It is a unique business opportunity for  the right buyer.

The Zoo is open Spring through Fall and features over 120 animals including large cats (Lions, Tigers), reptiles, monkeys, buffalo, small cats, wolves, a camel, deer and bears.

Set on 55+ rolling acres and some truly stunning views.

Property features 2 homes – one currently used by the owner and one by the manager – who will stay on to assist the new owner with animals if desired.

Many of the animals have been hand reared and have been used in the Movie industry throughout N. America.  There is a small movie set on the property.

The Zoo is very popular with school groups, photographers and is well known for it’s very well attended night safari’s.

I have complimentary tickets available so let me know if you would like to attend (save you $20 pp at the door!)

http://goo.gl/eaojf

Here is Johns’ contact information should you have any questions or need some help with your IRS Foreign Reporting Requirements:

John Dillinger, CPA, PFS, MS.tax

While All information is taken from sources believed reliable it cannot be guaranteed.

Amazing energy around the whole conference.

Jack Canfield spoke yesterday – it is always good to hear  him and be reminded that ‘If it is to be it is up to me!’  He is also very approachable and down to earth – especially on the escalator!

There are REALTORS from around the world attending the conference – the sessions have something for everyone – my focus has been those to do with the International markets and today is Technology day so that will be interesting.

Another busy day ahead …

It’s too bad we have to have a day for this – I vote that we make it an every day occurence – today is a start but let’s make every day a Random Acts of Kindness Day.

WOW can you imagine the difference it would make in this world if everyday was a Random Acts of Kindness Day???

Have a wonderful day!

Buying a Property in Costa Rica

The decision to purchase real estate in a foreign country can at first be a daunting proposition.  However, it is possible to safely buy property in Costa Rica with the assistance of a reputable REALTOR® and attorney.  Your REALTOR® should be able to help you to locate property suitable to your needs, educate you as to property values and other considerations in your chosen area, and assist you with negotiating a fair price. You should also use an attorney (Certified Public Notary) with a good reputation who can handle the financial aspects of the transaction and ensure that you will have legal title to your property.

Title Insurance is available in Costa Rica through well-known international companies such as Stewart Title and Fidelity Life, Chicago Title and Land America

Ownership: It is possible to purchase real estate through direct transfer where one or more individuals acquire property in their personal name.  Purchasing properties through a new or existing corporation is also very common in Costa Rica.  The process of setting up a corporation is not complicated or expensive, but requires the expertise of your attorney to follow the legal protocols involved.

The Public Registry of Properties: All property in Costa Rica should be registered in the Public Registry of Properties, whether the property is fee simple or concession. By means of the Public Registry of Properties your attorney will be able to confirm that the seller possesses ownership of the property, and to discern if there are any restrictions on the property before the deal goes through. Avoiding the purchase of unregistered property is strongly recommended.

Folio Real Numbers and Cadastrals: Each property registered in the Public Registry of Properties has a Folio Real number, which is the unique number assigned to each property to identify it.  The number is comprised of three parts, the first number indicates the province, the second group of six numbers is the number of the property itself, and the last group indicates how many owners the property has.  All properties must have this number in order for clear title to be obtained. Each registered property also has a survey plan, or Cadastral.  In order to transfer, mortgage, or acquire a property, the survey plan must be recorded at the Public Registry of Properties.

Property taxes in Costa Rica are very low, only ¼ of 1% of the registered property value.  Certain standard closing costs are required in Costa Rica to transfer the title of a property from the seller to the buyer, and this is always paid by the buyer.  Closing Costs include: (1) Real Estate Transfer Tax, which is 1.5% of the registered value of the property on the deed; (2) Documentary Stamps, which total approximately 1.25% of the registered value; (3) The Notary Fee, which is 1.5% of the first million colones and 1.25 % on the balance of the property sales price.  This means on the purchase of a $100,000 property, closing costs would be approximately $4,250, and property taxes $250 per year or lower.

Financing: If you need to borrow funds, it is generally far simpler and interest rates are usually lower in your home country. However, if your credit rating is impeccable, financing in Costa Rica may be available.  Some banks, such as the Bank of Nova Scotia, offer financing to foreigners. Usually the bank will finance somewhere between 40 and 50% of the purchase. Certain projects and/or private owners may also offer some kind of financing arrangement.

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me

Information taken from sources believed reliable but not guaranteed

As a REALTOR involved in International Real Estate I’m sure you know that I did have a business reason to visit Trujillo, Honduras!

As I mentioned in a previous blog during my trip I visited the developments of Campa Vista and Alta Vista.

If you have been contemplating buying a piece of paradise and think that you have missed the opportunity – take heart!

Honduras (in my opinion) offers a fabulous opportunity. It is estimated that property in Trujillo is probably about ⅓ the price of similar properties in Costa Rica.

To give you an idea of the price of some of the available lots:

• ½ acre – US $49,559
• ¾ acre – US $47,599
• 1 acre – US $54,300
• 1½ acre – US $63,299

What is included in the purchase price of your lot?  Services: water, electricity and roads as well as being graded and tested.  It is also located in an exclusive gated community with 24/7 security.

Foreigners can own property in Honduras as a result of a change in the law in 1990.

The process of transferring title is similar to how it is handled in Canada.  In Honduras there is a registry system and the title is held in ‘fee simple’ – in your personal or if you wish a company name.  You do receive a deed to your land.  As in Canada you are advised to get title insurance.

Another question a buyer will ask when considering buying a lot – do they have to build immediately or is it possible to buy a lot and hold?

Whilst the developer would prefer to see people building in the developments, with the exception of the lots located in the beach community where there is a requirement to build within 3 years, there is no requirement to do so in the other areas.

When the development opened several years ago the price of construction was US $75 psf.  Today construction costs are approximately US $95 per sq. ft. Even at this price you will see it is still possible to build a home in paradise for a very reasonable price!  Building sooner than later would also make sense as it is anticipated that building costs will go up again in the coming years.

The developments are within gated communities and owners will, when it’s completed, have access to the Trujillo premier beach club which will feature swimming pools, hotel suites, full service bar, green areas.   Until the club is completed owners are able to use the Trujillo Campamento Beach Club and its facilities.

A question often asked when discussing real estate opportunities in Central America is about the political stability of a country.

Honduras has a democratic political system with a strong constitution that has been in place for 30 years.

Economic growth has been spurred on by the close ties established with the U.S. resulting in building business and infrastructure – a free trade agreement was signed with the U.S.in 2005 which has seen the amount of business increase.

During my recent visit to Trujillo, Honduras my host took me to visit some of the hotels and resorts that people choose to stay when coming down to take a look around at Campa Vista and the Alta Vista developments.

Banana Beach Resort.

This resort is owned by an American gentleman Rand and run with the help of his daughter Jenna.  It’s a small resort again right on the beach.  They have 2 – 2-storey, 2 bedroom cabanas with full kitchens for rent, fabulous new pool, and ‘The Mystic’ Beach club, restaurant & bar.

We ate at the restaurant a couple of times during my visit – they have a selection of local and N. American items on their menu – the dishes I had were excellent – especially the fish!

Campamento

This resort is owned by a lovely Honduran couple, adjacent to Tranquility Bay, located on the beach – 17 rooms/cabanas, restaurant/bar, several raised areas to relax out of the sun, pool.  

We stopped in for a cool drink (fresh coconut water is fabulous) before we took a walk along the beach and around the lovely grounds.

Casa Alemania

This resort is owned by German gentleman, Gunther and his lovely Honduran wife, Paula.  26 room resort on the beach. Restaurant & bar, new pool.  This was where I enjoyed ‘Oktoberfest’ the night of my arrival. I didn’t have my camera handy so sorry no pictures.  Although it was dark and I couldn’t see the beach I could hear the waves rolling onto the shore.

Christopher Columbus Hotel.

This is a larger, more traditional low rise hotel/resort with 72 rooms. Set on a beautiful beach.  They have 2 pools one for the adults and another for kids.

They have both a formal and a more casual restaurant/bar under a large palapa in the outdoor activity area.

Tranquility Bay

This resort is owned by a Canadian couple and situated on the beach, 5 charming cabanas, restaurant.  They have kayaks for rent and other water sports. Guests can use the pool at the adjacent Campamento resort.

We were walking around the grounds when a friendly monkey appeared to harass the dogs and then take up residence on a shoulder – thankfully it chose Randy’s shoulder over mine!

There are many other hotels in the Trujillo area – these are the ones that are closest & most convenient for people coming to the developments of Campa Vista & Alta Vista.

Residents, owners and visitors visiting the park see many indigenous fruit crops being grown (pineapple, palm, mango, papaya, banana, passion, star fruit) in addition to some native animals (all rescued) that are found in Honduras within the park system.

When the park system is complete it will include four parks:

• Agriculture, Marine & Animal Park
• Riverside Village Park
• Historical Park
• Wildlife Park.

The Agriculture, Marine and Animal Park will be the first park to be completed in time the first cruise ship visit to visit Banana Coast Cruise ship terminal in Trujillo (anticipated in late 2012).

I had the opportunity to walk around the park which is ‘growing in’ during my recent visit.  Here are some of the photos from my visit to Campo Del Mar Nature Park in Trujillo.

Visitors to the park will find indigenous plants, trees, fruits, flowers and herbs, indigenous animals in spacious enclosures (these are rescued animals) and enjoy the wonderful beach and beach club.

All information believed reliable but not guaranteed.