Is the introduced property really a good one? How to think about real estate investment without being swayed by off-market or under-the-table deals.
Introduction You might have heard these terms before if you're involved in real estate investment: "Off-market properties" "Under-the-radar deals" "Members-only properties" "Referral-only deals" Many investors likely feel a sense of exclusivity when they hear these phrases. In fact, when I speak with investors, I often receive inquiries like: "Do you have any off-market properties?" "I'd like you to introduce me to income-generating properties that aren't publicly advertised." It's true that properties not yet on the market seem to have fewer competitors, giving the impression that they can be purchased favorably. However, there's one thing I'd like everyone to consider calmly: Are referral-only or off-market properties truly good deals? …
Is that rent really appropriate? Are you deciding the rent for your property based on a “hunch”?
When investing in real estate, many people focus on the “purchase.” What area is good? What about the yield? What are the financing terms? Will it appreciate in the future? Of course, these are all very important. However, what greatly affects actual profits is “post-purchase management.” Among these, "rent setting" is particularly important. If the current rent is too high compared to the market, it can lead to vacancy risk, and conversely, if it is too low, you may be missing out on profits that you could have otherwise earned. However, in reality, there are many cases where rent is set "vaguely" with reasons like: "This was the rent from the previous management company." "I've been renting it out for this amount for a long time." "It's currently occupied, so I haven't touched it."
Speed is number one
In the real estate industry, speed is the ultimate differentiator. This is something I often feel when working in the real estate industry: in the end, what separates the successful from the rest is “speed.” People with knowledge. People who are good at sales. People who speak eloquently. Of course, these are all important. However, when I observe people who are truly trusted by clients or who attract good deals, I see a common trait: they are people who “move fast.” Fast response. Fast confirmation. Fast decision-making. Fast action. Simply by doing these things, the flow of work truly changes. The world of investment real estate, in particular, is a speed race. Good properties simply disappear while you're pondering. That's why I've always believed, "First and foremost...
Aiming for capital gains? Or income? - The “Essence of Real Estate Investment” That Such Arguments Alone Can't Reveal”
When discussing real estate investment, the terms "Are you aiming for capital gains?" and "Are you aiming for income?" almost always come up. Are you aiming for profit from price appreciation? Or are you accumulating monthly rental income? Real estate investment is a world often discussed in these two options. Of course, this way of thinking is not wrong. However, after being in the real estate industry for a long time, you realize that there are many investors who cannot be explained by these two options alone. Rather, those who truly build wealth tend to not divide themselves so simply into "I am a capital gains investor" or "I am an income investor." This time, we will discuss "capital gains," "income," and multiple other aspects of real estate investment...
2026.05.18
What's it like in Hokkaido "outside of Sapporo"? Considering areas strong with inbound tourism, and the potential for real estate and minpaku (private lodging).
When you think of Hokkaido, Sapporo is indeed the center. A large portion of the population, jobs, transportation, and commercial functions are concentrated in Sapporo, and Hokkaido's economic sphere, for better or worse, is built on this "Sapporo-centric" structure. However, in recent years, changes have begun to emerge in this structure. The areas that are strongly capturing inbound demand have seen particularly significant changes. The increase in foreign tourists has not only turned them into mere tourist destinations but has also transformed the regional economy itself, including the "accommodation industry," "real estate investment," and "minpaku (homestay) operations." This time, focusing on Niseko, Toyako Town, Furano, Biei Town, and Asahikawa, we will explore how "Hokkaido with strong inbound demand" is changing and what strategies can be considered from the perspective of real estate and minpaku.
2026.05.15
A Recommendation for Taking a Vacation — Paid Leave Doesn't Need a Reason
How did everyone spend their Golden Week holidays? I traveled to Vietnam and returned with an empty wallet from the casino (lol). But now that Golden Week is over, I'm not getting used to work. I lack motivation. I feel vaguely tired. Have you ever felt this way? There's no clear reason, but you can't seem to concentrate. It's surprisingly common to continue working in such a state. Today, we'll talk about taking a break when you feel like this. ■ Misconceptions about resting When you hear "long vacation," many people tend to think of it as "time to relax" or "time to refresh." Of course, that's not wrong in itself. However, in jobs like management and sales, that's not the only way to perceive...
2026.05.13
“Sapporo is safe” no longer applies. The “winning areas” and "assets that will remain" for real estate investment in Sapporo, as understood from demographic trends.”
Sapporo is one of the cities attracting significant attention from real estate investors nationwide. Compared to central Tokyo, property prices are more affordable, and it possesses the population size and urban functions of a designated city, leading many investors to think, “I'll start with a whole building in Sapporo.” In recent years, with the redevelopment around Sapporo Station, the recovery of inbound demand, and expectations for semiconductor-related investments across Hokkaido, positive views of the Sapporo real estate market have further increased. In fact, when looking nationwide, Sapporo remains an attractive market. However, one point to be cautious about is making investment decisions based solely on the broad category of “Sapporo City." Future real estate investments should not be about "whether it's Sapporo," but rather "Sapporo..."
2026.05.11
Make some space
The strategy of creating blank time. It sounds like a suspicious business book title, doesn't it? (lol) However, this time, I'll be sharing my thoughts on how to use your time. People who are good at their jobs often appear to have packed schedules, but in reality, they intentionally leave “time slots that are empty.” I feel that this seemingly-wasteful blank time significantly impacts the quality and speed of results. Many people, when they see free time, think, “I have to fill this in.” This is because they find a sense of security in having a full schedule. However, that sense of security is merely a feeling of "being busy," and it doesn't necessarily equate to "results." On the contrary, being over-scheduled is precisely what makes it difficult to see...
2026.04.27
The property you want to buy is being targeted by everyone | The mindset of those who win in real estate investment in Sapporo
You're already in a competition when you're looking for a good property. When I consult with people about real estate investment, many of them list similar conditions. They want a high yield, a property that is either newly built or well-maintained. The location should be good, and vacancy rates should be as low as possible. And finally, they add, "Please let me know if you find any good properties like that." This feeling itself is very natural and not wrong. Rather, from an investment perspective, it's natural to want to earn stable income while minimizing risk. However, there is one reality that must be recognized here. That is, properties that meet these conditions are already being targeted by many investors in the same way.
2026.04.23