Life Rich Real Estate Inc. (is not a real estate brokerage) It is a company whose sole focus is educating buyers, sellers and realtors on International real estate. I am proud to say that I am a co-founder of this company.

What do we do?

We hold workshops for buyers contemplating buying off shore and for REALTORS looking for help & information so that they can assist their clients who want to buy International real estate.

We work with developers and perform a due diligence review on their properties before we include them in our portfolio.  We educate them on what a buyer information they should have available for International buyers. The information in our portfolio is is available to clients, their lawyers and advisors.

Life Rich Real Estate Inc. requires that any developer that has their property in our portfolio must provide an EXCLUSIVE money saving offer for our clients – this is in addition to any other incentives they may offer to a client who is buying one of their properties.  These offers include such things as discounts, upgrades, reduced interest rates, travel reimbursement. As these are EXCLUSIVE offers for clients of  Life Rich Real Estate it is essential that you contact us BEFORE  you contact the developer if you wish to benefit!

Upcoming events

We have a number of events coming up that I’d like to draw your attention to:

May 26, 2012 – Americana Resort, Lundy’s Lane, Niagara Falls – 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.  This is advertised as 50+ trade show – any age is welcome.

June 10, 2012 – Toronto - Toronto Womens Expo Days Hotel & Conference Centre, 185 Yorkland Blvd., Toronto, ON.   Life Rich Real Estate Inc. will be an exhibitor at the event and I will be speaking on International Real Estate – where do I start?

June 12, 2012 – Oakville – 6.30 p.m. – 8.30 p.m. At this event we will review Vista Bahia, a development in Costa Rica, and we will discuss how you could use your RRSP to purchase in this development.  This event is being held at a private residence and the address will be sent to you with your confirmation of registration.  If you would like to register for this free event please  click here

November 3, 2012 – Burlington – this is a 50+trade show – 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Again any age is welcome. The event is being held at the Burlington conference center.

If you are interested in finding out more or need assistance in buying your piece of paradise – please contact us at 1-800-209-3214 or e-mail me

The Properties of the Nicaraguan Riviera are directly on an immense and very beautiful beach.

This beautiful beach was only recently “discovered” near the fishing and farming community of Salinas Grandes about 20 kilometers south of the city of Leon on the Pacific coast of Nicaragua.
The beach is truly world-class and the lots are large, serviced, easily accessible and very affordable. Unfortunately, the supply of these wonderful opportunities is quite limited – and, to date, “to see is to buy” has been the response of North American visitors.

Only 14 lots available in this intimate resort – there are 7 lots available on the beachfront and 7 lots in the second row.

Beachfront lots are priced US $ 94,330 (43.2′ x 97′ lot) ~ US $ 105,890 (43.2′ x 108′ lot)

Second row lots are priced US $ 55,000 (44.5′ x 92′ lot) ~ US $ 64,680 (44.5′ x 108.8′ lot)

Within 6 months of closing on your lot purchase it is necessary to begin construction of your custom villa that has to be completed within 18 months.

Custom Villas

Our experienced builder is waiting to provide you with your dream home (and perhaps even a charming guesthouse) on your beachfront estate. Soon it will be possible to visit our existing villas so that you will be able to see the high quality of the building skills, the overall construction expertise offered and the top quality materials and finishes that are used.

Steel-reinforced concrete construction, flawless custom coloured stucco wall finishes, maintenance-free tile floors both inside and the patios, decks and exterior walkways. Large fully tiled kitchens and bathrooms, high-quality air-conditioning, appliance and furnishings packages offered are just a few of the features that make the choice to live here an easy one!

Most of all – you will be impressed by the low cost of your villa residence. A fraction of what you would expect to pay in your hometown or in other popular tropical vacation or retirement locations. You will also find that your price will be exceptionally competitive with local prices.

Your new home will be custom built for you in an elegant Mediterranean villa style that is so well suited, both esthetically and functionally to your new lifestyle on the Nicaraguan Riviera. You will be able to choose from designs featuring elegant archways with high ceilings and beautifully tiled floors. Choose from an array of the most up-to-date and upscale appliances and entertainment options and you will be able to select from a range of patio styles and may include quarters for your maid or guests.

All information taken from sources believed reliable however is not guaranteed.

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’ll be speaking on ‘Buying International Real Estate – Where do I start?’

Admission is $25+taxes however follow this link and enter the promo code LRICH12 and get your FREE tickets.

Hope to see you there!

Almost 1/2 acre lot set in the stunning, well established, Altos del Maria development which is located in the Central Mountain Range (Continental divide).  Beautiful gated mountain community, located approximately 1.5 hours drive from Panama City along the PanAmericana Highway.

The entrance to the development is approximately 30 minutes drive North of the highway. All excellent roads!

This is a corner lot, offered for sale at US $69,000, is located in the Santiago Apostol neighbourhood and is approx. 2,013.39 m2.  Direct access from paved road.  Located at 2700 feet above sea level you are away from the heat & humidity found in the city and lower altitudes. The view from the lot is fabulous  with a bit of everything – looking forward island & ocean view and to the rear is mountains. Fabulous place to build your dream, vacation or retirement home!

Here are some pictures Sue took recently at the Altos del Maria development showing you the sales centre, some of the homes within the development, some of the lush vegetation, gorgeous flowers, enjoy!

Some details about the well established development of Altos del Maria

• Located about 90 kms from Panama City
• Development is over 7500 acres (3000 hectares) and is divided into neighbourhoods
• Garden like landscape with vast common areas
• Elevations within the development vary from 1640 ft to 3,,608 ft above sea level
• Temperatures range from 18C (65F) to 27C (80F) depending on the elevation of the lot
• Approx. 30 kms from the public beaches on the Pacific coast
• Approx. 30 mins from a golf course
• Breathtaking natural surroundings – flowers, trees, rivers, hiking trails, dozens of creeks, waterfalls
• Abundant species of birds
• Wireless internet
• Small grocery store & restaurants within 2 kms
• Approx. 30 kms from the town of Coronado.  Some of the amenities found there:
  • Shopping
  • Medical facilities
  • Restaurants
  • Entertainment
  • Fitness facilities
• Heliport
• Approx. 18 kms from the town of El Valle de Anton and its amenities
• 20 minute drive to natural attractions e.g. canopy tour, zoo

To find out more about this lot and the many other opportunities in Altos del Maria  contact Sue today

All information taken from sources believed reliable – buyers should verify all information for themselves.

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