Bangkok Post, Thailand, Net Worth Column.

Byline: Andrew Leppard

Dec. 12--As the countdown to Christmas gains momentum, many expats' thoughts will be focused on other matters than work, namely: family left behind, distant friends and "home sweet home". For some of us who are maintaining two households, that quaint little plaque that was displayed on many a country cottage mantelpiece in earlier, less stressful times, might now read "Home `Dear' Home" as mortgage payments plus foreign apartment rents eat into monthly budgets.

For others, this may not be a problem. They may have rented out their native domicile, their employers pay for their condo overseas, or maybe, as they approach retirement, they now have little or no mortgage outstanding. Conversely, there are those who, having fell in love with their host countries, now wish to settle there long-term for their retirement.

Buying on foreign soil can be a daunting task and few people contemplate it. However, it need not be that hard if you have the right people on the case. Using a recent client, let us explore the fundamental requirements needed to turn dreams into reality.

"Max" is 39 years old, married with two children and has an existing home in the United States. He has been working in Thailand for three years and wishes to purchase some serious estate valued at $333,000 (14.65 million baht). His employers have renewed his contract and he is secure for the next 15 years. How does he proceed?

Obtaining funds is much the same all over the world. The lender is interested in just four things:

--Does the property "value up" properly by way of location, size, construction quality, term of lease and so on;