Posted in Apartment, House, Japan, Real Estate, Tokyo on January 11th, 2012 by admin – Comments Off
Tokyo may appear amazingly massive place to get around unless one is from similar places.
People in Japan are polite and help in any way they can but people like to move and walk fast in Tokyo as in any other big cities around Japan. Tokyo consists of diverseness in people, languages, and cultures. In such a scenario, finding a rental property in Japan is no small accomplishment. The language barrier creates one enormous obstacle, and rental requirements like ¨key money¨ may confuse those unfamiliar with Japanese customs.
The Japan real estate market was, for a long time, complicated for the majority of foreigners to enter. Bureaucratic barriers as well as language difficulties served to keep the idea of renting any kind of Japan property a dream for majority of us. In recent times this has been changing. With access to translation or language services and a falling domestic demand the opportunities for non-Japanese to rent Japanese real estate has been growing.
To find out right real estate agent is the biggest challenge and is most important in order to find out suitable property. While making your way through Japan’s unique rental system, you will encounter the need for guarantors, costly deposits, and mandatory gift-money makes it a complicated process.
Real estate agent enables to support every customer to spend their comfortable life in Tokyo and offers variety and flexible service to find out the best solution for every customer. But, finding an English-speaking agent can be difficult, but those who do speak are generally well-versed in overcoming the limitations faced by foreigners. Apart from the obvious language barrier, real estate agents in Tokyo are generally helpful and happy to work with foreigners. If there is a property you really want and the agent doesn’t speak much English, you can always hire an interpreter. Our English-speaking agents will take care of all arrangements for you. Well-versed in both Japanese and foreign customs, we can help negotiate all your terms as we assist in every aspect of securing your accommodations.
Since Japanese language is a heavily culture-laden one and has to be understood and used in a culture-oriented way. People who want to be intercultural communicators should try to understand, respect and accept other’s value perspective, and a good understanding of the culture is indispensable to successful communication.
Reference:
http://www.housing4expat-tokyo.com
Posted in House, Japan, Real Estate, Tokyo on December 17th, 2011 by admin – Comments Off
Living in Tokyo is going to be one of the most memorable times of your life. It has a wonderful blend of East meets West because they have kept their traditions but enjoy advance technology. Even with the March earthquake, Tokyo is still a city of beautiful places, incredible night lights, and a fast recovering economy. There has been a steady flow in investors coming back into the country which means Japan is well on its way to its former glory.
On advantage to living as an expat or foreigner with a high salary are the accommodations. The luxury apartments and homes for rent in Tokyo are unbelievable. Even looking at the pictures online can create a level of anticipation that far beyond normal. People migrating to Tokyo all dream of living in these elegant homes.
The top 5 neighborhoods with the stylish apartments and homes in Tokyo are: Shinjiku, Marunouchi, Roppongi, Odaiba, and Aoyama.
Shinjuku is where you find a lot of restaurants, bars, and offices. You’re near the city hall, national garden and the fabulous Tokyo Opera City. The landscape is modern to the hilt so if you like moving from office to a vibrant nightlife with just a few steps, this is the neighborhood to live in.
Marunouchi is primarily a business district near the historical Imperial Palace. You will many of the top corporations operating from this district. The luxury apartments here are stunning and very expensive.
Roppongi is another busy district where foreigners are usually found enjoying a hectic nightlife. It’s the place in Tokyo where you also find a lot of culture and art with the National Art Center close by and 2 other museums of art: Suntory and Mori art museums.
Odaiba is a little off the center of Tokyo and perfect for families. There are no multiple big skyscrapers so you get to enjoy a more relaxed environment especially on weekends and holidays. It’s easily accessible through the monorail.
Finally, Aoyama is your fashion district with many shops, markers, and restaurants within walking distance from each other. Many top celebrities can be seen in this district especially those who enjoy shopping.
Reference:
http://www.realestate-tokyo.com/
Posted in Apartment on December 9th, 2011 by admin – Comments Off
The search for a Tokyo apartment for rent can start with the local newspaper if you understand Japanese. If not there are other options open to you like a real estate company, internet browsing, and asking around in the neighborhood you find interesting. A Tokyo apartment for rent for a foreigner planning to live in Japan has to be done through a real estate company with bilingual staff and brokers. This is because they can protect the interest of both parties better since they understand the communication problem and can address it professionally.
The biggest fear most newly arrived visitors to Japan have is being able to work with the locals and understand each other. It does not just pertain to the work environment but also going to the supermarket, shops, and even driving. Many products sold in Japan do not come with English translation and so the frustration level can be at it highest on the first year. If a broker can ease the process, then that would be one less item to worry about.
Not all lease contracts are cut and dried. In fact, most are signed after a series of negotiations between the two parties. Landlords in Japan generally don’t have the patience to deal with every potential tenant and would rather dialogue with brokers as well.
Unfortunately, the standard apartment rental system is not alien-friendly. Visitors planning on staying for more than a few weeks have to face a confusing system. For instance, many landlords prefer a 2 year contract and they can refuse a foreigner who cannot speak the language. It is important to realize that the Japanese have a way of life that is very different from the West. Late-night parties are not encouraged if done daily or weekly. Loud music is frowned upon, as is too much clutter.
Some of the daunting terms that will have to be negotiated are reservation fee or tetsukekin, guarantor, deposit or shikikin, reikin which is something like a non-refundable goodwill fee, and the service fee or chukai tesuryo.
With real estate companies that specialize on international clients, the possibility of getting a lease term for less than 24 months is highly likely. The real estate company can offer several options aside from an apartment like a shared apartment or gaijin houses which is Japanese for foreign houses.
