by Ken Morris
Altea is located fifteen kilometres north of Benidorm. This is one of the few villages on the Costa Blanca that has kept the fishing village feeling. They have created a tourist area without sacrificing the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
This village offers a tranquil atmosphere that is more relaxing and quiet than the larger cities in the area. The weather is mild in the summer and winter. The surrounding hills keep the temperature comfortable in the summer months and keep out the cold winds in winter.
Travel and Accommodations in Altea
Most visitors take a flight into the Alicante airport. The airport is located about an hour drive away from the village. You can get a car hire at the airport for transportation. Buses and trains are available from Alicante to Altea.
Just outside the village is the mountain area, which offers a beautiful view. Real estate is growing in this area. There are new hotels and apartments. This is a great place to stay for a quiet, relaxing vacation.
Villa or apartment rentals are available in the village for a more private vacation experience. This offers more flexibility, privacy and a relaxing atmosphere. Consider a villa with a pool for a summer vacation. Most owners rent directly to tourists. This saves money on a travel agent. Rentals can be found on the internet.
Altea Attractions
Altea is one of the most beautifully landscaped areas in the region. The tranquillity of the area attracts Spanish and international writers and painters. Some stay for short periods and others live in the area all year. Most stay in the area surrounding the old church.
The village is home to a famous church, Nuestra Senora Del Consuelo. The church was built in 1910. The design is Mediterranean style architecture. The tiles are all hand painted with old world craftsmanship. The blue dome roof is a landmark in the area.
The village has a nice harbour with restaurants and bars. The restaurants offer great seafood and authentic Spanish cuisine. In many of these restaurants, you can sit outside on terraces overlooking the sea. The beach area is 5 kilometres long. This is great place to relax and soak up the sun.
A little away from the beach and harbour area are a variety of quaint stores for shopping. Most shops are open from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. Many break for afternoon siesta from 2 p.m. until 4 or 5 p.m. and then re open. Some of the larger stores remain open all day.
A walking tour is the best way to experience Altea close up. Walking tours are available in the town and surrounding mountain areas. The mountain walking tours are a great way to enjoy nature in a tranquil atmosphere. You can take a private tour or a guided walking tour of the many trails around the village. All inclusive tours are available for a few days to a week.
A craft market is open in Altea from Easter through September. The market is located near the harbour area. Local crafts people offer a variety of items for sale at the market. You can get beautiful hand made items at a reasonable price here.
The sun and mild temperatures are popular for golf vacations as well. The Altea Golf Club offers a great course for visitors.
If you want to experience night life or more populated tourist attractions, take a day trip to Benidorm. This larger city is close enough to the village for day trips by car or train. Benidorm is home to water parks, theme parks and night clubs.
About the Author
Focusing on informating about Spain, the author is writing principally for http://www.alicante-spain.com/ . His articles on Altea can be found on http://www.alicante-spain.com/altea.html .
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Travel Career: Why NOW is the Time to Buy Real Estate in Belize
Author: Rhiannon Williamson
Last year Belize appointed a new Tourism Minister who is committed to the development and promotion of Belize as a luxury market for private tourism; this fact is the number one force driving massive real estate investment in Belize right now.
While Belize has long been associated with low cost and attractive real estate and has long been considered an affordable overseas destination for British and American tourists and retirees, never before has it sought to so fully embrace its cultural and ecological advantages and build on its reputation as a friendly and relaxed destination to directly target the wealthier tourism market.
Belize is of course already a tourism hotspot with travellers drawn to the beautiful cayes, the beaches, the barrier reef and the flora and fauna?but with the development of a luxury end tourist market place in Belize, the appeal of the country can only rise and rise.
International real estate investors are well aware of this fact and are buying up land and property in Belize to position themselves ahead of the projected upward swing in real estate prices.
Those who are taking advantage of Belize's policy of actively attracting investment today will benefit over the medium term when the country's plans for the development and promotion of the tourism market are fulfilled. In other words, those who buy now stand the very best chance of making maximum profit.
Not only are real estate investors well aware of this fact, a growing number of American baby boomers are too and they are securing their retirement lot now while prices remain attractively low. They know that if they spend the next few years before they retire getting their ideal property built so that it will be fully completed and ready to move into when Belize is well under way with establishing itself as a sophisticated travel destination, they will be moving straight in to a more sophisticated country as a result.
In terms of what will drive residential property prices up in Belize, as more and more people travel to Belize so more and more people will understand the charm and appeal of the country and will wish to set up home or buy a vacation home in Belize. This increase in demand for real estate in Belize will come from an increasingly wealthy section of society if the Tourism Minister's plans for Belize come to fruition and these people will be able to afford to pay more for property and this will sustain price increases. Furthermore any increase in demand naturally pushes property prices up anyway - and in fact this trend has already started in the most attractive coastal resorts in Belize and just highlights the shape of things to come.
Therefore NOW is the time to buy real estate in Belize if an investor wants to get the most for his money whilst buying into the maximum period of growth potential.
Rhiannon Williamson writes about real estate investment in emerging markets worldwide. To read more about buying real estate in Belize click here.
Last year Belize appointed a new Tourism Minister who is committed to the development and promotion of Belize as a luxury market for private tourism; this fact is the number one force driving massive real estate investment in Belize right now.
While Belize has long been associated with low cost and attractive real estate and has long been considered an affordable overseas destination for British and American tourists and retirees, never before has it sought to so fully embrace its cultural and ecological advantages and build on its reputation as a friendly and relaxed destination to directly target the wealthier tourism market.
Belize is of course already a tourism hotspot with travellers drawn to the beautiful cayes, the beaches, the barrier reef and the flora and fauna?but with the development of a luxury end tourist market place in Belize, the appeal of the country can only rise and rise.
International real estate investors are well aware of this fact and are buying up land and property in Belize to position themselves ahead of the projected upward swing in real estate prices.
Those who are taking advantage of Belize's policy of actively attracting investment today will benefit over the medium term when the country's plans for the development and promotion of the tourism market are fulfilled. In other words, those who buy now stand the very best chance of making maximum profit.
Not only are real estate investors well aware of this fact, a growing number of American baby boomers are too and they are securing their retirement lot now while prices remain attractively low. They know that if they spend the next few years before they retire getting their ideal property built so that it will be fully completed and ready to move into when Belize is well under way with establishing itself as a sophisticated travel destination, they will be moving straight in to a more sophisticated country as a result.
In terms of what will drive residential property prices up in Belize, as more and more people travel to Belize so more and more people will understand the charm and appeal of the country and will wish to set up home or buy a vacation home in Belize. This increase in demand for real estate in Belize will come from an increasingly wealthy section of society if the Tourism Minister's plans for Belize come to fruition and these people will be able to afford to pay more for property and this will sustain price increases. Furthermore any increase in demand naturally pushes property prices up anyway - and in fact this trend has already started in the most attractive coastal resorts in Belize and just highlights the shape of things to come.
Therefore NOW is the time to buy real estate in Belize if an investor wants to get the most for his money whilst buying into the maximum period of growth potential.
Rhiannon Williamson writes about real estate investment in emerging markets worldwide. To read more about buying real estate in Belize click here.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Travel real estate: Reasons to Undertake Advanced Career Training
By Roy Thomsitt
At first thought, undergoing advanced career training has one obvious, and maybe only, reason: to further your current career. Whether you are considering advanced real estate career training, medical career training, or advanced training for any other occupation, the likelihood is that furthering your current career is the motivation behind your move.
However, furthering your current career need not be the sole reason you may consider advanced career training. Furthermore, there may be good reasons for undertaking such training you have not even thought of. In fact, there are both positive (offensive) and negative (defensive) reasons for considering, and undertaking, advanced career training. All of these are discussed in this article.
Positive Reasons For Taking Advanced Career Training When one thinks of advanced career training, then it is the positive reasons for such training that are mostly likely to come to mind, such as:
1. To increase chances of promotion by taking training courses that prepare you for the next level, such as office manager in a real estate business or extra medical training to become a surgeon.
2. To keep up to date with developments in your area of expertise, to enable you to do a better job and, for example, treat customer or patients better.
3. Specialist training in a part of your current career that will enable you to specialise in that particular aspect of your work.
4. Completing training courses successfully in your field can look good on your resume, if the training is relevant and in demand.
5. You may want to have a career change for which particular training is necessary in preparation.
Negative Reasons For Taking Advanced Career Training
One could argue that any career training is positive, and in a way that is true. Growth in knowledge and skills is always a positive development of self. However, in the context of long term career, training can have a defensive element which could be construed as a negative reason to undergo advanced training.
Here are some of the reasons advanced career training may help you defensively.
1. If you take the initiative to train in and acquire in demand or rare skills, then if there is any constriction in the employee numbers with your current employer, then you are less likely to face redundancy.
2. If ever you are made redundant, then your increased skill base, coming from your advanced training, should improve your chances of getting a job quickly.
3. The better and more up to date and in demand your skills and, knowledge and training, the better equipped you are to become freelance, start your own business and take more risks in taking a leap forward in your career.
It is wise to see advanced career training as an integral part of career development and continuing education. When you reach key points in your career, you will then always be better prepared for whatever may come along.
Those who do not develop themselves over the years, are the most vulnerable to long term or even permanent unemployment. This advanced career training article was written by Roy Thomsitt, owner and part author of the Routes To Self Improvement website. NU U, an exciting devlopment in ezines. Our new Self improvement ezine in audio.
Sign up now for regular audios on subjects such as meditation, self esteem, shyness and many more self improvement topics.
At first thought, undergoing advanced career training has one obvious, and maybe only, reason: to further your current career. Whether you are considering advanced real estate career training, medical career training, or advanced training for any other occupation, the likelihood is that furthering your current career is the motivation behind your move.
However, furthering your current career need not be the sole reason you may consider advanced career training. Furthermore, there may be good reasons for undertaking such training you have not even thought of. In fact, there are both positive (offensive) and negative (defensive) reasons for considering, and undertaking, advanced career training. All of these are discussed in this article.
Positive Reasons For Taking Advanced Career Training When one thinks of advanced career training, then it is the positive reasons for such training that are mostly likely to come to mind, such as:
1. To increase chances of promotion by taking training courses that prepare you for the next level, such as office manager in a real estate business or extra medical training to become a surgeon.
2. To keep up to date with developments in your area of expertise, to enable you to do a better job and, for example, treat customer or patients better.
3. Specialist training in a part of your current career that will enable you to specialise in that particular aspect of your work.
4. Completing training courses successfully in your field can look good on your resume, if the training is relevant and in demand.
5. You may want to have a career change for which particular training is necessary in preparation.
Negative Reasons For Taking Advanced Career Training
One could argue that any career training is positive, and in a way that is true. Growth in knowledge and skills is always a positive development of self. However, in the context of long term career, training can have a defensive element which could be construed as a negative reason to undergo advanced training.
Here are some of the reasons advanced career training may help you defensively.
1. If you take the initiative to train in and acquire in demand or rare skills, then if there is any constriction in the employee numbers with your current employer, then you are less likely to face redundancy.
2. If ever you are made redundant, then your increased skill base, coming from your advanced training, should improve your chances of getting a job quickly.
3. The better and more up to date and in demand your skills and, knowledge and training, the better equipped you are to become freelance, start your own business and take more risks in taking a leap forward in your career.
It is wise to see advanced career training as an integral part of career development and continuing education. When you reach key points in your career, you will then always be better prepared for whatever may come along.
Those who do not develop themselves over the years, are the most vulnerable to long term or even permanent unemployment. This advanced career training article was written by Roy Thomsitt, owner and part author of the Routes To Self Improvement website. NU U, an exciting devlopment in ezines. Our new Self improvement ezine in audio.
Sign up now for regular audios on subjects such as meditation, self esteem, shyness and many more self improvement topics.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Travel abroad needs patience
Travelers should be prepared for the new rules about toiletries. Big bottles of liquids and gels in carry-ons won't fly anymore, reports Miller.
So remember the 3-1-1 rule: three ounce containers of shampoos and lotions in the new, must-have tote — one, one-quart sized, zip-top baggie.
Dozens of airports are handing out baggies but, to be safe, pack one in advance or you could find yourself scrambling — or dumping — as you're rushing to the gate. And always remember the golden rule: get to the airport early – two hours before your flight.
People need to get the airport as soon as possible because the check-in lines, the security checkpoint lines and even the lines at the gate are going to be very long. All those hassles may drive you to the train, but you might have to fight for a seat.
Amtrak expects to carry 125,000 passengers a day this week — 30 percent more than usual. If you're flying, there is some good news. You could save money, even if you've already purchased your ticket.
The airline might actually give you a voucher for a future flight.
Travelers will need patience. Flight delays are up this year. And to make matters worse, more bags are getting lost or mishandled, nearly double the number that went missing a year ago.
So remember the 3-1-1 rule: three ounce containers of shampoos and lotions in the new, must-have tote — one, one-quart sized, zip-top baggie.
Dozens of airports are handing out baggies but, to be safe, pack one in advance or you could find yourself scrambling — or dumping — as you're rushing to the gate. And always remember the golden rule: get to the airport early – two hours before your flight.
People need to get the airport as soon as possible because the check-in lines, the security checkpoint lines and even the lines at the gate are going to be very long. All those hassles may drive you to the train, but you might have to fight for a seat.
Amtrak expects to carry 125,000 passengers a day this week — 30 percent more than usual. If you're flying, there is some good news. You could save money, even if you've already purchased your ticket.
The airline might actually give you a voucher for a future flight.
Travelers will need patience. Flight delays are up this year. And to make matters worse, more bags are getting lost or mishandled, nearly double the number that went missing a year ago.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Hot Property Listings For A Successful Travel Real Estate Career
By: Nati Roberts
One of the factors that you should consider if you want to be a successful real estate agent is to have many property listings. It triples your chances of getting a commission even before you sell a certain property.
What is a Multiple Listing Service?
One of the comprehensive lists that licensed real estate agents and brokers are frequently referred to when listing properties that can be sold in the market is the multiple listing service or MLS.
It is a computerized record filled with complete information regarding real estate properties for sale. It usually includes the following information:
• The seller’s name
• His/her mailing address
• The property address
• Type of property
• Current asking price
• Price reductions during the listing period
• Taxes that will be paid on acquiring the property
This information is available to licensed real estate professionals who pay a membership fee not only to receive this information, but to add their own listings as well.
Advantages of MLS for Realtors and Homeowners
MLS is an important tool if you are a real estate professional or a realtor. It is because all the data that you need to know about properties for sale in your area are all included in it. Another advantage is that you can sell a property which another realtor has listed and consequently split the commission.
It is the only resource you can refer to in order to locate properties for sale. Another thing why most of realtors resort to MLS is that properties listed on it are sold at a considerably higher price than those that are not. It will give a good profit even before you will actually sell that property.
In case that you are the homeowner that wants to sell a certain property, MLS will also work for you as well. You are assured that hundreds of realtors out there can view you property. All you have to do is to let your agent enter your home into the MLS.
When a property is entered into the multiple listing service, more information is available as in a regular classified ad.
For instance, when you entered a website making use of the MLS, you can find the price of a particular property (a house), its photograph, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the size of the rooms, any amenities such as a pool or garden, and the size of the property.
Converting your Expired Listings to New Ones
In case the properties in your list are not bought because of bad tenants or double mortgages, it will be considered as “expired”.
The best thing that you can do about it is to convert it to a new listing or else you will end up wasting lots of valuable time and money. It could also cost you tens of thousands of dollars in lost commissions.
Always remember that having a real estate listing system is very important in your transaction. Make sure that the properties included in your list do not have any problems concerning loans and taxes. It can ruin your career if you include such properties in your list.
If you do not have a real estate listing system, you can get one. The few bucks that you spend now will be returned a thousand times over.
It may even prove to be one of the best investments you ever had in your entire real estate career.
About the Author:
Nati Roberts is the editor of Real Estate Insider Tips. Find out how to buy and sell real estate an make a huge profit.
Real Estate Career , expired listings , property listings , featured properties
One of the factors that you should consider if you want to be a successful real estate agent is to have many property listings. It triples your chances of getting a commission even before you sell a certain property.
What is a Multiple Listing Service?
One of the comprehensive lists that licensed real estate agents and brokers are frequently referred to when listing properties that can be sold in the market is the multiple listing service or MLS.
It is a computerized record filled with complete information regarding real estate properties for sale. It usually includes the following information:
• The seller’s name
• His/her mailing address
• The property address
• Type of property
• Current asking price
• Price reductions during the listing period
• Taxes that will be paid on acquiring the property
This information is available to licensed real estate professionals who pay a membership fee not only to receive this information, but to add their own listings as well.
Advantages of MLS for Realtors and Homeowners
MLS is an important tool if you are a real estate professional or a realtor. It is because all the data that you need to know about properties for sale in your area are all included in it. Another advantage is that you can sell a property which another realtor has listed and consequently split the commission.
It is the only resource you can refer to in order to locate properties for sale. Another thing why most of realtors resort to MLS is that properties listed on it are sold at a considerably higher price than those that are not. It will give a good profit even before you will actually sell that property.
In case that you are the homeowner that wants to sell a certain property, MLS will also work for you as well. You are assured that hundreds of realtors out there can view you property. All you have to do is to let your agent enter your home into the MLS.
When a property is entered into the multiple listing service, more information is available as in a regular classified ad.
For instance, when you entered a website making use of the MLS, you can find the price of a particular property (a house), its photograph, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the size of the rooms, any amenities such as a pool or garden, and the size of the property.
Converting your Expired Listings to New Ones
In case the properties in your list are not bought because of bad tenants or double mortgages, it will be considered as “expired”.
The best thing that you can do about it is to convert it to a new listing or else you will end up wasting lots of valuable time and money. It could also cost you tens of thousands of dollars in lost commissions.
Always remember that having a real estate listing system is very important in your transaction. Make sure that the properties included in your list do not have any problems concerning loans and taxes. It can ruin your career if you include such properties in your list.
If you do not have a real estate listing system, you can get one. The few bucks that you spend now will be returned a thousand times over.
It may even prove to be one of the best investments you ever had in your entire real estate career.
About the Author:
Nati Roberts is the editor of Real Estate Insider Tips. Find out how to buy and sell real estate an make a huge profit.
Real Estate Career , expired listings , property listings , featured properties
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Living and Retiring Abroad: How about Nova Scotia, Dominica, Panama or Cuba?
By Susanne Pacher
Many of us dream of relocating to another country, perhaps to enjoy warmer weather, perhaps to experience a slower-paced lifestyle, perhaps because of a job transfer, or maybe simply because we are intrigued by a certain element of adventure and curiosity.
While moving to another country may sound like an exciting proposition, it is a very serious decision with major ramificiations, and there are many factors to take into account in making this decision. I had a chance to talk with Phillip Townsend, author of the e-Book, Passport to Canada: The Complete Guide to Living & Retiring in Nova Scotia, and special e-Reports of living and retiring in Panama, the Caribbean and Cuba. For more information, visit: http://www.thegloballife.net/.
1. Please tell us about yourself and your background. As an American who had a teenage fascination with Asian culture, after high school, I got a part-time job, saved my money and purchased a one-way ticket to Taiwan, Republic of China. After arriving in the Far East, I taught English and eventually landed an internship with SIDA, a German-based global risk consulting firm. After working as an intern and completing an extensive training program, my work took me to 13 East Asian countries, where I assisted corporate and government clients with international research and other consulting projects. After returning to the United States, I opened and ran the firm's U.S. office until the company went out of business several years later. Afterwards, my career shifted and I began writing freelance and consulting independently, Later, I was hired as stringer (correspondent) for Money magazine, America's leading personal finance monthly. After leaving, I wrote a biweekly international lifestyle Q&A column for the International Employment Gazette, which also appeared monthly in Industrial Tradesman magazine. I have assisted the governments of Sri Lanka and Ethiopia on promoting tourism and trade (and was considered for an official diplomatic post with the latter). My articles and other writings have appeared in publications as diverse as GQ, the San Francisco Chronicle and Expat World. Currently, I spend most of my time writing and researching. I'm also a Country Contact for American Citizens Abroad, representing the Switzerland-based non-profit organization in Nova Scotia. I have always been a so-called man of the world, and don't believe there is any single "best" country, but rather believe in reaping the unique benefits that each nation has to offer.
2. You are an expert on living and retiring in various regions, including Nova Scotia, the Caribbean, Panama and Cuba. Please tell us about how you became an expert on these topics. In addition to my experience living abroad and traveling widely, over the years, I have dedicated my life to international living, conducting extensive research and advising hundreds of clients on every aspect of moving abroad and strategic planning (offshore personal and financial issues). I've assisted people from all walks of life with moves to over sixty countries and six continents.
3. Please tell us about living, retiring, travelling and investing in Nova Scotia. What makes Nova Scotia a great destination for expatriate or retirement living? Nova Scotia is the type of place that can seduce you through its sheer natural beauty: The long stretches of picturesque coastline, a beatiful countryside, friendly people and a slower pace and reasonable prices make it one of the most livable places in Canada or anywhere in North America. The climate is another plus. In many places in Nova Scotia, winters can be much milder (with less snow) than in other places in Canada or the northern US. Also, Nova Scotia enjoys a low crime rate, with incidents of violent crime being remarkably low. Perhaps the most appealing benefit of living in Nova Scotia are the affordable real estate prices (some lots with ocean views can be had for as little as C$20,000).
4. Please inform us about living, travelling and investing in Dominica. What should one know about living and retiring to this beautiful island in the Caribbean? With no direct flights from North America or Europe, Dominica is welcome retreat of peace and quiet in the Caribbean's sea of mass tourism. Roughly halfway between Martinique and Guadeloupe, the island is splendidly underdeveloped. A land of waterfalls, rivers (365 of them), hot springs, and lush rain forests, Dominica is the Caribbean’s most rugged isle. Instead of luxury resorts and long stretches of crowded white sand beaches, you'll find volcanic mountains, intimate beaches, little-explored reefs and small hotels (some of which are for sale for a steal). Unlike most of the Caribbean's islands, which cater to tourists and the high-end market, Dominica's prices are refreshingly down-to-earth. For example, you can find oceanfront lots for prices ranging from C42,000 to C58,000, and build a home for as little as C$28,000 to C$47,000.
5. Please give us a brief overview about living, travelling and investing in Panama. What makes this a desirable place and what do we need to know about it? Panama's coast, both on the Caribbean and Pacific sides, is like Florida, but less crowded and with property prices about a tenth of the cost in many cases. Panama offers affordable real estate, a warm climate and great beaches. In order to attract expatriates, the Panamanian government has put together an impressive list of benefits in their pensionado program, including 20-year tax-free status and discounts on everything from public transportation to restaurants to doctor's visits. Best of all, anyone over 18 can qualify for these "retirement" benefits. Though Spanish is the official language, English is widely spoken and understood in major cities. Right now, the three best places to purchase real estate in Panama are Panama City, the capital which boasts First-world infrastructure and is home to virtually every large American brand-name chain; Boquette, a scenic and growing expatriate hideaway in Panama's mountainous region; and the Pearl Islands, a chain of over 90 islands and 130 islets in the Caribbean.
6. Please talk to us about living, travelling and investing in Cuba. What makes this unique island an interesting destination for foreigners thinking of living or retiring there? What do they need to know about Cuba before considering to move there? Cuba is home to just over 11 million people, with more than 2 million living in the capital, Havana. The island's Cuba's rich culture, interesting political history, and continued economic hardship make it one of the world's most eye-opening nations with a wealth of places just waiting to be discovered. The food, music, and, most of all, the warm hospitality of the Cuban people all combine to make it a great place to visit and potentially live. U.S. officials say open trade and travel to Cuba would strengthen Castro's oppressive government. But critics argue that the Cold War-era U.S. embargo, aimed at forcing a change in Cuba's leadership, has not achieved its goals after being in place for more than 40 years. Despite the embargo, last year, 200,000 Americans visited Cuba (most through Canada or Mexico). Though most would-be expatriates will wait until the fall of the Castro-lead communist rule, a few have already made an investment in the "forbidden" isle by putting down roots there, with the hope that property values and other investments will multiply after the fall of communist rule.
7. Where are you currently travelling and what is on your agenda for the near future? Currently, I'm in upstate New York, but will be exploring some interesting locales in South America and Eastern Europe. I plan to continue my ongoing pursuit of reporting on new and interesting expatriate destinations around the world.
8. In general, what are your suggestions for anyone thinking of living or retiring abroad? Many Canadians and Americans are lured abroad by a lower cost of living and higher quality of life. Some will want to return to their ancestral homes or to places where they once vacationed, worked or studied, and fell in love with a country. Others will be enticed by retiree perks and tax incentives. With literally dozens of appealing countries to choose from, narrowing the possibilities can be a daunting task. No matter where you consider settling, the most important thing is to do your homework. Make an exploratory visit and stay for a few months before committing yourself by purchasing property. Be sure to talk with locals and expatriates living there. Most importantly, consult competent real estate and legal professionals before signing any contracts or other official documents.
While every place has it own set of rules and nuances, the process of buying abroad generally works like this:
First, the buyer and the seller to agree on a price, a security deposit (generally, 10 to 25 percent) will probably be required to take the house off the market. Your attorney should then receive a copy of the title and verify that the property is free from any liens or claims against the property.
They should also advise you of any strange archaic laws, like those in parts of Canada that allow anyone to fish on your land, those in England and France that allow sheep to pass through your property, those in rural Italy that give your neighbors first-refusal rights on any land used for agricultural purposes (which could leave someone else with the fruit in the vineyard or olive grove on "your" property), or historic construction bans that prevent you from making any external changes to a property (even installing a pool). Also, if you are buying anything in need of restoration (or more than a hundred years old), have a structural survey done.
Thank you, Phillip, for providing us with further ideas and important background information about a few interesting choices on living and retiring abroad.
ABOUT PHILLIP TOWSEND: Phillip Townsend is author the e-Book, Passport to Canada: The Complete Guide to Living & Retiring in Nova Scotia, and special e-Reports of living and retiring in Panama, the Caribbean and Cuba. For more information, visit: http://www.thegloballife.net/. Susanne Pacher is the publisher of a website called Travel and Transitions (http://www.travelandtransitions.com/). Travel and Transitions deals with unconventional travel and is chock full of advice, tips, real life travel experiences, interviews with travellers and travel experts, insights and reflections, cross-cultural issues, contests and many other features. You will also find stories about life and the transitions that we face as we go through our own personal life-long journeys. Submit your own travel stories in our first travel story contest (http://www.travelandtransitions.com/contests.htm) and have a chance to win an amazing adventure cruise on the Amazon River. "Life is a Journey Explore New Horizons". The story with photos is published at Travel Stories and Photos (http://www.travelandtransitions.com/interviews/living_retiring_abroad.htm)
Many of us dream of relocating to another country, perhaps to enjoy warmer weather, perhaps to experience a slower-paced lifestyle, perhaps because of a job transfer, or maybe simply because we are intrigued by a certain element of adventure and curiosity.
While moving to another country may sound like an exciting proposition, it is a very serious decision with major ramificiations, and there are many factors to take into account in making this decision. I had a chance to talk with Phillip Townsend, author of the e-Book, Passport to Canada: The Complete Guide to Living & Retiring in Nova Scotia, and special e-Reports of living and retiring in Panama, the Caribbean and Cuba. For more information, visit: http://www.thegloballife.net/.
1. Please tell us about yourself and your background. As an American who had a teenage fascination with Asian culture, after high school, I got a part-time job, saved my money and purchased a one-way ticket to Taiwan, Republic of China. After arriving in the Far East, I taught English and eventually landed an internship with SIDA, a German-based global risk consulting firm. After working as an intern and completing an extensive training program, my work took me to 13 East Asian countries, where I assisted corporate and government clients with international research and other consulting projects. After returning to the United States, I opened and ran the firm's U.S. office until the company went out of business several years later. Afterwards, my career shifted and I began writing freelance and consulting independently, Later, I was hired as stringer (correspondent) for Money magazine, America's leading personal finance monthly. After leaving, I wrote a biweekly international lifestyle Q&A column for the International Employment Gazette, which also appeared monthly in Industrial Tradesman magazine. I have assisted the governments of Sri Lanka and Ethiopia on promoting tourism and trade (and was considered for an official diplomatic post with the latter). My articles and other writings have appeared in publications as diverse as GQ, the San Francisco Chronicle and Expat World. Currently, I spend most of my time writing and researching. I'm also a Country Contact for American Citizens Abroad, representing the Switzerland-based non-profit organization in Nova Scotia. I have always been a so-called man of the world, and don't believe there is any single "best" country, but rather believe in reaping the unique benefits that each nation has to offer.
2. You are an expert on living and retiring in various regions, including Nova Scotia, the Caribbean, Panama and Cuba. Please tell us about how you became an expert on these topics. In addition to my experience living abroad and traveling widely, over the years, I have dedicated my life to international living, conducting extensive research and advising hundreds of clients on every aspect of moving abroad and strategic planning (offshore personal and financial issues). I've assisted people from all walks of life with moves to over sixty countries and six continents.
3. Please tell us about living, retiring, travelling and investing in Nova Scotia. What makes Nova Scotia a great destination for expatriate or retirement living? Nova Scotia is the type of place that can seduce you through its sheer natural beauty: The long stretches of picturesque coastline, a beatiful countryside, friendly people and a slower pace and reasonable prices make it one of the most livable places in Canada or anywhere in North America. The climate is another plus. In many places in Nova Scotia, winters can be much milder (with less snow) than in other places in Canada or the northern US. Also, Nova Scotia enjoys a low crime rate, with incidents of violent crime being remarkably low. Perhaps the most appealing benefit of living in Nova Scotia are the affordable real estate prices (some lots with ocean views can be had for as little as C$20,000).
4. Please inform us about living, travelling and investing in Dominica. What should one know about living and retiring to this beautiful island in the Caribbean? With no direct flights from North America or Europe, Dominica is welcome retreat of peace and quiet in the Caribbean's sea of mass tourism. Roughly halfway between Martinique and Guadeloupe, the island is splendidly underdeveloped. A land of waterfalls, rivers (365 of them), hot springs, and lush rain forests, Dominica is the Caribbean’s most rugged isle. Instead of luxury resorts and long stretches of crowded white sand beaches, you'll find volcanic mountains, intimate beaches, little-explored reefs and small hotels (some of which are for sale for a steal). Unlike most of the Caribbean's islands, which cater to tourists and the high-end market, Dominica's prices are refreshingly down-to-earth. For example, you can find oceanfront lots for prices ranging from C42,000 to C58,000, and build a home for as little as C$28,000 to C$47,000.
5. Please give us a brief overview about living, travelling and investing in Panama. What makes this a desirable place and what do we need to know about it? Panama's coast, both on the Caribbean and Pacific sides, is like Florida, but less crowded and with property prices about a tenth of the cost in many cases. Panama offers affordable real estate, a warm climate and great beaches. In order to attract expatriates, the Panamanian government has put together an impressive list of benefits in their pensionado program, including 20-year tax-free status and discounts on everything from public transportation to restaurants to doctor's visits. Best of all, anyone over 18 can qualify for these "retirement" benefits. Though Spanish is the official language, English is widely spoken and understood in major cities. Right now, the three best places to purchase real estate in Panama are Panama City, the capital which boasts First-world infrastructure and is home to virtually every large American brand-name chain; Boquette, a scenic and growing expatriate hideaway in Panama's mountainous region; and the Pearl Islands, a chain of over 90 islands and 130 islets in the Caribbean.
6. Please talk to us about living, travelling and investing in Cuba. What makes this unique island an interesting destination for foreigners thinking of living or retiring there? What do they need to know about Cuba before considering to move there? Cuba is home to just over 11 million people, with more than 2 million living in the capital, Havana. The island's Cuba's rich culture, interesting political history, and continued economic hardship make it one of the world's most eye-opening nations with a wealth of places just waiting to be discovered. The food, music, and, most of all, the warm hospitality of the Cuban people all combine to make it a great place to visit and potentially live. U.S. officials say open trade and travel to Cuba would strengthen Castro's oppressive government. But critics argue that the Cold War-era U.S. embargo, aimed at forcing a change in Cuba's leadership, has not achieved its goals after being in place for more than 40 years. Despite the embargo, last year, 200,000 Americans visited Cuba (most through Canada or Mexico). Though most would-be expatriates will wait until the fall of the Castro-lead communist rule, a few have already made an investment in the "forbidden" isle by putting down roots there, with the hope that property values and other investments will multiply after the fall of communist rule.
7. Where are you currently travelling and what is on your agenda for the near future? Currently, I'm in upstate New York, but will be exploring some interesting locales in South America and Eastern Europe. I plan to continue my ongoing pursuit of reporting on new and interesting expatriate destinations around the world.
8. In general, what are your suggestions for anyone thinking of living or retiring abroad? Many Canadians and Americans are lured abroad by a lower cost of living and higher quality of life. Some will want to return to their ancestral homes or to places where they once vacationed, worked or studied, and fell in love with a country. Others will be enticed by retiree perks and tax incentives. With literally dozens of appealing countries to choose from, narrowing the possibilities can be a daunting task. No matter where you consider settling, the most important thing is to do your homework. Make an exploratory visit and stay for a few months before committing yourself by purchasing property. Be sure to talk with locals and expatriates living there. Most importantly, consult competent real estate and legal professionals before signing any contracts or other official documents.
While every place has it own set of rules and nuances, the process of buying abroad generally works like this:
First, the buyer and the seller to agree on a price, a security deposit (generally, 10 to 25 percent) will probably be required to take the house off the market. Your attorney should then receive a copy of the title and verify that the property is free from any liens or claims against the property.
They should also advise you of any strange archaic laws, like those in parts of Canada that allow anyone to fish on your land, those in England and France that allow sheep to pass through your property, those in rural Italy that give your neighbors first-refusal rights on any land used for agricultural purposes (which could leave someone else with the fruit in the vineyard or olive grove on "your" property), or historic construction bans that prevent you from making any external changes to a property (even installing a pool). Also, if you are buying anything in need of restoration (or more than a hundred years old), have a structural survey done.
Thank you, Phillip, for providing us with further ideas and important background information about a few interesting choices on living and retiring abroad.
ABOUT PHILLIP TOWSEND: Phillip Townsend is author the e-Book, Passport to Canada: The Complete Guide to Living & Retiring in Nova Scotia, and special e-Reports of living and retiring in Panama, the Caribbean and Cuba. For more information, visit: http://www.thegloballife.net/. Susanne Pacher is the publisher of a website called Travel and Transitions (http://www.travelandtransitions.com/). Travel and Transitions deals with unconventional travel and is chock full of advice, tips, real life travel experiences, interviews with travellers and travel experts, insights and reflections, cross-cultural issues, contests and many other features. You will also find stories about life and the transitions that we face as we go through our own personal life-long journeys. Submit your own travel stories in our first travel story contest (http://www.travelandtransitions.com/contests.htm) and have a chance to win an amazing adventure cruise on the Amazon River. "Life is a Journey Explore New Horizons". The story with photos is published at Travel Stories and Photos (http://www.travelandtransitions.com/interviews/living_retiring_abroad.htm)
Monday, December 11, 2006
Travel Real Estate: 10 Top Considerations For Those Buying Property Abroad
By Rhiannon Williamson
Are you one of a growing number of people considering buying a second home in the sun, an idyllic home from home abroad or a lucrative investment property overseas? If so you’re not alone!
Statistics show that globally we’re all on the move with a recent survey by YouGov revealing that 55% of adult Britons were “seriously considering settling in another country” and the British Centre for Future Studies predicting that by 2020 one tenth of the current British population will be living or working abroad! Add to this the fact that there was a 250% increase between 2000 and 2004 in the number of Britons buying property abroad solely for investment purposes, that over one and a quarter million Brits own second homes in Spain and France already and that the Office for National Statistics in the UK recently revealed that 200,000 Britons go overseas yearly with the intention of remaining for at least twelve months, and you can see that the passion for buying that dream home abroad is universal.
But what’s fuelling this ever growing interest in the overseas property market? Well, despite reports to the contrary the UK housing market is seemingly ever on the up and those Britons who’re acquiring massive levels of equity through their residential property are considering selling up, buying abroad and establishing a pension fund simply on the back of what they have left over from their house sale.
Others in Britain can’t actually afford to get on the first rung of the property ladder and some are looking abroad to find more affordable housing. Then of course there’s the state and confusion surrounding the pensions market which is getting ever worse meaning that a growing number of Britons are considering the option of buying a second property abroad to let out for an income towards retirement.
Others just share a commonly held dream of owning a holiday home in the sun or escaping the rat race to get a new life overseas. Whatever reasons you may have for considering buying property abroad one thing is for certain; before you go ahead and buy you should understand some of the far reaching legal, financial and taxation implications of buying abroad.
This article examines ten top points worthy of your consideration.
1) The British national obsession with property prices, equity and re-mortgaging is as foreign a concept in many other countries as mushy peas or vinegar on your chips so don’t just assume that your second home will rise in value and don’t assume that it’ll be easy to sell. Do your homework to see whether the property market you’re interested in can support and sustain your particular hopes and ambitions for it. In countries such as Northern Cyprus and Bulgaria the real estate market has been suppressed for so long that property prices remain highly competitive and many can see the room for substantial growth in the market. In other countries such as Spain, France and Portugal where the property market has been soaring for years can you expect the same levels of growth to continue? Know that every country’s property market is different. If you decide to compare overseas markets to the UK housing market some may not appear as buoyant, however consider examining the longer term trends. Speak to established estate agencies in your country of choice to find out whether the market is stable or stale. If it’s stable then you’re more likely to enjoy a steady, realistic increase in your property’s value rather than the extreme peaks and troughs that the UK market tends towards. If on the other hand the market is stale you need to consider the economy of the country and whether it’s due a positive correction any time soon.
2) Factor in regular travel costs needed for visiting your second home when you establish your budget. Keep in mind any extra visits you might have to make occasionally to organise repairs and renovation for example. This sounds so obvious but sadly many people are caught out and find that they cannot holiday in their new home as often as they like: or worse still - once they move abroad they find they can’t get ‘home’ for visits to the family etc. Budget wisely and don’t get caught out!
3) If you intend to rent out your second home you must declare this income to the tax man in your country of residence I’m afraid! Furthermore it may be necessary to declare it in the country in which the new house is located depending on the double taxation agreements in place between the two countries. Make sure you seek solid tax advice before making any concrete buying decisions.
4) If you’re intending to let out your property make sure you know how much it’s going to cost to have an agent manage both the day-to-day running of your property together with organising the rental side of things for you. You’ll need a good agent to make sure your best interests are always protected especially if you’re not going to remain resident in the country the property is located in. Factor these extra costs into your budget or reduce them from your projected rental income to get a realistic idea of the income potential of your property. Remember you’ll still need to pay a management agent during any weeks and months the property remains unoccupied.
5) Consider the local tax implications of buying, owning and selling your property as property and land tax in some countries can make UK stamp duty and council tax pale into insignificance. In Northern Cyprus for example tax rates are not currently excessive but they are subject to change, therefore always get up-to-date tax and fee facts and figures from your estate agent – furthermore, make sure you check the figures with a local lawyer or accountant.
6) Make a will to cover local inheritance tax laws and make sure your overseas property is also detailed in a will held in your country of residence. Specialist legal advice should always be sought when you hold property in more than one country as inheritance laws not only differ greatly depending on the country, but certain local inheritance laws can completely contradict and invalidate your main will.
7) Factor the legal bills that you will incur when buying, renting or selling your property into your overall budget. You can be charged all sorts of extras like notary fees, valuation fees, translation fees etc., and if you factor them in you shouldn’t get any nasty surprises.
8) Be aware of the legalities of any contract you enter into. Find a reputable lawyer, get key documents translated, and know that ignorance is never a valid excuse! Not understanding the language in which your key legal contracts are written is a problem, don’t ignore the problem! Don’t blindly sign on the dotted line; it’s your responsibility to get informed.
9) Buying through an offshore company to avoid certain taxes, expenses and laws is sometimes an option open to an individual interested in purchasing abroad. Whether this route is actually the best route is massively debateable! Firstly it depends on the country in which you’re buying. Secondly, local agents may be incorrectly advising foreigners by basing their advice on the local situation. This method of approach can be beneficial but it could land you in a whole lot more taxation mess both abroad and at home! There are specialist companies out there who can advise you based on your individual situation and as it’s not a case of one method suiting all, be careful and get informed. Find out the following, if you do buy through an offshore company and wish to take the property out of that company in the future how easy will that be to do, will you incur an expense, will there be further tax liabilities if you decide to sell your company owned property, and what happens if you try to take the profit from the sale, will you be taxed? Also consider the taxation situation from the UK point of view and the local situation in your country of choice.
10) What option would you like to take when it comes to financing your purchase? Are you considering equity release or a second mortgage, cash or a mortgage in the local currency? Know the pros and cons of each option. Cash may seem like the easiest and best way to go but do you want to have all that money tied up in a relatively slow to liquidise overseas asset? So what about a mortgage in the local currency? You need to consider the stability of the currency and fluctuating exchange rates. When moving money overseas either in a lump sum or to meet regular monthly financial commitments there are options available to you to reduce currency fluctuation risks – consider spot or forward transactions, speak to a financial adviser or foreign exchange risk expert to find out the options available.
If you’re considering equity release or a second mortgage this might be a cheap option at the moment – but remember you’d risk losing one or both homes if you fell behind on payments! When it comes to the considerations you need to make when exploring the idea of purchasing a second home abroad these ten top tips are not exhaustive but should provide some food for thought. Going forward from here you should remain informed; don’t enter into an idea abroad that you wouldn’t entertain ‘back home’ and seek professional legal, financial and taxation advice at every step of the way.
Rhiannon Williamson is the publisher of http://www.shelteroffshore.com/ - the online resource that guides you to a low tax, maximum investment profit lifestyle abroad. Shelter Offshore features three main channels - offshore investment, property investment abroad and overseas lifestyle. Rhiannon Williamson is also the author of ‘The Offshore Advantage’ http://www.shelteroffshore.com/index.php/shelter/offshore_advantage/ which teaches readers how to build secure wealth using their secret offshore advantage.
Are you one of a growing number of people considering buying a second home in the sun, an idyllic home from home abroad or a lucrative investment property overseas? If so you’re not alone!
Statistics show that globally we’re all on the move with a recent survey by YouGov revealing that 55% of adult Britons were “seriously considering settling in another country” and the British Centre for Future Studies predicting that by 2020 one tenth of the current British population will be living or working abroad! Add to this the fact that there was a 250% increase between 2000 and 2004 in the number of Britons buying property abroad solely for investment purposes, that over one and a quarter million Brits own second homes in Spain and France already and that the Office for National Statistics in the UK recently revealed that 200,000 Britons go overseas yearly with the intention of remaining for at least twelve months, and you can see that the passion for buying that dream home abroad is universal.
But what’s fuelling this ever growing interest in the overseas property market? Well, despite reports to the contrary the UK housing market is seemingly ever on the up and those Britons who’re acquiring massive levels of equity through their residential property are considering selling up, buying abroad and establishing a pension fund simply on the back of what they have left over from their house sale.
Others in Britain can’t actually afford to get on the first rung of the property ladder and some are looking abroad to find more affordable housing. Then of course there’s the state and confusion surrounding the pensions market which is getting ever worse meaning that a growing number of Britons are considering the option of buying a second property abroad to let out for an income towards retirement.
Others just share a commonly held dream of owning a holiday home in the sun or escaping the rat race to get a new life overseas. Whatever reasons you may have for considering buying property abroad one thing is for certain; before you go ahead and buy you should understand some of the far reaching legal, financial and taxation implications of buying abroad.
This article examines ten top points worthy of your consideration.
1) The British national obsession with property prices, equity and re-mortgaging is as foreign a concept in many other countries as mushy peas or vinegar on your chips so don’t just assume that your second home will rise in value and don’t assume that it’ll be easy to sell. Do your homework to see whether the property market you’re interested in can support and sustain your particular hopes and ambitions for it. In countries such as Northern Cyprus and Bulgaria the real estate market has been suppressed for so long that property prices remain highly competitive and many can see the room for substantial growth in the market. In other countries such as Spain, France and Portugal where the property market has been soaring for years can you expect the same levels of growth to continue? Know that every country’s property market is different. If you decide to compare overseas markets to the UK housing market some may not appear as buoyant, however consider examining the longer term trends. Speak to established estate agencies in your country of choice to find out whether the market is stable or stale. If it’s stable then you’re more likely to enjoy a steady, realistic increase in your property’s value rather than the extreme peaks and troughs that the UK market tends towards. If on the other hand the market is stale you need to consider the economy of the country and whether it’s due a positive correction any time soon.
2) Factor in regular travel costs needed for visiting your second home when you establish your budget. Keep in mind any extra visits you might have to make occasionally to organise repairs and renovation for example. This sounds so obvious but sadly many people are caught out and find that they cannot holiday in their new home as often as they like: or worse still - once they move abroad they find they can’t get ‘home’ for visits to the family etc. Budget wisely and don’t get caught out!
3) If you intend to rent out your second home you must declare this income to the tax man in your country of residence I’m afraid! Furthermore it may be necessary to declare it in the country in which the new house is located depending on the double taxation agreements in place between the two countries. Make sure you seek solid tax advice before making any concrete buying decisions.
4) If you’re intending to let out your property make sure you know how much it’s going to cost to have an agent manage both the day-to-day running of your property together with organising the rental side of things for you. You’ll need a good agent to make sure your best interests are always protected especially if you’re not going to remain resident in the country the property is located in. Factor these extra costs into your budget or reduce them from your projected rental income to get a realistic idea of the income potential of your property. Remember you’ll still need to pay a management agent during any weeks and months the property remains unoccupied.
5) Consider the local tax implications of buying, owning and selling your property as property and land tax in some countries can make UK stamp duty and council tax pale into insignificance. In Northern Cyprus for example tax rates are not currently excessive but they are subject to change, therefore always get up-to-date tax and fee facts and figures from your estate agent – furthermore, make sure you check the figures with a local lawyer or accountant.
6) Make a will to cover local inheritance tax laws and make sure your overseas property is also detailed in a will held in your country of residence. Specialist legal advice should always be sought when you hold property in more than one country as inheritance laws not only differ greatly depending on the country, but certain local inheritance laws can completely contradict and invalidate your main will.
7) Factor the legal bills that you will incur when buying, renting or selling your property into your overall budget. You can be charged all sorts of extras like notary fees, valuation fees, translation fees etc., and if you factor them in you shouldn’t get any nasty surprises.
8) Be aware of the legalities of any contract you enter into. Find a reputable lawyer, get key documents translated, and know that ignorance is never a valid excuse! Not understanding the language in which your key legal contracts are written is a problem, don’t ignore the problem! Don’t blindly sign on the dotted line; it’s your responsibility to get informed.
9) Buying through an offshore company to avoid certain taxes, expenses and laws is sometimes an option open to an individual interested in purchasing abroad. Whether this route is actually the best route is massively debateable! Firstly it depends on the country in which you’re buying. Secondly, local agents may be incorrectly advising foreigners by basing their advice on the local situation. This method of approach can be beneficial but it could land you in a whole lot more taxation mess both abroad and at home! There are specialist companies out there who can advise you based on your individual situation and as it’s not a case of one method suiting all, be careful and get informed. Find out the following, if you do buy through an offshore company and wish to take the property out of that company in the future how easy will that be to do, will you incur an expense, will there be further tax liabilities if you decide to sell your company owned property, and what happens if you try to take the profit from the sale, will you be taxed? Also consider the taxation situation from the UK point of view and the local situation in your country of choice.
10) What option would you like to take when it comes to financing your purchase? Are you considering equity release or a second mortgage, cash or a mortgage in the local currency? Know the pros and cons of each option. Cash may seem like the easiest and best way to go but do you want to have all that money tied up in a relatively slow to liquidise overseas asset? So what about a mortgage in the local currency? You need to consider the stability of the currency and fluctuating exchange rates. When moving money overseas either in a lump sum or to meet regular monthly financial commitments there are options available to you to reduce currency fluctuation risks – consider spot or forward transactions, speak to a financial adviser or foreign exchange risk expert to find out the options available.
If you’re considering equity release or a second mortgage this might be a cheap option at the moment – but remember you’d risk losing one or both homes if you fell behind on payments! When it comes to the considerations you need to make when exploring the idea of purchasing a second home abroad these ten top tips are not exhaustive but should provide some food for thought. Going forward from here you should remain informed; don’t enter into an idea abroad that you wouldn’t entertain ‘back home’ and seek professional legal, financial and taxation advice at every step of the way.
Rhiannon Williamson is the publisher of http://www.shelteroffshore.com/ - the online resource that guides you to a low tax, maximum investment profit lifestyle abroad. Shelter Offshore features three main channels - offshore investment, property investment abroad and overseas lifestyle. Rhiannon Williamson is also the author of ‘The Offshore Advantage’ http://www.shelteroffshore.com/index.php/shelter/offshore_advantage/ which teaches readers how to build secure wealth using their secret offshore advantage.
Wednesday, December 6, 2006
Travel real estate: Discovering Where You Should Call Home
By Jay Waghorn
You know, that special place you can kick back with a nostalgic glimmer in your eye. Your parents might live nearby .... and the stress levels seem to diminish when you enter your own little world. At least this is my personal experience with that place I call home. In my case it was a farm near a small rural town. I actually didn't know what a great place it was for a very long time.
There's an expression we use in the country "You don't miss the water till the well runs dry". It's a metaphor we can apply to a lot of things. In this case home. Most people I think miss home when they leave it and experience loneliness in the harsh cruel confusing world perhaps for the first time. I spent the first 20 or so years of my life on the farm, but how can we know any place is home until we venture out and experience other places? So this is what I did.
Although I've traveled a fair bit and seen much of the world, I was also lucky enough to have a good job that kept me within a few miles of the farm. I came to the conclusion that I had a particularly good home arrangement. The one in which I actually lived and then the one I could return to any time within a few minutes for a family visit. For me that place is Iroquois Ontario. Have you checked out the current Ontario properties for sale?
How can people afford to raise a family, drive a car, buy an average $300,000 house in the city, pay the huge property taxes ... and still be able to live a bit, on an average family income of $65k or so? Over the years I have browsed quite a few Ontario properties that were for sale. Now, I'm not going to lie; just like any other state or province, there are areas that will cost you a fortune and those that run at more reasonable and affordable rates.
For example, the rural towns outside a 30 mile radius of Ottawa aren't too pricey by most people's standards, whereas downtown Ottawa, Montreal, or Toronto will cost you a mint. Where is your desired place to live? Do you prefer the more secluded country life, or the chaos and amenities of downtown? This is a key factor to consider when purchasing or building a home. Especially your last home. When you are sorting through those Ontario houses for sale are you thinking in terms of a final purchase?
That single home or property that you plan to keep forever, and raise your children or perhaps retire in ... because you've finally figured out where home actually is. Many things come into play here. Is the area safe? Does it have quality education available? What health services are there? Is it going to increase in value? That one is always a concern for home buyers. We all want to find a nice home that's going to increase in value.
Obviously by reducing your costs when you buy, you also are reducing potential losses if heaven forbid, property values actually drop some day. In the high cost energy future many predict, suburban housing prices will suffer as the high cost of transportation takes a bigger and bigger bite of income and forces people to move to lower cost environments. Smaller more self supporting towns where food can be grown locally and the need to travel reduced seem the most likely to benefit from rising property values due to both the migration of people and jobs.
Are you currently searching for Ontario properties for sale? If this is right up your ally, then you may want to resort to the absolute best source of all time. It's probably sitting in your office, kitchen, or bedroom. I'm talking about your PC or Mac. You probably have a home computer with Internet access. So jump online and do a search for "Ontario houses for sale", "Ontario property for sale" , "Ontario farm for sale" etc, depending on whatever you are looking for . The new google database linkup of its Google Maps service with real estate property for sale is now being beta tested.
This is an interesting setup as it promises a linkage will occur between it and brokers using MLS listings. It may be kinda messy at first determining exactly what's available because many MLS properties are likely to get listed multiple times on Google this way. Google.com will provide all kinds of results but be aware you will have to choose your keyword searches carefully. An easier search will occur if you include "for sale by owner" or "fsbo" in your search words. Using Google this way, you are likely to find a lot of for sale by owner (FSBO) properties and avoid most of the MLS stuff.
You can generally buy cheaper this way because the seller isn't using a realtor and can therefore pass the commission fee savings onto the buyer. The buyer however still needs to pay a lawyer to represent his/her interests and to tidy up the paper work. Good way to buy a home in my opinion ... provided you can find the right property and seller. Quite often the FSBO seller will put a very good website together to display the property because without a realtor he has to do his own marketing. I've also found that the pictures and descriptions provided on a FSBO site are generally a lot better than what a realtor would provide for the same property. This is just one advantage of doing a good computer search to locate potential buys. I've included a link in the resource box below for a FSBO site selling a farm.
It's a good example to compare with what you'll will find on a realtor's site or MLS listings. Keep looking for good FSBO sites like this one. If you do your homework, you can get a very good deal this way. Here's to good home and property hunting on your computer. Earl J. Wayhorn has lived a long time in Ontario and has built his own home and developed some skills in maintaining properties of various kinds. Earl thinks there's a lot to learn when trying to buy that ideal property. Hopefully you'll find his tips useful.
Earl recos you visit the link below to see an example of a very informative website for a fsbo property. farm for sale ontario
You know, that special place you can kick back with a nostalgic glimmer in your eye. Your parents might live nearby .... and the stress levels seem to diminish when you enter your own little world. At least this is my personal experience with that place I call home. In my case it was a farm near a small rural town. I actually didn't know what a great place it was for a very long time.
There's an expression we use in the country "You don't miss the water till the well runs dry". It's a metaphor we can apply to a lot of things. In this case home. Most people I think miss home when they leave it and experience loneliness in the harsh cruel confusing world perhaps for the first time. I spent the first 20 or so years of my life on the farm, but how can we know any place is home until we venture out and experience other places? So this is what I did.
Although I've traveled a fair bit and seen much of the world, I was also lucky enough to have a good job that kept me within a few miles of the farm. I came to the conclusion that I had a particularly good home arrangement. The one in which I actually lived and then the one I could return to any time within a few minutes for a family visit. For me that place is Iroquois Ontario. Have you checked out the current Ontario properties for sale?
How can people afford to raise a family, drive a car, buy an average $300,000 house in the city, pay the huge property taxes ... and still be able to live a bit, on an average family income of $65k or so? Over the years I have browsed quite a few Ontario properties that were for sale. Now, I'm not going to lie; just like any other state or province, there are areas that will cost you a fortune and those that run at more reasonable and affordable rates.
For example, the rural towns outside a 30 mile radius of Ottawa aren't too pricey by most people's standards, whereas downtown Ottawa, Montreal, or Toronto will cost you a mint. Where is your desired place to live? Do you prefer the more secluded country life, or the chaos and amenities of downtown? This is a key factor to consider when purchasing or building a home. Especially your last home. When you are sorting through those Ontario houses for sale are you thinking in terms of a final purchase?
That single home or property that you plan to keep forever, and raise your children or perhaps retire in ... because you've finally figured out where home actually is. Many things come into play here. Is the area safe? Does it have quality education available? What health services are there? Is it going to increase in value? That one is always a concern for home buyers. We all want to find a nice home that's going to increase in value.
Obviously by reducing your costs when you buy, you also are reducing potential losses if heaven forbid, property values actually drop some day. In the high cost energy future many predict, suburban housing prices will suffer as the high cost of transportation takes a bigger and bigger bite of income and forces people to move to lower cost environments. Smaller more self supporting towns where food can be grown locally and the need to travel reduced seem the most likely to benefit from rising property values due to both the migration of people and jobs.
Are you currently searching for Ontario properties for sale? If this is right up your ally, then you may want to resort to the absolute best source of all time. It's probably sitting in your office, kitchen, or bedroom. I'm talking about your PC or Mac. You probably have a home computer with Internet access. So jump online and do a search for "Ontario houses for sale", "Ontario property for sale" , "Ontario farm for sale" etc, depending on whatever you are looking for . The new google database linkup of its Google Maps service with real estate property for sale is now being beta tested.
This is an interesting setup as it promises a linkage will occur between it and brokers using MLS listings. It may be kinda messy at first determining exactly what's available because many MLS properties are likely to get listed multiple times on Google this way. Google.com will provide all kinds of results but be aware you will have to choose your keyword searches carefully. An easier search will occur if you include "for sale by owner" or "fsbo" in your search words. Using Google this way, you are likely to find a lot of for sale by owner (FSBO) properties and avoid most of the MLS stuff.
You can generally buy cheaper this way because the seller isn't using a realtor and can therefore pass the commission fee savings onto the buyer. The buyer however still needs to pay a lawyer to represent his/her interests and to tidy up the paper work. Good way to buy a home in my opinion ... provided you can find the right property and seller. Quite often the FSBO seller will put a very good website together to display the property because without a realtor he has to do his own marketing. I've also found that the pictures and descriptions provided on a FSBO site are generally a lot better than what a realtor would provide for the same property. This is just one advantage of doing a good computer search to locate potential buys. I've included a link in the resource box below for a FSBO site selling a farm.
It's a good example to compare with what you'll will find on a realtor's site or MLS listings. Keep looking for good FSBO sites like this one. If you do your homework, you can get a very good deal this way. Here's to good home and property hunting on your computer. Earl J. Wayhorn has lived a long time in Ontario and has built his own home and developed some skills in maintaining properties of various kinds. Earl thinks there's a lot to learn when trying to buy that ideal property. Hopefully you'll find his tips useful.
Earl recos you visit the link below to see an example of a very informative website for a fsbo property. farm for sale ontario
Friday, December 1, 2006
Travel real estate : Exploring the Wilds of Trinidad
By Justine Mis
While most visitors to this large Caribbean island associate Port of Spain as the “tourist attraction” with all it’s revelry surrounding Carnival – truly the islands largest party (called limin’ in trini-speak). But stray off the beaten path and you will find a wealth of natural attractions. We found one such place at the Point-a-Pierre Wildfowl Trust – a wetland habitat and peaceful haven where visitors may relax and enjoy bird watching.
This unique situation of industry and conservation working side by side can also be utilized as an educational resource for clubs, schools and nature groups. It encompasses over 60 acres and two lakes within a large petrochemical complex – debunking that age old myth that where’s there is oil there can be no natural beauty! Some species of waterfowl which you may see as you leisurely stroll the grounds (which also has an easy access ramp for the handicapped) are the Wild Muscovy Duck, the Blue-winged Teal, Silver Pintails and Hooded Mergansers.
Among wading birds you may spot a Wattled Jacana or a Purple Gallinule sprinting on the large and ample lily pads. We were fortunate enough to see a large Anthinga (snake bird) regally basking in the afternoon sun. This species has recently been found to be nesting at the Trust. While the sites were impressive, the numerous songbirds serenaded us with their delightful chirps.
Frequent visitors to the Trust include the Red-capped Cardinal, the Yellow-hooded Blackbird and the truly golden Saffron Finch – so aptly named. Not an avid bird watcher? Baffled by these strange names? The trust, thanks to the efforts of president Molly Gaskin and various other sponsors, provides an educational center with local guides to answer questions as well as an illustrated brochure for reference. Our guide that day explained the conservation and breeding program in place for the Scarlet Ibis – truly a sight to behold.
If you’re thinking Pink Flamingos – think again! We were told that these glorious creatures get their beautiful red color naturally from the red crabs that they eat in the wild. The Trust feeds them a combination of foods found in their natural habitat as well as a Carrotene supplement to achieve this look.
After your nature walk you can cool off in the Learning Center that houses information dealing living organisms and their habitats, a unique shell collection and a small comprehensive Ameridian Museum. All this for $8.00 TT (around $1.35 US) per person. Make the trek south and enjoy this natural resource. Experience this conservation effort and you will understand the Trust motto – “To know is to love, to love is to preserve.” For this and other adventures “off the beaten path” please visit out website at: http://www.livingislandstyle.com/
Justine Mis is a long time resident of the Caribbean islands living both in St. Thomas, USVI as well as Trinidad. A stressful sales career in the Midwest prompted a trip to the Virgin Islands to see if in fact life in a grass hut on the beach was possible. Many travels and sailing adventures throughout the islands has evolved into a successful real estate office and art gallery on the East End of St. Thomas. Her personal artwork is inspired by the natural beauty of the tropics and can be seen at Sunhaven Realty LLC in St. Thomas or on her website: http://www.livingislandstyle.com/
While most visitors to this large Caribbean island associate Port of Spain as the “tourist attraction” with all it’s revelry surrounding Carnival – truly the islands largest party (called limin’ in trini-speak). But stray off the beaten path and you will find a wealth of natural attractions. We found one such place at the Point-a-Pierre Wildfowl Trust – a wetland habitat and peaceful haven where visitors may relax and enjoy bird watching.
This unique situation of industry and conservation working side by side can also be utilized as an educational resource for clubs, schools and nature groups. It encompasses over 60 acres and two lakes within a large petrochemical complex – debunking that age old myth that where’s there is oil there can be no natural beauty! Some species of waterfowl which you may see as you leisurely stroll the grounds (which also has an easy access ramp for the handicapped) are the Wild Muscovy Duck, the Blue-winged Teal, Silver Pintails and Hooded Mergansers.
Among wading birds you may spot a Wattled Jacana or a Purple Gallinule sprinting on the large and ample lily pads. We were fortunate enough to see a large Anthinga (snake bird) regally basking in the afternoon sun. This species has recently been found to be nesting at the Trust. While the sites were impressive, the numerous songbirds serenaded us with their delightful chirps.
Frequent visitors to the Trust include the Red-capped Cardinal, the Yellow-hooded Blackbird and the truly golden Saffron Finch – so aptly named. Not an avid bird watcher? Baffled by these strange names? The trust, thanks to the efforts of president Molly Gaskin and various other sponsors, provides an educational center with local guides to answer questions as well as an illustrated brochure for reference. Our guide that day explained the conservation and breeding program in place for the Scarlet Ibis – truly a sight to behold.
If you’re thinking Pink Flamingos – think again! We were told that these glorious creatures get their beautiful red color naturally from the red crabs that they eat in the wild. The Trust feeds them a combination of foods found in their natural habitat as well as a Carrotene supplement to achieve this look.
After your nature walk you can cool off in the Learning Center that houses information dealing living organisms and their habitats, a unique shell collection and a small comprehensive Ameridian Museum. All this for $8.00 TT (around $1.35 US) per person. Make the trek south and enjoy this natural resource. Experience this conservation effort and you will understand the Trust motto – “To know is to love, to love is to preserve.” For this and other adventures “off the beaten path” please visit out website at: http://www.livingislandstyle.com/
Justine Mis is a long time resident of the Caribbean islands living both in St. Thomas, USVI as well as Trinidad. A stressful sales career in the Midwest prompted a trip to the Virgin Islands to see if in fact life in a grass hut on the beach was possible. Many travels and sailing adventures throughout the islands has evolved into a successful real estate office and art gallery on the East End of St. Thomas. Her personal artwork is inspired by the natural beauty of the tropics and can be seen at Sunhaven Realty LLC in St. Thomas or on her website: http://www.livingislandstyle.com/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
earn money online-|-
lawyer-|-acne-|-sinus-|-|-cancer treatment-|-
health-|-