We here at RAINFOREST REALTY are renowned for our ethics, our expertise AND our hospitality —– please consider us your home away from home —- and it doesn’t end there.  We are always available to you to answer your questions about relocating to Belize and buying land and/or a house here, should you choose to do so.  That’s our mission!

While we at RAINFOREST REALTY are greatly honored to be winning awards for our benchmark ethical standards in home buying in Belize,  we are also pleased to serve as a community center and clearing house for expats.  We love it!  Before, during and after the sale — and even if you don’t buy — we welcome you to share our fun, friendly, and informative environment!

The Road to Becoming An Expat

You know my story.  Now I’m wondering about yours.  Are you already an expat or thinking about becoming one?  Do you, like me,  wonder what expats experience when moving abroad?  Are all experiences pretty much the same or do they widely differ?  What makes for success — and what about failure.

I plan to further explore these issues in the future, but here are a few thoughts.

The Expat Path

From my own observations, most people in the U.S. seem fairly glued to their fast food restaurants and tv remote controls.  Most of us can related to the necessity of earning a living and getting totally caught up in the daily grind of getting by.  This is very understandable.  Been there, done that.  And heaven knows all we read about is how exhausted Americans are by nightfall.  And then they can’t sleep!

So what has to happen —- what kind of intervention takes place — to set one on the expat path.  What process begins that has someone heading off for the wild blue yonder —- in another country and culture.  We read all the time how immigrants from other countries will take many great risks to get to the United States.  They are willing to risk their lives to become expats here.

So why are U.S. citizens headed out the other way —– and making their way to live  abroad.  Is there something we don’t know?  Is the grass always greener?  It certainly makes one pause to think about it, contemplate and speculate.

Activating the Expat Factor

I myself like to muse that there is something, a spark within all of us —- that when activated, gets us going!  Over mountains, across oceans and deserts — and even into outer space!  Human beings are amazing in how once an idea is generated —– they pursue it so singlemindedly.  And have chosen the expat life for thousands of years — as archeological discoveries constantly remind us!

Smiles,

Macarena

So we loaded up, took off, landed in Belize and I have never looked back. It was the right move at the right time to the right place!  I consider myself most fortunate to  now reside in Belize and greatly enjoy life here.  I’ve been greatly welcomed and made to feel at home.  Belizeans are like that —- very friendly folks!

I felt so comfortable here that I even started my own business enterprise.

Yes — I opened RAINFOREST REALTY to enhance YOUR REALITY here and make home buying a safe, ethical, rewarding experience for YOU, the expat in residence.

RAINFOREST REALTY helps guarantee a safe and rewarding REALITY for you in Belize!

Reality of Owning Real Estate

I thank the kind client/friend here who says one of the reasons he is pleased to be an expat in Belize is the “low cost of purchasing wonderful property with the aid of a great realtor”.  My company and I like to please our customers!

This same person says he also appreciates “actually owning property with a deed”.
This is what we at Rainforest Realty strive to provide and have worked so hard to achieve.  We are very proud of this accomplishment!

Another client/friend says, “The upsides to Belize over Mexico and a lot of the Caribbean were the land ownership laws. You get clear title to your land in Belize [thanks to the pioneering efforts of Rainforest Realty] and also there are no punitive taxes on the purchase or sale if you are a ‘foreigner’. 

Plus you are pleasantly surprised every time you go and pay your land taxes, and also the ability to pay them up to ten years in advance is a real bonus”.

Hey, if you’re interested in owning land in Belize, what’s not to like!

We can’t ignore the hardcore reality of what it takes to live a middle class lifestyle in modern day America.  So I would say that for many, financial considerations are a major motivation in choosing the expat lifestyle. 

And if you’re a retiree — whoopee!  Those hard earned pensions stretch further in a country like Belize and let you live and buy land and have something left over too. 

I think all of us are appreciating this fact more than ever, given the uncertain status of the U.S. economy today.

It is my own personal theory that the lessening of economic stress contributes greatly to pesonal happiness and probably leads to better health and longer life!

My Own Journey Continues

I know what happened to me —- and you do too if you’ve been following my tale.  I’m the lady who was living very comfortably in Florida with my children and dogs.  Who went to Belize on a mission with my church.  And got the strongest “calling” you can imagine — to come back and live life in Belize! 

I listened to my inner heart and took a chance on life.  I took the kids and dogs and off we went.  But ONLY, of course, after I had done much soul searching and extensive internet searching too —- to find out everything I could about living in Belize.  To prepare myself so I’d know what to expect.

(Please remember my mantra and advice which I am always dispensing — DO YOUR HOMEWORK FIRST!  MOVING ABROAD REQUIRES EXHAUSTING RESEARCH ON YOUR PART!  CHECK IT ALL OUT!)

Feel free to contact me at macarenarose@gmail.com

Another expat here says, “Belize is for those willing to let go of false needs of comfort and live simple…”  

Aha!  And in doing so, one confirms that old saying —- less can mean more!   More time to share friendships and to enjoy what’s around you, more chances to explore about the countryside and one’s inner heart. 

So adventure comes in many forms in lovely Belize — the recreational pursuits so readily available and those that come from time to think and contemplate….

“Belize is still primal in many ways and that is very appealing as well… It is a true adventure and not one you can pay for anywhere else”.  Does this appeal to you?

Ready to get a passport?

More About “Less”

And speaking of “less” —- there is another aspect to living in Belize that greatly appeals to many.  In fact, I was surprised at the reaction of an acquaintance when we were discussing this matter. 

“No place is perfect but my experience with “1st world” countries is too many rules and too much competition which erases the warmth and friendliness that attracts us all to Belize and her peoples”.Less restrictions and less competition — now that does sound good!

Here’s more on “less” —- “The out of town building regulations are also phenomenal. Build your house, live in it, and if it falls down you have yourself to blame. If you want you can have building inspectors and architects, but there is no law requiring it.
I can also own and slaughter my own livestock here. I don’t need to fill out endless forms for some faceless bureaucrat or transport animals to an abattoir”.If you feel the same way,  then you may indeed be considering the expat life in Belize.

As I was on a plane ride back home to Belize, I met a lady who shared with me her thoughts of “Why Belize.”

She said that she appreciated that living in a country like Belize can be a chance to pull away from the endless financial and social stresses that families in the U.S. encounter.  She could sense the calm, peace and sanity that might be the result!

What impressed me the most, however, was how this young mother, obviously under many stresses herself, understood how a move to a less materialistic, less driven culture like Belize can facilitate an inner process of development. 

She had a fine sense of what it must be to get to know and experience yourself in a calmer, less stressful environment which still honors Mother Earth and nature.

The Inner Expat 

She is not alone.  I feel the same way and other expats I’ve talked with refer to this inner, spiritual dimension of living in Belize.  It has to do with living a simpler, less consumer oriented lifestyle……making do with less material goods.

Can you imagine yourself saying this — as an expat friend of mine does –  “I have more spiritual moments in a day in Belize than I get in a year in the States….” 

Wow – what a great way to feel!

Now how about this; does this comment resonate with you? “…we know very well why we love Belize. For its simplicity, it’s inner beauty and its soul, and its live and let live vibe”.

Wither thou go-est………

Enquiring Minds Want To Know

Does one need special DNA to become an expat?   Is there a secret sign-up sheet?
What makes one a potential expat?

I’ve been discussing my own expat experiences in previous articles.  Now I find I’ve become fascinated by this topic!

After all, what DOES motivate someone/anyone to pack up and move to a foreign country —- to become part of another culture. Wow!  That’s a huge undertaking!

A Simpler Life

Recently, I was on an airplane chatting with a seatmate.  It turned out she had spent her honeymoon in Belize.  She loved her experiences there and said she could see moving there to live.  I was amazed how she expressed herself —- and how she totally “got it” and understood what Belize has to offer. 

We’re not talking Starbucks or upscale malls here.  We’re talking about a more relaxed culture in a gorgeous natural setting that offers rest and respite along with every recreational activity that sand, surf and jungle can supply.

What this perceptive lady understood is the allure of living a simpler, less hectic and less materialistic lifestyle in a country where the emphasis is on interconnectedness — between people and between human beings and Mother Nature. 

She admired the rewarding possibilities of living in an environment finely attuned to people and nature — where both are greatly valued and appreciated.

And she was respectful of Belizean culture which emphasizes different values from those we find in the U.S. 

That refers, of course, to the ever present quest of the almighty dollar in the and keeping up with the Jones. That’s hard enough to do when times are good – much less when we now face shaky financial futures. 

If you are driven to be an Expat, your DNA is calling you to do it !

So, just go ahead, and Belize it, we are here waiting for you !

 DO YOUR HOMEWORK!!

Oh yes — we all love our rose colored glasses and idealistic fantasies of what it is to live abroad.  It’s hard to let go of those glasses.  But you must —- for your own sake and well being. And it’s ok.  You’ll actually feel better when you do.

Because when you decide to make that quantum leap to another culture, to find another way of living on this earth, another way of being in this world —– that’s also affordable —–you must DO YOUR HOMEWORK, PLEASE!  

Like all potential expats, you have to research extensively and prepare yourself for not only the glorious thrills and perks of living abroad — oh yes, they are there waiting for you —— but also the down to earth realities of such a move.  In that way you can gain the knowledge, facts and figures that will greatly help ensure a better experience for you and your loved ones.  And protect your wallet too!

You don’t want any unpleasant surprises.  By doing this all important groundwork beforehand and gathering reliable information, you will be prepared for the realities of becoming an expat.

 I love to see folks realize their dream, and do it the right way !

BELIEVE IT!!!!!!  BELIZE just might be the place where your dreams of an expat life come true! 

Ok, take the test.  See if you have an expat life in your future! (This is all in good fun)

The Test

1.  Have you spent days at work trying to look like you’re busy and productive ——- when you’re actually fantasizing about becoming an expat!!  (YES / NO)

2.  Are you staring at that computer screen with glazed eyes ——- but instead of seeing excel spread sheets, you see yourself spreading your towel out on an exotic beach and an afternoon of blissful naps and naughty novels.  (YES / NO)

3.  You think you’re the next India/Indiana Jones on a  mission to seek hidden relics in Mayan temples.  Instead you’re seeking new markets for the company.  You give your sales pitch to the glazed eyes of potential customers — who are busy daydreaming about their own expat adventures. And thus don’t hear a word you say!  (YES / NO)

4.  You dream about becoming a world famous botanist who will uncover new medicinal plants and new cures for mankind’s ills.  Hey, that Nobel Prize might be next!  (YES / NO)

Expat On Your Mind

If you find yourself checking off even one “YES” —– it could be you’re ready to explore more of living abroad.

You are not alone.  This is a very common syndrome.   And of course, even more so in these financially insecure times when the thought of stretching your dollars makes you to want to stretch your life too ——— and seek a way out. Who doesn’t dream of becoming an ESCAPE ARTIST -  leaving it all behind for a saner life; a more satisfying and less stressful lifestyle you can easily afford.  Imagine having something left over at the end of each month.

Who doesn’t want that!

 www.RainforestRealty.com

Greece is an interesting nation to consider when writing about property investment and buying homes abroad because whilst it is a hugely popular holiday destination, few foreign buyers ever buy second homes, retirement properties or even investment real estate in Greece.  The reasons for this include the fact that it is expensive to buy on the mainland and on the islands, it is far from a simple experience thanks to a lack of centralised land registry, and because the government has made it all but impossible for overseas buyers to enter the market in the past.

But ironically, when all around us international property markets are flagging as a result of a global ‘credit crunch’ and more specifically because of stagflation in the UK, the property market in Greece is developing.

The majority of overseas investment into the Greek real estate market is currently centered on the residential, second and holiday home markets however; but following on from Athens hosting the Olympics in 2004, investors are beginning to take more interest in residential and commercial opportunities in the major Greek cities as well.

Please Note: The future success of the Greek property sector from an investor’s point of view is likely to be heavily dependent on the country taking the necessary steps to restructure its economy effectively to minimise excessive bureaucratic disorganization and to fulfill obligations laid out under the EU’s Growth and Stability Pact.

The importance of these reforms cannot be emphasized strongly enough and an investor should bear them in mind when examining property investment opportunities in Greece.

An investor seeking diversification for his property portfolio could actually target Greece exclusively as the range of opportunity is expansive – although building an international real estate portfolio off the back of a single economy is unwise!  The majority of investors currently look to Greece for income from the growing tourist sector and this is a realistic investment objective because despite ongoing problems with the Greek economy the tourism sector is well established and produces guaranteed returns.

As an alternative to individual jet to let based investments in Greece an investor could consider commercial opportunities in the form of mass tourist accommodation in hotels or holiday villages and entertainment or retail facilities.  The government of Greece actually encourages all overseas investment into the further development of the tourism market and an investor should have confidence in this fact.  Basically because tourism is incredibly important to Greece as it accounts for 15% of GDP, this sector is unlikely to suffer any negative interference from the Greek government which means that a property investor can be fairly well assured of the long term stability of any investments made in this sector.

Residential properties for sale in Greece along the coast and on the islands are more affordable than similar properties in Spain or France for example; this makes Greece a more affordable country for a real estate investor on a budget which is also a reason why Greece is growing in popularity with those seeking jet to let investments.  As many countries worldwide have reached temporary ceilings with their property price rises, Greece remains an affordable haven and one that generates income and profits for those who buy well.

Leading up to the 2004 Olympic Games which were hosted in Athens, the city and surrounding areas received substantial aid and investment to improve and develop infrastructure and necessary facilities.  This investment has subsequently resulted in the ‘Olympic Effect’ which sees property prices increasing quite substantially in the cities that are chosen to host the Olympics.  Investors are targeting residential buy to let investments in Athens, furthermore they are targeting commercial ventures in Greece’s major towns and cities because EU investment is beginning to attract more companies to Greece creating increased demand for light industrial, office and retail space.

An investor should consider his investment objectives before examining the opportunities available in Greece.  The majority of tourism based opportunities present satisfactory room for growth and development and certain city based ventures could also prove positive for profitability.  However, it is worth bearing in mind Greece’s current economic strife and keeping an eye on internal developments made by the government towards domestic improvement of the Greek Economy.

However, despite the obvious attraction and advantages offered by the main Greek cities the majority of second homers and property investors are ignoring the main city markets at the moment and heading straight to the Greek Islands or the mainland coastal resorts where apartment and villa development is increasing at a rate of knots.

And when you consider that Greece is regarded as the birthplace of democracy, the cradle of Western Civilization and it is undeniably one of the most attractive and desirable places in the world in which to holiday or live it is not hard to fathom why property in the most popular parts of Greece is currently so heavily in demand.

There is however an added bonus that is increasing investor interest in properties on the Greek Islands and in resorts on the Greek Mediterranean, Aegean and Ionian Sea coasts.  Basically property prices across Greece are far lower than those in either Spain or Italy and it is this added value that has seen overseas buyers increasingly interested in the Greek property sector.  The profits they are making from holiday rental yields and from the growth in the underlying value of their property are steadily inching up.

Investors more interested in emerging markets and the greater potential profits to be made in them won’t be disappointed by Greece either.  Greece is considered to be an emerging property market in itself as it enjoys steadily increasing international inward investment into its real estate sector – but the real emerging market in Greece is the Peloponnese.  This ancient, mythical and incredibly beautiful peninsula in southern Greece is technically an island but once formed part of the Greek mainland and today it is home to an emerging and developing property sector with home buyers attracted to the climate, history, pretty shoreline, mountains and overall picturesque nature of the island and property investors attracted to the greatest potential profit margins possible in Greece.

Belize has become a very popular destination for ecotourism and relocation by Americans.  It is not only tourists who come here to learn new practices.  There are expats who choose Belize because of their feelings about ecology.  Belize is not yet paved over, and with only 300,000 people in the Country, this shall be the way it is for a LONG time !

My feeling is that Belize has it all- it is English speaking, two hours from Houston or Miami, Fresh fruits and vegetables grown organically and locally, Caribbean ocean and barrier reef and Mayan ruins.
When travelling to Belize, you will be amazed how friendly the locals are and welcoming. So whether you come for a trip, or to stay, you will know why Belize is tagged as “ UN-BELIZABLE !! “

Contact us at  Rainforest Realty as we home away from home in Belize — whether you live in-country or not.  We’re here to serve you and are dedicated to your needs.  We’re a real estate enterprise, relocation experts, and serve as an informal community center for expats.  We extend our hand of welcome to you !.  So take advantage of our ethics, expertise, and outstanding reputation and let us help you see why Belize made the top 3 !!