Bill Bymel

ABOUT THE EPISODE

Happy New Year, dear listeners! As we kick off another vibrant year, join me in reflecting on the fascinating intersection of global events and the world of real estate.

Sipping hot cocoa while gazing out over the snowy expanse of Hokkaido, my family and I embraced a Christmas like no other, igniting a warmth that transcended the chill of the Japanese winter. These moments, savored during our 16-day sojourn across Asia, are the treasures I’m excited to share with you, not just as travel tales, but as a testament to the intangible wealth family experiences bring.

As we journeyed from the powdery slopes of Japan to the electrifying streets of Tokyo for my son’s 31st birthday, I was reminded that the richness of life lies in these shared adventures, etching memories that outshine any material legacy.

Our travels also steered us to the somber realities of Ha Long Bay, where dreams of luxury echo in the silence of abandoned real estate, where skeletal structures stand as stark witnesses to economic turbulence.

There, amidst the ghostly structures of Tuan Chau Island, as we navigate through the eerie silence of unfinished villas and hotels, I unravel the threads of economic turmoil – from the Asian debt crisis to the collapse of China’s property market, and a pandemic that choked the life from tourism.

The echoes of these deserted projects not only resonate across Tuan Chau Island but also reflect the fragility of China’s middle class, and with an eye towards the future, I discuss the poignant parallels between them, whose financial stability teeters with the fluctuating fortunes of real estate.

Join me as we reflect on these tales of beauty and heartache, and consider the silver linings that could yet be mined from the rubble of lost aspirations. This tale of caution is also one of opportunity for the astute investor seeking potential amidst the ruins.

If you’re interested in investing with First Lien Capital please connect with me at bill@firstliencapital.com or go to firstliencapital.com and press the INVEST button to be contacted by our team.

If there’s a specific topic you’d like me to cover in our REAL TidBits series or a guest you’d like to recommend for an interview, please share with us via email to kalyani@firstliencapital.com.