By Mike Coffey, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO – With the exploding oil industry following the pre-salt discovery, and playing host to the World Cup in 2014, and the Olympics in 2016, talk of the Rio boom is echoing around the world, especially in Real Estate circles.
World property guru Sam Zell recently commented ‘If you look at all of the facts, I don’t think there is a better property environment in the entire world than Brazil,’ said Zell, who has also suggested that the country could surpass China in economic might in Thirty years.
Accessing this market may seem daunting to foreigners though, especially those who don’t speak Portuguese.
As a first step to getting familiar with the players, we’ve listed five top Real Estate companies here in Rio de Janeiro. The following appear to have the most current listings in Zona Sul (south zone), and claim to have agents fluent in English as Spanish.
CEMA Inmobiliaria who has recently joined forces with Ana Claudia Imóveis in order to provide over 16 years of experience in serving clients in the Rio Zona Sul market. They have offices in Flamengo and Copacabana.
Master Inmobiliaria is a young company that has only been in the market for two years. Master differentiated themselves through trying to dominate the online processes with an extensive web site that allows you to search properties as well as post and track your own listing.
Julio Bogoricin is another well-established enterprise with visible offices spread around the Zona Sul area and over 50 years experience. Under their umbrella they offer condominium and administration services, and a brokerage house. They are based out of Rio de Janeiro with five offices, three of them in Zona Sul.
Etica Inmobiliaria, with over 17,000 current listings throughout their 26 Brazilian branches, it is part of a much bigger holding company, Brazil Brokers. Etica has been in the Rio market for over 25 years and has five offices around the Zona Sul.
APSA Inmobiliaria is another household name in Zona Sul, and across Brazil. Established in the Thirties, APSA is now proud to claim the largest Brazilian portfolio of Real Estate and Condominium management. With thirteen offices in Rio de Janeiro, an in house insurance broker as well as a Legal team APSA is well prepared and knowledgeable for all your Zona Sul real estate needs.
With growing foreign interest in Rio de Janeiro, as well as the rest of the country, international agencies are planning growth in Brazil. Property specialist Colordarcy, based out of London has seen Brazilian property inquiries rise by 60 percent since the Olympic announcement.
Whether national or international, always remember Real Estate is not a perfect science; get second opinions, do your research carefully, and demand the best service possible out of your Real Estate agent.
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