New member from the USA

[Nadia2108]

Hello,
I am a new member from the US, and I was wondering if it is possible for my husband and I to relocate to Dubai from the States. He is a Mortgage broker and I am a travel agent. We do have a new born baby and we are interested in relocting where it`s safer but carries the same standar of living.

[kaz101]

Hi Nadia2108,

Welcome to the forum.

I moved your post to a separate thread so that you'll get more replies.

Regards,
Karen

[bart59]

Definitely possible to relocate but there are a lot of things to consider. As far as standard of living is concerned I'm not sure what you are both making at home but no taxes over here helps a lot. I think you might find better luck finding a job through a recruiter, especially your husband before he comes over here. People seem to have better luck being recruited from the states. Housing is fairly expensive here depending on where you live in the states and what you are used to spending. A 2BR flat can run anywhere from $27,000US to 40,0000 annual. A 3BR villa can go from $48,600-80,000. The prices do vary a lot depending on the neighborhood. You may find lower rents than this but the neighborhood may not be up to your standards. The other problem is most properties rent for an entire year and the landlord will want one or two checks up front for the whole year. If your husband secures a good job he will negotiate a housing allowance and they will front the money or at least the portion the allowance covers. There are a lot more details on this and if you want to know more send me an email at bartreh g mail

Cost of other stuff is somewhat similiar to what you will spend in the states. Gas is cheaper, car rental can be done for a smaller vehicle for about $600/month until you have your resident visa and can purchase a vehicle. Monthly payments will be much cheaper. Until you have a resident visa and labour card from your husband or your employer it is difficult to do a lot of things like a PO box, Tenancy contract, Power and Electric, Phone accounts. And of course buying a villa, flat, or car.

Groceries are about the same on the whole. Going out can be relatively inexpensive to very expensive depending on where you want to go. The American Hospital is quite good and health care is very inexpensive compated to the states. Your employers should provide you with a health care package.

Well, I could go on and on. If you want to know more drop me a line. My girlfriend and I have helped quite a few people get up to speed over here. I have been here off and on for almost two years and she and I have been here full time since October. She runs a real estate office in Dubai for the largest real estate company in the world and we would be more than happy to help you find suitable housing. We have tried different parts of the city and have a good handle on where to live and where not.

Hope this helped

Bart

[Elphaba]

Originally Posted by Nadia2108

Hello,
I am a new member from the US, and I was wondering if it is possible for my husband and I to relocate to Dubai from the States. He is a Mortgage broker and I am a travel agent. We do have a new born baby and we are interested in relocting where it`s safer but carries the same standar of living.

Please note that the mortage market in Dubai is very different from in the US, not very sophisticated and most brokers work on a commission only basis.

[Nadia2108]

Please if you can explain to me how is the market and what are his chances.

[Elphaba]

Originally Posted by Nadia2108

Please if you can explain to me how is the market and what are his chances.

How is the market? What does that mean??

It is buoyant, but restructive. Most lenders have a list of developers whose properties they will consider as security.

Does your husband have any qualifications? Most advisers here - if they have any qualifications - follow the UK system of examinations.

As I said in my earlier post, most positions are commission only, so you would need money to back you whilst getting established - and that can take some time. Add in the fact that rent is payable at least 6 monthly in advance and it costs a lot to get going.