Breaking Barriers: How April E. Closed a Subto Deal in Portugal and Continues to Inspire Global Real Estate Success
In the world of real estate, there are few stories as captivating and inspiring as that of April Elias. As a member of the Subto community, she stands out not only for her impressive real estate accomplishments but also as one of the few investors to successfully execute a subto (subject-to) deal outside of the United States. Her journey takes us across borders, from Portugal to the U.S., and provides invaluable lessons on creativity, perseverance, and the immense possibilities within the real estate world.
A Trailblazer in the Real Estate Community
April Elias is no stranger to taking bold steps in real estate. In the Subto community, she is known for her innovative approaches to property acquisition and her ability to solve complex real estate problems. However, what truly sets her apart is her successful subto deal in Portugal—an achievement that remains a rarity even among seasoned investors.
Subto deals, which involve taking over a seller's existing mortgage payments, are already considered a sophisticated strategy in real estate. Executing one in a foreign country with different laws, customs, and financial systems adds layers of complexity. April, however, was unfazed by the challenge. When the opportunity presented itself, she seized it with the same determination that has defined her career.
Her story begins with her brother, who resides in Portugal. Through local connections, he met a U.S. citizen who was overwhelmed with the construction of a property that had yet to be completed. She was ready to walk away from the project, and April saw this as an opportunity. She leveraged her expertise in subto deals, worked closely with a local attorney to adapt the legal language to Portuguese standards, and executed a blend of subto and seller financing to acquire the property.
It wasn’t easy. With a significant amount of construction still needed and a mix of personal investment and bank loans to navigate, the deal required creative financing and a clear understanding of both U.S. and Portuguese laws. But where others saw complications, April saw potential. She structured the deal to benefit all parties involved, ultimately taking over the project and gaining valuable real estate in a European market.
How to Leverage Subto Beyond Borders
For those unfamiliar, subto deals allow investors to acquire properties by taking over the seller's existing mortgage payments, rather than securing new financing. This strategy is particularly useful when interest rates are rising or traditional financing becomes more difficult to obtain. While subto deals are a known strategy within the U.S., what April did was break new ground by applying this approach internationally.
What April’s Portugal deal shows is that the subto strategy can be adapted to almost any market, provided the investor understands the legal and financial frameworks of the country they are working in. By working with local attorneys and ensuring compliance with local regulations, she was able to complete the deal successfully, proving that subto deals aren’t limited by geographic borders—they’re limited only by the investor’s willingness to explore new opportunities.
April’s U.S. Ventures: From Fix-and-Flips to Triple-Digit Returns
April’s international ventures are impressive, but they are only one piece of her real estate puzzle. Back home in the U.S., she’s just as active, working on projects that deliver significant returns. One of her current projects is a fix-and-flip located in Elkton, Maryland, where she’s rehabbing a waterfront property in a private, upscale community.
This project, which is expected to yield a six-figure profit, is another example of April’s ability to spot lucrative opportunities through networking and relationships. It wasn’t a property she sought out, but rather one that came to her through conversations and partnerships. The deal, like many others she’s been involved in, is opportunistic—taking advantage of timing, relationships, and location to turn a unique property into a high-profit flip.
The Mount Everest Goal: A Vision Beyond the Next Deal
In addition to her ongoing projects, April’s focus is constantly evolving. As part of the Owners Club, a real estate mastermind community, she’s established her own “Mount Everest” goal—a five- to seven-year vision that involves giving back to the community while continuing to grow her real estate empire.
For April, this vision is about more than just making money. It’s about leveraging her experience and skills to help align people with opportunities in the real estate world, particularly those who might be stuck in traditional careers that no longer serve them. As an executive search headhunter with over 20 years of experience, April has a unique understanding of how to identify talent and align people with roles that maximize their potential. This skill translates directly into real estate, where she is passionate about mentoring and guiding others on their investment journeys.
Affordable Housing Solutions: Building Communities for the Future
One of the most exciting areas of April’s focus is affordable housing, particularly through the development of tiny homes. Working in collaboration with Foldom, a company that builds foldable, affordable tiny homes, April is exploring innovative solutions to the housing crisis in the U.S.
These tiny homes, which can be deployed quickly and are both fire-resistant and mold-resistant, offer a promising alternative to traditional housing, particularly in areas affected by natural disasters or where affordable housing is in short supply. April and her team are testing two models—one where the tiny homes are leased as part of a mobile-home-park-style community, and another where they are fully leased to governments or organizations like FEMA for rapid deployment in disaster relief efforts.
The business model is compelling: affordable homes that can be leased or sold to low-income families, with a financial structure that works even for individuals earning minimum wage. April’s involvement in this project is just another example of her commitment to making a difference in the real estate world, beyond just profits.
Breaking Down Barriers for Aspiring Real Estate Investors
April’s story isn’t just about her accomplishments—it’s about the inspiration she provides for others. For anyone hesitant to take their first steps in real estate, her journey is proof that the only true limits are the ones we place on ourselves. Whether it’s closing a subto deal in Portugal, flipping high-end properties in Maryland, or developing affordable housing solutions, April shows that success in real estate is about thinking creatively, building strong networks, and, most importantly, taking action.
Real estate offers endless opportunities for those willing to step out of their comfort zone. April’s path serves as a blueprint for how to do just that. Whether you’re interested in subto deals, fix-and-flip projects, or tackling the affordable housing crisis, there’s room for you in the real estate world. The key is to get started, build relationships, and look for opportunities where others see obstacles.
Call to Action: If you’re ready to break into real estate or expand your current portfolio, connect with April Elias on social media, or reach out via email at April Elias. Opportunities are everywhere—you just have to be willing to take that first step.
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