With the retreat of the 'pre-crisis' speculator who bought for quick profitable resales; the new 'post-crisis' investor is emerging ... a new type of international real estate investor with a different mindset and goals.

One can expect the 'new' global investor to:

• *  Be informed and demand better service from the industry
• * Not make decisions based on thin slices of information but demand openness and transparency
• * Be skeptical of promises made by developers on their websites and brochures
• * Be wary of pre-construction properties, preferring to purchase completed real estate with amenities they can enjoy right now.
• * Want to understanding the financial health of the community before they invest
• * Expect substantial discounts on the market highs of 2007
• * To haggle, even when it comes to high-end properties
• * To be drawn to real estate that is a bit low key
• * To be interested in properties that generate revenue in the short term.
• * To be motivated by lifestyle factors (not just financial gain)
• * Focus on regions with a low cost of living, good health care and safe streets
• * To avoid areas with over-supply risk and copy-cat developments
• * To seek safe haven investments and tax friendly environments
• * Be interested in contributions to larger concerns such as environmental preservation, the local community and sustainable approaches to building, water, and energy