Buying a House in Japan

In this episode of 'Buying a House in Japan,' hosts Joey and Take are joined by Erik Buhrow, who shares his experience of purchasing a home in Niigata Prefecture using the Aki Mart Direct program. Discussing the challenges and adventures of buying a property in Japan, Eric's story involves overcoming misconceptions about foreign ownership, navigating the logistics of registering utilities, and arranging cultural traditions like a Shinto blessing. His background in construction and love for Japanese culture and cars adds rich detail to his journey, providing insightful advice for prospective buyers. Eric emphasizes patience, the importance of location and passion, and turning this unique homebuying process into a fulfilling adventure.

00:00 Introduction and Initial Thoughts

00:30 Welcome to Buying a House in Japan

01:07 Meet Eric Burrow

01:42 Eric's House Purchase Experience

02:28 Insurance and Costs Breakdown

05:49 Why Niigata Prefecture?

10:21 Eric's Love for Cars

13:00 The Car Buying Process in Japan

18:51 Business Plans and Future Visions

21:39 The Home Buying Journey

24:45 Reflecting on the Journey

24:59 Roofing and Renovation Insights

26:04 Unexpected Challenges and Decisions

27:34 Client Experiences and Advice

29:54 Financial Transactions and Tips

31:29 Navigating Japanese Real Estate

32:07 Cultural Considerations and Trash Management

36:32 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

Get your Japan Real Estate Summit Tickets here: https://summit.realestate.jp/
Ziv's Podcast: Japan Real Estate Podcast
Nippon Tradings International: https://nippontradings.com/

In this episode of the Buying a House in Japan podcast, hosts Take and Joey welcome back highly requested guest Ziv Nakajima from Nippon Trainings International. They discuss the complexities of purchasing property in Japan, Ziv's personal journey in real estate, and insights into various market trends. The conversation also covers the upcoming Japan Real Estate Summit, featuring a diverse array of speakers and cutting-edge workshops. Additionally, the hosts delve into Ziv's personal and professional experiences, exploring his advice for prospective investors and the evolving landscape of Japanese real estate.  

00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement 

00:48 Ziv Nakajima's Background and Real Estate Journey 

02:50 Resources and Networking in Japanese Real Estate 

05:16 Upcoming Japan Real Estate Summit

 10:10 Challenges in Japanese Real Estate: Tenant Issues 

15:21 Trends and Opportunities in Japanese Real Estate 

18:50 Investing in Japanese Real Estate 

20:07 Exploring Thai Real Estate Opportunities 

21:24 Understanding the Right Fit for Low-Cost Properties 

23:32 Buying and Selling Businesses in Japan 

24:48 Personal Insights and Reflections 

31:22 Daily Routines and Productivity Tips

 34:09 Upcoming Summit and AkiyaMart Features

In this episode, Take and Joey share more lessons from their latest investment in a Kyuushu rental property. They discuss long-term rental strategies, renovation insights, and how to navigate Japan’s unique housing market. With tips from their expert deal-finder Keaton, they explore the delicate balance of making savvy investments without breaking the bank. Whether you’re new to Japanese real estate or a seasoned investor, this episode offers practical advice and real-world experiences.

00:10 Introduction and Podcast Overview

00:20 Insights on Japanese Real Estate Market

01:48 Challenges and Strategies for Long-Term Rentals

04:10 Renovation Tips and Tricks

13:41 Negotiation Tactics and Final Thoughts

Joey and Take join Risa on her inaugural podcast and share their journey of turning a post-layoff dream into a thriving business. Discover how these two friends started AkiyaMart, a company dedicated to helping foreigners buy and renovate abandoned homes in Japan. Learn about the challenges, triumphs, and the “doer” mentality that drives them to succeed in a market most would shy away from.

Find Risa's newsletter and podcast here

00:10 Introduction and First Impressions

06:06 The Birth of Akiya Mart

16:03 Challenges and Customer Insights

27:06 Embracing the Doer Mentality

31:46 Challenges and Opportunities in Japanese Real Estate

37:45 Future Plans

In this episode, Joey and Take dive into the exciting new features coming to AkiyaMart, including zoning and hazard maps, historical sold data, and customizable email alerts. Learn how these updates will enhance your property search experience in Japan, and get a behind-the-scenes look at the technical challenges and creative solutions driving these innovations.

00:10 Introduction

02:02 AkiyaMart Upgrades and SEO Efforts

06:46 Challenges and Future Features

18:17 Tackling Documentation and Feature Requests

19:34 Dream Features for AkiyaMart

24:12 Exploring Property Investments and Future Plans

Take and Joey dive into their latest adventure: purchasing a $3,500 akiya in Kitakyushu, Japan. They discuss the process of securing this bargain property, the challenges they anticipate, and the potential rewards. With insights from their trusted local contact, Keaton, who has negotiated the deal and offered to manage the renovation and rental process, they explore whether this investment could be a game-changer.

Link for the property listing
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00:10 Intro and Podcast Memories
01:05 Celebrating 100 True Fans
01:19 New T-Shirt Design Collab
03:14 Upcoming Tokyo Event
04:12 New Property Acquisition in Fukuoka
15:55 Assessing the Property's Viability
17:06 Documenting the Process
18:12 Exploring Kitakyushu and Travel Plans
21:09 Tax Implications
22:10 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

In this episode, Joey and Take dive into the challenges of setting up and managing a business bank account in Japan as foreigners. They share their frustrating experiences with Japanese banking technology, the complexities of accessing online banking, and the unexpected hurdles they encountered along the way. If you're considering doing business in Japan or just curious about the realities of Japanese banking, this candid discussion provides valuable insights and warnings. Tune in to hear their plans for overcoming these obstacles and their thoughts on finding better banking solutions in Japan.

00:10 Introduction and Greetings

00:23 Recap of Previous Episode

00:33 Japan's Economic State

01:21 Banking in Japan: An Overview

01:51 Challenges of Opening a Personal Bank Account

02:30 Setting Up a Business Bank Account

06:27 The Struggles with Online Banking

08:40 Comparing US and Japanese Banking

10:02 Frustrations with SMBC

18:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Description: In this episode, Joey and Take discuss the recent fluctuations in the yen and their impact on Japan's real estate market. Joey, with a master's degree in macroeconomics from Cambridge, explains the yen carry trade, the Bank of Japan's interventions, and the resulting effects on exchange rates and the stock market. They also share insights on how these changes influence property prices for foreign buyers and offer practical advice for navigating these economic shifts. Plus, they talk about the latest developments at Tama Base Camp and their exciting new property venture in Hiroshima. Tune in for a blend of economic analysis and real estate strategies.

00:10 Introduction and Welcome

00:23 Back from Japan: Travel Stories

01:14 Tama Base Camp Rental Details

02:03 Market Predictions and Yen Carry Trade

04:39 Impact of Exchange Rates on Property Prices

07:29 Understanding the Yen Carry Trade

09:42 Bank of Japan's Actions and Market Reactions

15:04 Global Economic Factors and Their Effects

17:03 Real Estate Trends and Affordability

19:13 Conclusion and Future Plans

In this episode, Joey and Take interview Kendall Bharath, a preferred agent with AkiyaMart based in Hokkaido. Kendall shares his experiences living in Japan for over a decade and provides a deep dive into the real estate market in Hokkaido. From the challenges of managing properties in snowy climates to the cultural nuances of buying homes in Japan, this episode offers valuable insights for anyone interested in Japanese real estate. Kendall also highlights the unique charm and lifestyle of Hokkaido, making a compelling case for why it might be the perfect place for your next investment. Tune in for a blend of practical advice and personal stories that bring the Hokkaido real estate market to life.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:31 First Impressions of Tama Base Camp

01:44 Recap of Akiyama Party

04:32 Kendall's Background and Journey to Japan

06:46 Life in Hokkaido and Real Estate Insights

11:39 Challenges in Japanese Real Estate Market

12:05 Cultural Norms in Japanese Workplaces

14:14 Negotiating Commissions and Offers

19:59 Foreign Buyers and Market Dynamics

22:56 Tourism and Community Sentiment in Hokkaido

26:17 Understanding Japanese Customs

26:31 The Importance of Speaking Japanese

26:42 Challenges of Communication

28:12 Depopulation and Housing Solutions

30:35 Exploring Hokkaido: A Hidden Gem

33:01 Living in Hokkaido: Nature and Lifestyle

36:47 Hokkaido's Culinary Delights

39:05 Real Estate Opportunities in Hokkaido

45:11 Challenges and Tips for Homebuyers

48:34 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Join Joey and Take as they share their experiences settling into their new home in the Tokyo suburbs. They talk about dealing with the sweltering summer heat, the quirks of their 1970s house, and the surprisingly efficient appliance deliveries. They also dive into the pros and cons of suburban life, like long commutes to central Tokyo and the warmth of their new neighbors. Plus, get an update on their renovation project in Beppu, with exciting progress and plans for furnishing the place for future Airbnb guests. It's a fun and honest look at the highs and lows of embracing life in Japan.

00:00 Introduction 

01:06 Rapid Fire Questions begin and House Insulation

04:40 Furniture and Appliance Delivery

10:40 Living Experience and Neighborhood

11:50 Konichiwa Texts and Tokyo Distance

12:09 Reality of Tokyo Commutes

13:35 Driving in Tokyo: Costs and Experiences

15:50 Airbnb Plans and Updates

16:10 Beppu Renovation Progress

20:00 Final Thoughts and Future Plans