Looking to purchase a Apartment Unit/Villa/House/Flat... for my Parents in Shanghai. Just wondering how I as a foreigner (US Citizen / ABC) can make sure I get the best deal possible/not getting ripped off. Where should I look, Should I work with a real estate agent/consultant, how can I find out whats the best price, any suggestion/information would be welcomed.

thanks,

John

I have picked up two properties so far and both times i did fairly well. Common sense somes to play here when selecting your agent and brokerage. I know of certain US-branded realestaet companies here that have some very unscrupulous franchisees who come from a slightly different Chinese background that take advantage of their ability to communicate with Foreigners to find ways to elicit their trust then rip them off. I also know of locally owned and run brokerages and agents that are honest and hard working to a fault. So You cant just look at who owns the agencies but also how they operate. Standard common sens of using caution will apply.

As for finding teh best deals, there are so many issues you need to consider when buying property, including how long you plan to keep it, what do the inhabitants require, proximity to transportation and convenience to daily living activities (whetehr it be work or paly ro shoppng)

Goodluck

Thanks. I heard from some that they heard of some good deals at Shanghai Property Expo/Conventions. I guess I need to find out where and when they happen.

John