Science Horizons

There are many baby boomers the world over that are trying to figure out their retirement plans. Choosing an affordable tropical retirement destination is actually a reality for many soon to be retirees. Nicaragua should be on your list of possibilities, as the benefits are far to numerous to ignore.

The cost of living in Nicaragua is probably one of the biggest benefits for many of the current ex pat residents. Food costs are extremely low compared to typical first world markets. Seasonal produce, fruits and vegetables, dairy, poultry and beef can all be obtained from local markets, as well as well stocked modern grocery stores. Basic food costs are typically a half to a third of the price in the US.

Every part of Nicaragua has something different to offer a retired couple looking for authentic Central American culture. Everywhere in Nicaragua you will find the same slowed down pace of life. You will have time to enjoy a beautiful ocean sunset, wander through Colonial towns, go for a walk on the beach, enjoy a book in a hammock, or visit with locals and other expatriats.

Planning for the weather becomes much less of an issue when you live in Central America. The weather is warm all year round, and there are just two distinct seasons – the warm dry season, and the warm wet season. The other notable weather pattern are the almost year round offshore winds, which help to keep the heat in the dryer hotter coastal towns at bay. If you prefer a more temperate climate, you may want to consider the central and northern mountains, where the cooler wetter climate at altitude creates the perfect environment for world class coffee farms.

It has only been quite recently that the already value priced Nicaragua became even more attractive, as world economic conditions led to a slow down in almost every real estate market. Nicaragua had recently enjoyed a mini real estate boom, but still managed to remain relatively inexpensive compared to other Central American investment and retirement locations. Now with the economic slowdown, a number of previously unavailable opportunities are presenting themselves. For example, a North American style vacation home with ocean views can be found for under $200,000, whereas the equivalent property may sell for two to three times that amount in Costa Rica.

You owe it to yourself to consider Nicaragua as a viable retirement destination. The land of lakes and volcanoes is sure to capture your heart. You will be able to enjoy a retirement lifestyle that exceeds dreams for less money than you would think. Do some research into Nicaragua real estate and see for yourself.

Jane A Moore Destinations central america, central america real estate, Destinations, international real estate, nicaragua, nicaragua real estate, nicaragua realty, real estate, real;estate, vacation homes, vacation property

Nicaragua vacation homes are more affordable than you would think. Each day brings more exciting financing opportunities to the market place.

The Central American real estate market for vacation homes has been growing by leaps and bounds over the past decade. The landscape is exceptionally beautiful and the land values are almost too good to be true. Nicaragua boasts great hiking and bird watching. The sport fishing and surfing are unparalleled. It is the land of lakes, rivers, rain forests, volcanoes, artisan markets and coffee farms. Nicaraguan vacation homes have really become popular amongst those seeking a perfect getaway or for those retiring Americans looking for an inexpensive place to live and relax. Historically, the only drawback with Nicaragua real estate was that most deals were completed on a cash only basis.

It is now possible for foreigners to secure bank financing in Nicaragua. This type of financing is offered by from some of the more reputable and prominent Nicaraguan banks such as BDF, Bancentro and BAC. With the proper documentation qualified buyers can access loans of up to 80-95 % of the total purchase price including closing costs. This type of financing is becoming harder and harder to get in North America. Interest rates are becoming more competitive but they are higher than most rates in North America. These rates float in the range of 9-12% per annum amortized over 10 to 15 years. Most mortgages contain an option to extend the life of the mortgage by another 5 years.

Multiple resort developments are offering developer financing. This type of financing can provide the savvy purchaser with a great deal. For example, a brand new beach condominium project within walking distance of the shops and bars and restaurants of San Juan del Sur is offering 15 year financing at 9% interest. This development is upscale and located right on the beach. Other nearby developments are offering 7 year financing on condos, ocean view lots and completed houses at 8% with a 30% down payment. Even if it is not advertised you should ask about developer financing.

Some of the bigger developments have specific arrangements with American style mortgage brokers. You actually apply for financial assistance from an American bank. This type of financing option offers longer term financing deals on very competitive terms and at very generous interest rates. With this type of financing you feel as though you are buying in the US or Canada.

The least common but still available means by which to finance your Nicaragua vacation home is akin to private vendor take back mortgages. These days there are an increasing number of opportunities using this method of financing. Vendors know that the credit market has dried up and this might be the only way they can sell their home.

Financial assistance in buying your Nicaragua vacation home is now available. These financing options have made Nicaragua real estate more attractive than ever. These options coupled with Nicaragua’s low cost of living make investing in Nicaragua Real Estate more interesting than ever before. Financing your Nicaragua vacation is now a real possibility.

Jane Moore Travel beach homes, central america, central america realestate, nicaragua, nicaragua realestate, nicaragua realty, real estate, real;estate, Travel, vacation home financing, vacation homes, vacation property

One of the most exciting benefits that come with buying real estate in Nicaragua is the opportunity to become exposed to and immersed in the rich cultural heritage that Nicaragua has to offer. All year round there are great events to watch or to participate in from wonderful dance exhibitions to poetry readings to bull riding.

Nicaragua is a deeply Catholic country and many of the cultural activities draw from the Catholic faith. The months around Christmas and Easter have a number of colourful celebrations and offer a compelling glimpse into this wonderfully rich and warm cultural heritage.

The Christmas time festivities begin on November 28th when the Virgin’s statue is taken from the church so that she may visit the different communities served by the church. This celebration is called ‘La Pursima’ is celebrated in primarily in the month of December. It is likely the most widespread of all Nicaraguan celebrations. From November 29th until December 13th, the Virgin is carried into different communities by groups of neighbors. The procession is accompanied by singing, music, a small marching band and a surprising number of firecrackers. During this period families decorate Virgin Mary alters in their homes and neighborhoods decorate parade floats in tribute to various themes related to the Virgin Mary.

A church mass is celebrated early every morning during this period of Purisma. These masses are the origin for the day’s procession to a new barrio. A rosary is read at the neighborhood in the early evening. After the rosary is read a traditional sweet drink called chichi and sweets are distributed to the neighbors. Once the sweets are distributed and consumed, the procession of the Virgin returns to the Church.

On each December 7th, a happy, celebratory and often times energetic “crying out” for the Virgin can be heard all over the villages, towns, and cities of Nicaragua. December 7th is the day before Dia de la Virgin Maria and it is on this day that La Griteria is celebrated. People walk the streets of their neighborhoods crying out “What causes so much joy?” People sitting outside of their homes cry out in reply “The Conception of Mary”. Although this special event originated in the colonial city of Leon, the celebration of La Griteria have spread to Masaya, Jinotepe, San Juan del Sur, and Granada and eventually spread to all of the villages and countryside of Nicaragua. Wherever you might decide to retire and purchase real estate in Nicaragua you will be able to become a part of the celebrations of La Purisma and La Griteria.

Nicaragua is a great place to retire. It’s beautiful landscape and low cost of living are two reasons to consider it as a retirement destination. However, if are attracted to a sunny warm climate but also enjoy the enriching experience of exploring new and exciting cultures then a retirement in Nicaragua might be perfect for you. There are currently some compelling and attractive opportunities to own real estate in Nicaragua.

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Vacation Homes in Nicaragua are poised to be the hot buy of 2009. The Nicaragua real estate market has been maturing over the past decade and it is ready to explode. Baby boomers are getting set to retire and they have just started to discover Nicaragua.

Nicaragua is located in Central America where it is hugged by both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Historically associated with unrest, it is now associated with colorful villages, great surfing and beautiful beaches. Direct flights into Managua are available from a number of U.S. cities such as Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta and Houston. In the past six or seven years, the tourism industry in Nicaragua has experienced outstanding growth and the country’s infrastructure has seen a great deal of attention and investment.

Nicaragua has a stunning natural beauty and wonderful tourism related activities. Such attractions and activities include exploring historic colonial cities, relaxing on one of the gorgeous beaches, golf, hiking or kayaking along fresh water lakes and rivers, world class surfing and sport fishing, volcano watching, canopy tours, bird and turtle watching, exploring the wonderful open air local markets or visiting a coffee plantation in the cooler mountainous regions.

Nicaragua has a wonderfully interesting history and culture and has excellent world class health care. Therefore it is no surprise that Nicaraguan property has become a popular purchase amongst baby boomers seeking to diversify a balanced real estate investment portfolio or looking for retirement homes or vacation homes. In addition to the other perks of owning Nicaragua real estate, you may also be eligible to receive some compelling tax incentives as an investor or developer under Nicaragua Law 306. Law 306 allows a purchaser certain attractive tax incentives for a period of10 years.

Foreigner investors are entitled to hold fee simple title to Nicaragua property in their own names. Title insurance is also available from some of the most reputable American title insurers to further ensure your peace of mind. Nicaraguan real estate is a very safe investment.

Because the Nicaragua real estate market remains relatively undiscovered, as compared to other Latin American markets such as Costa Rica and Mexico, many exciting and very affordable opportunities still exist. There are a number of opportunities to purchase complete turnkey vacations homes for less than 150,000.00US. And when you consider that the cost of living in Nicaragua is roughly 50% less than the cost of living in North America, the case for shopping for vacation homes in Nicaragua, and buying Nicaraguan Real Estate becomes even more compelling.

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