Pictured the house we bought BEFORE it was flipped. In this episode of the "Buying a House in Japan" podcast, hosts Take and Joey dive into their latest real estate adventure with updates on their Tokyo Base Camp property purchase. They share detailed insights on the closing process, the unique challenges of navigating Japanese real estate, and the intricacies of commission structures. The episode also touches on the cultural nuances and legalities that set Japanese real estate transactions...

Property listing: Tokyo Base Camp [https://www.akiya-mart.com/listing/19466510?currency=usd&is-metric=false] In this episode, Joey and Take celebrate their successful offer on a turn-key property in Tokyo for $115,000. They start with a fun chat about getting a Breville espresso machine as a business expense. They then detail the new Tokyo property, highlighting its spaciousness, recent renovations, and prime location next to a U.S. military golf course, while noting its distance from...

Watch the video walkthrough [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxrnIWZeQZ4&ab_channel=AkiyaMart] | View the listing [https://www.akiya-mart.com/native/1?currency=usd&is-metric=true] In this episode, Asa Nakano joins us to discuss her stunning cabin for sale in Susono, Japan. Situated near Mount Fuji, the two-story cabin features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a spacious wooden deck, perfect for enjoying the serene, natural surroundings. Asa highlights the property's convenience,...

Property Listing: Tama/Tokyo Base Camp [https://www.akiya-mart.com/listing/19466510?currency=usd&is-metric=false] Take and Joey are back with another attempt to secure a Tokyo akiya, this time in Tama City. They're eyeing a 1971 home, listed at 18 million yen (about $115,000 USD), which offers a spacious lot and recent renovations. Dubbed "Tokyo Base Camp," this property could serve as their new headquarters. They discuss the pros, such as the attractive price and move-in readiness, and...

Joey and Take discuss their Japanese real estate journey, reflecting on their first house purchase in Beppu and the current search for a second property. They share challenges of banking in Japan and their attempts at buying a house in Tokyo. Property listing: Crow Lux [https://www.akiya-mart.com/listing/11472586?currency=usd&is-metric=false] Key Points: 1. Property Search: Their low offer on a Tokyo house was rejected due to moisture issues. 2. Banking Challenges: They detail the...

Link to the property: Crow Mountain [https://www.akiya-mart.com/listing/11464941?currency=usd&is-metric=false&fbclid=IwAR2OmzG5jauW8NU-5loWMU66BYbrwT-3Vs-bRk2_uLqSY2MJIN7g6L2wFLQ] In Episode 26 of the "Buying a House in Japan" podcast, hosts Take and Joey discuss their recent offer on an Akiya (abandoned house) in Tokyo. They reflect on their past experiences, including purchasing a property in Southern Japan, and share updates on their journey.  The Tokyo property appears promising...

In this episode, Take and Joey discuss the intricacies of closing costs with Kendall Bharath, a REMAX real estate agent based in Hokkaido, Japan. Kendall explains the appeal of Hokkaido for its exceptional snow conditions, ideal for skiing and snowboarding, and shares his journey from teaching to real estate. The episode focuses extensively on the specifics of closing costs associated with purchasing property in snowy regions like Hokkaido, emphasizing the challenges and expenses of...

Take and Joey start Episode 24 by discussing the Japan Real Estate (JRE) conference (recording link here [https://nippontradings.com/japan-real-estate-summit-spring-2024/]) that Joey attended in Tokyo. The conference, organized by Nippon Tradings International (NTI), covered key topics for foreigners interested in the Japanese real estate market, including low mortgage rates, navigating Japanese property laws, and tips for investing in rural Japan. Joey shared his experience giving a talk at...

Video link: https://youtu.be/6rO1YfMwjN4 In preparation for their presentation at the Japan Real Estate Summit on April 6th, Joey and Take rehearse their insights on the "Dear Diary Series: Japan Real Estate Summit Presentation." They introduce AkiyaMart, their platform designed to demystify the Japanese real estate market for foreigners with its user-friendly design and AI-enhanced listings. Sharing personal stories that led to AkiyaMart's creation, they emphasize the platform's role in...

JREP Summit Event Description + Tickets: https://nippontradings.com/japan-real-estate-summit-spring-2024/ Shizuoka Warehouse: https://akiya-mart-staging-b358b27c51df.herokuapp.com/listing/192828 In this episode, Joey and Take dive into their preparations for an engaging Akiyama quiz at the upcoming JREP conference in Tokyo. They discuss potential changes to the podcast's intro to keep it fresh for the next season and reflect on the importance of consistency.  The duo shares updates on...

In Episode 22 of the "Buying a House in Japan" podcast, hosts Take and Joey sit down with Rob Arimoto from Shimax Legal, offering a wealth of knowledge on navigating Japan's legal landscape for foreigners. Rob, a seasoned judicial scrivener with a diverse background spanning IT and legal services, has been instrumental in helping the hosts through their journey. This episode provides a comprehensive look at crucial topics like the role of a Shihoshoshi, forming a company in Japan, and...

In Episode 21, Take and Joey navigate contractor setbacks, deliberate AkiyaMart's pivot towards a B2B model, and plan for Tokyo property purchases. They share the complexities of establishing a legal entity in Japan for their business, touching upon rebranding considerations due to expanding beyond Akiya listings. The episode also explores their ambitions to host a launch party and their contemplation of two Tokyo properties, weighing the benefits of each for future Airbnb ventures and...

In Episode 20 of the "Buying a House in Japan" podcast, Take and Joey, insights and answer the top five frequently asked questions they've encountered. They discuss their personal experiences, from the reasons behind the low cost of houses in Japan to the feasibility of owning property as a foreigner and the potential for using such properties for Airbnb. The episode is packed with practical advice, including discussions on hidden costs, the process of buying, and the implications for...

Show notes: -Nippon Trading International's website: https://nippontradings.com/ -Ziv's podcast: Japan Real Estate Podcast [https://open.spotify.com/show/3CBbtuMMsrU6rekqM3oxKj?si=44a42f6c621443a0] -Video version of show: https://share.descript.com/view/17E0G5e2Xjd -Akiyamart Deal Analysis: https://www.akiya-mart.com/listing/1991201 Summary: Introduction [00:01:00]: Ziv Nakajima Magen, a key figure in property acquisition for foreigners in Japan, joins the "Buying a House in Japan"...

What's in This Episode? 1. Big News! They got featured in Business Insider, which brought tons of visitors to their website. A surprise, but a happy one! 2. Investment Tips: They're exploring high-yield condos in Japan - turns out, there are some really good deals out there! 3. Renovation Update: A bit of a delay on their house renovation, but they're hopeful it'll be done by April. 4. Business Setup: They're diving into the world of Japanese business, choosing 'Takamori KK' as their...

This is a repost of Nippon Tradings International's "Japan Real Estate Podcast [https://open.spotify.com/show/3CBbtuMMsrU6rekqM3oxKj?si=d369294dd8be45d1]" with Ziv Nakajima-Magen. Full Video with Demo [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5n9_EOr_SI&feature=youtu.be&ab_channel=Japan_Real_Estate] Nippon Tradings International's website [https://nippontradings.com/] Episode 17 summary: * Take and Joey's Akiya Journey: Learn how Take, a licensed California real estate agent, and Joey, a...

In Episode 16, Take and Joey discuss the importance of considering earthquake resistance when buying property in Japan. They reflect on their experiences with significant earthquakes, including the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, and highlight Japan's evolving building codes post the 1995 Kobe earthquake. Emphasizing the necessity for properties to adhere to current earthquake-proofing standards, Joey remains optimistic about investing in Japanese real estate despite the natural disaster risks. The...

In episode 15 of their podcast, Take and Joey discuss their real estate ventures in Japan. They celebrate purchasing a house in Japan within a year, to be completed in February, bought outright without a mortgage. They update on the development of their website, Akiya-Mart (www.akiya-mart.com [http://www.akiya-mart.com/]), a platform for Japanese real estate focusing on abandoned houses ('akiya'). The site is transitioning from beta to a viable product with improved features. They also delve...

In the podcast episode "Why are Houses in Japan So Cheap?", hosts Take and Joey explore various factors contributing to the low cost of houses in Japan.  They discuss the abundance of abandoned homes, especially in rural areas, and the impact of Japan's economic stagnation and demographic shifts, such as population decline and the younger generation's preference for urban living. The episode also touches on the cultural inclination towards new items, the perception of houses as depreciating...

The hosts Take and Joey celebrate surpassing the typical podcast milestone of 12 episodes. They reflect on their recent experiences in Japan, particularly the challenges and insights gained from setting up an Akiya (abandoned house) in Beppu.  The episode covers a range of topics, from renovation struggles like a completely gutted kitchen to logistical issues such as the importance of having a local phone number and cash in a cash-based society. They also discuss the benefits of quick...

In this episode, Joey and Take discuss their experiences and updates from Japan. They chat about headphones, reflect on Thanksgiving, and share updates on their house construction, including the installation of a horikotatsu in the living room. They talk about Akiya Mart, their house search tool, and its new features. The duo shares insights from their interview with the Nikkei Shimbun about Japan's increasing abandoned houses. They discuss the challenges in dealing with these properties and...

Joey and Take discuss their real estate ventures in Japan, focusing on using self-directed IRAs and 401Ks for property investment. They highlight the complexity and potential of this strategy, especially in areas like Tokyo.  The episode also covers their experiences with house renovation, the challenges of poor insulation in Japanese homes, and updates on their website Akiyamart, a platform for Japanese real estate discovery. They conclude with reflections on their financial situation and...

Take and Joey are both jobless at the moment and are trying to figure out how to make some money. They have hired a contractor to renovate the house, and they are also looking for ways to scale their business so that they can buy more houses in the future. In this episode, they discuss their progress on the renovation, their plans for the future, and their concerns about running out of money. Japanese Real Estate Finder: https://www.akiya-mart.com/ [https://www.jillow.com/]  Video tour of...

Joey & Take share an update on the recent fire that occurred near their house in Beppu, Japan.  They discusses their interest in potentially buying the land where the burned house stands. They also talk about their experience with two contractors, with one offering a surprisingly low quote for their renovation project.  The episode concludes with Joey preparing for a Halloween party and describing his costume, which is inspired by the movie "How High." Japanese Real Estate Finder:...

Take and Joey discuss their experiences with two contractors as they plan renovations on their house in Japan.  They provide insights into their interactions with these contractors and their cultural nuances, emphasizing the importance of cultural understanding when working with Japanese contractors. The contractors measured, discussed earthquake-related concerns, and made suggestions for their home. Take and Joey both prefer the smaller, more independent contractor (Contractor A) over the...