China Construction Bank (0939.HK) (CCB), extending a 2.3 percent gain in the previous session, rose another 2.5 percent to a six-week high of HK$6.25. It ended at HK$6.21, up 1.8 percent. China’s second-largest lender said it expected its new lending to grow more than 10 percent this year. ">ID:nBJB003719

Top lender ICBC (1398.HK) climbed 2.24 percent to close at a six-week high of HK$5.93, extending its 0.87 percent gain from the previous session. The world’s biggest bank by market capitalisation said its deposits at the end of 2009 totalled 10.2 trillion yuan ($1.5 trillion). [ID:nTOE62600C]

Exporter Li & Fung (0494.HK), which soared 4.2 percent in the previous session, jumped 4.2 percent to a record close at HK$40.90, boosted by hopes of a recovery in the U.S. economy after encouraging retail sales data and lower-than-expected job losses in the United States.

Brokers said demand for Li & Fung was strong as the market offered few alternatives in the same segment and on expectations the United States was on course for recovery.

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The company, saying its strategy is to create a portfolio of assets across Britain, is aiming to raise gross proceeds of about 150 million pounds ($227.15 million).

Conditional LSE dealing in Metric shares is set to begin March 19 and unconditional dealings are due to start March 24. Oriel Securities and J.P. Morgan Cazenove have been appointed as joint sponsors, financial advisors and bookrunners.

“We believe that the extensive re-pricing of the real estate market and the adoption of our occupier-led approach will present a significant opportunity for Metric to create value for shareholders,” said Andrew Jones, chief executive of Metric, in a statement.

Jones said Metric’s currently involved in negotiations with several vendors regarding potential investments and will continue to seek out similar opportunities within the U.K. retail property market. “Our focus is to generate attractive returns, backed by sustainable income and strong capital appreciation,” he said.

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The China Securities Regulatory Commission is in discussions with the Ministry of Land and Resources to change the rules, said Zhu Congjiu, assistant to the securities regulator, during a press conference today in Beijing.

“The procedure will be similar to how we ask the bank regulator or the insurance regulator to issue their supervisory opinions to us whenever a bank or an insurer applies for listing,” Zhu said.

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Sales are on the upswing as first-time homebuyers jump in - enticed by a temporary $8,000 tax credit - and investors snap up foreclosed properties. And some homeowners who can’t wait any longer for prices to rise are finding ways to move on.

Baltimore residents Geoff and Gail Turk are in the market to buy a house despite not being able to sell their condo for anything close to what Gail bought it for in 2007. As they look for a three-bedroom property, the Turks are trying to rent the one-bedroom condo. They’d like to start a family, “and we just need more space,” said Geoff Turk, 38, an Anne Arundel County teacher.

The market is far different from the housing-bubble days, when prices were escalating and selling was a snap. Four years since the slump took hold, foreclosures continue to be a problem and people selling at a loss are all too common. Even as home sales picked up in most areas last year, average prices fell in all but a handful of communities, a Baltimore Sun analysis found.

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Seattle, WA and Pima County, AZ (Vocus) March 10, 2010 — The annual deadline for filing a residential property tax appeal in Pima County, Arizona is April 13, 2010. During this period of unprecedented decline in housing values, many property owners are unfairly overpaying their property taxes by hundreds or thousands of dollars. According to ValueAppeal, in Pima County alone, 7,942 homes are currently overassessed. The average savings by property owners who appeal unfair assessments in Pima County is $600.

Seattle, Washington based ValueAppeal has used advanced data mining technologies over the last three months to evaluate each Pima County residential property, with the goal of helping homeowners reestablish a fair and equitable assessment of their property.

Historically homeowners have been reluctant to file property tax appeals, even if they believe their homes are overassessed. The process of preparing the necessary paperwork, filing the appeal and waiting for the results is notoriously opaque and time consuming. In addition, homeowners are wary to try costly property tax appeal “consultants”, who’s fees negate most of the savings.

ValueAppeal uses proprietary algorithms and data from the entire county database to build three unique arguments to support an accurate, compelling appeal to the Pima County Assessor’s Office, including comparable sales, comparable assessments, and additional unique factors often overlooked by county assessors. No other platform has the ability to help such a wide range of homeowners in the crucial 30 days prior to the appeal deadline.

“With the decline in home values, homeowners know they may be paying too much in property taxes,” states Charlie Walsh, founder and CEO of ValueAppeal, “but the process for homeowners to take back what they’re owed is challenging and lengthy. ValueAppeal uses the most comprehensive set of data available, as well as a simple online user interface to ensure the homeowner’s appeal is complete and straightforward.”

About ValueAppeal:
Seattle, WA based ValueAppeal, LLC is dedicated to helping homeowners find and reclaim their own money through the correction of unfair tax assessments. The company offers a simple-to-use online tool homeowners use to appeal their property tax assessments. To learn more about ValueAppeal, visit http://www.valueappeal.com, Facebook http://facebook.com/ValueAppeal, or Twitter http://twitter.com/ValueAppeal.

For More Information, Press Only:
Megan Montplaisir
Nology Media, LLC
valueappeal(at)nologymedia(dot)com
206-452-5651

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For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases///prweb3699164.htm

St. Louis, MO (Vocus) March 9, 2010 — PGAV Destinations, a global leader in the planning and design of cultural and entertainment destinations, is pleased to announce that they have been awarded two landmark projects in China: the planning and design of Zhuhai Ocean World and the expansion of the Terracotta Warriors Museum in Xian, China.

Both projects are part of a current tourism boom in China. According to the China National Tourism Administration approximately US $185 billion was recorded in tourism income in 2009, reflecting a growth of 9% over 2008. Additionally, Chinese domestic tourism income in 2009 was US $146 billion, reflecting a 15% increase from the previous year.

“We are honored to participate in the exciting tourism boom occurring now in China,” says Jim Moorkamp, Principal and Co-leader of PGAV Destinations. “These projects will be important attractions to draw both Chinese nationals and international tourists.”

PGAV Destinations is planning and designing the 50-hectare Hengqin Island Ocean World. This project is being developed by The Chimelong Group, which operates theme parks, animal safari parks, waterparks, and hotels in Guangzhou’s Panyu district. This project in Southern China will become the biggest ocean park in Asia when all phases are completed.

Ocean World is part of Chimelong’s Hengqin Island Development. The development is a family based, international quality, tourist destination that is designed to complement Macau, which draws over 22 million visitors a year. It includes Ocean World, an animal safari, other entertainment venues, destination retail and hotels.

Hengqin Island is just off the Chinese Mainland. It is part of the coastal city of Zhuhai and just across a strait from Macau. It is part of a larger economic development plan in the southern Guangdong region that is stimulated by the construction of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. Construction recently began on this 30-mile long bridge, which will be the longest oversea bridge in the world, connecting Zhuhai with the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau. The island is the largest among the 146 islands of Zhuhai, being roughly three times the size of Macau.

PGAV Destinations is also providing architectural, interpretive, retail, and food service design for the Terracotta Warriors Museum in Xian, China. This landmark destination is being expanded with state-of-the-art amenities, to include a film-based attraction on the history of the site, interpretive exhibits, an educational museum store, and specialized food service. The project is the result of an innovative public/private partnership between PGAV’s American client and the Chinese government.

“The museum project signals a new chapter in PGAV’s experience in bringing state-of-the-art interpretation and visitor services to internationally significant heritage landmarks,” says Mike Konzen, Principal and Co-leader of PGAV Destinations. “It builds on our experience at the Giza Pyramids, Niagara Falls, the Grand Canyon, Independence National Historical Park, and other significant sites.”

The Museum Complex houses the famous Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China. The terracotta figures, dating from 210 BC, were discovered in 1974 by some local farmers near Xi’an, Shaanxi province, China near the Mausouleum of the First Qin Emperor. The figures vary in height according to their role, the tallest being the generals. The figures include warriors, chariots, horses, officials, acrobats, strongmen, and musicians.

Estimates are that in the three pits containing the Terracotta Army, there were over 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses, the majority of which are still buried in the pit.

About PGAV Destinations
PGAV Destinations is a global leader in the planning and design of unique destinations. Now in its fifth decade, the practice has evolved to become the ideal strategic partner, skilled at developing growth-oriented master plans and translating those plans into successful projects. No other firm offers such an integrated approach to destination planning.

PGAV’s key clients include industry leaders such as Delaware North, Busch Entertainment Corporation, the Biltmore Companies, Bass Pro Shops, Ameristar Casinos, Universal Studios, The Gettysburg Foundation, Niagara Parks Commission, The National Aviary, and many others. Recent assignments include planning and design at many of the world’s “must see” destinations, including the Grand Canyon, Biltmore Estate, Niagara Falls, Hearst Castle, the Georgia Aquarium, the Hoover Dam, and SeaWorld Adventure Parks. www.PGAVDestinations.com

Media Contact:

Judy R. Goodman
Lents & Associates
1750 S. Brentwood
St. Louis, MO USA
PH: 314.968.3060
FAX: 314.968.2353
CELL: 314.795.8264

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For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/tourism_china/tourists_chinese/prweb3699354.htm

Livability.com has selected five of the most livable cities in the country (Asheville,NC; Nashville, TN; Eugene, OR; Pueblo, CO; and Albuquerque, NM) and partnered with the Chambers of Commerce in each community to create the Relocate to a Better Life contest. Winners will find out first-hand what it might be like to move to some of the best places to live in America during a VIP trip to the city hosted by the chamber.

(PRWEB) March 9, 2010 — Challenging times have many people yearning for a fresh start. Given the choice, wouldn’t it be great to start over in one of America’s most livable cities? The editors at Livability.com, an online relocation portal, certainly think so. That’s why they’ve created the Relocate to a Better Life Sweepstakes.

Livability.com has selected five of the most livable cities in the country and partnered with the Chambers of Commerce in each community to create the Relocate to a Better Life contest. People looking to ditch a rocky job for the Rocky Mountains—or move from a sub-par city to one with a great par-3—can visit Livablity.com to enter the contest. Winners will find out first-hand what it might be like to move to some of the best places to live in America.

While the winners will be chosen in a random drawing, entrants are invited to share their story (300 words or less) on why they’d like to “Relocate to a Better Life.” A selection of these compelling stories will be featured on Livability.com.

Five grand prize winners will each receive a three-day/two-night trip for two to one of the following cities:

Albuquerque, NM
Asheville, NC
Eugene, OR
Nashville, TN
Pueblo, CO

Contestants enter online by completing the entry form at Livability.com showcases America’s best places to live providing an in-depth look at some of the most livable cities in North America. It’s also a valuable resource for the moving audience. Content includes original photography, compelling articles and includes tips, advice and how-to info on how to help manage a move. Through their partnership with On Board Data, Livability provides a relocation audience with access to information about schools, business, real estate, population and community amenities allowing individuals to make the most informed moving decision possible.

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For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/03/prweb3689114.htm

(Vocus) — The Chinese Drywall Complaint Center is expanding its investigation related to a specific type of imported Chinese drywall called Knauf Tianjin into South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. The group is urging homeowners in subdivisions built since 2001 in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, Virginia, Southeast Texas, and Mississippi, to carefully check their attics, to see what is written on the back of the drywall. The group says, “If it says Knauf Tianjin, and or made in China-call us immediately at 866-714-6466,” or contact the group via its web site at Http://ChineseDrywallComplaintCenter.Com

Important Note From The Chinese Drywall Complaint Center: “The scariest thing about toxic Chinese drywall is it may only take a small amount-to make the entire home toxic in the US Southeast. Our big push on Knauf Tianjin relates to the fact that this company is at least accepting service for the New Orleans based national class action. Other Chinese manufacturers are not.” For more information please contact the Chinese Drywall Complaint Center at 866-714-6466, or contact the group via its web site at Http://ChineseDrywallComplaintCenter.Com

Symptoms of toxic Chinese drywall in homes in South Carolina, Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Virginia, or Southeast Texas include: repeated air conditioning coil failures, within two years of the home being built. In addition to air conditioning coil failures, toxic Chinese drywall in the US Southeast may cause appliance failures, light bulbs burning out prematurely, copper turning black, combined with all, or some of the family are experiencing seemingly never ending upper respiratory issues, nose bleeds, severe headaches, unexplained very unusual rashes, especially in the late spring, or summer. The time frame for toxic Chinese drywall in the US Southeast is 2001-to early 2009. The Chinese Drywall Complaint Center is saying, “We think the worst effects of toxic Chinese drywall in the US Southeast occur in from mid April—mid October because of high heat combined with high thresholds of humidity.” Http://ChineseDrywallComplaintCenter.Com

Important Chinese Drywall Update: The Chinese Drywall Complaint Center is saying, “intermixing US drywall with toxic Chinese drywall is a new dimension, in what we consider to be the worst environment disaster for US homeowners ever. Intermixing domestic made drywall with toxic Chinese drywall means the problem just got worse.” The group says, “the time frames on intermixing US drywall products, with toxic Chinese drywall is 2001-early 2009. The types of real estate covered include residential, subdivisions, condominiums, commercial. The construction types include new construction, remodeling, and storm remediation.”

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For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/03/prweb3703164.htm

(Vocus) March 6, 2010 — Gateway Encore Resort Management Services provides premium management and accounting services for Condominium and Homeowners’ Associations throughout Southwest Florida.

“Communities retaining Gateway Encore have at their disposal much more than an association management firm,” said Kristine Wishard, President. “This team has been immersed in virtually every area of real estate for decades in Southwest Florida and the Midwest, allowing them to not only solve your current problems, but to anticipate future ones.”

Gateway Encore provides a wealth of property management experience with more than 100 years of professional expertise in association management, accounting, real estate development, commercial asset management and customer service accumulated among its four principals.

Kristine Wishard has been in the association management industry for thirteen years. She serves as the President of The Gateway Group in Port Charlotte. Raised in Punta Gorda, Florida, Kristine has recently served as President of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce and the Port Charlotte Association of Realtors.

CEO/Manager Dwight R. Penn, has over 30 years experience in community management. He is an industry leader, acting as a charter member of the CAI (Community Associations Institute) in Columbus, Ohio, and serving as its president. Dwight also has a CPM designation and a CAM license in the state of Florida. For 35 years, he and his family have had real estate holdings in Naples.

Mark L. DiSabato began his career in real estate agent while in college. He became a broker and worked the next eight years in all aspects of sales, building and management of real estate. For three two decades, Mark has been directly involved in the land acquisition, zoning, financing, development, management and sales of approximately 15,000 multi-family dwellings.

Rick Armalavage has been involved in real estate activities throughout Southwest Florida since 1978. He started his career as a real estate apraiser and licensed real estate broker, and became noted as an expert in real estate analysis. Over the years, Rick has developed properties, sold properties,a nd provided advisory solutions for many of the area’s most prominent developments. Currently, Rick is active in real esate brokerage, advisory services, and development.

“The Gateway Encore team promises its communities the highest level of personalized quality services,” said Wishard. “Our mission has been to assemble a highly professional staff, equipped with the latest technology and trained to employ the most effective internal operating systems of communication, reporting, vendor relations, responsibility and accountability.”

Each community represented by Gateway Encore is assigned its own management team including a community manager, administrative assistant and accounting staff member. The firm’s expertise is currently utilized by communities such as Cordoba at Lely Resort, Bonita Village, Olde Marco Inn, Alden Woods, Cottesmore, Players Cove, Caldecott and Olé.

Gateway Encore Resort Management Services has offices at 2240 Venetian Court in Naples. For more information, phone (239) 514-4646 ext 221 or visit the company website at www.gatewayencore.com.

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For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/Naples-Florida/Property-Management/prweb3691844.htm

But a little-noticed bill introduced in January could help bring a new source of desperately-needed liquidity to the sector: foreign investment.

Introduced by Joseph Crowley, a six-term Democratic congressman representing parts of New York City’s Queens and Bronx boroughs, the Real Estate Revitalization Act of 2010 would eliminate certain taxes that were part of the Foreign Investment Real Estate Property Tax of 1980, or FIRPTA — which requires foreign investors to pay as much as a 55% tax on capital gains from the sale of U.S. real estate or shares in real estate investment trusts and real estate operating companies.

Repealing the tax, Crowley and the bill’s supporters say, would get rid of a major impediment to foreign investment in the sector — and could open the floodgates to new liquidity at a time when commercial real estate loan defaults pose a serious risk to the nation’s fragile economic recovery.

The FIRPTA tax, the bill’s supporters say, penalizes foreign investors who want to put cash into U.S. real estate because those same investors don’t face such taxes when they buy into other U.S. assets, like Treasury securities, corporate equities or corporate bonds.

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