phw10

As many on this board have pointed out---it is up to you. I think condos are like BG and you can find another if you look. Having said that, I bought last summer and had mine completely gutted and renovated so it feels like mine. It has a white water ocean view which I love and could never afford in California. I did not buy for investment purposes or to rent out, but to live in it. I think you can still find a deal if that it what you want to do. Renting vs. buying is the eternal debate and no one is completely right or wrong.

I asked a similar question on a different thread. No one seemed to know for sure, but most believed that if you can show where the money came from (sale of your condo) you should be able to tranfer it back to your home. I also will like to see what the legal minds say.

Barry I found Decorum on the internet. It looks very first class. I was thinking of sometime more simple like sb furniture or koncept furniture. I understand that if you are a member the Pattaya Expats Clubs you can get a card and get a 20% discount. I have not joined, but thought I would go to their meeting on Sunday morning before hitting the FLB bar sunday night. Anyone know of the quality of the SB furniture?????

Adam You sound like you are in the loop. Any plans to build next to the Jomteim Metro. I know there are vacant lots on each side of it. I own a studio there and was wondering when and if there would be neighbors or is it still too far South on Jomteim. Thanks for your opinion.

I have read a number of threads where there are comments about once you bring money into LOS, you will not be able to get it back out in case you want to. This may be a newbie question, but I could not find any answer. Do the Thai banks refuse to transfer funds to overseas accounts? Is there a regulation or tax on money leaving the country? Is this based upon personal experiences of BMs? I think it is important to know as it affects how much money you put into your account. Thanks for the anwer.

How does everyone feel about HomePro??? I walked thru there and it seemed to have good prices, but I have not comparison shopped. I am also looking to furnish my condo in May. I think I saw a shop that sells rataan. Anyone know anything about it??

Many boardies will say don't buy, rent. They argue it is safer. Having said that I am sort of prejudice since I bought a condo. I agree with LordFlash. You may want to move a little further out and get quite a bit more for your money. I also agree with bangkapiboy. Some of your friends may love it at first and then decide not to use it and want you to buy their share. I co-owned a condo on the Central Coast of California with two others and I wanted out and even though we had a written agreement, it caused some problems with the remaining two owners in that they cannot now sell th

Thanks for the info. I am adding them to my list and will scan them for more indepth info. Always good to have multiple perspectives.

Could not stop laughing. great Post

Adam, Do you know any one that does renovation of condos?????????

"If you just have to buy avoid the developers and the Real Estate Agents. They have inflated the prices feeling that they can get Falang suckers to buy. Everything that comes through these people is overpriced. Also avoid Falangs who are reselling. They paid too much to start with and are passing along that pricing plus a profit to you. Only buy directly from a Thai owner who is reselling and moving. In my condos there is a 45% difference in pricing depending on who is involved in the transaction. A word to the wise........" I agree with winner about avoiding the new developments or tho

I think the best choice is a condo. It has secuity, pools, some have small shops, tetc. Look for a good one. Whatever that means. I think it must meet your lifestyle, your ideas and cost. I would also work with a good realtor. You might check on those condos that are not quite at their farlang limit. As I understand it, once that limit is met, the laws of supply and demand kick in as any buyer must wait for a farlang seller. If I knew which way prices would go, I would have a lot of $$$. You want to buy, you have investigated the process, go for it. Just one word of caution. Y

4niceight Mirkwood's advice is very important. LOS does not have the zoning protections and rules that most of us are used to. If an ocean view is important to you, make certain that no one can build in front of you or block your view. I think the only way to be absolutely sure is that your condo is right on the beach or that is has contruction--ie a pool or whatever in front right on the beach. I am from California so an ocean view was a critical part of my decision making process.

I looked at a number of condos when I was going to buy my own. I liked the VT condos, but didn't find anything in my price range or if it was in my range, it didn't ring my bell. I can't comment on the "bad' condos. I purchased a 57SM+/- condo at the Metro and am trying to renovate it, but have not regrets. It is Jomtiem so it is away from the constant parties, but is a baht bus trip to Walking street. It has good security, an unblockable sea view and the grounds are being upgraded. I understand the prices are creeping up as it nears its farlang limit so I can't give you a quote, but tak

I agree with majority. Even if it is a scam, at least you feel better for dropping a couple of baht in the cup. And it may help him make his quota. There are worst things than stumps for hands. Did you read that in China the doctors transplanted a penis on some poor guy. Worst his wife didn't like it so they took it off. No joke I saw it while I was reading MSN about the coup.