What would you do with your properties in Japan when you leave Japan

[JerseyBoy]

If you are going to leave Japan for an extended period, what would you suggest with the condominium I purchased? Does it make sense to keep paying a mortgage on it if I would be living and working in USA. I am not sure at this point how often I can travel back to Japan.

[Glenski]

Have you considered renting it out?

[Pachipro]

You can always sub-let it out for the cost of your mortgage. When I lived in Japan I sub-letted out my apartment to two sisters who wanted to live in JApan and be near their father who was working in Japan, but didn't want to live with him when I returned to the US for 9 months.

I also sub-letted a 3LDK mansion from a family whose husband was transferred to Hokkaido for three years when I started my English school. It will be no problem as long as the mortgage/rent is paid.

In effect the renters of my apartment were happy in that they did not have the highs fees associated with renting an apartment and the family was happy because, even though they were not living in their purchased condominium and preferred to be with "papa" I was paying their mortgage for them and they had a home to return to. In all, all parties were happy.

Are you considering moving back to the USA Jersey Boy? It would be interesting to hear your views on this in another thread.

[Glenski]

Not all situations let you sub-let, which is why I asked instead of told you to do so. Have you checked?

[JerseyBoy]

e USA Jersey Boy? It would be interesting to hear your views on this in another thread.
Once I get better bearings on my plan in USA, I would post a thread on this. I left Japan many years ago and have not missed it during my stay in USA. Even though I've been here about a year, I just realized my heart is not in Japan (I thought I could force myself to like living in Japan once I've been back; but, I came to realize I might not be able to do so.) I can go back to my previous employer who can sponsor me for the work visa and permanent residency status. When I left USA, I forfeited the pending application for the permanent residency (in the hindsight, I have started feeling I should have waited for the approval.)
If this plan to go back to USA takes off, then, I will let the real estate agency to handle the renting, instead of doing it myself. I think it would be difficult to manage renting my place remotely from overseas.

[Pachipro]

Very interesting Jersey Boy. Thanks. Yes, allowing a real estate company to handle this for you would probably be the best way to go. Good luck!

Also, since you have decided to leave Japan, it would be interesting to hear your thoughts in the thread: For whom is it easier to live in Japan; foreigners or Japanese? (http://www.jref.com/forum/showthread.php?t=38051) I believe you can add some interesting insight.

[JerseyBoy]

Pachipro, I have not yet decided on leaving Japan. I have basically two potions. The first one is that I get a position at a foreign-owned company where I can work as if I were in USA (ie. dealing with American and other English-speaking people around world). I think I could manage if I would come back to Japan once a few months for a few days. I have a few potential opportunities going on now for that type of jobs. If that does not work out, then, I will take the second option, which is I move back to USA. I just feel Japan is too crowded and small for my taste. But, I want to keep my option open (by keeping a property in Japan) as a hedge against any unexpected events in the future.

[JerseyBoy]

Can you keep a bank account with a Japanese bank in Japan even though your mailing address will be outside Japan (such as USA)? For a mortgage payment, a lender wants to have the automatic withdrawal from a Japanese bank account.

[JerseyBoy]

Are you considering moving back to the USA Jersey Boy? It would be interesting to hear your views on this in another thread.
Finally, I am going forward with the visa petition to move back to USA now that I have sorted out the terms with my employer in USA. Even though I am living comfortably in Japan, I am now ready to move out. I will rent out my condo before I decide what to do with it in 5 or 10 years later.