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There is a lot of buzz surrounding the real estate in Belize? Belize is a new independent country going through the process of globalization and what’s its main weapon? The answer is real estate properties.

For a country that has been given a taste of independence by the British, the government has been looking for a way to get foreign investments into the country. They figured out that the best way to do this was to sell off land to foreigners who wish to invest in the country’s real estate business. So, with a few easy steps, an alien from another country can own a piece of Belize land at third world country price.

Real estate Belize will always be the best thing you can get in whatever price range given since the prices are always particularly low. That is also the main reason why foreign investors, retirees and expatriates are lining up like bees in a beehive.

It is by far the best offer of a Caribbean paradise one can get and a lot of people aren’t passing up the chance. Belize is a country of stunning beauty with beaches, forests, mountains, small community towns, ancient Mayan ruins and many more.

For people who wish to retire in the country, one should expect very little development. Belize is a rich country when it comes to its natural resources, which is why this is one of the most visited tourist spots and most-sought after retiree destination.

The best reason why real estate in Belize is selling is simply because of the reasonable price you can get for the magnificence it yields from its surroundings. Imagine getting a house only less than half of what you pay somewhere else in the world and yet be able to stroll along the shores of a virgin beach with glistening blue crystal waters? Such wonders can only be found in Belize, which is now inhabited by European, Canadian, American retirees who are forming a community, themselves.

Houses and properties in Belize are made and built by locals who are good at what they do. They are hardworking and diligent in getting a job done. They use eco-friendly materials to help the environment and another great thing is that they don’t cost much. Hiring them would probably be around $20 a day for one contractor. It's also one of the reasons why houses here are rather affordable.

Real estate in Belize is the best opportunity to take right at this moment since its prices will most probably skyrocket in the future. While they are still in an affordable price range, now is the time to grab the opportunity to own a property. A lot of people don’t know where to put their money when it comes to investing, yet here is a perfect opportunity that is simply waiting to be grabbed. Time is money, according to some. So, the more time one wastes are directly proportional to money being lost.

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Belize is a growing country and when it comes to business, let’s just say the people inhabiting the land haven’t really built it from the ground up. People who have purchased Belize real estate properties and enjoying the low cost in the area have thought of ways to find sources income when they are running low on cash. Expats, retirees and immigrants have all created many businesses.

There is a couple that retired in Belize, and the husband has always wanted to bake donuts to make a living. During his younger days in the US, he totally gave up on the idea since the cost of equipments and labor would put an end to his bankroll, plus there is a lot of competition in the US.

However, in Belize, where no one sells donuts, he found himself a niche and there he started making donut recipes with his wife helping him out. Eventually, they were selling donuts like crazy! He was his own boss and only works once or twice a week. They only baked donuts just so they could make it through the month and they never really thought of totally taking it seriously as a huge business. It was simply out of sheer passion and creativity.

Truly, Belize opens up a whole new world to people. The Belize real estate industry sure offers a lot of investment opportunities and not just some nice looking house to match. People who thought of a change in their grand vacation routine and wanted to offer something different in the community all started coming up with ideas. From women who deliver homemade pizza with a motor scooter, a man who peddles meat to areas where there are none to yoghurt businesses that are open day and night.

Since some locals don’t have vehicles to travel with and some would have to walk miles just to buy groceries, convenient roving stores, such as a local shoe repair shop on wheels, roam the streets so those who require shoe-fixing only need to holler and they no longer have to travel to the next town just to get shoe services.

Sometimes, passion can really take someone so far. A retired music teacher, for his love of music, opened a music school for the young. He gets to earn a few bucks doing what he loves too.

These people who offer their services and products aren’t slaves; they still enjoy being free and prioritize having a great time in Belize. They don't have to toil so much since these are more like hobbies to them. However, there are those who take their businesses seriously and they, of course, succeed since in a community where every sort of business idea is fool-proof, one is expected to reap a significant profit for hard work.

All these people are not exactly rich and only work depending on their means and needs. Since the best things in life are already within their reach, they work and live where they want to, when they want to and how they want to.

 
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Due to modern technological advances in our society, looking for real estate properties doesn’t require the person to go out and be physically present to check out the property. A long time ago this is how it was done – one person looking for a house or apartment would contact a real estate agent and arrange a meeting to view several properties. Now, this is very time consuming and tiresome. Not to mention one has to drive all the way form point A to point B.

What if the place you want to look at is outside your country of residence? You can’ t just book a flight and go to the country and see the property yourself. There is no guarantee you’ll like it and it might be a complete waste of time and money.

This is really something one shouldn’t fret about. People who are looking at Belize to be their new home don't really need to fly over and look around. What they do, like anyone who uses the marvels of the Internet, search for online Belize real estate brochures. Here, sites give potential clients a peek on the wonders Belize can offer; and it doesn’t take a lot to convince people to invest and spend their hard-earned cash on Belize.
There are also a lot of travel books written about Belize. It is a well-known fact the Belize is a tax haven and retirees choose the country as their next home.

Online brochures are the main tools of Belize real estate companies into marketing their properties. Belize is something one needs to see to believe how gorgeous the country is. It is one of the unspoiled countries in Central America and is home to beautiful beaches, friendly locals, lush rain forests, breathtaking mountain ranges, Mayan structures and many more. It is only wise to check out different online sites, like sites with brochures offering Belize real estate, since investing on property is not just a walk in the park. We want our money's worth or if possible, even get more than that. Places that are most popular in Belize are Ambergris
Caye and Placencia. These places are the most visited by tourists and are also one of the pricier ones too. If one is on a budget, then one should head on to Corozal, a very nice place for those who wish to retire with a low cost of living.

All the places are indicated and available in online brochure sites for Belize featuring videos, photos and affordable costs for the foreign investor, including manuals or guides on how to purchase real estate properties and what to expect when buying land in Belize. They also have a “Frequently Asked Questions” section for those who are still quite lost. Almost 80% of sales in real estate Belize were actually purchased or acquired online with the help of online brochures. One simply has to look online and find many sources of information regarding this.

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So what's on the daily news? Turning it on, you're flashed with images of explosions and and petty crimes. Plummeting economy, hiking prices and mortgages seemed scarier than ever.

North Americans may realize it or not but one thing is for sure – their government's involvement with war in Iraq has placed their citizens in grave danger. Let us not be reminded of the awful event 911 has conjured in our thoughts. The US also has been suffering greatly because of the recession with its economy slowly crawling to development. It doesn't seem like the American dream, but more like the American nightmare.
It's a very unfortunate scenario if terrorist attacks were to happen again. What are the citizens to do when these recur? While other citizens are turning on each other, their crime rate increases and it seems the country they're living in is not as safe as it may appear. Is there an escape for these people?

Just like anybody else, people would want to escape to paradise, and paradise is just around the corner. In Central America, Belize can be found. It is a tropical paradise with lush rainforests, mountainous terrains and ancient ruins where everything and everybody live in peace and harmony; jolly locals living in complete serenity with nature and other people.

This is an escape for those who are about to have a breakdown with what's happening in their current society and who believes that there is more to life than just pushing buttons on a Blackberry. One need not go to the place or visit Belize physically if you want to have a look. There are thousands of photos online that share the grandeur of Belize along with other testimonials on how breathtaking the place is.

That is why real estate Belize's target market is the US more than others. The country is in very close proximity and perhaps the citizens need an escape to paradise more than anybody. A lot of US residents have taken the leap of selling their house and having their belongings cargo-shipped to this small Caribbean paradise and have themselves own a piece of paradise by purchasing Belize real estate. Those who have taken a leap of faith and decided to have a change of surroundings never had a single regret and they know that they made the right choice when they made their escape to paradise.

Although living in the city is one great experience, to live in a quiet and peaceful location has been opted often by others nowadays, especially the ones who want to retire. Belize is truly a paradise for those who want to get in touch with nature and live peacefully without the worries and issues experienced in our modern society. With only about 300,000 people in the country, Belize is considered to be the safest and cleanest Caribbean paradise. They are more environmentally conscious than the United States, with the amount of waste and greenhouse gas emissions that makes them one of the top contributors of global warming. Expect fresh non-polluted air in the country of Belize.

Belize still enforces its nature preservation policies and environmental organizations help out in maintaining its green campaign all throughout the country. With having one of the richest marine life in the world, Belize is an ocean lover's dream land.

 
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There were no casualties reported after the massive tropical storm Matthew left the area of Belize. It was a matter of preparedness and Belize was more than ready for the storm. Fortunately, the storm caused minimal damage to the small country. Matthew had poured heavy rains on both southern and northern Belize regions together with high winds and gusts exceeding 30 miles per hour. These had caused trees to be knocked down, power outages, floods, damages to ports, piers, boats and several houses lost their roofs.

It didn't seem like paradise, but the Belize real estate companies were not rattled by these occasional events. The people prepared for the coming of the storm and the country ordered several necessary measures in order to prevent heavy casualties. Hurricane watch was issued for the coasts since such hurricanes can be devastating if it reaches sustained winds of 74 miles per hour or higher, causing huge damages to selected coasts. Classes were also suspended, according to the Belize Ministry of Education, before the onset of the storm.

Also, mariners were advised to seek shelter and safety. Individuals in low lying areas were suggested to seek higher ground due to a possible flash flood. People inhabiting cays were also evacuated using boats at least 40 feet or longer. Flights, both local and international, were canceled as well for precautionary measures. It seemed that they were anticipating the storm's arrival; and since Belize is a tourist attraction and tourism is their bread and butter, it is only right that they prevent and minimize damages in these situations.

Although, it is a fact that the country is prepared for certain calamities, there are no guarantees that the next storm won't be stronger. Storms and hurricanes are a perpetual threat to the Belize real estate industry and realty agents may have a hard time getting clients when events like this happens. Since Belize is located in a tropical region, storms are apparent. To make matters worse, greenhouse gases add to global warming, and in turn create stronger storms and hotter weather. Tropical areas in the world will be affected greatly by global warming than four-seasoned regions. Since in tropical coastal areas like Belize, rising tides are a great threat to communities and their livelihood. Tropical storm Matthew is just the tip of the iceberg and more are coming, far stronger and far bigger.

Are the Belize real estate companies prepared for what lies in the future? After the storm, Belize, like any other country, went on with their daily routines, except for cleaning up the debris and fixing the damages caused by the said storm. Although it may take time for some flooded areas for water to subside, life in Belize continues. NEMO (National Emergency Management Organization), through their CEO Noreen Fairweather, declared after the storm that it was “ all clear” for Belize.

 
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A lot of foreign investors and retirement home seekers are looking at the Caribbean for a place where they can let their money grow or simply find a place where watching the ocean waves provides a peaceful serenity while spending the rest of his or her days in retirement.

That is why Belize real estate has been attracting a lot of expats and investors alike. Belize has become a popular destination for adventure seekers and beach lovers. Belize has lower taxes and fewer restrictions, a perk added to attract tourists and retirees. Belize real estate offers a wide price range with their gorgeous selection of beach houses, country homes and many more.

This is a Caribbean paradise as exclaimed by many, with its tropical coconut trees swaying with the gust of the wind and the numerous marine activities available for everyone. It has nice, comfortable climate including lush jungles and rain forests home to hundreds of endangered species. It's like a fusion of the Amazon and the Caribbean, while at the same time throwing in ancient ruins in one place. It is truly paradise and a whole lot more at very affordable prices.

The shores in Corozal, an area in Belize, provide a rather rugged look than the other shores and has the most beautiful coastlines. Belize is not an island, as most people might think it is. But in fact, it is a collection of islands, all 108 of them with all of them having their own Caribbean feel. Go ahead and walk on the shore as the sun sets and no one would ever accost you give you trouble since the locals who live there are peace loving citizens.

The Mayan structures provide a tangible experience in revisiting the past. This is where one of the greatest civilizations stood in its total grandeur and it can be found in Belize. Even the Mayan culture still exists, living in their own society untouched and unexposed to the modern world. The Mayans who stood the test of time can be found in southern Belize where they live in harmony with nature in a small community.
Aside from the Caribbean feel and look of the beaches and shorelines, the rainforest, which has been preserved, is one of the most beautiful terrains in the country. From the beach, one can venture to the mountains and experience its breathtaking tips and summits – a true adventurer's land indeed.

With so many things to discover and so many things to do, Belize truly is a taste of the Caribbean plus a whole lot more. Tourists may have to be prepared to go to an adventure unmatched anywhere else. Best of all, English is the official language of the land so one does not have to study a new language when visiting or planning to live in Belize. Although some areas speak Spanish, English is still widely spoken.

So if you want to go to the Caribbean and experience paradise on Earth, there is no other place to go. Book a flight to Belize now!

 
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For those nature lovers out there, there is nothing more exciting and fulfilling than finding a get-away steeped in natural beauty. With the hubbub of big cities and our daily lives, it is a rare pleasure when you find yourself in an oasis, surrounded by nature and all her beauty. One tiny country, in particular, boasts a huge variety of natural attractions and plenty of appeal for those of us trying to escape the hubbub of daily life and hoping to get back to nature. Here are just a few of the majestic and stunning attractions you can take in while in Belize.

The Cayes & Barrier Reef: Running the entire length of the country's coastline, the Belize Barrier Reef is the second longest continuous barrier reef in the world. Here you will find some of the best snorkeling opportunities and scuba-diving sites in the world. Moreover, the barrier reef is lined with hundreds and hundreds of small islands, or cayes. Most are uninhabited. These cayes range in size from tiny patches of sand or mangrove smaller than a football field to the larger and more developed vacation destination islands of Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye. Whether you want the hustle and bustle of the latter, the deserted isle feel of a smaller or even private caye, or something in between, your choices are many and uniformly inviting.

The Atolls: Belize's three mid-ocean atolls are arguably more spectacular than the barrier reef and its many cayes. Unique formations of small islands and reef surrounding a mid-ocean saltwater lagoon, atolls are isolated and stunning phenomena. Belize has three of them: Turneffe Island, Lighthouse Reef, and Glover's Reef. These atolls are very sparsely developed, and any visit here will be imbued with a sense of adventure, isolation, and romance.

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary & Cockscomb Basin Forest Reserve (Southern Belize): This is a huge protected area comprised of rugged, forested mountains. The sanctuary was designed to protect and help researchers study the largest new-world cat, the jaguar. The park is also home to Belize's other four wildcat species, as well as Baird's tapirs, coati-mundis, tayra, kinkajous, deer, peccaries, anteaters, and armadillos, as well as some 300 species of birds. Inside the park you'll also find Victoria Peak, the country's highest mountain.

Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary (Northern Belize): This preserve is a swampy lowland that is home to over 250 resident species of birds and serves as a resting spot for scores of migratory species. It is also the principal nesting site of the endangered jabiru stork, the largest bird in the Americas. The sanctuary is an excellent place to spot other wildlife as well, including crocodiles, iguanas, coati-mundi, and howler monkeys. The best way to explore Crooked Tree is by paddling around the network of lagoons in a dugout canoe.

Río Bravo Conservation Area (Northern Belize): This massive mixed tract of virgin forest, sustainable-yield managed forest, and recovering reforestation areas is home to nearly 400 bird species and over 200 species of tropical trees. It also supports a healthy population of most of the new-world cat species, and is one of the best areas in the Americas to try your luck in spotting a jaguar. The Río Bravo Conservation Area is also home to La Milpa, an ongoing excavation of a major Mayan ceremonial city.

Caves (Cayo District and Western Belize): Belize has an extensive network of caves, which were considered by the ancient Maya to be a mystical portal between the world of the living and the underworld of spirits and the dead. They called this mystical realm Xibalba. In almost every explored cave in Belize, some evidence of use by the Mayans has been uncovered. Fire pits, campsites, burial mounds, and ritual altars have all been found. Numerous pieces of pottery and abundant skeletons, bones, and artifacts have also been encountered. These caves are relatively easily accessible and you should not leave Belize without at least one foray into Xibalba.

Río on Pools (Cayo District and Western Belize): This series of flowing falls and pools is somewhat reminiscent of Ocho Ríos in Jamaica. While the views and swimming are fine at the base of the falls, it's worth the hike upstream to even better views and numerous pools flowing between big rocks, which are perfect for sunbathing. This place can get crowded on weekends, when locals come for family picnics and getaways.


 


 
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Your dream beachfront of real estate Belize is now within your reach. In fact, it is not only beckoning you, it is walking towards you. Prices of real estate Belize have decreased 50% in selected locations making them an incredible bargain for international investors and people wishing to retire in paradise. Although, other places have slightly increased in value.

That is why real estate Belize is expecting a tremendous increase in sales from foreigners, especially this year. No wonder tourism has spiked in the last couple of months and there's a noticeable economic growth making Belize more attractive to investors than it ever was. Still, there are mixed opinions by local agents saying the decrease is seemingly minuscule and is very different in reality. Yearly, real estate Belize values grow 15% inland and up to 30% in coastal areas, which is often even overlooked by serious investors.

Belize is known for "green" developments and confidential banking policies with a solid appreciation of Belize properties in the past year now that there are up to 50% discounts available in certain properties. No wonder sales have soared and investors can't take their eyes and hands off the trade.

Another jewel to the attraction is their commitment to developing eco-friendly structures and projects, particularly in the Cayo District nature reserve which features solar electricity and natural springs to supply water. They also have a sewage system based with anaerobic bacteria which aims to be totally carbon neutral and operate on low running costs.

The banking policy in Belize is one of the things why others want to invest in the country. They have a form of banking secrecy protecting people with deposits. Simple tax evasion will not reported by the authorities, but tax pacts will be honored with other countries and will cooperate with instances of fraud or any misleading activities, including money laundering.

Could this be a promotional tactic by the real estate companies in Belize in trying to hold up with the current economic recession? Still, real estate Belize is poised to have a good year this 2010. Although beachfront houses may go as high as $1 million there's, still a chance for others to grab a $250,000 condo on beach property since prices of real estate are still recovering from the said recession. With the tourism industry totally making a killing, Belize is now undergoing a huge development and the boom is evident recession or no recession.

So, when is the best time to grab this opportunity? Discounts aren't going to be around forever and foreign investors are now forming a beeline to purchase properties in Belize. Don't be surprised that in the near future, getting a piece of land in Belize is like pulling teeth with nothing to pull at all. Expats and foreign investors who have been eyeing Belize for a long time will definitely strike while the iron is hot. If the prices are low now, expect that future prices will definitely have a higher amount than what is currently offered.

 
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So, you're planning to move to Belize and would like to improve the property you purchased. This piece of property is probably one of the best real estate Belize could offer which is definitely an outstanding place to relax and retire into. More often than not, you may require some construction when sprucing up the place, like building up fences, a driveway if you have a car or a place almost like a garage for your hobbies. A workshop are perhaps? Setting up a vegetable patch in the garden might also be fun to do. Furniture is another thing to consider since importing your own furniture when moving to Belize may cost more.

There are a lot of workers in Belize who can do it for a fraction of the price you would pay in a western country. Although, one must be very careful when making a deal with workers and every one wants a good deal right? The best thing to do is when getting contractors to work on your house, it should be someone recommended by other expats. You can go and ask other expats where they had their porch made or who did it and how much it they spent to have it built. There was an expat who paid more than double the standard amount for a driveway that was relatively built weak so she had it redone, wasting more money. To add insult to injury other Belizeans also mentioned that the fee was particularly high on average. Not only did expat paid higher but also had it done over which is quite disappointing. Everyone wants the job done fast and right and that just didn't cut it.

To get the best deals, you can have three or more contractors make a bid for the job and all you have to do is choose which one you want to have the job done. This way, no one would overcharge you and give you the best deal for the job. Lowering their fees or making it quicker to do the job is simply one of the advantages of having competition.

Don't just go and have your garage or fence be built by the first painters or contractors you find in the area, even these popular contractors can make mistakes and be topped by the less popular contractors.

Some real estate Belize agents may recommend some contractors to work on your new place but it won't hurt to make sure and check out what others have to offer. With furniture, the best thing to do is look up ready made ones or if you want something like a cabinet or bed made to your favored design, then do check on custom furniture makers and occasionally inspect the progress of your furniture's construction. Just don't pay the whole price immediately and wait for it to be completely made. This is only to make sure that everything is in order and there will be no possible irregularities in the construction of your furniture.

 
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Belize is a country of beautiful and breathtaking sceneries. With mountain ranges, rain forests, beaches and coastal areas, an expat or retiree may have a difficult time deciding where to live or a home. It all boils down to budget and other details, like where you want to stay and whether you feel like living in the mountains or in the coasts. Not to mention, there are a lot of protected areas, like in the Toledo district which may not be offered in any real estate Belize group or organization.

San Pedro (Ambergris Caye)

In Belize, the largest Island is Ambergris Caye, a popular tourist destination and considered to be a high class area. San Pedro is currently the main tourist destination with the world's second largest barrier reef. It is south of Corozal but unlike Corozal, the standard of living is higher. Since accessibility is difficult, travelling from island to island is the way to reach it and imported products dominate the local ones. However, if you stick with the local produce and low cost restaurants and bars, then it won't be a problem. Although there are other places where it is rather cheaper.

Corozal

The town of Corozal is where a lot of expats and retirees choose to live. It is on the northern part of Belize which is considerably near Chetumal, Mexico that almost has the population of the entire country of Belize. So, expect a lot of products and other things to be found there. Corozal has a lower cost of living than in San Pedro and is the most marketed place by the real estate industry in Belize. Services are a whole lot cheaper in the area too. Together with the affordable amount of land and property, this is practically a retirees' destination who are minding their expenses. Easy living and a friendly community are the reasons why Americans, Canadians and Europeans are looking at Corozal as a retirement destination.

Orange Walk

This area is located between Corozal and Belize City, right beside the New River. Since this is almost a commercial district, this is mainly where expats and locals get their supplies, coming from either Belize City or Corozal and other nearby places.

Placencia

One of the growing expat communities, Placencia has the best beaches in the mainland area where expats choose to live. And when they feel like getting a place in the mainland yet still have great beaches, this is the place for them. This area also has a regional airport for flights across the country.

San Ignacio

You won't see the bay or beach here, but it still has the same beauty you can find anywhere else in Belize. This is one of the urbanized areas, like Santa Elena, and is one of the two biggest in the country. This area also receives a rather higher amount of rainfall than in the northern areas. Backpackers visit this area frequently and there are a lot of outdoor activities available for adventurers. It is in proximity with the Mountain Pine Region where the amazing waterfalls of Belize can be seen.

There a lot of places to go to in Belize, but these are the most popular ones often visited and chosen by people to build their retirement dreams on. Perhaps visiting the country yourself can give a clear view of this growing paradise.