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.

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.

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.

Day 2 of my visit to Trujillo was spent with Cathy M. who took me to have a closer look at the homes inside and out.

I was very impressed with the design and construction of the homes – attention is paid to every detail.  Stunning Mahogany entrance doors & woodwork, spacious principal rooms, high vaulted ceilings, granite counters, quality cabinetry throughout, large windows to take advantage of the stunning vista’s, large covered decks, sparkling pools – absolutely beautiful homes.  All of the homes are situated on the lot to maximize the view and more importantly, to minimize the environmental impact.

Cathy works with the clients & the construction company to assist and support clients throughout the entire purchase and design process to completion & delivery.

After visiting the developments Cathy drove me around Trujillo to get an idea of the town – it’s laid out on a grid system and fairly easy to get around. We visited a great place for locally made souvenirs at Made in Honduras Craft Co-op.  Members of the co-op are responsible for the day-to-day running of the store and every item in the store will have been made by a member of the co-op.

The variety and creativity of the members is amazing:  jewellery, painted silk scarves, bags, shirts, embroidered tortilla covers, bookmarks made of bark, woven baskets made of candy wrappers and pine needles, nativity figurines made out of beads, candy wrappers and clay, you could spend hours going through all the nifty products made by these people from the Trujillo area.   I did what I could to support the local economy and picked up a number of souvenirs.

I also bought a book called “A Walk in My Shoes – our lives of hope” put together by Diane Karper.  It contains the life stories of 18 people, many members of the co-op.  It was truly amazing to read these stories and realize how fortunate and VERY grateful I am for everything I have.  Diane was instrumental in bringing the Co-op to life; there are approximately 60 people involved in the Co-op.

One of the women profiled in the book, Gladys Ramires, was working in the store that day so I had her sign the book for me – it made reading her story very special.  Something that Gladys said in her story really struck me as so very sad … she said ‘I don’t know when I was born since nobody ever celebrated my birthday or my life.  I am so amazed that anyone would even ask me to tell my story, but have always wanted to tell someone that I am here’.  It is wonderful to see that she has found a voice through this book and the opportunity to make a living through her work at the co-op.

After finishing our shopping we drove on into downtown Trujillo.  Cathy went off to do some banking leaving me to spend a few minutes wandering around the main square; the people of Trujillo were very friendly and welcoming.  Around the town square is where you find a lovely park, the Catedral de San Juan Bautista and the Forteleze Santa Barbara.

After doing the banking it was lunchtime and so we drove out along the beach road to one of my host’s favourite restaurants – Louisa’s with the magnificent beach view.  We were joined by a number of people – several long term residents of Trujillo (originally from Canada and the US), Randy and his Honduran project manager, Martine and Mark, some friends of Randy & Cathy’s who were visiting from San Pedro Sula – it was certainly a lively lunch table.  Eating out in Trujillo – there really is no such thing as fast food!  Everything is cooked fresh and to order and is absolutely worth every minute that you wait.

After lunch we headed back to Campo del Mar and it was time for a siesta!

Dinner that evening was at another restaurant along the beach road – unfortunately the name escapes me.  Food was excellent, although, as you can see from the menu the description of the preparation options were a little odd (sweated fish??).

Eating in Trujillo is a very social activity – don’t think I saw anyone at a table for 2.  Dinner seems to be quite early around 5.30/6p.m.

After we got back from dinner it was time for my hosts to head to bed.  It wasn’t that it was very late it’s just that the sun sets very early (dark by 6pm) & rises early as well – so people tend to go to bed early and get up with the sun.  Not being in that rhythm or feeling tired (especially as I had had a siesta!) I settled into the family room to watch a little bit of TV.  Fortunately there were a number of English language channels to choose from.  I have to say I didn’t last long – think the fresh air in Trujillo had an effect on me and I found myself having a somewhat early night!

More to come on my final full day in Trujillo …

All information taken from sources believed reliable but not guaranteed

Trujillo was the first mainland landing spot of Christopher Columbus in 1502 during his fourth and final voyage to the new world.  This was the first time Christopher Columbus touched the Central American mainland.

Trujillo was settled in 1524 by Spanish conquistadors under Hernan Cortes.

Cristobel de Olid (1487-1524) is regarded as the founder of the town of Trujillo. He was a Spanish adventurer, conquistador and rebel who played a part in the conquest of Mexico and Honduras.  The location of Trujillo was strategic for Spanish interests in the New World.

Trujillo and its citizens were subject to frequent pirate attacks throughout the 17th and 18th Centuries.  This led to the construction of the Santa Barbara Fort beginning around 1575.  It’s large cannons overlooking the Bay provided protection for the town.  The Fort remains fairly intact today.

In the town square you will find the Catedral de San Juan Bautista (although Trujillo was the site of the first cathedral in Honduras the original church was destroyed many years ago. The current Catedral de San Juan Bautista was built in 1832 and remodeled 1930–1939) this very colourful octagonal building and just a short walk away is the fort and park area.

We drove by the entrance to the cemetery where the infamous & very unpopular William Walker, who was shot to death in Trujillo in 1860, is buried.

All information taken from sources believed reliable but not guaranteed

Having visited Central America previously, thankfully, I did have some idea of what to expect of the driving and road conditions …

Along the highway to Trujillo my very capable chauffeur, Cathy, dodged potholes, maneuvered over some serious speed bumps, cows, goats, passed slow moving cars, buses & trucks as we rumbled along the generally asphalt highway.

Once we left the city of La Ceiba, the scenery along the road to Trujillo, was truly stunning.  Against a backdrop of magnificent lush green mountains, we passed through banana and palm plantations, fields of corn & sugar cane, orange groves, fields of pineapples, mango and papaya trees. Obviously much of Honduran exports are the fruits they produce, palm oil and of course they are famous for their magnificent wood – especially mahogany.

Upon arriving in Trujillo we drove straight to Casa Alamania for Oktoberfest.  Cathy and I sat down and were joined shortly thereafter by my host, Randy, his partner Cathy, her daughter Martine and her husband Mark (all Canadians).  A few minutes later some more folks joined us – more Canadians – everyone seems to know everyone here and before too long the atmosphere was festive!

The owners of Casa Alamania are a German gentleman by the name of Günter & his lovely Honduran wife (whose name I regret to say I have forgotten!) and they were wonderful hosts.  Günter was chef for the evening and the food was authentically German and  there was plenty of it!

It was a great, relaxed way to begin my visit to Trujillo and have the opportunity to meet and chat with Canadians who have made their home in Honduras – most of the folks at the table live in Trujillo year round and love it!

As it was dark when we arrived at Trujillo I really had no sense of the scenery – I could hear the waves coming on shore as we sat at the beach side restaurant and enjoy the fresh clean air – I’d have to wait until the morning to see where I really was!!

Casa Alamania, in addition to being a restaurant, is also hotel and a spa right on the beach in Trujillo that comes highly recommended as a place to stay when visiting Trujillo.  Günter’s proud new addition this season is a beautiful pool.

After a very enjoyable dinner we transferred my luggage from Cathy’s van to Randy’s truck and off we drove to my home away from home for the next 3 days.

I have to admit to having a couple of THOSE moments on the drive in the dark to Randy’s home – bumping along the rugged, unlit, unpaved and rutted road, past some shacks with tin roofs, splashing through the occasional, deeper than anticipated, water filled pot-hole before finally arriving at the gates to Campo Del Mar. The guard promptly let us in and we drove up the lengthy driveway & parked under the covered portal.  Bags were unloaded and I was shown to my room.  I took a few minutes to freshen up and then went back out to join my hosts at the ‘bar’ in the great room.

Looking around I couldn’t miss all the artifacts around the house so, being a curious sort, I asked about them.  Randy explained that he has been keeping anything that they had unearthed or find when building, putting in the roads, building homes or clearing the grounds.

These artifacts will eventually form part of the display in the Cultural Museum that he is going to build.  He has also discovered that part of the original 15^th Century Spanish Road runs through a portion of his  property.  He is planning to restore this section of road and build the Cultural Museum in the same area.  The cultural museum will be open to visitors as well as the residents of the communities that he is building in the Trujillo area.

After spending a short while with my hosts discussing the activities of the upcoming days I took myself off to bed.  It had been a long but very interesting day.

The next few days were going to be very interesting as I was about to discover what it is about Trujillo that has so many Canadians decide to make it home.

to be continued …