking at Frankfurt as their next home.

Frankfurt is already postured as a financial hub and has all the required infrastructure in place. High-speed Internet, roads, stock market, labor, and more. It would be an easy choice for London banks to move over. This would provide the banks with access to the European Union while not moving too far away. With this move, many English speaking wealthy bankers would also move to the area, creating a demand for more housing.

Additionally, with the massive influx of wealthy bankers, English based services would be in high demand creating a secondary market for service offerings, jobs, and of course, more housing.

I look at this time as a potential opportunity in the area and urge you to do the same. There are many investment options available in the area, from turnkey solutions to your standard residential home/flat for sale.

Contact me if you want to have a discussion about what might be right for you!

Brexit is one of the major hot topics currently in Europe. The UK’s withdrawal from the European Union has produced a cloud of uncertainty that’s lingering o...

10/28/2019

Monday Morning Rant! German Customer Service. Showing up on TIME!

I cannot even begin to count how many times I had an appointment with a contractor over here, from heating, windows, electrician companies, internet providers and even chimney sweeps and they just blew it off.

I get so frustrated when I take time out of my day, or even worse, a client's day, to be home and available for a contractor to come over and fix something, and they just don't show up.

There is always some type of excuse, an emergency here, an accident there, I forgot...

In addition, many appointments are given as ranges here in Germany.
For example, you may be given an appointment to have your dishwasher fixed between the hours of 8:00 and 17:00. I think this is also ridiculous. Why can there not be a fixed schedule or appointment to come over?

I understand some things take longer and it gives the company flexibility, but we need to offer better service than this here in Germany.
It is time we all stop accepting this. Personally, professionally, and as a customer. If a company is not providing good customer service, for one, we need to let them know and two, we need to stop using their services.

I have many theories on why customer service is the way it is here in Germany, but that's for another time.

Bottom line is, we are adults, respect each other's time, and show up when you say you are going to.

10/25/2019

Brexit: Could Brexit Affect Your Property Investment In Germany?

Brexit is one of the major hot topics currently in Europe . The UK’s withdrawal from the European Union has produced a cloud of uncertainty that’s lingering over the continent, and at the moment there are more questions than answers about what the future might bring.

However, uncertain times can produce unlikely results. Breaking into the Germany property market could be a very clever idea for the canny investor. Check out the latest note or read on. Here’s how:

https://m.facebook.com/notes/barone-estate-management/brexit-could-brexit-affect-your-property-investment-in-germany/2469658706629271/?ref=bookmarks

10/23/2019

Where are the closets in Germany?

Did you know there aren't many of your typical built in or walk in closets in Germany? German home do not usually offer a closet system like we are used to in the US.
Germans usually buy a wardrobe or a "Schrank" to store their clothes. Sometimes homes are even built to accommodate a certain size wardrobe in a corner of a room.

One important thing to remember is if you are moving to Germany, you should be aware you will likely need to bring or buy a wardrobe here.
This way you will be able to hang and fold clothes for storing.

You can find these for sale at your standard furniture stores, like IKEA, Hoffman, Segmüller, etc.

Additionally, you can always find a used one for a good price on classified sites like eBay Kleinanzeigen.

Have you experienced a culture shock when looking at German homes and found out they do not have closets?



https://www.instagram.com/tv/B36PKR-nkVf/?igshid=lhupzal8x67v

10/23/2019

The wonderful windows of Germany!

Did you know there could be such a big difference in windows? Coming from the US, this was one of the "stranger things" I've noticed.
While I haven't yet found a vertically sliding window here in Germany, I have fallen in love with the open and spacious windows Germany and European countries offer.

They are large generally double or even triple paned glass. They open fully or even just the top tilted to allow a fresh air experience without opening all the way.

I am not a huge fan of the space required to open fully, but I do love their energy efficiency and the light allows to fully blanket my home in wonderful German sunlight.

Have you experienced European windows? What do you prefer? Sliding or the European style?



https://www.instagram.com/tv/B380DLVHEvV/?igshid=10htkql9egknt

10/17/2019

I love the Rheingau.

I love this vehicle.

I am not such a huge fan of Riesling, but I love the culture out here.

10/14/2019

Quick tip for today:

Germany, and Frankfurt specifically is central in Europe which brings it with many opportunities. I personally love the fact Frankfurt is THE hub for travel around Europe.

With a two hour flight bringing you just about everywhere around Europe, Frankfurt is perfectly situated.

This long weekend I traveled to me favorite destination in Europe, Mallorca.

In just under two hours, you can escape to sunny Palma de Mallorca. With its beautiful beaches, pristine waters and genuine people, it is a must see place.

There is certainly the party areas for those who want to partake in that, but a family or adventure holiday can easily be had on this beautiful island.

Tapa, Paella, and Sangria are not the only thing on the menu, with its rich culture and traditional Mallorquin cuisine.

The sun's still shinning and the water is still warm for swimming, extend out your summer today in Mallorca!!

If this was interesting or you need to find your next home in Germany, send a message today!!

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10/11/2019

German word of the day:

Eichhörnchen

One very unique German word is Eichhörnchen

This is the Word for squirrel.

I always find this amusing for both sides to say in eachothers language.

It is a difficult word to say for English speaking people and also very difficult for a German speaker to say squirrel.

Hope you are ready for the weekend with this funny video!

If this was interesting or you need to find your next home in Germany, send a message today!!

Follow and subscribe for daily videos!!

10/10/2019

A Mieterschutz Verein is a group of people who help tenants out with landlord dispute's, laws, and resources for your living needs in Germany.

They can help provide advice and guidance on many issues ranging from contracts, damages, legal, and more.

To join is a very inexpensive fee and are a highly recommended asset to have during your stay in Germany if you are renting.

You can receive broad information about your situation or even ask one of their suggested lawyers to help out with your specific case.

If you need hands on support in your home or your situation, send me a message today and I will guide you in the right direction and ensure your stay in Germany is successful and trouble free.