California property values are recovering. Distressed sales are on the decline, and equity is increasing. But is this purely a product of local economic recovery, or is there another factor in play?

California is a hotspot for foreign property investment. Especially in the San Gabriel Valley and the Bay Area, an increasing percentage of that investment is coming from wealthy Chinese nationals. However, contrary to popular perception, China actually ranks third behind Mexico and the Philippines in California real estate investment. While many real estate professionals are eager to capture the influx of Chinese investors, a sophisticated agent might consider reaching out to other foreign markets based on a local assessment. And as always, keeping an attorney on hand who has experience negotiating the risks and pitfalls unique to foreign real estate investment is a prudent measure.