Tried & True; the Red, White, & Blue..

The Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate (AFIRE) has recently published their 17th annual survey which includes notable U.S. Real Estate Trends.
Among those surveyed in the last quarter of 2008, were the association's 200 members with collective holdings of approximately $371 billion in the U.S.

"By a wide margin, survey respondents said the U.S. continues to provide both the most stable and secure real estate investment environment and the best opportunity for capital appreciation. Respondents also overwhelmingly pointed to the U.S. as the primary target for their real estate investment dollars and said that as an average, 45% of their portfolio is invested in U.S real estate"

Click here for the full story and stats: Substantial Up-Tick in Foreign Real Estate Investment Expected in 2009. Strong Signals for US.

To Facebook Or Not To Facebook?

That is the question facing several Realtors today. Newsweek recently printed an encouraging article asking "Can Facebook Revive the Real Estate Market?". With the recent downturn, Realtors around the block have been turning to social networking sites to tout their wares. Being a Realtor naturally lends itself to being social, and what better place than a networking site, to expand your sphere of influence?
Well, apparently Facebook is not so keen on Realtors. FutureOfRealEstateMarketing.com recently came across an exchange between a Realtor and Customer Service. Facebook does not allow listings on personal pages citing a type of invasion of privacy. However, paid social ads are acceptable within a certain context with the success rate being rather hit or miss.
Personally, I see it as a pretty fine line between accessing a database of potential clients with a low-key approach and exploiting the site with a tasteless "in your face" sales pitch.
Many sites have areas or groups set aside for such pursuits. Perhaps an unspoken, online, code of ethics is developing in the industry... where do you stand?

Eco-Friendly Earthquakes!

Portola Valley, California has taken an innovative approach to earthquake proofing their town. Built atop the San Andreas Fault they stepped up to the unique challenge of adding a Green element to the mix. In the time it takes to say -oh-so-sustainable, Portola Valley achieved LEED Platinum certification and is now a role model for other organizations. On 11 acres of native landscapes rest 3 community structures with every eco-trick in the book. Made 33% more efficient than local regulations and experiencing only a 2% increase in overal project costs is expected to save the town a 20% savings over total production costs over 20 years. Whoa.

Get more story at: Archi.Tech
More insight via Portola Valley: Sustainable Building in Portola Valley