The Real Estate Diplomat

Hosted by Aaron Masliansky

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Apr 2024

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Welcome to the Real Estate Diplomat, an American's guide to global real estate looking through a geo-political lens. I’m your host Aaron Masliansky, Realtor at Compass and Past Chairman of the Global Real Estate Council at the Chicago Association of Realtors. In each episode we will explore the American experience of buying real estate abroad, and learn how and why people from around the world move to and invest in the United States. We will speak with real estate professionals, political experts and those who have made the leap to move abroad.

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22 recent

April 3, 202455 min

Purpose-Driven Passports: A Journey of Altruism

On today’s episode of the Real Estate Diplomat, we're embarking on a truly inspirational journey with Tony and Thera Messina. A couple whose life story reads like an adventure novel, yet it's their heart and purpose that truly captivate. I had the privilege of meeting Tony and Thera in 2023, and it was an honor to assist them in selling their home—a pivotal step that has enabled them to pursue their lifelong dream of traveling the world and volunteering to make a difference wherever they go.The Messinas shared their incredible story of leaving their corporate jobs to embark on a global journey of exploration, philanthropy, and self-discovery. They discussed their motivations, the fears they overcame, the lessons they've learned, and their visions for the future, including a fascinating segue into creating a wellness and community center in Costa Rica. With experiences across 60 countries, their journey is a testament to personal growth, the kindness of strangers, and the universal spirit of giving back. For those inspired to follow in their footsteps, Tony and Thera shared practical advice on budgeting, travel, and making a positive impact while exploring the world. It’s a compelling listen for anyone interested in adventure, philanthropy, and living life on their own terms.Learn more at: https://tonyandthera.com/Get engaged in this global community by joining our Facebook Group by clicking here. Follow for updates and more content on Instagram @therealestatediplomat

December 28, 202343 min

From Chicago to Costa Rica: The Real Estate Adventure with Rebecca Clower

From Chicago to Costa Rica: The Real Estate Adventure with Rebecca ClowerHost Aaron Masliansky talks to Rebecca Clower about her transition from a Tampa realtor to a real estate industry leader in Costa Rica. On her journey, she moved from property management to real estate, eventually venturing into property development. She discusses her company, Blue Water Properties, the importance of ethical standards within realtor associations, and her role as president of the Association of Real Estates Agents in Costa Rica. Co-existing with the cultural diversity in Costa Rica has influenced her business operations significantly. The conversation covers the benefits of MLS in property marketing, challenges surrounding foreign financing, and insights for potential investors in Costa Rica. Rebecca also promotes her forthcoming YouTube series, 'Purchasing in Paradise,' which showcases life in Costa Rica and the essence of the real estate business there. The dialogue concludes with a warm invitation for listeners to visit Costa Rica and explore the country's real estate potential.00:00 Introduction and Host's Background00:48 Exploring the Idea of International Real Estate01:39 Guest Introduction: Becky's Journey02:15 Becky's Early Life and Move to Costa Rica03:07 Transition from Tampa Realtor to Costa Rica Real Estate Luminary04:42 The Evolution of Becky's Real Estate Business07:09 The Challenges and Rewards of Moving to Costa Rica12:51 The Impact of Bilingualism and Biculturalism on Becky's Career14:07 The Role of Media in Becky's Real Estate Business18:04 The Importance of Professionalism in Costa Rica's Real Estate Market19:59 Discussion on Current Controversies in Real Estate22:44 Building Relationships with Clients23:15 Challenges and Successes in Implementing MLS24:02 Impact of the Pandemic on Real Estate25:27 Buying Property in Costa Rica: The Process29:44 Financing Options for Foreigners30:57 Property Management and Rental Services34:23 Introducing 'Purchasing in Paradise' Show38:43 Future Plans and Ventures40:47 Contact Information and Final ThoughtsMore Information on Rebecca:Website: https://bluewaterpropertiesofcostarica.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamrebeccaclower/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/becky.savitskyclowerYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@RebeccaClowerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccaclower/

July 30, 202326 min

Live from Costa Rica: Exploring Real Estate with the Chicago Association of Realtors

Welcome back to the Real Estate Diplomat podcast! In this exciting episode, we come to you live from the beautiful landscapes of Costa Rica, specifically from Guanacaste! Joining us on this captivating journey are two esteemed guests who are leading figures in the real estate industry.Our first guest is Linda Hattar, the Chairwoman of the Global Real Estate Council for the Chicago Association of Realtors and the Vice President of Aco Commercial. Linda's extensive expertise and leadership have made a significant impact on the real estate landscape in Chicago and beyond.Accompanying Linda is the dynamic Alonzo Abron, the Vice Chairman of the Global Real Estate Council for the Chicago Association of Realtors and the President of A Progeny Global. With his wealth of experience, Alonzo has been driving innovation in the real estate sector, leaving a profound mark in the industry.Together, we are here on a trade mission with the Chicago Association of Realtors, getting the chance to meet visionary leaders of the Costa Rica Global Association of REALTORS and connect with local Realtors. Along the way, we have explored real estate developments and experienced the rich culture of Costa Rica.In this episode, we dive into the invaluable insights gained from exploring a new real estate market and understanding its intricacies. Being on the ground, meeting people, and witnessing real estate transactions in action offers a unique perspective that we can't wait to share with you.Join us as we uncover the boundless potential of the Costa Rican real estate scene, and how international collaborations are shaping the industry. Whether you're an investor or a prospective buyer, this episode promises to provide fresh perspectives on the global real estate market.Tune in for riveting conversations with Linda Hattar and Alonzo Abron, and gain a deeper understanding of the power of real estate in a global context. Subscribe to the Real Estate Diplomat podcast for more captivating stories from around the world and learn more at https://www.therealestatediplomat.com/#RealEstateDiplomatPodcast #CostaRicaRealEstate #GlobalRealtors #ChicagoAssociationOfRealtors #RealEstateTradeMission #GuanacasteAdventures #carincostarica #carglobal

May 31, 202344 min

The Power of Video and AI in Real Estate: A Conversation with Phil Piszczako

Introduction: In today's insightful episode, host Aaron Masliansky brings you a deep dive into the world of real estate videography with special guest Phil Piszczako. As the seasoned videographer for Dream Town, Phil has a wealth of experience and insights to share. They discuss the importance of video in the industry, how it's rapidly evolving, and how AI is disrupting traditional practices and creating new opportunities.Episode Summary: Aaron and Phil touch on various aspects of real estate videography, starting with the power of storytelling through video to demonstrate long-lasting generational value. Phil shares his unique perspective on how emotion can be harnessed in videos and the importance of differentiating content in a saturated market.He delves into the technique of highlighting key features of a property to create engaging and cinematic videos, emphasizing the role of the realtor as the brand. They also discuss the balance between creating catchy content without sounding overly promotional.Phil speaks candidly about his business, which is centered on video production for realtors. He shares insights into his course "Video for Real Estate Agents," which he designed to empower realtors with the know-how to leverage video content effectively.The discussion takes an exciting turn as they explore the future of the industry, with Phil highlighting the transformative role of AI in areas such as language translation for improved client communication. Phil reveals his embrace of AI, mentioning that his entire website is AI-generated.Key Quotes from the Episode:Phil Piszczako:"You really did. And it's easier to tap into that if you can tell something that has long-lasting value with like generations...""Tapping into people's emotions in a way that's you're not supposed to think that way... It gave me a perspective and I think a skill to look at things a little differently.""If you can make a cinematic video...that's how you tell the story. You find the key features of the house and you highlight 'em first basically.""You are the brand. You can come in and you can bring the brand to the video by talking in the video...""So it's mainly about catching interest, that it's hard to not sound infomercially...""It all starts with the brand. Video brand is a whole different story. It's about figuring out what your voice is...""Tony B's entertainment, he's entertaining me. That's the value. So what I would suggest, and I can. Guarantee. This is how he did it, is when you figure out which one of the ways you're bringing value, let's say it's humor with entertainment like Tony B, I bet you Tony B is a funny guy in a regular life. So what you want to do is just take you and amplify you by 10.""my main business is video of any kind for realtors...we created video for realtors made easy...I'm starting to put my face to it a little bit...""An agent is having an email issue with a client who doesn't speak English. And I just went, have AI translate that email for you and send it back.""My whole website is AI generated."Phil's Contact Information:Linktree

March 12, 202350 min

The Future of Real Estate: Crypto, Blockchain, and Global Security with Nelson Rosario

Welcome to this week's episode of The Real Estate Diplomat. This episode was recorded on March 8, 2023, just a few days prior to the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank. Many elements of this conversation lend more credence to the idea of crypto becoming a backstop currency, whether it be due to financial instability or global conflict. On today's show, we sit down with Nelson Rosario, founder and partner at Rosario Tech Law, LLC. Nelson works with clients in the cryptocurrency industry and other emerging technology industries on legal issues related to property, privacy, and power.Nelson's expertise has been recognized in various publications such as the New York Times, TechCrunch, CoinDesk, Law360, and more. He is licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois and before the United States Patent & Trademark Office. He holds a JD from Illinois Tech, Chicago-Kent College of Law, a BS in Computer Science from Florida State University, and a BA in History and Political Science from the University of Minnesota.In this episode, we dive into the world of crypto, blockchain, AI, and global security. We also explore how these technologies relate to real estate purchases and how the real estate industry can benefit from blockchain.To learn more about Nelson Rosario, you can visit his website at https://rosariotechlaw.com/ or follow him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/NelsonMRosario.To connect with Aaron Masliansky, the host of The Real Estate Diplomat, you can visit his website at https://www.therealestatediplomat.com/ or follow him on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter using the links provided below:Website: https://www.therealestatediplomat.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-masliansky-4b937217/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/633849318025738 Twitter: https://twitter.com/aaronmaslianskyTune in to this episode for an insightful discussion on the intersection of real estate and emerging technologies.

February 13, 202342 min

2023 Market Update

This week, on Inside the Skev, we sit down Jennifer LaMell Goldstone from Horwitch, Goldstone & Shaw, Deanne Cooper from Fidelity National Title Insurance and Beth Lewis from CrossCountry Mortgage. We speak about the work of attorneys, title companies and lenders, how these industries support real estate investments here locally in Chicago and the United States. We also discuss the current state of the real estate market in February 2023. This episode was also released on my Chicagoland podcast, Inside the Skev. According to Beth Lewis, she issued the following update regarding the mortgage market:Mortgage rates jumped to their highest levels in a month this week because of last Friday’s Jobs report. Due to most of the focus being on inflation and the possible Fed rate increase, it was easy to overlook employment which is the other marker the Fed uses to gauge the strength of the economy. The most recent jobs report showed that there were more than 500k new jobs created. Pandemic years aside, this quarter typically sees a reduction in job creations and increased unemployment due to seasonal holiday jobs ending. The expectation was for 185K new jobs so 517K really blew predictions out of the water. Right now any positive economic news is bad for rates, and while the volatility is stressful we have to remember the opportunity it gives us to be advisors to our clients.For clients concerned with the raising Fed Funds rate, remind them that this does not impact mortgage loans. The Fed rate is separate, it is the rate that banks charge other for overnight loans controlled by the Fed Reserve. Typically changes to the Fed Funds rates are reflected in advance of the actual changes and there were no changes to mortgage rates due to last week’s increase. One indicator that the economy is slowing is the unemployment report from this week. It increased new filings by 13k over December’s figures. It goes without saying that I would never want anyone to lose their job, but this is the second metric we should be paying attention to in order to see if we are heading towards a recession. A recession would bring lower rates. My opinion is that rates will hover right around where they have been for the last month until the Q1 earnings are released, and we have more data to really understand where the economy stands.My advice to clients right now is to concentrate on the big picture. “Why do you need to buy or sell a home today and how do we get you a payment that fits your budget?” It’s impossible to time the market and we can only use the facts and tools that we have today, which are temporary buydowns and knowledge that there are many loan level price adjustments coming in April that will make home loans more expensive. We also know that rates will drop if we are in a recession and the Fed starts buying mortgage-backed securities. None of us can know when that is or what the bottom will be, but my team is here if a refi opportunity presents itself.To learn more about the guests, go to the following websites:Jennifer LaMell Goldstone: https://www.hgslegal.com/Deanne Cooper: https://www.fntic.com/ or Deanne.Cooper@fnf.comBeth Lewis: https://crosscountrymortgage.com/Beth-Lewis-Team/Beth-Lewis/To follow Inside the Skev, go to https://www.skevanston.com/Connect with Aaron Masliansky!Website: https://www.therealestatediplomat.com/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-masliansky-4b937217/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/633849318025738Twitter: https://twitter.com/aaronmaslianskyGet engaged in this global community by joining our Facebook Group by clicking here.

June 26, 202245 min

Daniel Aschheim-Deputy Consul General of Israel to the Midwest

This week on Inside the Skev, we are joined by Dr. Daniel Aschheim. He currently serves as Deputy Consul General at the Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest. He was appointed to this Chicago-based post in September of 2020 where he assumed the role as Consul for Public Diplomacy serving as the spokesperson for the Consulate's nine-state Midwestern region. This episode is also being released on my sister podcast, Inside the Skev. In this episode we discuss a multitude of topics such as the role of the Consulate; Israel's programming within the Midwest; issues relating to terrorism and Iran; Israel's response to the Pandemic; Israel's stance on the war in Ukraine; American investment in Israel and Israeli investment within the Chicagoland area. More information on the Israeli Consulate to the Midwest can be found here: https://embassies.gov.il/chicago/Pages/default.aspxThis episode is dedicated to my late grandfather, Eugene Chez, who passed away on June 23rd. Sign up for the newsletter and reach out to Aaron Masliansky at aaron@skevanston.com with any questions or suggestions. Get engaged in this global community by joining our Facebook Group by clicking here. Shoutout to First Class Moving & Storage and Lapin Systems for sponsoring this episode!

April 22, 202223 min

Gay Cororaton- Ukraine Update on Global Real Estate

In this episode, Aaron is was joined by NAR’s Senior Economist, Director of Housing and Commercial Research Gay Cororaton to discuss the impacts the war in Ukraine will have on our industry. This interview was conducted under Aaron's role of the Chairman of the Global Real Estate Council for the Chicago Association of Realtors Global Insider Series. Global Real Estate Council for the Chicago Association of Realtors Global Insider Series: https://chicagorealtor.com/watch-our-global-insiders-series-about-the-how-the-real-estate-industry-has-been-impacted-by-the-war-in-ukraine/?fbclid=IwAR11hoCE3VI2sWuG2FsUMbNp4TPjsTjN6uToXPmT_liEm_6xYgJAIhHfmCg Gay Cororaton: https://www.nar.realtor/scholastica-gay-cororaton

February 16, 202239 min

Ally Rodriguez - Navigating Central American Real Estate

Looking to invest in the Central American region? Ally Rodriguez will be sure to inform you about the know-hows today! In this episode, Aron Masliansky is joined by Ally Rodriguez to provide input in investing globally in Central America. Ally empowers people through education to learn how to buy international real estate, and find their fit. Ally also shares that the cultures of Central America are different than what you may be used to, and it can be refreshing. She speaks about Panama City where there’s a boardwalk that people go to just to be a part of a tribe in a collective community. There’s a lot to learn about the Central American culture and how to get there so stay tuned!The career shift: Ally shared that when she and her family moved to Belize, they didn’t have a solid plan on how to live. They didn’t have jobs, they sold everything they had in Texas, started a new life from scratch with the money they had. What struck Ally is that she likes the idea of teaching, coming from a background of teaching in a public school. Ally explored all different options for teaching from online to teaching in a school again, but it didn’t feel right anymore. After a couple of years of living in the island, Ally was offered the position where she can reach out to people who had the same situation as her and help them. The idea of meeting someone who has little idea of what they want to do other than needing a change of pace or environment, Ally fell in love with the job as it also allows her to educate and empower people to take the crucial first step into finding the paradise that they want and need.The pandemic’s lesson about Central America:Ally shares that one of the reasons why people from the US are moving into to Central America is to have a plan B in case a situation calls for the need to move. A common reason people move to Belize or Honduras is because they did not like how their country or government handled the pandemic. She also tells us how she was on a vacation in Honduras when the lockdowns started and was stuck there for five months!About Ally Rodriguez:Ally began her professional career as an elementary school teacher in Texas where she helped grow and shape young minds for over 10 years. Her tenure included many awards and recognitions for the dedication and support she provided to her students from many diverse and challenged backgrounds. In November 2017, she moved with her husband to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye after a brief trip to the island only a few months before. Her love of the warm Caribbean waters, friendly people, and rich culture immediately made her feel at home.As Mrs. Rodriguez’s knowledge of the community and market grew, she found herself as the marketing manager for various businesses on the island where she discovered her desire to deliver information to tourists and locals alike, eventually connecting her with well-known real estate developers in the Central American region. In May 2019, the adventurous souls held by both her and her husband couldn’t be contained and the love of the new culture and country led them to become permanent residents of Belize.After holding the position of International Referral Network Director at ECI Devekopment for over 2 years, Ally and her husband decided it was time to spread their wings and position themselves to be able to help people from all walks of life in their desire to move to locations around the world.Panama was the next stop on the list and in December of 2021, Ally along with her husband packed their bags and booked a one-way ticket to the Bridge of the Americas. Upon arriving and settling in, she co-founded a consulting business to offer first-hand advice, experience, and services to people wanting to relocate to Central America and beyond!Through this new business, she has teamed up with the Velarium Group to head up the sales department for the award-winning communities designed by EcoVillages.Life.Outline of the Episode:[03:14] Ally’s background and the move to Belize[10:16] How the pandemic made a way for Ally[19:56] Why are people choosing to move into Central America[21:45] Integrating into society and culture in Panama[25:43] Panama as a global hub[29:25] How to keep your paradise, a paradise[31:34] Ally’s present workloadAnd many more!Resources:Website: https://www.ecovillages.life/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ally.rod.international/Connect with Aaron Masliansky!Website: https://www.therealestatediplomat.com/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-masliansky-4b937217/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/633849318025738Twitter: https://twitter.com/aaronmasliansky

February 3, 202234 min

Marc Tropp on Commercial Lending

Commercial real estate is a major driver for foreign direct investment into the United States. Today, Aaron Masliansky is joined by Marc Tropp to share information about commercial lending and how the service can definitely help people that are looking to invest or buy properties, whether they are from the US or abroad. Aaron and Marc have known each other since high school and now are both working in the same field. Marc will share more on the general sense of commercial lending and what he thinks will be the future for commercial property investment. Be sure to stay tuned because there’s a lot to discuss in this episode! The realm of commercial lending (2:50): Marc starts by explaining what commercial lending is. This includes industrial property, hotel, office, multi-family residential and more. Commercial lenders, as Marc shared, work together with reall estate brokers to better understand the current landscape of the marketplace. Commercial lenders as global bridges (23:07):Just before this interview, Marc was on the phone with a client from Singapore that would like to buy an apartment building in the US. He shares that typically non-US citizen clients will look for a lower leverage deal. Marc then shares what he would do in these cases to lower the risks and provide clients a way to recoup their finances. Marc further shares that it’s currently a trend for international investors looking for US properties and acknowledges that the world really is getting more connected especially in terms of business. Whenever Marc is being asked why the US is doing significantly better in the market, his opinion is because the safest place to be putting in money and potentially growing it is in America. He shares more about the American market and why it’s safer to invest in, and the state of other countries such as China in this episode! About Marc Tropp:Senior Managing Director at Eastern Union. Financed over $1 billion in properties of all types. Experience working with a wide range of lending institutions including community banks, CMBS, life companies, and institutional investors. Introduce new lenders to the DC-Metro area and surrounding markets, resulting in increased and consistently robust production for Eastern Union’s Bethesda office. Experience executing complicated deals, including a hotel conversion with an EB-5 component and an equity stake raised for a retail legend’s 239th retail purchase. Recognized by the Commercial Observer in 2014 in its annual top ”Brokers and Lenders on the Rise” feature honoring 25 national executives under 35 years of age. Outline of the Episode:[02:44] The premise of commercial lending[04:48] Fund sourcing for projects[06:35] The trend in commercial lending [12:07] More about the scope of work and services[22:58] How lenders help non-US citizens [29:02] Developments in China and will it affect the USAnd many more! Find Marc Tropp on. . . Email: mtropp@easternunion.com Website: https://easternunion.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marctropp/ Connect with Aaron Masliansky! Website: https://www.therealestatediplomat.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-masliansky-4b937217/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/633849318025738 Twitter: https://twitter.com/aaronmasliansky