Wednesday, February 13, 2019

32 Random Facts About Me

matt kepnes standing in front of some mountains
Updated: 02/13/2019 | February 13th, 2019

A few weeks ago I mentioned that this year I wanted to make the website more personal.

Back in 2011, I wrote this post featuring some personal facts about my life. It was a window into non-travel me. Well, that was a loooooong time ago. Life changes. People change.

So I thought one way to make this website more personal was to resurrect this long forgotten post and share a window into the current non-travel me.

So let’s kick off ~~2011~~ 2019 with some random facts about me and my life:

1. I hate flying. I love airports, lounges, and elite status, but the act of flying makes me sick. I don’t like heights and any turbulence makes me think the plane is about to crash. I’m not a good flier. (Ironic considering how often I fly!)

2. When I was younger, I was obsessed with Pinky and the Brain. I even had a T-shirt collection. I also had one of those bowl haircuts, but I prefer to forget about that fact.

3. I never traveled independently until I went to Costa Rica at age 23. My travel experiences up until then were a series of road trips with my parents and a drunken weekend in Montréal when I was 19. (I also never went west of the Mississippi until I was 25.)

4. When I was younger, I wanted to be an archaeologist because of Indiana Jones.

5. I got really bad food poisoning when I was in Costa Rica. It was so bad that I had to be hospitalized for three days and put on a morphine drip.

6. I went to college to be a high school history teacher. I’m still technically certified to teach high school history.

7. I am a really good cook. I don’t cook much on the road because I hate how hostel kitchens aren’t fully stocked and everyone crowds them at the same time, but once in a while, I like to cook a massive meal for my fellow travelers.

8. I used to be a vegetarian. After reading Fast Food Nation, I decided to give up meat and was a vegetarian for four years. It wasn’t eating meat I was against, but rather industrial farming and the chemicals/antibiotics in the meat that I didn’t like. I gave up vegetarianism when I started to travel.

9. I think it’s rude to turn down food in other cultures. If you go to a village in Mongolia and you are given food, it’s insulting to refuse. “Sorry, your traditional and heartfelt cooking doesn’t go with my dietary needs.” It’s culturally insensitive. But that’s a rant for another post.

10. I’m a huge fan of soul, Motown, blues, and jazz. It’s way better than any of the pop music out there.

11. If I could ever pick what time period I could live in, I’d pick 1920s Prohibition America. I think that would be an exciting time to live in. But maybe I’ve just read The Great Gatsby too much.

12. Speaking of Gatsby, I learned to swing dance so I could throw myself a Gatsby-themed birthday party. I did it for three years in a row. They were epic birthday parties.

12. I am intensely political. After travel, politics is my second love. I live and breathe politics, and it is the only news I keep up with while traveling. I am always ready to discuss and debate the world any time of the day and with anyone, no matter how well I know them.

13. I co-own a hostel in Austin, Texas called HK Austin. You should come stay there!

14. I don’t have a burning desire to visit most Middle Eastern countries. There are parts I want to / have visited (Dubai, Jordan, Israel, Qatar, Oman) but, as a whole, the area is low on my list of places to visit.

15. People always ask will I do this forever? My answer: I don’t know. Forever is a long time. I’d like to travel for the next few years, but who can say what the future holds and where it will take us? For now, I’m enjoying the ride and see no reason to hang up my backpack just yet.

16. I’ve been to over 30 Dave Matthews Band concerts. I’m a super fan.

17. I’m a Japanophile. I love everything about the culture: the food, the history, the etiquette, the landscape, the architecture — all of it. I would eat sushi every day if I could.

18. I’m a workaholic. Maybe because I grew up in New England, I have the Puritan work ethic, and if I don’t have work to do, I think something is wrong and create work for myself. Ideal hands are the Devil’s playground!

19. I decided to travel after meeting five backpackers in a shared taxi while on vacation in Thailand. I was so amazed at what they were doing that the next day I decided to quit my job. They were two Australians, a Canadian, and a Belgian couple. They changed the course of my life and have no idea.

20. I’m an unabashed Taylor Swift fan. Not only do I think she’s an incredible businesswoman and marketer, but I also love her cheesy pop songs.

21. I’m also a huge fan of Sia. Incredible songstress and writer.

22. I don’t play any sports nor know anything about them. I couldn’t think of anything more boring than going to a sporting event. In fact, I once fell asleep at a hockey match.

23. I don’t drink coffee. It tastes like shit to me. And I don’t want to put added sugar or milk (or soy milk) in my cup of joe. Drinks should be able to stand on their own! Nothing is going to change my opinion on this. I’ve tried for years to acquire a taste for it. It’s just not going to happen.

24. I drink tea. Lots of it. Especially green tea. That’s my drink of choice!

25. My alcoholic drink of choice is an old fashioned. A few years ago, a few friends turned me onto whiskey and I’ve been obsessed since. I judge a bar by the quality of the old fashioneds they serve.

26. One day, I’d like to learn how to garden. I want to grow my own food. I love cooking and think it’s a logical step!

27. I used to be a professional poker player. I funded a lot of my original trip with poker winnings and lived in Amsterdam for a few months playing “professionally” at the casino in the city.

28. I don’t eat sweets. Maybe once a year I’ll have a cookie or brownie but, for the most part, I don’t do desserts or sweets as I don’t like all the sugar.

29. I have a new book coming out in July (you can pre-order it now!). It’s about my ten years on the road. More details next month!

30. When I’m working, I’ll often play one song on repeat over and over again. It helps me focus because it ends up just being white noise. As I write this post, I’ve been listening to Sweet Annie by Zach Brown Band on repeat for the last two hours.

31. I don’t have a favorite color. I have two. Blue and green!

32. In 2019, I want to take up more hobbies. I want to swing dance more, learn French, take some cooking classes, and try to learn how to play the piano. If I do two of those things, I’ll consider it a successful year.

***

There you have it! Some fun facts about me. Now, you’re turn. Tell me about yourself in the comments below.

How to Travel the World on $50 a Day

My New York Times best-selling paperback guide to world travel will teach you how to master the art of travel save money, get off the beaten path, and have a more local, richer travel experiences.

Click here to learn more about the book, how it can help you, and you can start reading it today!

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

World Nomads (for everyone below 70)
Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and that will save you time and money too!

The post 32 Random Facts About Me appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

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Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Riverstone Place in Downtown Nanaimo

Riverstone Place by Platinum Properties Group is a new 6-storey new residential building development located at 20 Barsby Avenue, Nanaimo. This project will offer 90 market condominiums, features 1- bedroom, 1- bedroom + den, and 2- bedroom homes located close to the waterfront and forested walking and biking trails. A short 20-minute flight from downtown Vancouver, yet with fresh sea air and an abundance of world-class recreation at your doorstep, Riverstone Place feels like a world away.

The post Riverstone Place in Downtown Nanaimo appeared first on Vancouver New Condos.

from Projects – Vancouver New Condos http://bit.ly/2GoBtm0

January Monthly Radar

[Note from editor: We publish a Weekly Radar for Geek Estate Mastermind members with a range of curated links and analysis/commentary that comes out every Friday morning along with member news to peruse. This is a wrap-up for the month of January with a couple articles from each week.]

Mastermind Summary

In January, Geek Estate hosted a meetup with Restb.ai in Barcelona and we had another great turnout for our monthly Seattle members lunch.

We published our trends and predictions for 2019 and sent it as the January Monthly Transmission. If you didn’t see receive it and you’re curious, please shoot me an email.

New Members

Kyle Nicholas McCray from Brian J. Clark & Associates
Ashley Hayes from UrbanAsh
Andrei Zverev from BuildingBits
Bill Lublin from Century 21 Advantage Gold
Kris Cone from FloorPlanOnline / HomeDiary
Tony Casson from Estated
Dominik Pogorzelski from Restb.ai
Russell Smith from HouseCanary
Adrian Gross from Keyo
Gordon Stephenson from Real Property Associates
Nobu Hata from National Association of Realtors

Member News

Transmission Topics

Improving Geek Estate in 2019
See You on the Field (Greg Fischer’s personal product roadmap for 2019)
A Look Forward to 2019: M&A Marks the Spot
Requiring Employers to Assist Employees with Housing Would Unleash Innovation

JANUARY MONTHLY RADAR

There are 5 links and analysis included. While we published the full November Monthly Radar, going forward we’re only delivering the full version via email. If you’d like to receive the January Monthly Radar (for free), ensure “Receive Monthly Radar/Transmission” is set to YES in your email settings by tomorrow morning.

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There are four parts to membership:

Long form articles covering the spectrum from shipping container co-living spaces to the battle for listing acquisition in the first iBuyer world war (Weekly Transmission). A sample Transmission is here.
Curated real estate, startups, & built world links & analysis blended with out of the box ideas (Weekly Radar). A sample of the links and analysis is here.
Special reports (our first is a category review of Small Landlord Prop Mgmt Software).
Networking opportunities with 145+ innovators from across the globe through the private forum & in-person gatherings.

Membership is $97 / quarter

OUR MEMBERS PROMISE

We deliver an exclusive, objective lens into the trends, companies, people, and ideas shaping real estate technology with thought-provoking analysis and conversations that keep you inspired every week.
We help you make better, more well-informed decisions to help grow and support people and companies making a difference in real estate.
We enable discovery and meeting others with shared interests online and in person (whether they live near you or are traveling to the same conference).

We’re looking for the best and brightest founders, operators, innovators, & investors in the industry…

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To receive the Monthly Transmission & Radar going forward, please ensure “Receive Monthly Radar/Transmission” is set to YES in your email settings. The full versions are NOT posted on the blog.

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The post January Monthly Radar appeared first on GeekEstate Blog.

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Monday, February 11, 2019

How to Get Around Japan on a Budget

a temple near Mount Fuji in Japan
Posted: 2/11/2019 | February 11th, 2019

I have a confession to make: I put off traveling to Japan until 2011 because I always thought it was too expensive.

Everyone always told me Japan was one of the most expensive countries in the world. That was the collective wisdom.

But, when I got there, I realized two things: First, I love Japan! It’s one of the most amazing, beautiful, and friendliest countries in the world. It lives up to all the hype.

Second, while Japan is expensive, it’s not out of reach for budget travelers.

There are many cheap ways to enjoy Japan on a budget.

From finding delicious food to affordable hotels to fun activities, you don’t have to pinch every penny have fun.

However, the one thing that is truly expensive in Japan? Quick transportation.

While it’s not a huge country, the island nation’s transportation infrastructure is geared to expensive, high-speed travel or inexpensive, (really) low-speed travel. There’s not much in between. It’s a three-hour train ride or a 12-hour bus ride!

So what are the best ways to travel around Japan without spending all your money on transportation?

In this post, I’ll break that down (because it does require some work).

Getting Around Japan By Train

Japan’s infamous bullet trains (called shinkansen) are beautiful, comfortable, convenient, and fast. They are a wonder of transportation, racing around at speeds up to 320 km (200 miles) per hour. These trains run on special tracks, separate from the other trains.

They are a beautiful feat of engineering and a smooth ride. It’s the best in train travel.

However, they are also very, very expensive.

Individual tickets can cost hundreds of dollars — even more than airfare. To travel on a bullet train, you pay a basic train fare, then there’s an additional “super express fee” of 800 to 8,000 JPY ($7.50 to $75). For example, a one-way ticket from Kyoto to Hiroshima can cost 11,300 JPY ($105 USD), from Tokyo to Kyoto is 13,710 JPY ($126 USD), from Osaka to Tokyo is around 15,000 JPY ($140 USD), and from Tokyo to Nagasaki is 25,850 ($240 USD).

To make matters worse, there are very rarely promotions or discounts. And, unless you know Japanese, they are nearly impossible to find.

Fortunately, there are other options. Japan also has regular limited express and regional trains. Naturally, they are much slower than the shinkansen, but they are also cheaper.

For example, a trip on a local train from Kyoto to Tokyo will cost around 8,000 JPY ($73 USD) instead of 13,710 JPY ($126 USD) for the bullet train. However, the journey will take 9 hours instead of 3 hours and will also require several transfers, making it a less than an ideal choice for most travelers.

Whether you opt for the bullet train or regional trains, I think train travel is the best way to see the country. It’s just not a good idea to buy individual tickets. In order to reduce your train costs, you need to get a Japan Rail (JR) pass.

The passes are good for JR trains — both regular trains as well as the shinkansen bullet trains! — which go to nearly every destination and region in the country. What I really like is that these JR trains also serve metropolitan areas, so they can be used within cities. On my last visit, I used my pass to get around Kyoto and Tokyo instead of buying metro tickets.

The JR pass is indispensable for travel in Japan, as you get unlimited rides with it. The pass has several options (each valid for consecutive days, not just travel days):

29,110 JPY ($267 USD) for 7 days
46,390 JPY ($426 USD) for 14 days
59,350 JPY ($545 USD) for 21 days

Even if you get just the seven-day JR pass, it will still cost less than a round-trip train ticket from Osaka to Tokyo. And you can still do a lot in seven days (it’s a small country, after all!)

The JR Pass is good on several types of JR trains. After the shinkansen, the next fastest is the tokkyu (limited express). The kyuko express train comes next, followed by the kaisoku and futs? (local trains that make every stop).

Each of these passes also has a first-class option. First-class cars in Japan are called “green cars.” The Green Car JR Pass will be around 10,000 JPY ($92 USD) more for each pass. Since the trains in Japan are already amazing, you likely don’t need to buy the Green Car pass unless you really want some luxury.

There are regional options as well if you are not traveling the entire country. These options will save you even more money since they are cheaper than the regular JR passes. You can buy JR passes for six different regions of the country:

JR East
JR West
JR Central
JR Hokkaido (the northern island)
JR Kyushu (the southwestern island)
JR Shikoku (the southeastern island)

Each region will have several pass options, usually ranging between 1-7 days. If you’re just going to be focusing on one region of the country, consider buying a JR regional pass. If you want to explore everywhere, get the regular JR Pass. (If you’re a first-time visitor to Japan, you’ll likely want the regular JR Pass, as it covers all the major destinations.)

One thing to keep in mind is that you have to buy your JR Pass before you come to Japan. So make sure you have your “exchange order” (the receipt for your pass) before you leave home! Once you get to Japan, you will exchange your “exchange order” for a JR Pass at a JR office. Make sure you have your passport when you go to collect it!

However, they are currently allowing travelers to buy their passes on arrival in some locations, but this is just a test that is set to end in March 2019. Until then, here is where you can buy your pass in Japan: Sapporo, Sendai, Niigata, Tokyo, Shinjuku, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, Hiroshima, Takamatsu, Hakata, New Chitose Airport, Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, and Kansai Airport. The pass is available mainly to non-Japanese travelers who are visiting for a limited time. When you apply for the pass, you will provide your nationality and travel details. You will need your passport to collect your pass.

If you don’t buy a JR Pass and just want to buy single tickets between destinations, here are the approximate prices you’ll pay for one-way train tickets with non-reserved seats in the “ordinary” (non-green car) class:

Hiroshima-Tokyo: 18,040 JPY ($167 USD)
Tokyo-Kyoto: 13,080 JPY ($120 USD)
Kyoto-Hiroshima: 10,570 JPY ($98 USD)
Tokyo-Nagoya: 10,360 JPY ($96 USD)
Nagoya-Kyoto: 5,070 JPY ($47 USD)
Kyoto-Osaka: 560 JPY ($5.25 USD)

If you don’t have a JR Pass, you’ll pay more for a reserved seat, about 300 to 700 JPY ($2.75 to $6.50 USD). You do not typically need to get a reserved seat unless you are traveling in peak season when all seats may be taken.

Getting Around Japan By Public Bus

Buses are a less expensive alternative but they take more time. For example, the two-hour bullet train ride from Tokyo to Osaka is 10 hours on the bus.

The price for that seat is 4,500 JPY ($42 USD), but at some point, you need to think about how much your time is worth. On my last trip, saving 10,500 JPY ($97) was not worth the extra eight hours of travel, since I had limited time.

If I’d had more time, the bus would have been worth it, especially because there are so many cool stops along the way to break up the journey.

Willer Express and Japan Bus Lines have bus passes that offer unlimited travel and begin at 10,000 JPY ($93 USD) for three non-consecutive days of travel. You can see the options at willerexpress.com.

Here are some sample bus fares between popular destinations:

Tokyo-Kyoto: 1,599 JYP ($15 USD) – 7.5 hrs.
Tokyo-Nagoya: 2,998 JYP ($28 USD) – 6.5 hrs.
Nagoya-Kyoto: 2,550 JYP ($24 USD) – 2 hrs. 50 mins.
Kyoto-Hiroshima: 4,590 JYP ($42 USD) – 7 hrs. 20 mins.
Hiroshima-Tokyo: 6,000 JYP ($55 USD) – 12 hrs.
Kyoto-Osaka: 900 JYP ($8 USD) – 1.5 hrs.

As you can see, it’s a lot cheaper to go by bus — but it takes a lot longer!

Bottom line: If you have the time, take the bus. The coaches are comfortable, and there are overnight buses, which is a decent alternative if you’re taking a long trip. Don’t be afraid to chat people up when traveling, either: those I met in Japan were really friendly. If they’re Japanese, they’ll be more than happy to tell you all about their country (and ask about yours).

Getting Around Japan By Plane

Flying has become a better option as more budget carriers now serve Japan. In general, airfares are on par with bullet train tickets. JAL and ANA are the big players. The main “budget” carriers are Peach and Jetstar Japan.

Japan is not a huge country, and I much prefer the train or bus, but if you are short on time and don’t feel like hopping from island to island on a ferry or taking the bullet train, you can fly (though it’s a lot more of a hassle!).

Here are some typical prices between a few popular destinations in Japan:

Tokyo-Kyoto:
JAL: 8,767 JPY ($81 USD) (one-way), 17,759 JPY ($164 USD) (return)
ANA: 11,239 JPY ($104 USD) (one-way), 20,323 JPY ($189 USD) (return)

Tokyo-Nagoya:
JAL: 7,081 JPY ($65 USD) (one-way), 14,611 JPY ($135 USD) (return)
ANA: 9,329 JPY ($86 USD) (one-way), 16,972 JPY ($157 USD) (return)

Osaka-Hiroshima*:
JAL: 11,352 JPY ($105 USD) (one-way), 42,036 JPY ($388 USD) (return)
ANA: 18,881 JPY ($175 USD) (one-way), 37,649 JPY ($348 USD) (return)

Hiroshima-Tokyo:
JAL: 11,576 JPY ($107 USD) (one-way), 21,018 JPY ($194 USD) (return)
ANA: 16,409 JPY ($152 USD) (one-way), 25,738 JPY ($238 USD) (return)

*No direct flights

Moreover, ANA offers special last-minute fares for 10,800 JPY ($99 USD) or less at ana.co.jp/en/us/promotions/share/experience_jp/. These fares are available only to foreigners and can sometimes be cheaper than the flights you find on other sites, especially for longer routes.

When deciding whether to fly or travel via train, keep in mind that you’ll need to get to the airport somehow. Not all airports are close: for instance, Kyoto’s nearest airport is in Osaka. If you find flights to be really expensive (as in those to and from Hiroshima), check nearby airports and, most of all, be flexible with your itinerary.

Getting Around Japan By Ferry

Another option in Japan is an interisland ferry, and there is an extensive selection of routes. Ferries typically carry passengers, vehicles, and cargo. Passengers have a choice of three classes: second (with or without a bed), first, and special. You will not have your own private room on a ferry, though the first-class option has just two beds in each room.

Japan’s four main islands are connected by bridges and tunnels, but a lot of the smaller islands can be reached only by water. If you plan on exploring these, the Japan Ferry Pass 21 is a good option. It gives you six trips on certain longer-distance ferry routes for 21 days. The pass is 21,000 JPY ($189 USD) and is available only to foreign travelers. The pass is good for second-class travel and can’t be used during peak season; ferries must be reserved in advance. For more information, visit jlc-ferry.jp.

If you decide to go this route, keep in mind that the trips can be very long! Here are some example routes, durations, and costs:

Route

Duration (hrs)

Second Class (no bed)

First Class (with bed)

Tokyo – Kitakyushu

17,000 JPY ($157 USD)

20,000 JPY ($183 USD)

Osaka – Shibushi

$14,660 JPY ($134 USD)

22,000 JPY ($203 USD)

Kobe – Takamatsu

2,290 JPY ($21 USD)

4,300 JPY ($39 USD)

Niigata – Otaru

6,680 JPY($61 USD; shared room with bed)

14,160 JPY ($130 USD)

Getting Around Japan By Car

I don’t recommend renting a car and driving around Japan on your own. For one, rental cars are much more expensive than public transit options. In most places, traffic is frustrating, parking is a big hassle, and unless you speak Japanese, getting around is going to be very difficult.

Getting Around Japan By Hitchhiking

If you are feeling adventurous, you can hitchhike. Japan’s a really safe country, and it’s a chance for a free ride! While almost no Japanese hitchhike, many are more than happy to pick up foreigners. It’s an opportunity for them to practice their English and engage a new culture, so don’t be afraid to stick out a thumb!

Even out in the countryside, you won’t have a hard time finding a ride. Even people who don’t speak English will pick you up, as the people really are incredibly kind and giving. Don’t be surprised if you get asked to meet their family or friends or share a meal with them!

Our Community Manager, Chris, spent a month backpacking and hitchhiking in Japan. He never waited too long for a ride, and people were incredibly friendly. They bought him snacks and meals, drove way out of their way to help him, and even took them to their homes to meet their family. If you’re comfortable doing this, it can be a very culturally rewarding experience!

If you decide to go this route, make a sign letting people know which direction you’re headed. Add a smiley face and other cute drawings to up your chances of finding a ride. A good resource for finding the best places to find a ride is Hitchwiki.

How Long Does it Take to Get Around Japan?

Here are some distances and travel times. I think this will convince you that the train really is the way to go.

Route

Road (km/miles)

Air (hrs.)

Train (hrs.)

Bus (hrs.)

Tokyo-Kyoto**

453/281

2:40

7:30

Tokyo-Nagoya

347/216

1:10

2:10

6:30

Nagoya-Kyoto**

135/84

0:50

2:50

Kyoto**-Hiroshima

361/224

3:50*

1:40

7:20

Hiroshima-Tokyo

8017/501

1:50

Kyoto-Osaka

58/36

N/A

0:25

1:30

***

The Best Way to Get Around Japan

Bottom line: The best transportation option really depends on the length of your trip. If you only have a week or so in Japan and want to get around really quick, get a rail pass and take the train everywhere you need to go. It’s not going to be cheap, but it will be the most efficient. If you have more time and have a lot of places to visit in a similar geographic region, take the bus. If you’re not comfortable hitchhiking, try an app like CarpoolWorld, which helps you find all sorts of carpool, vanpool, and rideshare listings by destination.

Whichever method you choose, you’ll be in good hands. Japan has some of the safest, cleanest, most efficient travel options in the world, so enjoy!

Book Your Trip to Japan: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the most comprehensive inventory so they are best for booking a hostel. If you want to stay in a hotel or guesthouse in Japan, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. They’re the best booking site out there. My favorite places to stay in Japan are:

Khaosan Tokyo Kabuki (Tokyo) – This is one of the best hostels in the country. The staff go above and beyond, each room has its own bathroom, and it’s in a great location to help you explore the city.
Jiyujin (Kyoto) – This is a smaller hostel that’s great for anyone looking to have a more quiet and relaxed stay in the city.
K’s House (Hiroshima) – This is a great chain of hostels around the country. The staff are helpful, the common areas are always full of people, and they also have free tea and coffee.

World Nomads (for everyone below 70)
Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

Looking for more travel tips for Japan
Check out my in-depth Japan travel guide for more ways to save money, costs, tips on what to see and do, suggested itineraries, reading, packing lists, and much, much more!

The post How to Get Around Japan on a Budget appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

from Nomadic Matt's Travel Site http://bit.ly/2DrfI10

Sunday, February 10, 2019

Meet the Real Estate Tech Founder: Arian Abdulkader from NEXME

In our latest real estate tech entrepreneur interview, we’re speaking with Arian Abdulkader from NEXME.

Without further ado…

What do you do?

We’re NEXME, a marketplace platform that connects homebuyers and sellers with licensed real estate agents in real time, using algorithms to ensure the right agent at the right place at the right time. With NEXME, real estate agents that sign up to our platform commit to 1% commission fee, and we deliver the remainder of the commission (up to 2%) back to the homebuyer. For agents, we deliver an active lead directly to them.

What problem does your product/service solve?

NEXME eliminates the hassle of calling, scheduling an appointment with agent, waiting for open houses, or signing a contract. Homebuyers and sellers can connect with an agent right away, and if the agent wins the customer over, they get the business. If they don’t, homebuyers/sellers can request another agent, as many as they want with as many as many homes as they want. We believe technology allows this process to become better and more accurate.

What are you most excited about right now?

I’m excited about where the industry is headed, and how the home buying and selling process is evolving. The industry hasn’t seen this much disruption since Zillow and Redfin, and seeing so many different models emerge is exciting.

What’s next for you?

We launched in May and now we’re looking to raise capital with the right investors to take NEXME to the next level. We want to continue to deliver value to homebuyers and sellers through features and functionality that makes the home buying and selling process even easier.

What’s a cause you’re passionate about and why?

I’m passionate about immigration in the US for the greater good of entrepreneurship. So many great founders and entrepreneurs have come to this country and built great companies that provide jobs. Being an immigrant myself, from Kurdistan, I can understand the desire to come to the US and work hard to make something that will impact lives for the better, and that’s an opportunity I want many to have.

Thanks to Arian for sharing his story. If you’d like to connect, find him on LinkedIn here.

We’re constantly looking for great real estate tech entrepreneurs to feature. If that’s you, please read this post — then drop me a line (drew @ geekestatelabs dot com).

The post Meet the Real Estate Tech Founder: Arian Abdulkader from NEXME appeared first on GeekEstate Blog.

from GeekEstate Blog http://bit.ly/2DvCgxI

Friday, February 8, 2019

Mackenzie Park in Port Coquitlam

Mackenzie Park by Redekop Redale Group is a new 4 storey condo development located in Port Coquitlam. This project will offer 40 units, whether you’re a First Time Home Buyer with Studio and 1 Bed + Den options, family oriented with spacious 2 Bed + Dens, or you can have it all in a spacious and luxurious Penthouse suite. Each home features open concept living with high quality, modern finishes combined with thoughtful details.

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from Projects – Vancouver New Condos http://bit.ly/2MUZSQo

Lilac HAUS on Vancouver’s West Side

Lilac HAUS by Dana Development Inc. is a new 3 storey condo development located on Vancouver’s West Side. This project will offer 4 units, as only 2 of 4 are still available for sale. As the West Side’s first ever multi-family passive house development, lilacHAUS appeals to discerning, climate conscious buyers looking to live in one of Vancouver’s most coveted neighbourhoods.

#100, 845 sq , 1,288 M , 10,000 buyer’s incentive
#101-1990 sqf, 2.988,000 M with 10,000 Buyers incentive and $10,000 to buyers agent
#201-2100 sqf , 3.288,000 M same as above
#301 , sold

Estimated completion: July 2019

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from Projects – Vancouver New Condos http://bit.ly/2BsMJtr