transparency
It’s all about growing your own good staff
Why you need an agent No 2
a supplement of real estaTe magazine
REAL ESTATE BROKER ASSOCIATION – EASTERN SEABOARD
ticks all the boxes Members of REBA-ES are respected
professional
ETHICAL
INFORMed
Member companies in
Clients of REBA-ES
The high standards
Our members
REBA-ES are part of an
members can be
we set conform to
network closely,
established and respected
confident they are dealing
internationally-approved
giving all of them access
real estate organisation
with honest, reputable
rules, regulations, strict
to the Eastern
which has the support of
and properly trained real
codes of ethics and
Seaboard’s largest
the Thai Government
estate professionals
dispute resolution policies
real estate association
NT Realty Asia +66 (0)38 426 242 info@nt-realty.com www.realestatethailand.com
One Stop Real Estate +66 (0)81 945 4845 info@1stop-pattaya.com www.real-estate-thailand.com
Pattaya Realty +66 (0)38 412 301-2 info@pattayarealty.com www.pattayarealty.com
ACI Enterprise +66 (0)81 762 2627 info@aci-enterprise.com www.pattayaoceanproperties.com
Siam Properties +66 (0)89 499 1000 info@siamproperties.net www.siamproperties.net
Town & Country Property +66 (0)38 37 4136 info@towncountryproperty.com www.towncountryproperty.com
Five Star Villas & Condos +66 (0)81 938 8391 sales@fivestarvillasandcondos.com www.fivestarvillasandcondos.com
Benchmark Property +66 (0)81 792 9486 info@benchmarkthailand.com www.benchmarkthailand.com
Global Property +66 (0)81 838 1390 info@global-solidor.com www.global-solidor.com
Alan Bolton Property +66(0)81 996 2489 info@pattaya-property.net www.pattaya-property.net
Rightmove Pattaya +66 (0)89 253 5607 info@rightmovepattaya.com www.rightmovepattaya.com
Arise Asia +66 (0)38 075 610 info@ariseasia.com www.ariseasia.com
Advert: Zen Grafix
Real Estate Club Thailand +66 (0)38 41 5050 info@rec-thailand.com www.rec-thailand.com
For comprehensive property listings and professional real estate consulting contact our members at www.rebaes.com
Claims you can discount A list of member brokers actively supporting this publication starts on Page 24. Alternatively if you wish to consult a member company please visit the www. rebaes.com web site.
Recently I received reports saying that a company involved in local real estate is publishing advertising suggesting that they can reduce the cost of buying a new property by not taking exhorbitant commissions from the developers. The inference, as I understand it, is that greedy brokers are helping to artificially inflate the prices and, for want of a better term, are ripping their clients off. First let me say, unequivocally, that this is absolute rubbish. Although I can only speak for REBA-ES members I am confident that any reputable broker operating in the city – and that’s by far the vast majority of them – would say exactly the same.
It’s pure and utter nonsense and the type of claim that REBA-ES was formed to try to put an end to. If someone operating in the property business feels they can offer attractive discounts, good luck to them. It’s a legitimate marketing ploy provided the discounts are real. But to try to promote your business by suggesting that your competitors are crooks! That’s something quite different which we, in REBA-ES, feel is unethical.
Contents of
If a developer chooses to favour one supplier more than another
this supplement
and offer greater reduced prices through them, that’s their
is the copyright
decision. We may not applaud the practice but we have to
of both the Real
respect their right to use every legitimate tool at their disposal
Estate Magazine
to gain sales in their projects.
and REBA-ES. No reproduction
Note that I am not saying that any developer is guilty of any
in whole or part
wrongdoing here. Indeed, some, perhaps all, may be unaware of
without written
the claims that are being made. But it could be construed that
approval of both
these claims are being made on their behalf. So I hope they will
parties.
act to discourage such advertising practices in future.
is a supplement of
REALESTATE ine magaz
TRANSPARENCY • Issue 2
Mesiya (May) Watson
President, REBA-ES (Real Estate Brokers Association, Eastern Seaboard)
Transparency
www.rebaes.com
TRANSPARENCY • Issue 2
It’s about time! That’s what many professionals involved in real estate were saying back in May 2006 about the formation of the Thailand Real Estate Brokers Association – Eastern Seaboard (REBA-ES). Just a few months prior, several leading agents from the area had met to discuss the possibility and value of working towards a more professional real estate industry on the Eastern Seaboard. They approached Khun Paisan Bundityanond (Rabbit Resort) to ask if he would assist them in forming a local real estate group for the betterment of the profession. Original founder Khun Paisan, now REBA Eastern Seaboard’s honorary chairman and mentor, had extensive real estate experience in the United States and was the original founder of the Real Estate Brokers Association in Bangkok (REBA – Thailand). It was obvious to all from the beginning that joining the Government-supported national body REBA-Thailand was the best route for the real estate professionals throughout the area. So they decided to contact some of the more established agencies for a brainstorming session to see what might be of mutual interest and benefit to the area’s real estate professionals. REBA-ES’s first meeting was attended by 10 of the top local real estate companies and to everyone’s pleasant surprise all were more than eager to do their part in supporting each other as a local real estate service organisation. All were excited about the possibility of working together to make the Eastern Seaboard real estate industry more trustworthy and professional in the eyes of
Why REBA-ES was formed
clients and eight of those original companies went on to form, as charter members, the Real Estate Broker Association – Eastern Seaboard. Code of Ethics The association’s first task was to form a sub-committee to translate and analyse the Code of Ethics and Rules and Regulations of the national REBA body. These were considered to be good and very positive and the recommendation of the subcommittee was that the Eastern Seaboard group should abide by them in support of good real estate practices within the region. On the back of this it was decided that, to facilitate proper and organised real estate practices, REBA-ES would need to elevate the standards and knowledge of real estate agents and brokers
Clients of REBA-ES members can be confident that they are dealing with honest, reputable and properly trained real estate professionals
with proper education, testing and subsequent certification. Another sub-committee was formed with the aim of educating agency staff through scheduled seminars, training courses and examinations. Better training, though, was just part of the picture for an association whose goal was to act in an ethical and professional way. Resolving disputes The next step concerned resolving disputes and identifying and rectifying unacceptable real estate practices. The association needed a dispute resolution process that would be efficient, effective and offer assurance to members’ clients. So the group established a Professional Standards SubCommittee with its own dispute resolution board, which would allow members to successfully address most disputes and to help resolve the ones the business community would encounter. Since those early days a little more than six years ago the association has continued to campaign for improvements in the way the real estate industry conducts itself. Client confidence Client confidence is as important now as when the association was formed and acting in an ethical manner remains among REBAES’s top priorities. As the association says in its advertising ... clients of REBA-ES members can be confident that they are dealing with honest, reputable and properly trained real estate professionals. Because association members collaborate on many levels if individual members do not have what you seek it is likely that they know someone who does!
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Don’t miss the best read in Pattaya
G PAT TAYA LIVIN
PATTAYA GOLD No 14 • April 2013
LATH A RSEE*NCY SLP AOINN TRW M IL 5 F D N B *EXCEPT SKYFALL
ERS • • HEALTH MATT OTIONS • QUIZ EVENTS & PROM
Why you need an agent
& GOLF • BARS ATTRACTIONS
TS & RESTAURAN
Back issues of REm and all its supplements can be found online at www. remthai.com 087 988 0799
projects update (1)
For more details please contact any REBA-ES member
Water features abound at Ville
If being able to feel very much at home rates high on your list of new home “must haves” you should visit The Ville project at the junction of Chaiyapruk II and the railway track. The Ville offers three main house types, each with a water feature, and prices differ based on land plot sizes. There’s the Resort Villa (Bt2.59-3.05m) a twobedroom semi-detached bungalow, the Pool Villa (Bt4.99-7.6m), a three-bedroom bungalow and the Grand Villa (Bt5.99-8.5m) – a four-bedroom house. The Ville currently has two showhouses available to view and, as you would expect, the developers have put in several features to show the homes at their very best.
A great life at Amaya Hill Amaya Hill is the latest development from the Bravo Thai company, the award-winning and internationally acclaimed developers of The Vineyard projects. Launched with tagline of “The Foundations for a Great Life”, Amaya Hill is an exclusive enclave of premium residences that will be set on over 26 Rai of lakeside land in Mabprachan, East Pattaya. A harmonious blend of modern design in a lush tropical setting, Amaya Hill brings you resort-style living in the comfort of your own home. A private sanctuary with direct access to Pattaya, Amaya Hill is shaping up to be one of the most eagerly anticipated residential housing developments of 2013.
TRANSPARENCY • Issue 2
In shadow of giant Buddha A comparatively new addition to the housing market is The Grand Valley development which will be built close to Buddha Mountain and the Silverlake Vineyard. The Grand Valley will contain 56 dwellings with many of them set around a lake. The communal clubhouse will jut out into the lake. Provision has also been made for a park and garden area within the development. Four types of ultra modern design home are on offer including bungalows and two-storey dwellings. Prices start from Bt5.9m. Pools are available with each. In addition to the lake and green areas facilities will include a fitness room, sauna and jogging track.
projects update (2)
For more details please contact any REBA-ES member
Dream team at Southpoint
Pattaya visionary and property veteran Nigel Cornick has assembled a top creative team to bring Southpoint to the market as the first development of his Kingdom Property company. The project combines the contemporary flair of the SODA interior design firm with the landscapes of zen master Colin K Okashimo and associates. The Beaumont Partnership will be project architects. The Bt2bn two-tower development on Pratumnak Hill already has its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval and the completion date is set for 2015. Southpoint offers a range of studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments.
Addition to Sansiri family Prominent developers Sansiri have launched a highand low-rise project mix in Wong-Amat called Baan Plai Haad. One building will be 31 storeys, the other seven. The project will offer direct access to the beach. Baan Plai Haad will comprise 353 units ranging from one- to three-bedrooms. Room sizes start at 40sqm going right up to 154sqm. Facilites include a swimming pool, exercise room, steam rooms and garden. WiFi internet will be available on the facility floor and in the lobby area. A range of additional services under the heading “Sansiri Family” are also offered. Check out www.sansiri.com/ condominium/baanplaihaad_pattaya for more details.
TRANSPARENCY • Issue 2
Pure delight on Sunset Beach
Set in parkland on the seafront, Pure Sunset Beach features unsurpassed ‘green’ credentials and many facilities, including hi-tech golf simulators, pitch and putt areas, shopping mall, kids’ club and playground and amphitheatre. This investment of sustainable value offers maximum peace and tranquility, minimal operating costs and guarantees everyone a sea view. Its design harnesses the cooling effect of natural sea breezes and double-cavity brick walls, cantilever canopies and earth-protected roofs keep the heat out and the cool in. Solar power, wind harvesting and waste and water recycling help lower costs. A wide variety of unit sizes are available ranging from studios right up to four-bedroomed penthouses.
global overview
www.rebaes.com
Thailand still ranks high in the expats league table of the best places to live Though the country has slipped down one place to No 2 behind Singapore how the countries FARed with expats
TRANSPARENCY • Issue 2
Country
Rank Score
Singapore
1 0.53
Thailand
2 0.52
Cayman Islands
3
Bermuda
4 0.47
Hong Kong
5
Mexico
6 0.45
Switzerland
7 0.42
Malaysia
8 0.42
South Africa
9
Bahrain
10 0.40
China
11 0.39
Australia
12 0.37
Spain
13 0.36
Vietnam
14 0.36
Germany
15 0.35
Qatar
16 0.34
Belgium
17 0.34
India
18 0.32
Japan
19 0.32
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
20
Canada
21 0.31
United States (USA)
22
0.31
Saudi Arabia
23
0.30
New Zealand
24
0.30
France
25 0.30
Netherlands
26 0.29
United Kingdom
27
Oman
28 0.27
Italy
29 0.26
Kuwait
30 0.25
0.52
0.45
0.40
0.32
0.28
Thailand has been knocked off its lofty perch as the best place in the world to live for expats according to the latest Expat Explorer survey conducted by the global banking giants HSBC. But the fall has not been too dramatic – down to No 2 behind the island state of Singapore. As with most surveys ... if you are selective in highlighting the results that best serve your interests Thailand does extremely well certain categories. For example, in the Expat Economics league table, which form just part of the findings, Thailand ranks third overall and slips to fourth for disposable income but it gets the big No 1 slot for luxuries with Singapore four places behind. Perhaps more importantly Thailand is the top ranked Asian country for Expat Experience coming in second for both Overall Experience and Overall Quality of Life. Closest Asian rivals are Singapore who finished fourth in both categories. By the way, the Cayman Islands were in top place for both. But there is no doubting that Singapore is streets ahead in terms of earnings potential. High earnings In the survey of more than 5,000 people globally Singapore led the way for earnings. Some 43 per cent of expats there claimed to be earning in excess of US$250,000 per annum. Globally only 7 per cent said they were paid more than that sum. Mind you in Singapore an expats needs to be earning big bucks for food, drink and accommodation which maybe explains why Thailand beats it in terms of quality of life! A little less than half (44 per cent) of expats in Singapore noticed an increase of 50 per cent or more in
their disposable income, compared to a global average of just less than a fifth (19 per cent). On the real estate front, perhaps not surprisingly the survey found that expats over the age of 55 are more inclined that their younger counterparts to hold the majority of their investments in real estate (30 per cent) and equities and bonds (17 per cent). Accommodation better Still with property, some 60 percent of expats in Thailand report having a better standard of accommodation since relocating here. Compare that with less than a fifth (19 percent) who say the same about their experience in Hong Kong. The better infrastructure of former UK-run territories like Singapore and Hong Kong mean they rank highly when evaluating the commute to work. Globally only 45 per cent of expats say that have a better commute now that before but seven out of 10 (72 per cent) say the commute in Hong Kong is better; some 57 per cent say the same in Singapore. Superior train systems, better roads and the fact that both places are comparatively small – so travelling distances are greatly reduced – may have some bearing on this. Thailand only gets a 36 per cent rating on commuting. Given some of the traffic jams I’ve experienced here I wouldn’t have been surprised if the figure had been lower. Dave Buckley * Expat Explorer is the world’s largest global survey of expats. Commissioned by HSBC Expat, a trading name of HSBC Bank International Limited and conducted by third party research company YouGov. Some 5,339 people were questioned through an online survey.
special feature
Why you need an agent to guide
TRANSPARENCY • Issue 2
With the cornucopia of property choices here on the Eastern Seaboard, prospective buyers may conclude, “Why do I need an agent? I’m a smart person … I’m a savvy investor … do I really need help?” This myriad of opportunities coupled with an unfamiliar market is exactly why they should seek the assistance of an independent and ethical real estate professional. Nowhere on the planet boasts a more dynamic property market than Thailand. Put simply, we are in the hottest sector of the hottest market currently in play on this planet. High-rise, low-rise, midrise … houses, villas, condos … offplan, re-sale and move-in ready abodes spring to life on billboards, brochures and magazines. Too much information Pattaya is now home to more property developers than tailor shops or massage parlours. When driving around the city one must be careful not to leave their window down as someone may attempt to throw a Chanote Title in the car. Too much information … too many choices … new projects sprouting overnight. The idea that even a
The purpose of this article is not to demonise developers. They are not bad people trying to fleece you out of hard-earned cash. They are simply doing their job, which is to sell you what they have.
seasoned property investor could enter this market cold, without the help of a local professional, and find the perfect place is ludicrous. It is possible, but not probable … like a blind pig picking up an acorn. Someone smitten by Pattaya’s charms can’t just choose it from a vending machine like a snack, or point and click on the internet. There will always be a person facilitating the sale of a property. Buyers need the help of someone who is both knowledgeable and has their best interests in mind; finding that help is more difficult than you think. There is no shortage of smiling facilitators here; seemingly helpful individuals speaking your language and touting deal after deal. In Pattaya, one needs a programme to keep track of the players. It is important that buyers know who these people are and, more importantly, what their motivation is. First contact for many visitors will be in one of Pattaya’s many shopping malls like Central Festival or Royal Garden Plaza. Any retail venue in town that supports considerable foot traffic has become inundated with property
booths. Impressive architectural models and glossy brochures call out from every floor of these establishments singing the siren song of property paradise. Many of these booths are owned and operated directly by developers. Some will tout a single project and others offer the entire stable that particular developer has to offer. Quite knowledgeable These mini-sales offices are usually manned by one or more sales persons, speaking two or more languages. Usually, they are quite knowledgeable about the project and may be able to go as far as taking a reservation order right on the spot. It is important for buyers to understand that these helpful folks work for the developer. It is no different than being in their showroom at the site of the property. Their motivation is to sell you what they have in their available inventory. They will not direct you to a different project that may fit your needs better. They will not inform you of a re-sale in the
www.rebaes.com
you through the property maze
same project at a lower price. They will not elaborate on things like construction delays or what other projects would be your neighbours. They will tell you what is available in inventory and how much it costs. The purpose of this article is not to demonise developers. They are not bad people trying to fleece you out of hard-earned cash … they are simply doing their job, which is to sell you what they have. The same is true of dealing directly with an owner who is selling their house or condo. It would be naïve to expect an individual seller to reveal negative aspects of their property or direct them to other more suitable investments. Their motivation is to sell their property … period.
offices open and close virtually overnight. An agency with long tenure and a good reputation should be paramount in your selection process. Also, certifications from and association with real estate professional organisations like Real Estate Brokers Association (REBA), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Association of International Property Professionals (AIPP), National Association of Realtors (NAR) and Certified International Property Specialists (CIPS) are a good sign these agents do business in an above board manner. They listen to you But, perhaps the best indication that a particular real estate agent knows what they are doing is detectable in your first encounter. Quite simply, they listen to you. Emphasis is placed on what you want rather than what is available. You don’t need someone to tell you what to buy. You need someone to understand what you want. And that’s why you really need and agent … to get what you want. Bart Walters
TRANSPARENCY • Issue 2
What is an agent? So, what is a “real estate agent”? Research this question online and you’ll find something like this: “A person with a state/ provincial licence to represent a buyer or a seller in a real estate transaction in exchange for commission.” (Source: Investopedia.com)
Emphasis should be paid to the phrase “represent a buyer”. An independent and ethical agent works for you … the buyer. Their sole motivation is to match a motivated buyer with the perfect property solution. A professional agent does not sell property … they sell knowledge and experience. If they were in the manufacturing business their end product should be “happy customers”. For most people, property buying here is very different from “back home”. There is no multiple listing service to research appropriate pricing. The transaction process is alien and fraught with decisions normally dictated by legislation and rules. You need a team of experienced professionals to make sure you get the best deal done the right way. And just how does a person know a good agent when they find them? It isn’t easy, but one good sign is longevity. Setting up a property shop in Thailand is easy;
special feature
Growing your own staff
TRANSPARENCY • Issue 2
P
erhaps one of the toughest problems to solve in any business in Thailand is staffing. Acquiring people power with the proper education and experience is very difficult, especially here in Pattaya. This is particularly true in the area of real estate staffing. Recruiting and training good administrative staff is hard enough, but finding good sales people can be downright frustrating. During recent months, I’ve commiserated with several longstanding real estate agencies in Pattaya and tossed the issue of staffing around extensively. Everyone has their own opinion, pet peeve and solution for staffing problems. One managing director I spoke to pointed out the vicious competition for Thai staff in Pattaya spans far beyond the real estate business. “Pattaya is a tourist town … there are so many other customer service-oriented business in town like hotels, travel agencies, and basically anything that requires competent, English-speaking help,” he said. The pool of employable Thais with the skill-set these employers
Blaming your staff when things go wrong is fairly common wherever you find yourself on the planet. REBA-ES members would prefer to train their staff properly rather than trot out this tired old “not me” excuse.
require is pretty shallow. So, those in the property business have to deal with an overall competition for talent with other industries, and then play the most taxing game in town … selling real estate. And, it’s not like property professionals are fighting for people just within Pattaya … Big Sister Bangkok is a more attractive option for many Thais. More money, public transportation, bright lights … big city … Bangkok’s going to win those fights more often than not. Top of the pyramid Pattaya may be easier for foreigners to live in, but for many aspiring Thais, Krueng Thep remains top of the pyramid. To be honest, if I were an educated English-speaking Thai person, I’d favour Bangkok too. Another agency owner lamented the unavoidable barrier of business-culture differences. “Just because they can speak English doesn’t mean you should hire them,” he joked. Working for a Thai company and a foreign-run concern are completely different animals. We discussed what it
must be like for Thais to work for foreigners and dealing with us as customers. If their previous work experience is with a Thai company, it is most certainly an alien world. “Particularly with sales people, it is hard to ‘un-programme’ them,” he added. This agency owner’s approach is to play matchmaker between property and buyer. He places a great deal of emphasis on listening to what the customer wants. He feels this is an acquired taste for some of his Thai sales staff. “The first word out of their mouth is ‘discount’,” he complained. “They are used to dealing with Thai buyers so this is their main tactic … and crutch.” This owner uses a “tough love” technique by getting his sales people on a commission-based income as soon as possible. “This way, they are giving away some of their own money each time they blurt out ‘discount’.” According to him, his best sales people figured it out right away. When I pursued the staffing issue with yet another seasoned agent and Real Estate Brokers Association – Eastern Seaboard
(REBA-ES) member, he said: “It’s easy … we just grow our own.” He explained that he’d prefer to hire a perceptive and intelligent person, with no previous real estate experience, and train them. “I don’t want to hear how they did it somewhere else,” he continued. “We’ve got a system that works and we have a good training programme.” In fact, this REBA-ES member’s wife is also his business partner and runs the company’s training programme for the Thai staff. This is a theme repeated many times among long-standing agencies. The foreign husband/Thai wife combination can be effective in the real estate business. Especially when it comes to recruiting and training Thai staff this is a distinct advantage. And, there seems to be a connection between husband and wife real estate agencies and longevity in this town. Coincidence? I think not. Anyone reading this article who is shopping for a real estate company to deal with could do worse than narrow the field by choosing a “married agency”. Their
management continuity helps them attract and keep good staff. I spoke at length to one such better half of a married couple agency. She agreed with the concept of “growing your own” staff. She’s plucked a couple of good people from the hotel business where they were trained by customer service professionals. Familiarising new staff “Then we sent them to the REBA real estate course,” she said. This agency partner told me the school was essential for laying down a base of information and familiarising new staff with terminology and procedures. “And when they all learn it the same way, they can help each other,” she added. The Bangkok-based training course sponsored by REBA-ES introduces prospective agents to subjects like ethics, real estate law and general real estate knowledge. The course is designed to create a standard of professional performance here in Thailand that reflects internationally accepted standards. At the end, trainees are given a test to measure their
comprehension and retention of the information they’ve absorbed. There is no official governmentrun watch group for this industry, so this type of self-policing and standard building is necessary to its survival and viability. The popularity and number of courses offered by this school continues to grow. After discussing the issue of staffing with several seasoned company’s principals, it became clear to me that a multi-faceted approach is required. Attracting good people to a company should be carefully thought out and leave the broker fishing in the right pond. Training new employees in a consistent way with an eye on “standard-building” must be a priority. Understanding some things about Thai culture and motivation for success will help a company keep the good people they find which can only be to the benefit of clients. It also became abundantly clear to me that while brokers should keep their eyes open for that superstar salesperson to come walking in the door, it may be more pragmatic to just “grow your own”. Bart Walters
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REBA-ES collaborates with the Real Estate Training School (Thailand) to provide a comprehensive programme to help staff give improved service. Topics on the course include: • Industry trends • Ethics and Duties of agents. • Asset title transfer and tax evaluation. • Marketing and advertising concepts. • Customer Qualifying. • Telephone and Customer service Techniques. • Techniques for resolving problems with Customers. • Sales Presentation and Demonstration.
in the news
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High-speed link in five years? Is the projected high-speed rail link between Bangkok and Pattaya just a dream or could it be a reality five years from now? Fuel was added to the debate by a recent report in the Bangkok Post citing Chula Sukmanob, director of the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning, as saying that it could be operating within that time period. If the 250 kilometres an hour train were to start arriving in Pattaya the beachside city would be transformed from a predominantly tourist destination into a tourism plus commuter city. This would provide a significant boost for the local property market especially in the areas of East
Pattaya close to the proposed new rail station. The newspaper says that the journey between the two cities would be reduced to an hour, but do the maths yourself ...the distance between the two is about 150 kilometres. If the train can attain speeds of 250kph that would make the journey closer to around the 45 minute mark, allowing for speeding up and slowing down –an acceptable commuting time for many. The government plans to put the route out to tender in September this year. After the tendering process is complete the plan is that it will take a further five years to build following the go-ahead.
Amata growth good for all
On the right track – Bridgestone bought 544 rai from Amata last year.
TRANSPARENCY • Issue 2
Tourist numbers are up Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports reported that 22.3 million foreigners visited Thailand in 2012, up nearly 16 per cent year on year. The leading country breakdown is as follows: Chinese led the way with 2.7 million, Malaysians 2.5 million, Russians 1.3 million, Japanese 1.3 million, Koreans 1.1 million, British 870,164 and Germans 681,566. Tourism is Thailand’s number one source of foreign exchange. The Tourism Authority predicts 24.5 million tourists in 2013. Source: The Bangkok Post
When Amata sell more space it usually also spells good news for the local property market because more companies means more executives, managers and staff seeking quality accommodation either to let or to buy. So the report in a recent Bangkok Post saying that director and chief operating officer from Amata Corporation, Viboon Kromadit is predicting 10-20 per cent growth in land sales this year should be well received in property circles. Amata Corporation, an SET-listed company, expects land sales of at least 3,000 rai this year, up from 2,800 rai last year. Mr Viboon said this is due to continued growth in the automotive industry and foreign investment. According to Mr Viboon: “Thailand will not only benefit from the booming auto industry, resulting in an increase of supporting industries, but also from Japanese relocations to Thailand as labour costs rise at home.” Chinese companies are also relocating to Thailand to diversify risk. About half of the 2,800 rai Amata sold in 2012 at its two industrial estates near Pattaya were to automotive companies. This group of buyers was led by Bridgestone, the Japanese tyre maker who bought 544 rai. Amata will invest Bt2bn this year in infrastructure for the two estates. A Bt1.8 bn property fund will be set up consisting of 108 ready-made factories that generate revenue of Bt300-400 bn per year. Amata City in Rayong and Amata Nakorn near Chonburi have 3,000 and 10,000 rai for sale respectively over the next three-four years. The nearest competitor for automotive clients is Indonesia.
313/27 M.10, South Pattaya Rd. Chonburi 20150 Tel: 038 415 490 - Fax: 038 414 693
Siam Properties is one of the oldest real estate companies in Pattaya, our history reaches back as far as 1995. We operate two offices, our staff come from 6 different countries and we speak 5 languages. We represent ALL MAJOR NEW PROJECTS and have been working with the premium developers for many years. If your favourite project is already sold out contact us – we might have a RE-SALE of exactly the same unit you desire. In our huge database we have condos and houses of the SECONDARY MARKET in all locations and price ranges in Pattaya.Our service is absolutely FREE for buyers.Why not call us today?
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See the details on the web page www.pattayapropertytour.com Booking: Alex + 66 (0) 899 399 821 • Vera + 66 (0) 892 452 890 hotline + 66 (0) 89 499 1000 www.pattayapropertytours.com rus@siamproperties.net
Contact us to find the best properties for sale and rent at the best prices You will be sure to receive INDEPENDENT, IMPARTIAL and HELPFUL advice Make the next move, be the right move with
RIGHTMOVE PATTAYA 369/1 Moo 9 Units 8 & 9 PS Bowl (TOPS Supermarket) Pattaya 2nd Road Central Pattaya
who’s who in reba-es
NT Realty Asia 215/15-18 Second Road T: +66 (0)38 426 242 or (0)38 425 836 F: +66 (0)38 426 243 E: info@nt-realty.com W: realestatethailand.com Philippines office: 11 Malabanias Road, Angeles City, Pampagna 2009 T: +63 (0) 45 892 5719 Principals: Tim Bunker, Peter Randall (directors) Memberships: REBA (Thailand), REBA-ES, RETS (Thailand), NAR About: NT Realty Asia are the longest established real estate agent in Pattaya. For more than 28 years – first as Northern Thai and now as NT Realty Asia – we have been offering the very best condos for sale and for rent, as well as a variety of houses for sale and for rent in the city. The change of name better reflects our mission to be a pan-Asian company. We are proud to be founder charter members of the Real Estate Broker Association – Eastern Seaboard.
One Stop Real Estate Co Ltd 219/14 Moo 9, Soi Yamato, Soi 13/1 Pattaya Beach Road T: +66 (0)38 710 699 and (0)38 710 725 M: +66 (0)819 454 845 (Mark Welch) E: info@1stop-pattaya.com W: real-estate-thailand.com Principal: Mark Welch Memberships: REBA-ES, REBA (Thailand), NAR, CRS, RETS (Thailand) About: ‘Great Properties, Great Service’. One Stop Real Estate, since September 2001, provides a complete package of real estate and related services. With our vast knowledge and experience, our clients can be always assured to receive expert advice, and a professional service. Our comprehensive property listings include only the best villas and condos available, which can be viewed on our user friendly website. ‘If our clients are happy then we are happy’.
Pattaya Realty 219/1 Tipp Plaza, 2nd Road T: +66 (0)38 412 301-2 M: +66 (0)89 833 6175 or (0)89 832 7226 E: info@pattayarealty.com W: pattayarealty.com Principal: Stuart Daly Memberships: CIPS, REBA (Thailand), REBA-ES, RETS (Thailand), NAR About: Pattaya Realty have been providing real estate consultancy services to local and international clientele since 2001. Our services include: Property Sales, Rentals (short and long Term), Property Management Services. Consultation, free valuations, new building projects, off-plan development purchases, development land sourcing and acquisition, corporate personal relocation, business and commercial premises procurement, construction/maintenance services. Home seekers, home sellers and property investors will all benefit from our knowledge and expertise.
ACI Enterprise Co Ltd ACI Ocean Properties 672/20 M5 Soi 18, Naklua Road, Wongamat Beach T: +66 (0)38 41 6060 M: +66 (0)81 762 2627 E: info@aci-enterprise.com W: aci-enterprise.com and pattayaoceanproperties.com Principal: Markus Probst Memberships: CRS, NAR, REBA (Thailand), REBA-ES, RETS (Thailand) About: Since 2003 we have the pleasure of providing our customers with professional property sales & rental and high-end design & construction services. Interested in sea view properties and looking for the best deals in town? ACI can present a comprehensive database for you, combined with sound investment advice to ensure you have all information for the right decision. If you are looking for a high quality builder for modern design, remodelling and renovation, call Markus at 081-762-2010 and get inspired at www.aci-enterprise.com. We look forward to be of service to you.
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glossary of the trade organisations and accreditations The following are among the trade organisation memberships or qualifications held by some of the agents. Note that, in some instances, the qualification is with the individual employee – not the company overall.
Certified International Property Specialist – this is a members-only group which is for international practitioners of the National Association of REALTORS®.
CRS: Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) is the top professional designation awarded to REALTORS® in residential sales. Held by fewer than five per cent of all REALTORS®.
NAR: National Association of Realtors members can call themselves REALTORS®. NAR also functions as a self-regulatory organisation for real estate brokerage.
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Town & Country Property Co Ltd 63/10-11 Pattaya Tai Road, M10, Nongprue, Banglamung Pattaya City, Chonburi 20150 T: +66 (0)38 37 4136 F: +66 (0)38 37 4137 For any urgent matters after office hours: +66 (0)86 666 7238 E: info@towncountryproperty. com W: towncountryproperty.com Principal: Cees Cuijpers Memberships: CRS, REBA-ES, NAR About: Town & Country Property is one of Pattaya’s most respected real estate professionals. We specialise and focus on the Eastern Seaboard of Thailand (mainly Pattaya City and its suburbs). At Town & Country Property a dedicated team of real estate professionals provide high quality and value-added services to international and domestic buyers and sellers. We are not only a reputable agent but we have a strong arm in developments as well. Trust us: We know what it takes to cater to individual needs and requirements.
REBA (Thailand): This is the nationwide Real Estate Broker Association with affiliation to the international Council of Residential Specialists. REBA-ES is an affiliate of REBA (Thailand).
REBA-ES: The Real Estate Broker Association for the Eastern Seaboard are the main sponsors of this supplement. Members agree to abide by a code of ethics.
Five Star Villas & Condos Main office: Ground Floor Office, Tara Court Condominium 338/109 Pratumnak Road M: +66 (0)8 1938 8391 (English) or +66 (0)8 0091 6667 (Thai) E: robert@ fivestarvillasandcondos.com W: fivestarvillasandcondos.com Principals: Robert Watson and Mesiya (May) Watson Memberships: REBA-ES, REBA (Thailand), TREBS, RETS (Thailand), NAR, CRS About: Five Star Villas & Condos are one of the most qualified and experienced brokers in Pattaya. All Thai staff have graduated from the Real Estate School (Thailand) and English staff have undergone intensive training in valuation and hold the elite CRS designation as well as being a member of NAR. While also advising on – and selling – off-plan condos, Five Star see their main market as the resale of houses, pool villas and condos and continually work towards their mantra: “Exceeding our customer’s expectations”.
Benchmark Asia Property Co Ltd 315/309 M12, Thepprasit Road T: +66 (0)38 304 133 M: +66 (0)81 792 9486 E: info@benchmarkthailand. com W: benchmarkthailand.com Principal: Gareth De Silva Memberships: CRS, REBA (Thailand), REBA-ES, RETS (Thailand), NAR About: Benchmark has clearly established a reputation as a leading real estate company in Pattaya and the Eastern Seaboard. We offer resiential and commercial real estate services; construction and renovation services; property management; investment consultancy; project management and marketing and land sales. We have been nominated for awards in the category of “Best Real Estate Agent in Thailand”. Choose Benchmark for integrity, trust, professionalism and, most importantly, for their well known friendly approach. Choose the best, choose Benchmark.
RETS (Thailand): Real Estate Training School (Thailand) – brokers seeking membership of REBA must have staff attend and pass their test.
TREBS: The Thailand Real Estate Broker School provides training for real estate professionals. The course includes real estate-related laws, broker law, broker ethics etc.
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Siam Properties Pattaya Co Ltd Head office: 313/27 Moo 10, South Pattaya Road near Third Road T: +66 (0)38 415 490 F: +66 (0)38 414 693 E: info@siamproperties.net W: siamproperties.net Principals: Heiner and Porn Moessing Branch: Siam Properties Jomtien, Soi Welcome Jomtien 1 T: Mrs Dina 082 081 11 98 T: Mrs Qxana 082 065 55 68 E: jomtien@siamproperties.net Memberships: CRS, NAR, REBA (Thailand), REBA-ES About: Siam Properties was founded in 2001, but Heiner Moessing’s history in building and selling properties in Pattaya dates to 1995. Our staff come from six countries, we speak six languages. We have many interesting listings of pre-owned properties as well as all new projects. As a specialist for short- and longterm rentals we also take care of your investment properties and we offer a very good Italian coffee in our office!
who’s who in reba-es
Global Property Global Solidor Enterprise Co Ltd North Pattaya – 157/142 Moo 5, Naklua Road T: +66 (0)38 427 364 M: +66 (0)82 469 5551 or +66 (0)81 838 1390 E: info@global-solidor.com W: global-solidor.com Principal: Rainer Heinzmann Memberships: CRS, REBA (Thailand), REBA-ES, NAR About: Global Property has been a trusted partner with excellent service since 1986. With its vast experience and competent experts, Global Property offers you comprehensive advice with regard to all real estate matters. We have an extensive real estate portfolio all across Pattaya. If you are interested in buying, selling or renting a condo or a house, we provide all support you need. Our office is located in North Pattaya close to the dolphin roundabout on Naklua Road, next to our co-operation partners The German-Thai Group and ADIDAS and PUMA.
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Alan Bolton Property Consultants The Avenue Pattaya, Unit C102, 399/9 Moo 10, Pattaya Second Road, Chonburi 20150 Thailand T: +66 (0)38 416 728-9 F: +66 (0)38 416 730 E: info@pattaya-property.net W: pattaya-property.net Principal: Alan Bolton Memberships: REBA (Thailand), REBA-ES, RETS (Thailand), TREBS About: Alan Bolton’s vision is one of providing a professional service with an emphasis on customer service, focusing on the individual needs of each client, with the objective of ensuring that every customer’s experience of buying, selling and renting will be remembered as a positive one.
Rightmove Pattaya 369/1 M9, Units 8&9 2nd Road, PS Bowl (TOPS supermarket) T & F: +66 (0)38 361 212 M: +66 (0)89 253 5607 E: info@rightmovepattaya.com W: rightmovepattaya.com Principal: Craig Turner Memberships: REBA (Thailand), REBA-ES, RETS (Thailand) About: Managing director, Craig Turner is a 40-year-old British national who has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the Pattaya real estate market. At Rightmove Pattaya, we specialise in providing professional and impartial advice on all aspects of the process of buying and renting property in Pattaya, Jomtien and the surrounding areas. We market new developments, re-sale properties and also land. Our team strikes a perfect balance of local knowledge and indepth real estate experience. They have a wealth of training in customer services and are committed to achieving the best possible results.
Arise Asia Co Ltd View Talay 5 Building C, 477/25 Thappraya Road Second Office: Pratumnak Hill Soi 6, No 415 T: +66 (0)38 075 610 M: +66 (0)85 228 8911 (Thanya) or (0)89 555 7177 (office) E: info@ariseasia.com W: ariseasia.com Principal: Thanyamai Totharong (Thanya) Memberships: CRS, NAR, REBA (Thailand), REBA-ES, RETS (Thailand) About: Arise Asia dedicates itself to the satisfaction of its customers through top of the line service. Our team is enthusiastic, and works tirelessly to get you the best results. Since 2004 we have been striving to help customers discover the benefits of living in Pattaya. If you are looking for property, whether seafront, residential or condos, we will find it for you. If you are looking for leased buildings or a business, we will work with you to get the results you need.
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