Property Talk from Louise's Lounge

Exclusive Links Podcast,  Property Talk from Louise’s Lounge, is all about keeping our audience in touch with current topics, sharing relevant and accurate information and introducing interesting guests and industry professionals. Joining host Louise Heatley on Episode 31 of Property Talk from Louise’s Lounge is none other than Dr. Sohaib Shahid, Founder of Bespoke Options Academy. With a PhD in economics and over a decade of experience in finance and real estate investments, Dr. Shahid brings unparalleled expertise to this episode. From his tenure at the IMF and World Bank to features in top media outlets like the Financial Times and Reuters. In this episode, Louise Heatley, with her 19 years of market expertise, explores how to 'Scale Up Your Real Estate Portfolio Through the Stock Market' alongside Dr. Sohaib Shahid. Together, they uncover the synergy between Dubai's real estate market and stock options, offering valuable insights and strategies for wealth-building. From the importance of diversification to the fluidity of investments, Dr. Shahid's personal stories and expert advice are invaluable for navigating the complexities of the financial landscape and maximizing investment opportunities. Dr. Sohaib Shahid shares the strategies that are taught at Bespoke Options Academy Why is investment diversification so important? Gain knowledge across the multiple asset classes and how to remain fluid in your investments   Louise questions what the minimum investment is needed to get started - financially and in time  Why are more people not growing their property portfolio through income from stock options?   Dr. Sohaib Shahid addresses any scepticism and shares worst and best-case scenariosTune in to gain invaluable insights and strategies for optimizing your investments, bridging the gap between real estate and options trading and unlocking new avenues for wealth generation."Please send any feedback on our episodes and suggestions of what you would like to see in the future to zarah@exclusive-links.com 

Step into the world of Exclusive Links with the dynamic duo Louise and Zarah, as they celebrate their 2023 triumph at the Property Finder Awards and set the stage for an exciting Dubai property market in 2024. In this episode, explore the foundation of their winning concept, uncover their strengths and weaknesses, and gain insights into the challenges and highlights of the Dubai real estate market in 2023. Discover their ambitious plans for 2024 and tap into their valuable learning curves

Exclusive Links Podcast,  Property Talk from Louise’s Lounge, is all about keeping our audience in touch with current topics, sharing relevant and accurate information and introducing interesting guests and industry professionals. Today we go live with Episode 29 of our Podcast “Elevating and Educating the Dubai Real Estate Industry.” Louise is delighted to be joined by guest Silvia Eldawi - an esteemed professional in the real estate industry since 2002 and founder of PROPOLOGI. Silvia is no stranger to podcasting as she also hosts her weekly podcast called ‘Golden Nuggets with Silvia Eldawi.’  Silvia is striving for better agents and a better industry and has mentored more than 750 property professionals in the UK, UAE and KSA. Her exceptional efforts have earned her over 50 recognition awards and regardless of all of this, she still oozes personality, passion and a whole lot of energySo what is PROPOLOGI?  How is Silvia hoping to impact on the current state of the real estate market in Dubai? What are the main differences Silvia notices between London and Dubai real estate agents? Why do people have a common misconception about the Dubai real estate market? Silvia is becoming the Mary Poppins of the industry, helping agents stand out from the crowd. How and why? Louise and Silvia talk about the current state of the industry, the training available and how PROPOLOGI is hoping to contribute to an improved property landscapeWith much experience between them, both ladies discuss their hopes for a more improved industryWhat impact do commission-only salaries have on the long-term experience of agents in the market? Thank you Silvia for spending time with Louise chatting through many facets of the market and how it is perceived - where it is today and how you would like to see it evolve in the future into a more educated industry.       Please send any feedback on our episodes and suggestions of what you would like to see in the future to zarah@exclusive-links.com  

Exclusive Links Podcast,  Property Talk from Louise’s Lounge, is all about keeping our audience in touch with current topics, sharing relevant and accurate information and introducing interesting guests and industry professionals. Today we go live with Episode 28 of our Podcast “Navigating the Property Sales Progression Maze” where host Louise Heatley is joined by two of her managers, Michael Cullen and Saleh Maktabi. With 13 years in the industry,  Michael has been with Exclusive Links for the past 5 years and holds a key management role within the company and is vital to the continued success of our retail property shop in the Marina. Joining Michael on the couch is the newest member of the Exclusive Links management team, Saleh Maktabi.  Saleh joined our team as Head of Sales Progression with 21 years of knowledge in conveyancing, property transactions and banking.  An expert in his field, Saleh is already making waves as a consummate professional who is appreciated by our customers and members of our team. So what are the biggest changes that have evolved in the property transfer process over the past 10 years? Hear some of what now seem archaic, processes from the past on property transfers and lost title deeds.  Saleh delves into the origins of trustee offices and their immense benefits for agents and clients within the Dubai market. Louise is interested to know more about the Dubai Land Department Vault. How does this speed up the transfer process? What other services are offered at the 14 registered trustee offices throughout Dubai? Hear the trio expertly clarify Property Sales Progression and the benefits for buyers and sellers in the Dubai market.Thank you Michael and Saleh for spending time with Louise explaining to our customers what is the role of a Sales Progressionist and how this service is a must-have when transferring property ownership in Dubai.    Please send any feedback on our episodes and suggestions of what you would like to see in the future to zarah@exclusive-links.com

Exclusive Links Podcast,  Property Talk from Louise’s Lounge, is all about keeping our audience in touch with current topics, sharing relevant and accurate information and introducing interesting guests and industry professionals. Today we go live with Episode 27 of our Podcast “Communities, Comparisons & Contradictions” and Louise is honored to have return to our podcast for a third time Zhann Jochinke.  Zhann had previous international real estate experience in New York before taking his career to the next level as CEO of Keller Williams Dubai & Middle East. He then transitioned out of the brokerage side of the Real Estate industry and into the PropTech and FinTech segments as COO role of Property Monitor, the UAE’s leading real estate data analytics and market intelligence platform.  At the end of 2022 the Cavendish Maxwell Group, the UAE’s preeminent real estate advisory and largest property valuation firm, acquired a majority stake in seeing Zhann expand his responsibilities serving an additional role as Director of Market Intelligence & Research within the Group. Zhann - or certainly the predictions he makes or statements he shares - have made him a household name in the Dubai property industry and the marketplace waits every month for his monthly report on how communities, pricing and segments of the market are performing. So how many of the predictions that Zhann made in 2022 are bang on the button - or not? What happened in March and May of this year to cause property mayhem? What is the prime driver? Louise talks with Zhann about the latest Emaar mega community Oasis and of course the much anticipated Nakheel Palm Jebel Ali that are soon to hit the market. So if we are in the growth and expansion stage of the cycle at the moment - what comes next? How can corporation tax benefit the Dubai property market? Zhann talks us through some of the evolving must watch developments including a few of his favoritie communites. Thank you Zhann for yet again gracing the couch of Louise’s Lounge and for your contribution to our podcast and the Dubai property industry.   Please send any feedback on our episodes and suggestions of what you would like to see in the future to zarah@exclusive-links.com  

Exclusive Links Podcast,  Property Talk from Louise’s Lounge, is all about keeping our audience in touch with current topics, sharing relevant and accurate information and introducing interesting guests and industry professionals. Exclusive Links has always worked closely with the regions leading property portal Property Finder and through the years we have supported their vision of a better industry. At the end of 2022, owners of Exclusive Links Louise Heatley and Zarah Evans took home a win in the Women in Leadership category at the Property Finder Awards.  Therefore it comes as no surprise, that Louise was asked by Sevgi and Property Finder to get on board with their SheForShe mentorship program aimed at creating the next generation of female leaders in the industry. Today we go live with Episode 26 of our Podcast  “Mentoring Female Leaders in Real Estate” where Louise welcomes the Chief Marketing Officer at Property Finder, Sevgi Gur.  These two ladies have been spending quite a bit of time together since International Womens Day on 8th March.  Sevgi is the driver behind the first-ever female mentorship initiative launched by Property Finder to support more female leaders in the real estate industry. Louise is one of the female titans chosen to lead this 6 months program where she will share her insights and perspectives and coach aspiring female stars. Sevgi joined Property Finder 2 years ago and it soon became evident that the real estate industry in the UAE, especially at a senior level, is very male-dominant. She was also meeting more and more female leaders who were ‘shaping and shaking’ the industry. Property Finder supported her idea of making the industry better through diversity and introduced this program, SheForShe.  Did you know that women make up 60% of the real estate industry workforce in Dubai? But they account for only 3% of its leadership.Louise asks Sevgi the million-dollar question - why is there a minority in female leadership? So what did the male real estate leaders in Dubai think of this initiative?  Will Property Finder be launching a HeForHe program in the future?What support will be provided by Property Finder and the mentors as aspiring female leaders are chosen to grow and develop through this program? Real Estate in general is a male dominant industry and perhaps even more in the UAE.  Why is that? Thank you Sevgi for your time today and for sharing with us more about your ideas behind the initiative SheForShe.  We wish you all the success with the program and also all the female applicants looking to grow as leaders in the UAE real estate industry.   Please send any feedback on our episodes and suggestions of what you would like to see in the future to zarah@exclusive-links.com  

Exclusive Links Podcast,  Property Talk from Louise’s Lounge, is all about keeping our audience in touch with current topics, sharing relevant and accurate information and introducing interesting guests and industry professionals. Exclusive Links has maintained its position as a leading property management company helping owners with long term rental services now since 2005 and last year we made the conscious decision to open a new division under the company umbrella – Exclusive Links Vacation Homes.  This was not only to respond to the increasing number of tourists choosing Dubai as their destination but also to provide our managed owners with an alternative income source and profitable way to manage their rental income and property. Today we go live with Episode 25 of our Podcast  “Long Term V Short Term” where Louise welcomes two of her senior managers to answer some questions on the pros and cons of both long term and short term rentals.  Sarah Watmore has 27 years in the property industry both in the UK and Dubai where she has spent the last 11 years with Exclusive Links as one of our Property Managers. Sarah is joined by Anjouli Suryakumar – who this time last year was brought into the company to set up and spearhead our Short Term holiday homes division  - Exclusive Links Vacations Homes.  Anjouli joined the company with 5 years in the Dubai short term and hospitality industry and with a background as a qualified chef.  Both of these ladies bring to the table many qualities including attention to detail, discipline and strong work ethics. Are you looking to make an income from your investment property in Dubai? Listen as the ladies talk through both long and short term options that Exclusive Links provide under one umbrella. Did you know that Dubai was voted in the top 10 cities on Airbnb for the highest revenue in the year 2021? How is Exclusive Links Vacation Homes setting the new standards in the industry? Are owners looking for assured income or higher income? Whilst both ladies look after owners and their properties - a lot lies with ‘happy’ tenants and guests. When preparing short term projections, Anjoulie like to remain conservative but she is confident to offer owners at least 15-20% higher income over a year when choosing short term. She shares one case study which provided the owner with 50% higher income! Sarah and Anjouli chat about the comparable products and what offers more flexibility and control to property owners - long or short term? Louise asks the ladies to explain the differences in owner’s legal responsibilities and what are the legal requirements of Exclusive Links as the management company.   Thank you Sarah and Anjouli for your time today and for sharing your experience on the differences between Long Term and Short Term rental solutions.   Please send any feedback on our episodes and suggestions of what you would like to see in the future to zarah@exclusive-links.com  

Exclusive Links Podcast,  Property Talk from Louise’s Lounge,  is all about keeping our audience in touch with current topics, sharing relevant and accurate information and introducing interesting guests and industry professionals.  Today we go live with Episode 24 of our Podcast  “Past, Present and Future of Cryptocurrency” where Louise is joined by Jonathan Wood, Chief Commercial Officer at HAYVN.  Jonathan leads a team of Private Bankers who manage overall revenue strategy, client experience and support ecosystem. He has worked in mergers and acquisitions banking at Rothschild and later joined MEX Digital owned by MultiBank as Director of Sales.  As a new preferred partner of Exclusive Links, HAYVN is a digital asset-focused financial institution delivering payments, trading, custody, asset management and research to our global client base. HAYVN are regulated by the ADGM, AUSTRAC and the CIMA and they are the trusted partner that institutional cryptocurrency investors demand and deserve. HAYVN’s cryptocurrency ecosystem is built on unprecedented levels of transparency, security, regulatory compliance and execution capability – all in line with the services standards provided by Exclusive Links.Jonathan starts off his chat with Louise by explaining the basics of what is Cryptocurrency and outlines some of the opportunities and pitfalls.  So how can you buy a property with Cryptocurrency?  Louise is very interested in the streamlined process and security it can offer Exclusive Links customers. Should we be looking at blockchain as a threat or an enabler? What is in store for future generations? How does someone get into Cryptocurrency and when is the right time to invest in Cryptocurrency? Is it a get-rich-quick scheme? Jonathan explains the auditability, transparency and security that come with transacting in Cryptocurrency.What is meant by stablecoin or tainted coin? Thank you Jonathan for your time today and for sharing your knowledge and experience.  We hope you enjoyed today's chat about Cryptocurrency and please get int touch with any questions. Please send any feedback on our episodes and suggestions of what you would like to see in the future to zarah@exclusive-links.com  

Exclusive Links Podcast,  Property Talk from Louise’s Lounge,  is all about keeping our audience in touch with current topics and introducing you to voices of experience regarding Dubai and especially the property market. Episode 23 is no different as we record in full festive swing from our two office locations in Dubai Marina and Motor City. “Exclusive Links Wraps Up 2022 for Xmas” allows our audience an opportunity to meet some more members of the Exclusive Links team and although this episode is not about Louise - our super host does make an appearance at the end as she is joined by our Filipino administration team for a Christmas sing-a-long.Dubai Maina Branch Manager, Michael Cullen, is joined by our key players in our Russian-speaking team of agents as they chat through the current Russian buyers market in Dubai.Exclusive Links Vacations Homes Manager, Anjouli Suryakumar chats with long-serving members of our Dubai Marina branch on how the property market, in general, has performed during 2022 and especially in Dubai Marina. Riezl Barrameda is the smiley face that greets you when you walk into our shop and he talks about the footfall and our walk-in traffic in the Marina.  We ask our agents how they work together to get the job done and how they manage juggling hard work and client expectations whilst always remaining consistent in delivering the very best customer service.   Our leading ladies from our property management division discuss how our management services benefit property owners the most.  Off Plan Manager, Saurabh Kapoor chats with Michael Haith regarding the differences between off plan and resale leads.  Does Michael change his approach as he deals with both enquiry types? Client Manager Raef Mousa tells us how he has watched Town Square grow from the ground up.  So how do our agents stay on top of all the off plan projects that are currently being released?Two ladies from our Motor City Branch, Monika Lukasz and Clementina Kongslund talk with their manager Chris Valentine regarding international buyers investing in Dubai.        We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for following our Podcast during the year and Louise looks forward to you joining her back on her couch in 2023 with plenty more interesting guests and topics. Our Xmas episode will go live on Tuesday 20th December - Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to all.  Any feedback on our episodes and suggestions of what you would like to see or guests you would like to meet during 2023 please email zarah@exclusive-links.com 

Exclusive Links Podcast,  Property Talk from Louise’s Lounge,  is all about keeping our audience in touch with current topics, sharing relevant and accurate information and introducing interesting guests and industry professionals.  Today we go live with Episode 22 of our Podcast  “The High End of Luxury” where Louise is joined by our very own Pauline Leale and another voice of experience Jerry Parks. Pauline, who heads up The Elite Collection, Exclusive Links luxury brand, needs little introduction in the industry.  As a previous owner of a very successful real estate business here in Dubai and supported by more than 20 years of experience, Pauline is well connected and has always worked with a portfolio of private clients looking for professional experience, maturity, integrity and utmost honesty. Again another well known figure in the industry, is Jerry Parks, Partner and Head of Real Estate at the international law firm Taylor Wessing. Jerry has been in Dubai for over 25 years and deals mainly with high-net-worth and high profile individuals investing in the Dubai residential real estate market. Jerry specialises in high end transactional work, is also experienced in advising on structuring real estate acquisitions and also advises on succession and inheritance issues.Pauline explains what the criteria are at Exclusive Links to be included in our portfolio of The Elite Collection and how she now differentiates between luxury and ultra- luxury. Jerry talks through some of the extra considerations needed when dealing with HNWI clients and how he and Taylor Wessing can help buyers and sellers Is an NDA commonly used in these high-value transactions and are they really needed? So how do you ‘beef up’ a Form F to ensure that clients and the peculiarities and process of high ticket piece sales are more protected? What client comforts are important? Has the extra KYC checks that have been reinforced lately had any impact on the high-end luxury market? Pauline provides some stats that support how this end of the market has grown over the past 12 months with October 2022 especially being a record month.  Louise offered Pauline AED50M - where did she suggest she needs to be looking for property and home to fit the budget? Thank you Pauline and Jerry for your time today and for sharing your experience on the high end of the property market.  In this episode between Louise and her two guests, there is over 70 years of experience on the couch and we hope you enjoy the chat.  Please send any feedback on our episodes and suggestions of what you would like to see in the future to zarah@exclusive-links.com  

Exclusive Links Podcast- Property Talk from Louise’s Lounge is all about keeping our audience in touch with current topics, sharing relevant and accurate information and introducing interesting guests and industry professionals.  Today we bring to you Episode 21 of our Podcast  “Dubai Expats Buying Overseas” with guest Matthew Wilkes, a Senior Consultant at IP Global. Matthew has been in Dubai for the last 12 years and worked in the property sector, specializing in the UK and European markets for the last 10 years. He has been with IP Global since 2020 working with investors in the GCC who are looking to build their overseas property portfolio. IP Global has been in operation for the past 17 years where they will financially and legally commit to underwrite and buy part or an entire development and then will offer this inventory to their investors around the world. Over the 17 years, IP Global has invested nearly USD4B in 18 different countries and offers a range of services to support clients and their investments. In this episode Mathew talks through typical investment cases, international investment trends and the why, who and where -  all points of interest for our overseas buyers. Matthew explains how IP Global will offer the full investment journey under one umbrella offering customers a single point of contact, comfort factor and level of assurance when buying overseas.What level of research and due diligence will IP Global consider before offering a product to the market?  And why is this level of detail as important to IP Global as it is to their investors? Mathew explains how IP Global underwrites properties and takes the risk first. What risks are there for investors and Dubai expats buying overseas? Hear why Mathew is so passionate about investing in Germany and how IP Global has invested in a total of 18 properties successfully in Berlin and Leipzig.  Why is this such an attractive investment case? Did you know that if you buy and own property in Germany for 10+ years you will pay no capital gains tax when reselling? If today you bought the same property in the UK as this time last year  - you would be getting 19% better value today. What a difference an exchange rate can make! Thank you Matthew for your time today and for sharing your experience on buying overseas and getting Louise all excited about making her next property investment - but will she now be investing overseas instead of in Dubai? Perhaps this is another whole episode!  Please send any feedback on our episodes and suggestions of what you would like to see in the future to zarah@exclusive-links.com  

Exclusive Links Podcast- Property Talk from Louise’s Lounge is all about keeping our audience in touch with current topics, sharing relevant and accurate information and introducing interesting guests and industry professionals.  Today we bring to you Episode 20 of our Podcast  “Buyers Beware” and who else better to protect our buyers than Cynthia Trench, Principal of Legal Consultants, Trench & Associates DMCC. Arriving in Dubai in 1989 from Hong Kong, Cynthia is a respected member and authority in the Dubai professional community.  She specialises in corporate, property and private client law. Cynthia obtained her licence on 10 February 1996 from the Rulers Office of the Government of Dubai as the first female expatriate licensed Legal Consultant and in 2004, she was awarded Best Service Provider by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on behalf of his Establishment for young entrepreneurs. Cynthia played an active role in formulating the DIFC’s probate regulations, culminating in the new DIFC Wills & Probate Registry coming into effect in May 2015. In this episode, Cynthia chats with Louise more about the position of the buyer in a property transaction including the due diligence and checkpoints required. Cynthia talks through the standard sale contract ‘Form F’ and alerts all buyers that this is a contract that can be amended and added to with additional terms and conditions - so don’t be told otherwise!   Louise delves straight into her favourite subject and main priority - the protection of clients in a property transaction.  Cynthia walks us through the scenario when a seller, or indeed the buyer is a company and what checkpoints should be observed. So what is a UBO?There are scams out there so what extra steps should a buyer go through before buying property when the seller is represented by a POA? Where does a buyer check the authenticity of the sellers documents? If you are buying a property with a sitting tenant Cynthia explains how can you protect yourself as you fulfil your obligations as a new landlord. Did the buying process become easier in Dubai after the pandemic? Both ladies agree that some platforms and initiatives have been introduced to encourage buyers to invest in Dubai from afar. Do you want to know more how these may help you?   Thank you Cynthia for your time today and for sharing your experience to protect not only the buyers of property in Dubai, but the sale transactions themselves.  Please send any feedback on our episodes and suggestions of what you would like to see in the future to zarah@exclusive-links.com  

Exclusive Links Podcast- Property Talk from Louise’s Lounge is all about keeping our audience in touch with current topics, sharing relevant and accurate information and introducing interesting guests and industry professionals.  Today we bring to you Episode 19 of our Podcast  “Snagging and Inspections.”  Joining Louise on the couch is Ehab Farid, CEO of GTA Inspectors, a RERA-certified snagging company.  GTA Inspectors are also proud members of the Association of Professional Engineers and the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors - both held in high regard as the most respected inspection associations in the world. Ehab brings to the podcast vast experience spanning over 3 decades with fortune 500 companies and multinational experience in North America, Australia, New Zealand and the MENA region.   Learn about the common issues and defects in the property market in the UAE.Does a property inspection provide any guarantees with the service?  and how much does an independent property inspection cost?      Ehab explains why an independent property inspection provides more peace of mind for the investor when buying a new property off plan from a developer.  How do the differences in the landscapes of the inspections across various countries compare? Will a property inspection ever be considered a normal condition of purchase in Dubai? Louise asks if GTA Inspectors have ever ‘killed a deal.” Ehab explains how a professional assessment of a property and inspectors report can be used as a negotiation tool when buying in the secondary market.So why would you call GTA inspectors when buying off plan with a DLP or warranty from the developer? Listen and learn more. Thank you Ehab for your time today and for sharing your insights into the importance of an in-depth and independent property inspection when buying property in Dubai. Please send any feedback on our episodes and suggestions of what you would like to see in the future to zarah@exclusive-links.com  

Exclusive Links Podcast- Property Talk from Louise’s Lounge is all about keeping our audience in touch with current topics, sharing relevant and accurate information and introducing interesting guests and industry professionals.  Today we bring to you Episode 18 of our Podcast  “H1 Analysis of the Dubai Market.” Naturally host Louise Heatley asked the COO of Property Monitor, Zhann Jochinke to return, for a second time, as her guest.  Zhann is a recognised voice in real estate data analytics and market intelligence and with a stack of experience behind him, this man dreams data and survives on stats and is a well-respected leader in the Dubai property industry.  With transparency, comes confidence.  Did you know you can access even more property transactional data through the Dubai REST platform? but make sure you are interpreting what you see correctly.    Host Louise and guest Zhann both much prefer a slow and steady market - why?How is the availability of cash and the number of HNWI coming into Dubai impacting the market? Did you know a landmark agreement has recently been announced in Dubai that eliminates the need for tenants to submit post-dated rental cheques? Will the legal recourse for nonpayment be the same?   Dubai is on track to reach a record number of transactions this year with a 60% growth in property transactions between H1 2021 and 2022. Zhann talks through Off Plan sales and how developers are now being more strategic to cater across all price brackets and why   Expansion, hyper-supply, recovery, recession and reset - Lousie and Zhann discuss the cycles of the Dubai estate market and where are we today as we close our H1.   Thank you Zhann for your time today and for sharing your insights into the state of the Dubai property market today and for discussing some of the new government initiatives which further support growth and sustainability in the Dubai property sector.Please send any feedback on our episodes and suggestions of what you would like to see in the future to zarah@exclusive-links.com  

Exclusive Links Podcast- Property Talk from Louise’s Lounge is all about keeping our audience in touch with current topics, sharing relevant and accurate information and introducing interesting guests and industry professionals.  Today we bring to you Episode 17 of our Podcast “Clarification on Real Estate Laws & Regulations.”  Host Louise Heatley is joined by Arash Zad, Founder and Lawyer at Zad Law Firm.  Arash is from a diverse background and holds great fluency in English, Arabic, and Farsi and provides tailored services in an array of multiple fields with a primary focus on real estate law. Did you know that as a landlord you can now request an on-site independent rental valuation of your property as an alternative measure to the Rental Price Index and to claim potential rental increases from your tenants?   Legal Notices can now be served also through the email address that is registered against a property as well as through the Notary Public and registered physical address of the property. What does Arash recommend when sending legal notices?   When buying off plan in Dubai what are some of the things you should be watching out for when signing your Sale & Purchase agreement?  And what steps can be taken in the case of discrepancies at the time of delivery?  Arash clarifies the purpose and use of the electronic Sale and Purchase Agreement or ‘Form F’ used in a resale transaction which is from the Dubai REST APP.  Did you know this is not mandatory and was initiated to protect the broker as much as the buyer and seller in the transaction?  “Don’t be greedy and make sure any agreements you sign are bulletproof.  Be cautious, vigilant and do your due diligence.” all sound advice from Arash. Arash clarifies the transfer of an eviction notice from a seller to a buyer and why the purpose of the eviction must be the same between seller and buyer if the same notice is to be passed to the new property owner.    Thank you Arash for your time today and for setting us straight with some clarification on the laws that affect Tenants, Landlords, Buyers and Sellers.   Please send any feedback on our episodes and suggestions of what you would like to see in the future to zarah@exclusive-links.com  

Exclusive Links Podcast- Property Talk from Louise’s Lounge is all about keeping our audience in touch with current topics, sharing relevant and accurate information and introducing interesting guests and industry professionals.  Today we bring to you Episode 16 of our Podcast “Quality over Quantity.” Host Louise Heatley is joined by Adam Hassan, Quality Control and Compliance Manager at Property Finder and our very own, Exclusive Links Dubailand Branch Manager, Chris Valentine.  Property Finder is an industry leader, innovator, trendsetter and a crossroads where all journeys start and meet. . Adam is responsible for a team whose primary objective is to make sure the content on the site allows for the best possible user experience. Throughout this journey, Property Finder has always sought to align with all government initiatives along with being trailblazers for new products and features such as Verified Listings, Verified Agents and the introduction of Trakheesi permit validation.  So what does qualify as a quality listing?  Adam shares what his team is looking for to ensure the best customer experience is available on the Property Finder platform.  Is the Dubai property industry ready for more exclusivity in the marketplace?   Hear the discussions between Adam and Chris on exclusivity versus a multi-listing service.  What is a verified listing?  How does a verified listing enhance a user search for a property but also act as a key indicator for the industry and for agents looking to manage their time more effectively and cut out the littering of property? Louise loves the increased confidence she is seeing in the market.  Tune in and hear what role Property Finder is playing in this as they continue to collaborate with the DLD to enhance a customer’s property experience. Hear how Chris uses the platform to support his customer’s choice and how the enhancements being made by Property Finder add to the appeal when searching for a property.    Thank you Adam for your time today - not only for representing Property Finder but for the work you and your team do in cleaning up the industry and delivering more quality over quantity.  Please send any feedback on our episodes and suggestions of what you would like to see in the future to zarah@exclusive-links.com  

Exclusive Links Podcast- Property Talk from Louise’s Lounge is all about keeping our audience in touch with current topics, sharing of relevant and accurate information and introducing interesting guests and industry professionals.  Today we bring to you Episode 15 of our Podcast “Where there’s a WILL, there’s a way.” Host Louise Heatley is joined by Nita Maru, a UK qualified solicitor and Founding/Managing Partner of TWS Legal Consultants DMCC and TWS Corporate Services DIFC.TWS is an established law firm offering services ranging from DIFC Wills, DIFC Foundations, Administration of Deceased Estates/ Probate, Matrimonial and Property matters and more. Nita holds a full legal consultancy license from the Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department and has extensive experience in Wills, Inheritance and Family matters in the UAE. Nita has authored numerous articles on family, asset and wealth protection for ex-pats in the UAE and she has forged trusted and long-standing working relationships with the Dubai Courts, Personal Status Courts and DIFC Courts. Nita is a DIFC registered Wills Draftsman and has a leading role in the working group involved in formulating/contributing to the DIFC Wills Service Centre Rules.  How does an overseas owner of property in Dubai fully protect their asset in the UAE jurisdiction? Nita talks about the structure of a Will and how you need to protect fixed assets/property in the UAE.  Do you need to be in Dubai to prepare and register a Will with the DIFC?      What is a Mirror Will?  With 3 children of her own,  Nita stresses on the important aspect of covering Guardianship in a Will. What type of Will can Muslims prepare?  Nita explains what is the most common legacy planning options available to Muslims.   What are the costs and fees to register a Will at the DIFC?   What a great informative episode and Louise, like many expats, is now thinking she needs to get on and formalise her Will. As Nita put it so perfectly - it’s never too early - but it can often be too late. If you would like to be connected to Nita and her team please drop us a line at zarah@exclusive-links.com.We also welcome any suggestions of topics that you would like us to cover in future episodes. 

To commemorate International Women’s Day which we celebrated on 8th March - today Exclusive Links brings to you Episode 14 of our Podcast, Property Talk from Louise’s Lounge “International Women living in Dubai.” Host Louise Heatley is joined by two lovely ladies who are an inspiring celebration of strong successful women living in Dubai, Tricia Evans and Zahra Abdalla. Tricia moved to Dubai 28 years where she became the first Business Coach in the region. She self financed and single handedly raised her daughter as a working mom, has been a board and active member of Gulf for Good for the past 11 years, and is a respected contributor to the IBWG community.  She is an active adventure traveler and her next big trip is planned to the Arctic in April.  Zahra is half-Iranian and half-Sudanese and considers herself a modern-day Bedouin. She has called Dubai home for the past 17 years as she continues on her culinary journey and international travels as a cookbook author, entrepreneur and social media influencer. Zahra is an advocate for social issues including food wastage, hunger, environment, mindfulness and women’s empowerment.  As a Business Coach, Tricia’s tag line is BE SUCCESSFUL ON PURPOSE  - but what is the Holstee Manifesto? And how does this sum up her attitude to life?   This episode oozes energy, positive attitude, strength and the power of sisterhood.  Listen as these ladies share their lives in Dubai and how they continue to enjoy every opportunity available.     Zahra explains what is meant by imposter syndrome, talks about self-awareness and the expectation game. They talk about their role models and which of their many accomplishments have been the dearest and most important.   Why is safe space so important? Zahra shares pockets of her own journey when this has influenced and impacted on her life.     Will Tricia find the courage to jump out of a plane on a mother-daughter skydive?    If there are any suggestions you would like to share for our monthly podcast - please drop us a line at zarah@exclusive-links.com.

Today Exclusive Links brings to you Episode 13 of our Podcast, Property Talk from Louise’s Lounge “Spotlight on Owners Associations.” This episode is hosted by Exclusive Links Property Managers Paul Birley and Sarah Watmore. Their roles within the company are to head up our Property Management Division and to look after owners and their properties.  Therefore it is very appropriate that they are joined by guests Jeff Dickinson and Mark Maynard from Kingfield Owners Association Management Services. Jeff has been with Kingfield for 9 years and as Head of Site Operations, his prime responsibility is to oversee the day to day operations of multiple large and medium-sized site operations and communities throughout Dubai. Mark is Head of Site Communications with Kingfield and he obtained his CMCA qualification during 10 Years of senior community management in the UAE for large communities and tower projects. These gentlemen share their experience and examples of the structure and purpose of a Home Owners Association. A fantastic episode which is full of information that every owner of property in Dubai needs to tune into. So what is the difference between property management and community management? In a residential tower where 90% of the owners may not be residents - whose responsibility is it to maintain and manage the community and common areas? Jeff and Mark explain the roles and responsibilities of a Homes Owners Association.   So who does collect the service fees and what is the difference between a general and reserve fund? Are you a resident in Dubai and a resident homeowner and want to apply to join the committee working with the HOA for the betterment of your building or community?  It’s an easy online application process explains Mark.    What challenges are there in this region of the world and in such a diverse city like Dubai when managing jointly owned property?   If there are any suggestions you would like to share for our monthly podcast - please drop us a line at zarah@exclusive-links.com.

Today Exclusive Links brings to you Episode 12 of our Podcast, Property Talk from Louise’s Lounge and our first topic for 2022 “Living the Dream.” Louise was joined by personalities and entrepreneurs Mike Phillips and Jane Witherspoon.  All friends, this episode is a relaxed chat about WHY DUBAI and the opportunities that are available in this great city. Mike is a retired former Wales, British & Irish Lions Rugby player and Jane is an International Presenter, Journalist, Moderator & Host. Louise chats with them about what brought them to Dubai, the advantages they enjoy about living here and how they have settled into family life in their new home away from home.    - So how does an international sportsman and celebrity settle into Dubai after his rugby playing days, winning league titles, grand slams and 99 caps for his country?  - What is important to Jane as she raises her young family in Dubai and how does she influence and address the misconception about living in the Middle East?   - Listen to what tips they offer on moving as an ex-pat to a new country.    - So what do Louise, Jane and Mike think of the current TV Program being aired on BB2, Inside Dubai - Playground of the Rich? Is that really what living in Dubai is all about?    - All year round sunshine - a little rain every few years and a whole lot of can do need to succeed attitude is what they all agree is the recipe to settle into Dubai.   If there are any suggestions you would like to share for our monthly podcast - please drop us a line at zarah@exclusive-links.com.