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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Belize real estate companies have boasted in the last couple of years that the Boquette, Panama counterpart of Belize is Corozal. A retiree's destination for low cost living, yet high quality and peaceful life.

In our age today, “baby boomers” are the central focus of businesses and companies. These companies create products with them in mind such as anti-aging items, spas springing up like mushrooms everywhere and, of course, retirement settlements. With the economic crisis affecting the globe, a lot of baby boomers are now on a minimum pension and don't have any idea where they can find a low budget, yet grand place to settle and live the rest of their days away, free from worry and the worldly issues existing today.

The answer to that is Corozal, Belize. Corozal is located in the northern area of Belize and is just below Mexico where the population is pretty minuscule and where things are a whole lot cheaper compared to countries like Canada, US and the UK. Interested settlers can either live on the water, near the water or in the mountain ranges and still have a comfortable life in peace with nature.

Corozal town's population is not something people would think is the same as in New York. The town's population is approximately 9,000 but not more than that. The whole district has an estimated 35,000 population. The reason why a lot of expats, retirees and even regular immigrants choose Corozal is because of its access to Mexico where one can get duty free imported products (since most of the products in Belize are imports), it's quick access to the mountains, the Mayan Riviera, the fishing village of Sarteneja, the famous resort area of Ambergris Caye, the appendage of the Yucatan Peninsula and a lot more reasons. Adventure is not something to be missed despite living far from Belize city. Since there's a boom in property sales in Corozal, the Belize real estate companies took the opportunity to really expose Corozal to the world by featuring them in Belize real estate online sites and other ways of endorsing the area. As of the moment Corozal and Boquette of Panama are in quite a steep competition.

A comfortable climate can always be expected in Corozal. It is very much the same as South Florida and South East Asian countries. Be assured that you will never have to shovel snow since the freezing temperatures of winter is never experienced in the area. Meaning, expats and retirees need not prepare heavy and thick clothes when planning to move to Corozal.

Corozal is inhabited by Mestizos mostly, some mixed Indian races, Europeans and of course, expatriates and retirees from all over the world. Though some Asians, like the Chinese, can also be seen. Gringos, East Indians and a few Creoles are also living in harmony with the others. With such diversity everyday, living in Corozal is either exciting, peaceful and interesting, but never boring. The locals here live in harmony and peace with each other and is a happy community of people with a taste for good music, feasts and celebrations.

Situated just south of Mexico on the Caribbean coast of Central America, Belize offers a beautiful island escape for numerous Americans, Canadians and Europeans each year. However, Belize is rapidly becoming more than just a popular vacation spot these days and its appeal is stretching to snow birds and retirees around the globe. As an English-speaking country with a very low cost of living, Belize is one of the world’s greatest tax havens for retirees looking to save a few pennies while living beachside surrounded by beautiful scenery

Just as we thought it couldn’t get any better, this innovative little paradise has taken it a step further by offering tax and residency incentives to expatriates wanting to call Belize home.

The Qualified Retired Persons Program is a plan that allows you to keep more of your assets while also bypassing hefty import duties and taxes. Better yet, qualifying for this program doesn’t require one to be retired or even of retirement age to take advantage of the inducements. A prospective candidate simply must be aged 45 or older, have a monthly income of at least $2,000, and comply with several other minor requirements. Once a retiree is approved, they can also bring along their spouse and any dependents under the age of 18, or children less than 23 years of age if they are attending college. Upon entering Belize, an expat is allowed to bring in any new or used household goods as well as a car, boat and/or light aircraft without paying expensive duties and taxes. This applies whether you already own one of these transports or purchase them in Belize. One of the only limitations imposed by the program is that a retiree is not allowed to work for payment within Belize; however, they are allowed to earn m
oney so long as it is from a source outside Belize--be it freelance work, investments, etc.

To find out if you qualify, simply fill out an application and include the following:

1. Birth certificate
2. Marriage certificate
3. A police record from your most recent place of residence, issued within a month prior to the application and stating that you don’t have a criminal record
4. A copy of each page (including blank ones) in your passport. Retain a notary public to certify the copy with his seal and mark how many pages are in the passport, the passport number, and your name
5. Proof of income. This can be in the form of a statement from a pension of Annuity Company or from your bank. The statement must show that your income is at least $2,000 a month or the equivalent of at least $24,000 a year
6. Medical certificate stating that you are in good health and not HIV-positive
7. Color photos–four recent front-view and four side-view passport-size photographs of yourself and any dependents who are applying
8. You must also submit a non-refundable $100 application fee plus a “program fee” of $500 for yourself and $350 for each dependent. If you’re accepted into the program, you’ll owe an additional $100. Also figure on $2,500 to $5,000 to retain an attorney who can steer you through the application process and, often more importantly, run interference with the bureaucracy.

So, whether you’re looking to escape the cold for a few months out of the year or relocate altogether, not only does Belize offer impeccable scenery, beautiful coastlines and a relaxed island atmosphere, it also allows you to hang on to more of that money you worked so hard to earn and take advantage of a few extra perks at the same time.