by Andrew Mastrandonas
For many years, Costa Rica has been touted as one of the top retirement havens in the world. With a stable democracy, growing economy, government friendly to foreigners and tropical climate, as well as incredible natural beauty, it rightly earned the phrase, "the Switzerland of Latin America." Is this still true today? Is it as expensive as Switzerland? Are retirees still coming here? Should they still consider Costa Rica?
To many people, there appear to be less expensive retirement destinations such as Panama or Nicaragua. To others, Costa Rica has become too touristy. Still others believe Costa Rica is overrun with "gringos."
I want to debunk these notions, and others, and suggest that Costa Rica is still a terrific place to retire, or to start new life in if you are not yet retired, particularly if you choose your location and activities carefully.
Costa Rica is too expensive!
I have been living in Costa Rica for about a year and a half but have been in and out the country frequently since 1989 and based my extensive travel throughout the country in conjunction with my "Boomers in Costa Rica Retirement Tours," I've found that there are still inexpensive areas in which to live, particularly if you stay away from the close-in suburbs of San Jose.
Take, for example, the wonderful city of San Ramon in Alajuela province, an agricultural town of 70,000, situated on the northwest edge of the Central Valley. Home to three former presidents including "Don Pepe," who abolished the army in 1948 and set in motion the basis for today's robust democracy, San Ramon offers a peaceful environment in which to live yet it offers all of the services of a larger city including numerous supermarkets, a mall with a three-screen movie theater, numerous outstanding restaurants and warm, welcoming locals. It is also only 40 minutes to the international airport in Alajuela, one hour to San Jose and 40 minutes to the Pacific Coast.
But can I afford Costa Rica?
San Ramon also offers a wide variety of lots for building one's retirement dream home, either in the mountains which the "Tico Times" called "the Tuscany or Provence of Central America," or stunning ocean view properties in which one can see the Nicoya Peninsula, the Pacific Ocean and the bustling port city of Puntarenas. Prices for land remain low with some lots as inexpensive as $15,000 for a one-quarter to one-half acre lot, to $75,000 for an incredible ocean-view lot on 2.25 acres. With another $60,000 to $75,000, you can have an incredible ocean view lot and house, complete with all the services you need, for under $200,000. Of course, there is more expensive property as well. If you decide you don't want ocean views, you'll pay even less, perhaps around $100,000 or so for a nice lot and home.
Property taxes are very low, only .25% of the registered value of your property. I paid $66 in property taxes for an entire year! The local government office even asked me if I wanted to pay my taxes quarterly!
If renting is more your style, you can still find nice two-bedroom, modest homes for rent for under $200/month. Low housing costs combined with very low prices on food and utilities makes San Ramon an excellent bargain. The towns of Grecia, Sarchi, Atenas and Puriscal offer excellent value as well; you just need to know where to look or link up with an experienced and knowledgeable local or gringo to help you out.
I also eat inexpensively, perhaps a $1.50 for breakfast, $2.00 for lunch, and then I splurge for dinner, perhaps $4-6, and this is if I go out to eat! Of course, if you visit some of this country's wonderful outdoor markets, you'll find the freshest meats, fruits and vegetables, and can cook for yourself and spend even less.
I need good and convenient medical care!
Some foreigners living in Costa Rica complain that the medical system here is overcrowded and it often takes hours to see a doctor. Yes, in some areas there are less doctors per capita than in the United States but but not everywhere, and often times relates to people who have elected to get on the "CAJA" system, which is the most basic health insurance program, run by the government, to which most Ticos belong. Once you leave the San Jose area, even if you are on the CAJA, the lines lessen and more often than not, you'll form a great relationship with an English-speaking doctor who is well-trained, and in some cases, will even make house calls. There are also other privately-run programs that allow you to see any doctor and even these programs are much less expensive than insurance programs in the states.
Costa Rica also has several outstanding hospitals that provide the same level and quality of service that you would find in the United States. CIMA Hospital San Jose, which is affiliated with Baylor Medical Center in Houston, is a brand new facility with all of the new technologies you would find in any top hospital in the United States. In fact, my doctor at CIMA has more advanced technology in his office than my doctor in New York City. Clinica Biblica, also near San Jose, is also another top hospital, with the same quality of service you would find at CIMA.
There are too many tourists!
Costa Rica certainly is a well-traveled tourist destination and sees over 1 million holiday makers a year. If you visit the beaches at Manuel Antonio, the rain forest of Monteverde or Arenal Volcano during the dry season, yes, you will see many North Americans and Europeans. However, living here, particularly in towns such as San Ramon or Grecia, you would hardly know it is the tourist season. These towns, and others, see few tourists and move at their own consistent pace year round. Actually, visiting tourist destinations during the off season is a significant benefit of living here, particularly given that prices are significantly less than during the high season.
Costa Rica does count among its residents some 40,000 North Americans, mostly from the United States. They come for a variety of reasons from wanting to leave their corporate careers for more meaningful work to just wanting to retire and enjoy a slower, relaxed pace of life that Costa Rica offers.
While these expatriates are scattered throughout Costa Rica, most of them live in the suburbs surrounding San Jose such as Escazu, Santa Ana and Cuidad Colon. Quite a few ex-pats live in beach communities up and down the Pacific Coast while a smaller number of people live on the Caribbean coast. However, many people are beginning to take note of the smaller towns in the Central Valley such as Grecia, Sarchi, Naranjo, Palmares and San Ramon, and even smaller pueblos surrounding these towns. These towns and pueblos offer a relaxed pace of life, reasonable property prices and an overall lower cost of living. So, you can live in Costa Rica and not feel overrun by gringos or the high prices in other parts of the country. However, if you want to live among "your own kind," you can do that too!
Historically, Costa Rica was a country primarily attractive to retirees; those people in their late 50s or early 60s (and in some cases much older) who wanted a small house, and could live much less inexpensively than in North America or Europe. However, Costa Rica is also beginning to attract a fair number of baby boomers, particularly those people not yet ready to retire. They may own businesses they can run from virtually anywhere. They may also be writers or artists. Still others are coming here to invest their time and money in new businesses. Many people have made the successful transition from a corporate career in the states to running a bed and breakfast, managing a surf shop, offering tours, investing in real estate, and more much. Costa Rica is a very business-friendly country and the opportunities here are still endless. The roads are terrible!
Like any developing country, particularly one with a rainy season for part of the year, and with trucks and cars sharing the same, often two-lane road, it can be hard to maintain the roads in perfect condition all the time. Fortunately, under the new administration of Nobel Peace Prize winner, President Oscar Arias, significant steps are being taken to address these concerns. Millions of dollars have been allocated to new road construction and repairs. Costa Rica has come a long way in infrastructure improvements, and it is only getting better.
No hablo espanol!
While one can get by without knowing much Spanish, you'll have a better experience if you try to learn at least some key words, phrases and sentences. In addition, befriending a Tico (hopefully a bilingual one!) will go a long way in helping you get things done here. On our retirement tours, for example, we provide a post-tour relocation service where we link up our clients with a Tico to help with some critical "post-move" tasks such as getting a driver's license, hooking up electricity, phone, and Internet services, and a variety of other things. I couldn't get by without my "Tico connections" and my Spanish is getting better all the time.
But Costa Rica is in Central America!
Central America does have a reputation for being very poor, and historically, a region chock full political chaos, dicators, communists, and meddling by foreign countries. Costa Rica, however, has had a continuous and stable democracy since 1948 and the transition to new administrations have been as peaceful as they are in the United States. Yes, there are poor people here but it is nothing like the abject poverty found in Nicaragua or Honduras. Costa Rica also has not experienced the gang warfare that is rampant in El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Honduras. It remains somewhat dangerous in these countries and the political systems are still not completely stable. Housing and land may be much cheaper in these countries, but is it worth paying less to live if you experience power cuts for six to eight hours each day (as is the case in Nicaragua lately) or more importantly, live in fear?
I've also found that the people are much more welcoming to us gringos than in other countries in the region, and don't just befriend us for our money. They are very hard working, genuinely interested in learning about North Americans, and for us, it is not hard to integrate into Costa Rica society. I cannot tell you just how many parties and dinners I've been invited to in Tico homes since moving here. They are friendly people indeed!
With millions of baby boomers in North America-over 70 million of them-retiring now and over the next 20 years, and living longer than previous generations, it will take a lot of money to live well in retirement, particularly in the United States. Is Costa Rica still a good alternative? Yes! Will you do well here and enjoy yourself? Absolutely! Come visit and introduce yourself to the wonderful people and natural environment that we still call paradise. We're here, living our dreams, and happy to help you! You can even email me at: boomersincostarica@gmail.com.
About the Author
Andrew Mastrandonas is an American living in Costa Rica where he owns a relocation tour company designed to provide an introduction to Costa Rica for retirees considering moving here. He also owns a bed & breakfast and writes about travel, community issues, and culture for a variety of publications, including the Tico Times. For more information: www.boomersincostarica.com and www.AngelValleyFarmBandB.com.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
An Overseas Job Can Be A Good Thing
by Simon M Skinner
Are you looking to change your career and location? Have you thought of looking for an overseas job? Why not find something completely different and change your location and lifestyle? The Caribbean offers great opportunities for skilled people who are looking to work abroad.
Changing your job could result in a more adventurous lifestyle as a well as a change of pace in your career.
If a warmer climate sounds appealing then thr thought of working in the Caribbean must be exciting. Meeting new people and experiencing new cultures and traditions will be just part of the new lifestyle as you search for your dream overseas job. Does your current employer have offices and overseas job vacancies? Are they willing to let you travel and work for them overseas? If your company does not have any overseas jobs available then see if you can find an overseas company offering jobs abroad that match your skills and experience.
Don't just jump on a plane to Barbados or the Bahamas. Do some homework, check out the local employment laws and job vacancies. Make sure that the areas that you are looking at offer the kind of lifestyle that you are looking for. Some islands are very quiet and laid back but others are not quaint or particularly quie or quaint!
Do some research on the internet, read about the different island locations, the laws and employment requirements. If you have a family you may want to look into the education system. If you are moving on your own you still need to make sure that the island has evrything that you require.
Once you have found your dream location start investigating into the job prospects abroad. There are hundreds, if not thousands of great job vacancies in the Caribbean and abroad, there is sure to be something that fits your skills and qualifications.
Whether you are an attorney, or in real estate or perhaps looking for nursing or construction jobs abroad there are overseas vacancies in the Caribbean and beyond.
Working overseas can be a lot of fun. Not only will you be starting a new career, you will learn new cultures, foods and possible a new language. If you are looking for Caribbean jobs, then you should look online at JobInTheSun.com. Here, they can help you find a job in your field on any of the Caribbean islands. Log on today and they can help you find your dream job.
About the Author
JobInTheSun.com has thousands of Caribbean jobs. Does working abroad appeal to you? If you are looking for ideal overseas jobs that suit your experience and skills then log on to JobInTheSun.Com to find your dream job!
Are you looking to change your career and location? Have you thought of looking for an overseas job? Why not find something completely different and change your location and lifestyle? The Caribbean offers great opportunities for skilled people who are looking to work abroad.
Changing your job could result in a more adventurous lifestyle as a well as a change of pace in your career.
If a warmer climate sounds appealing then thr thought of working in the Caribbean must be exciting. Meeting new people and experiencing new cultures and traditions will be just part of the new lifestyle as you search for your dream overseas job. Does your current employer have offices and overseas job vacancies? Are they willing to let you travel and work for them overseas? If your company does not have any overseas jobs available then see if you can find an overseas company offering jobs abroad that match your skills and experience.
Don't just jump on a plane to Barbados or the Bahamas. Do some homework, check out the local employment laws and job vacancies. Make sure that the areas that you are looking at offer the kind of lifestyle that you are looking for. Some islands are very quiet and laid back but others are not quaint or particularly quie or quaint!
Do some research on the internet, read about the different island locations, the laws and employment requirements. If you have a family you may want to look into the education system. If you are moving on your own you still need to make sure that the island has evrything that you require.
Once you have found your dream location start investigating into the job prospects abroad. There are hundreds, if not thousands of great job vacancies in the Caribbean and abroad, there is sure to be something that fits your skills and qualifications.
Whether you are an attorney, or in real estate or perhaps looking for nursing or construction jobs abroad there are overseas vacancies in the Caribbean and beyond.
Working overseas can be a lot of fun. Not only will you be starting a new career, you will learn new cultures, foods and possible a new language. If you are looking for Caribbean jobs, then you should look online at JobInTheSun.com. Here, they can help you find a job in your field on any of the Caribbean islands. Log on today and they can help you find your dream job.
About the Author
JobInTheSun.com has thousands of Caribbean jobs. Does working abroad appeal to you? If you are looking for ideal overseas jobs that suit your experience and skills then log on to JobInTheSun.Com to find your dream job!
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Hot Property Listings For A Successful Real Estate Career
Submitted 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.
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.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Investing In Real Estate Investors
by John E. Roush
With the never-ending changes in our Real Estate Markets real estate professionals are starting to pay attention to the sound of new commission streams of income. Some realtors have either shied away or ran-away from such terms as "Cap Rate," & "Cash-on-Cash Returns." Terms that only the 'savvy' and 'numbers-oriented people use to determine if a Real Estate purchase is a "Good Deal", or not. A majority of the realtor brethren attended real estate school because they are excited and passionate about the promise of selling real estate and making a fantastic living. That being said "Times are a Changing." Even if you live in a Hot Market where residential real estate sells in 2-3 days there is an old approach to real estate that is growing faster by the day?..Residential Real Estate Investors.
This deft group of real estate investors is taking real estate and the real estate investment world into a new era! No longer accepting the wild volatility of the Dow Jones and NASDAQ families, and unwilling to accept the investment practices of their fore-fathers, these Investors throw caution to the wind for returns above the traditional 5-6% in their Roth or IRA accounts. These Investors are bold and oftentimes aggressive. Today's Real Estate Investors are all about the fast fix-n-flip, high appreciation, and rock solid monthly cash-flows. Cutting their teeth on investment in their own home-towns is only the beginning as the Serious Investors turn to points outside their own back-yards to other regions that demonstrate greater promise and higher returns.
You may say well how does the older adult view these investment opportunities? For starters the age of these stealth hunters ranges from 28 to 68. From "Rich Dad-Poor Dad" book series to Trump's magical presence on "The Apprentice," the young real estate entrepreneurs are making their dreams happen to the tune of 3-5 acquisitions a year! Got your attention now? The typical Investor has good to great credit scores, excellent cash reserves or hidden resources of partners with cash, and a willingness to make the deal happen at nearly any cost. The best kept secret of all is that these investing beasts travel in packs. Where you see one, another is very close behind. In other words they know the people that you need to know to grow your investor database even larger. If the real estate professional does a good job the happy clients are likely to refer many of their fellow-investors. Not just investor clients but their regular every-day real estate business. Face it, if you can demonstrate to your clients how adept you are with their investment portfolio, then wouldn't you suppose they would carryover this trust in looking to you in buying a basic home, condo or beach house?
So what if you haven't been focused in the real estate investment sector, and you are thinking this all sounds pretty good, let's give it a try. First question to ask yourself is who have your clients been working with or exploring their options of real estate investing with over the past 3-4 months. Statistically 6 out of 10 clients have considered investing in real estate or have already begun doing so before their realtor even has a chance to blink an eye. Got your attention now? How about the fact that in less than one year I increased my annual commissions by 30% by just positioning myself within my primary data-base of clients. All I did was let them know that I was ready, willing and able to begin assisting them with their "Investment Realty" needs. What I learned during the first year was that if I could create an environment for my clients to learn more about real estate investing that they would thank me in a variety of ways?most importantly they would call me before writing a contract and would make sure that I was involved in every contract where they wanted to make a real estate purchase. Before long 30% went up to 45% and further.
Even if you aren't interested in expanding your client database, at least consider protecting the turf you have for so long spent tireless amounts of time and financial resources to maintain their allegiance. On the other hand if you are looking at your real estate career and are wondering how to reposition yourself for market growth certainly to go well into 2025, here are a few known facts about how real estate investors can improve your business. Real Estate Investors are literally everywhere. Successfully tapping into your current database could increase your annual commissions by 20-30%. Real Estate Investors will be loyal to the professional that helps fill the gap of their investment education. Workshops, mentoring groups, finding the "golden deals" in your market makes a huge impact! Investing in Real Estate Investors doesn't have to mean that you lose your "typical" residential realtor position. Being a real estate investment specialist means you are smarter than the average realtor in the market. Mortgage professionals are struggling to provide real estate investors with property deals, so when you can place an investor into a good deal the referrals will begin to flow even more. Real Estate Investors tend to be more conscientious about your personal time away. Investors also like to shop Monday-Friday for their deals before the "Weekend Warrior" investors get out into the competition. This translates into more normal hours and days of operation for you and your business. Real Estate Investors buy-sell cycles are shorter than primary home purchasers resulting in more transactions in shorter time-frames. If any of these points are encouraging you to seek new opportunities in your business then make sure to sign up for the monthly "Grow your Real Estate Investment business" e-mail newsletter from InvestorLoft.com additionally, other excellent tools to improve and expand your real estate business can be explored at the InvestorLoft's educational Shoppe.
About the Author
John E. Roush, Broker-Owner Atrium Real Estate Investments. John is a full-time real estate agent specializing in real estate investment and real estate investment education. To contact John send all correspondence to Johnr@investorloft.com © 2005 InvestorLoft.com
With the never-ending changes in our Real Estate Markets real estate professionals are starting to pay attention to the sound of new commission streams of income. Some realtors have either shied away or ran-away from such terms as "Cap Rate," & "Cash-on-Cash Returns." Terms that only the 'savvy' and 'numbers-oriented people use to determine if a Real Estate purchase is a "Good Deal", or not. A majority of the realtor brethren attended real estate school because they are excited and passionate about the promise of selling real estate and making a fantastic living. That being said "Times are a Changing." Even if you live in a Hot Market where residential real estate sells in 2-3 days there is an old approach to real estate that is growing faster by the day?..Residential Real Estate Investors.
This deft group of real estate investors is taking real estate and the real estate investment world into a new era! No longer accepting the wild volatility of the Dow Jones and NASDAQ families, and unwilling to accept the investment practices of their fore-fathers, these Investors throw caution to the wind for returns above the traditional 5-6% in their Roth or IRA accounts. These Investors are bold and oftentimes aggressive. Today's Real Estate Investors are all about the fast fix-n-flip, high appreciation, and rock solid monthly cash-flows. Cutting their teeth on investment in their own home-towns is only the beginning as the Serious Investors turn to points outside their own back-yards to other regions that demonstrate greater promise and higher returns.
You may say well how does the older adult view these investment opportunities? For starters the age of these stealth hunters ranges from 28 to 68. From "Rich Dad-Poor Dad" book series to Trump's magical presence on "The Apprentice," the young real estate entrepreneurs are making their dreams happen to the tune of 3-5 acquisitions a year! Got your attention now? The typical Investor has good to great credit scores, excellent cash reserves or hidden resources of partners with cash, and a willingness to make the deal happen at nearly any cost. The best kept secret of all is that these investing beasts travel in packs. Where you see one, another is very close behind. In other words they know the people that you need to know to grow your investor database even larger. If the real estate professional does a good job the happy clients are likely to refer many of their fellow-investors. Not just investor clients but their regular every-day real estate business. Face it, if you can demonstrate to your clients how adept you are with their investment portfolio, then wouldn't you suppose they would carryover this trust in looking to you in buying a basic home, condo or beach house?
So what if you haven't been focused in the real estate investment sector, and you are thinking this all sounds pretty good, let's give it a try. First question to ask yourself is who have your clients been working with or exploring their options of real estate investing with over the past 3-4 months. Statistically 6 out of 10 clients have considered investing in real estate or have already begun doing so before their realtor even has a chance to blink an eye. Got your attention now? How about the fact that in less than one year I increased my annual commissions by 30% by just positioning myself within my primary data-base of clients. All I did was let them know that I was ready, willing and able to begin assisting them with their "Investment Realty" needs. What I learned during the first year was that if I could create an environment for my clients to learn more about real estate investing that they would thank me in a variety of ways?most importantly they would call me before writing a contract and would make sure that I was involved in every contract where they wanted to make a real estate purchase. Before long 30% went up to 45% and further.
Even if you aren't interested in expanding your client database, at least consider protecting the turf you have for so long spent tireless amounts of time and financial resources to maintain their allegiance. On the other hand if you are looking at your real estate career and are wondering how to reposition yourself for market growth certainly to go well into 2025, here are a few known facts about how real estate investors can improve your business. Real Estate Investors are literally everywhere. Successfully tapping into your current database could increase your annual commissions by 20-30%. Real Estate Investors will be loyal to the professional that helps fill the gap of their investment education. Workshops, mentoring groups, finding the "golden deals" in your market makes a huge impact! Investing in Real Estate Investors doesn't have to mean that you lose your "typical" residential realtor position. Being a real estate investment specialist means you are smarter than the average realtor in the market. Mortgage professionals are struggling to provide real estate investors with property deals, so when you can place an investor into a good deal the referrals will begin to flow even more. Real Estate Investors tend to be more conscientious about your personal time away. Investors also like to shop Monday-Friday for their deals before the "Weekend Warrior" investors get out into the competition. This translates into more normal hours and days of operation for you and your business. Real Estate Investors buy-sell cycles are shorter than primary home purchasers resulting in more transactions in shorter time-frames. If any of these points are encouraging you to seek new opportunities in your business then make sure to sign up for the monthly "Grow your Real Estate Investment business" e-mail newsletter from InvestorLoft.com additionally, other excellent tools to improve and expand your real estate business can be explored at the InvestorLoft's educational Shoppe.
About the Author
John E. Roush, Broker-Owner Atrium Real Estate Investments. John is a full-time real estate agent specializing in real estate investment and real estate investment education. To contact John send all correspondence to Johnr@investorloft.com © 2005 InvestorLoft.com
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
La Jolla Beaches
From the family beaches that are most often preferred by tourists to the more secluded coves most desired by surfers, divers, and swimmers, La Jolla beaches offer something for everyone. From Blacks Beach to the north and Windansea Beach to the south, the
La Jolla shoreline consists of steep sandstone cliffs that are seperated by coves and sandy beaches.
They sunny yet beautiful breezes and picture perfect views are a vacation paradise for tourists and a water recreation highlight for locals. There are seven unique beaches that dot the seven mile coastline against a backdrop of real estate, resorts, cliffs, tall palm trees, and lush scenary.
Downtown La Jolla is conveniently located near most of the beaches which not only provide parking for beach visitors but plenty of fine restaurants, intimate cafes, culture, art galleries, and other types of commercial convenience.
Between mid day and 4 PM, the crowds at any of the La Jolla beaches can be very big. The best advice when visiting any of the beaches in La Jolla is to come to the beach early and stay late - so that you can enjoy the magic of the sunsets and dusk views from across the ocean horizons.
Each beach at La Jolla will offer you something unique with different ways to enjoy the bliss of your vacation. La Jolla Shores is the most popular beach for families with the largest expansion of flat, sandy beaches. If you enjoy people watching, sunbathing, and lazy days on the beach - La Jolla Shores is where you want to be.
La Jolla Cove is another excellent beach, with steep sandstone cliffs offering amazing views and the paradise of sparkling blue water the cove is known for. The La Jolla Cove is a swimmer's dream come true because of it's gentle water. Along with the Children's Pool, the Cove is rich with reefs that attract scuba divers and snorkelers to the abundance of marine life.
There are several La Jolla Caves that were carved by nature into the sandstone cliffs between La Jolla Cove and La Jolla Shores that help attract ocean kayakers from around the world. There is one cave in particular, known as "Sunny Jim Cave" that can be entered through a man made tunnel that leads to a steep descent through a narrow underground tube to a wooden deck.
With plenty of beaches all along the coastline, La Jolla is the place to be during the summer months. La Jolla is a well known tourist attraction, with well over 7,000 people visiting on a daily basis. If you enjoy the beach, La Jolla is going to feel like heaven on earth.
La Jolla shoreline consists of steep sandstone cliffs that are seperated by coves and sandy beaches.
They sunny yet beautiful breezes and picture perfect views are a vacation paradise for tourists and a water recreation highlight for locals. There are seven unique beaches that dot the seven mile coastline against a backdrop of real estate, resorts, cliffs, tall palm trees, and lush scenary.
Downtown La Jolla is conveniently located near most of the beaches which not only provide parking for beach visitors but plenty of fine restaurants, intimate cafes, culture, art galleries, and other types of commercial convenience.
Between mid day and 4 PM, the crowds at any of the La Jolla beaches can be very big. The best advice when visiting any of the beaches in La Jolla is to come to the beach early and stay late - so that you can enjoy the magic of the sunsets and dusk views from across the ocean horizons.
Each beach at La Jolla will offer you something unique with different ways to enjoy the bliss of your vacation. La Jolla Shores is the most popular beach for families with the largest expansion of flat, sandy beaches. If you enjoy people watching, sunbathing, and lazy days on the beach - La Jolla Shores is where you want to be.
La Jolla Cove is another excellent beach, with steep sandstone cliffs offering amazing views and the paradise of sparkling blue water the cove is known for. The La Jolla Cove is a swimmer's dream come true because of it's gentle water. Along with the Children's Pool, the Cove is rich with reefs that attract scuba divers and snorkelers to the abundance of marine life.
There are several La Jolla Caves that were carved by nature into the sandstone cliffs between La Jolla Cove and La Jolla Shores that help attract ocean kayakers from around the world. There is one cave in particular, known as "Sunny Jim Cave" that can be entered through a man made tunnel that leads to a steep descent through a narrow underground tube to a wooden deck.
With plenty of beaches all along the coastline, La Jolla is the place to be during the summer months. La Jolla is a well known tourist attraction, with well over 7,000 people visiting on a daily basis. If you enjoy the beach, La Jolla is going to feel like heaven on earth.
La Jolla Village Tour
A trip to sunny La Jolla isn't complete with a tour of the city's downtown area, known by locals as the village. With trendy shops, galleries, and nice places to eat, La Jolla Village is something you need to tour on foot to appreciate.
If you are traveling from a distance and must drive to the village, parking is not easy. The downtown streets offer two hour free parking, although your best bet will probably be one of the garages along Fay Avenue where a flat rate will ease your mind of parking worries for the entire day.
Once you have found a place to park, you should begin your tour at the corner of Fay Avenue and Prospect Street. Here, you'll find some of the most famous restaurants in the downtown area, including Moondoggie's and Il Forno.
As you pass by the restaurants, you'll see the Arcade Building, which resembles an old hybrid style. The Arcade Building leads to an alleyway with many specialty shops.
After you explore the treasures of the Arcade Building alley, continue your tour North along Prospect Street and you'll come to a stretch of art galleries. If you appreciate art, you'll love everything the village has to offer you.
Just across the street from the art galleries, you'll find The Grande Colonial Hotel. This hotel is famous and well known for its rate of $1 per day since the opening in 1913, has been renovated many times and now ranks as one of the best landmarks in La Jolla Village.
As you continue your walk down Prospect Street, you'll encounter Girard Avenue, which offers you plenty of shops and eateries.
If you are traveling from a distance and must drive to the village, parking is not easy. The downtown streets offer two hour free parking, although your best bet will probably be one of the garages along Fay Avenue where a flat rate will ease your mind of parking worries for the entire day.
Once you have found a place to park, you should begin your tour at the corner of Fay Avenue and Prospect Street. Here, you'll find some of the most famous restaurants in the downtown area, including Moondoggie's and Il Forno.
As you pass by the restaurants, you'll see the Arcade Building, which resembles an old hybrid style. The Arcade Building leads to an alleyway with many specialty shops.
After you explore the treasures of the Arcade Building alley, continue your tour North along Prospect Street and you'll come to a stretch of art galleries. If you appreciate art, you'll love everything the village has to offer you.
Just across the street from the art galleries, you'll find The Grande Colonial Hotel. This hotel is famous and well known for its rate of $1 per day since the opening in 1913, has been renovated many times and now ranks as one of the best landmarks in La Jolla Village.
As you continue your walk down Prospect Street, you'll encounter Girard Avenue, which offers you plenty of shops and eateries.
All About La Jolla
Attracting tourists from all over the world, La Jolla's community is one that combines trends with traditional class. Located 12 miles north from downtown San Diego, this highly prosperous community offers seven miles of coastline at an elevation of 110 feet. The land here is so desired that it's impossible to find property in La Jolla for less than 1.25 million an acre!
The lucky 38,000 plus who live in this heavenly seaside town live among Mediterranean style architecture with a unique flair. From the crashing waves along the shore to the high rise buildings in the business district, you can expect everything in La Jolla to be first rate quality.
Business district
Even though La Jolla is mostly known for its incredible shoreline, the city's business district is hardly modest to say the least. Located to the east in La Jolla, there are professional centers, financial buildings, law firms, and technological industries that dominate this district.
There are also modern shopping centers here as well, along with a wealthy residential area. The world renowned Scripps Memorial Hospital & Medical Research Center is here as well as the San Diego Mormon Temple - a remarkable 59,000 square foot building that resembles a large ice sculpture.
The Village
The downtown area of La Jolla offers shops, hotels, boutiques, restaurants, coffee houses, salons, and art galleries. Even though this area is rather small, the district is full of trendy
establishments that draw wealthy visitors from all over the world.
Girad Avenue is the main street of La Jolla, even though Prospect Drive is known as "Rodeo Drive" in San Diego.
Shoreline
Although the business area and La Jolla Village are both impressive communities, the most memorable region in La Jolla is the areas and communities along the Pacific shoreline.
La Jolla offers some of the most impressive shore lines in Southern California, with remarkable caves, cliffs, beaches, and sunsets. The best view of La Jolla can be seen from the air. Daring visitors can take in La Jolla via the Torrey Pines Gliderport and learn flying. If you seek a more tame view of the coastline, try the scenic drive along North Torrey Pines Road.
All along the coastline, La Jolla offers you a first rate shopping district. You can visit
jewelry stores, art galleries, souvenir shops, and fashionable boutiques. Once you have been shopping, you can complete the day by dining above the water of the Pacific.
From the art galleries and trendy shops to the world class golf courses, La Jolla has attractions to please tourists from all over the world. Each district is unique, yet they are all similiar when it comes to quality. You won't find anything short of the best when you visit the best Southern California has to offer.
The lucky 38,000 plus who live in this heavenly seaside town live among Mediterranean style architecture with a unique flair. From the crashing waves along the shore to the high rise buildings in the business district, you can expect everything in La Jolla to be first rate quality.
Business district
Even though La Jolla is mostly known for its incredible shoreline, the city's business district is hardly modest to say the least. Located to the east in La Jolla, there are professional centers, financial buildings, law firms, and technological industries that dominate this district.
There are also modern shopping centers here as well, along with a wealthy residential area. The world renowned Scripps Memorial Hospital & Medical Research Center is here as well as the San Diego Mormon Temple - a remarkable 59,000 square foot building that resembles a large ice sculpture.
The Village
The downtown area of La Jolla offers shops, hotels, boutiques, restaurants, coffee houses, salons, and art galleries. Even though this area is rather small, the district is full of trendy
establishments that draw wealthy visitors from all over the world.
Girad Avenue is the main street of La Jolla, even though Prospect Drive is known as "Rodeo Drive" in San Diego.
Shoreline
Although the business area and La Jolla Village are both impressive communities, the most memorable region in La Jolla is the areas and communities along the Pacific shoreline.
La Jolla offers some of the most impressive shore lines in Southern California, with remarkable caves, cliffs, beaches, and sunsets. The best view of La Jolla can be seen from the air. Daring visitors can take in La Jolla via the Torrey Pines Gliderport and learn flying. If you seek a more tame view of the coastline, try the scenic drive along North Torrey Pines Road.
All along the coastline, La Jolla offers you a first rate shopping district. You can visit
jewelry stores, art galleries, souvenir shops, and fashionable boutiques. Once you have been shopping, you can complete the day by dining above the water of the Pacific.
From the art galleries and trendy shops to the world class golf courses, La Jolla has attractions to please tourists from all over the world. Each district is unique, yet they are all similiar when it comes to quality. You won't find anything short of the best when you visit the best Southern California has to offer.
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