Twelve Killer Real Estate Deals for $50,000 or Less

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

  • 7/28/2019 Twelve Killer Real Estate Deals for $50,000 or Less

    1/35

    1

    Twelve Killer Real Estate Deals for $50,000or Less!

    Want to make this your front yard without draining your bank account? Well show you how....

    A Pathfinder Report

    www.pathfinderinternational.net

    http://www.pathfinderinternational.net/http://www.pathfinderinternational.net/http://www.pathfinderinternational.net/
  • 7/28/2019 Twelve Killer Real Estate Deals for $50,000 or Less

    2/35

    2

    Table of Contents

    INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................... 3

    BELIZE ................................................................................................................................................... 4

    BRAZIL: CUMBUCO................................................................................................................................ 9

    COSTA RICA: PACIFIC LOTS .................................................................................................................. 13

    COSTA RICAS LAKE COUNTRY ............................................................................................................. 17

    COSTA RICA: COUNTRY, CITY, OR BEACHOR ALL THREE? ................................................................. 21

    URUGUAY: The Next Coastal Hot Spot ................................................................................................ 26

    RE-SALES ............................................................................................................................................. 31

    Ecuador ........................................................................................................................................... 31

    Re-sales: Uruguay ........................................................................................................................... 32

    Re-sales: Panama ............................................................................................................................ 33

  • 7/28/2019 Twelve Killer Real Estate Deals for $50,000 or Less

    3/35

    3

    INTRODUCTIONDear Reader,

    At Pathfinder, our mission is to scout the globe to find the most unique and value-oriented real estate opportunities the world has to offer. Were your eyes and ears onthe ground, working to get you in early for the best possible deal often at prices youthought were consigned to the history books.

    I have scouted real estate opportunities in fifteen countries in the past year alone. Everytime I visit a new location, I look to see what opportunities are available for $50,000.Im only interested in quality, so I rarely get to write about these $50,000 opportunities.

    Thing is, Im having more success lately.

    Global economic problems mean that today there are opportunities...opportunities thatdidnt exist one, two, or three years ago. If you think you can no longer afford theretirement you planned or the second home you dreamed of, youre wrong. As financialmarkets have fallen, the deals have got better.

    The deals in this report are the best Ive found. These deals offer the biggest bang foryour buck...or 50,000 of them. The report includes lot deals for less than $50,000, andselected home re-sales in Costa Rica, Ecuadorand Uruguay.

    Study this report carefully. Deals like this wont last long. Once the world economy turnsaround, theyll be consigned to the history books.

    Ronan McMahon

    Executive Director,

    Pathfinder

  • 7/28/2019 Twelve Killer Real Estate Deals for $50,000 or Less

    4/35

    4

    BELIZE

    Belize, a Country That Will Grow on You!

    Belize is an affordable Caribbean paradise

    Dear Reader,

    Once you stroll Belizes unspoiled beaches and explore the flora and fauna of itsrainforests, you may become afflicted with whats known as the Belize Factor. Simply

    put: you find that once you return home, you have an uncontrollable compulsion toreturn. Time and again ... Perhaps even to stay .

    After all, where else in a country the size of Massachusetts will you come upon mile aftermile of fragrant pine, counter-pointed with swaying palms; forests where no man has setfoot for over 1,000 years; atolls, islands, and barrier reefs with a rainbow kaleidoscopeof tropical fish; stark savannah; majestic mountains; and Caribbean waters so crystal

    clear you can see the shifting sands of the sea floor 150 feet below ?

  • 7/28/2019 Twelve Killer Real Estate Deals for $50,000 or Less

    5/35

    5

    Rainforest, and ruins: Belize is rich in history and natural beauty

    Belize is a land with more than 4,000 species of flowering plants (including 250 varieties

    of orchids) 700 different types of trees 100 species of birds (including the awe-

    inspiring jabiru, with a wingspan of up to 12 feet) 200 types of butterflies (some aslarge as a foot wide) and, of course, the largest cat in the Western Hemisphere.

    Thats why D e s t i n a t i o n s M a g a z i n e called Belize A s h o w c a se o f n a t u r a l p h e n o m e n a t h a t t a k e s y o u r b r e at h a w a y , and why AAAs Go Magazine termed it

    one tropical paradise that lives up to its postcard depictions.

    But Why Live or Invest Here?

    Belize is unique in many ways. One is that the official language is English. So you canthrow away your phrase book and dictionaryand start making friends the moment youarrive.

    Belize encourages offshore businessand financial privacy. Belizean laws allow asset-protection trusts, for example. There are no local income taxes, and no currencyexchange controls.

    Residency is easy through the Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) program, run by theBelize Tourist Board. You can qualify with income of $24,000 a yearand then enjoy arange of benefits. Income earned from sources outside Belize is tax-free, and you can

    import your household goods, a car or a boat, without paying import duty.

    And property doesnt cost the earth, even in this little Caribbean haven. You can own alot here from just $44,000

    The Newest Hotspot

    Corozal is snuggled along the shores of Chetumal Bay some 90 miles north of Belize

    Citys international airport. Its a picturesque seaside fishing village famed for its

    breakers, breeze, and fragrant canopies of poinciana trees adorning its central park.

  • 7/28/2019 Twelve Killer Real Estate Deals for $50,000 or Less

    6/35

    6

    One of Belizes best-kept secrets, Corozal hit the headlines last year, when the AARPranked it as a top retirement hot spot. They cited Corozals laid-back, affordablelifestyle: "with year-round outdoor play (boating, hiking, swimming, diving) only 20minutes from the malls and cineplexes of Chetumal"

    The turquoise waters of the bay invite you to swim, or spend a few hours boating orfishing (the bay is good for tarpon, bonefish and permit). The town itself is peaceful, set

    around a central park with a historic Clock Tower and plenty of shade trees.

    With a population of less than 11,000, Corozal feels like a quaint seaside town, withsmall local restaurants and stores. But its only a half-hour from the Mexican city of Chetumal, where youll find big-city conveniences.

    Large chain retailers offer familiar North American brands. A duty-free zone with more

    than 300 stores stocks bargain-priced goods (electronics, clothing, perfume, alcohol). Amodern movie theater complex shows first-run movies in English with Spanish sub-titles. More than a dozen clinics and hospitals (public and private) provide inexpensivemedical care. Chetumals restaurants, bars, casinos and clubs create an active nightlifescene.

    Corozal is still a sleepy town. Theres not much in the way of real estate development,

    although 300-400 expats now live here. The premier community in the area is OrchidBay.

    Orchid Bay Corozals Premier Waterfront Community

    Orchid Bay is

    A luxurious stretch of beachfront with 115 acres of untouched rainforests andone-and-a half miles of coastline on a tranquil turquoise bay perfect forswimming, diving, snorkeling, fishing, sailing, or simply strolling along the

    shoreline admiring the powder-blue sky. Conveniently located just two hours from Belize City by car. And thanks to a

    planned private airstrip, it will be less than 15 minutes in one of the low-cost charter planes that hop about Belize.

    Only 10 miles across the Bay of Chetumal from the bustling metropolis of Chetumal , with its modern American-style mall, state-of-the-art cinema plazas,

    crowded city sidewalks, beachfront eateries, first-class restaurants, and vibrantnightlife.

    A short boat-ride away from Ambergris Caye , the alluring tourist hot-spotmade famous by FOX Networks mini-series, Temptation Island.

    Within driving distance of the 2,000-year-old Mayan ruins at Altun Ha . Itshere the Temple of the Sun God reaches 60 feet above the jungle floor. And only

    a few yards away lays the Temple of the Green Tomb, where

  • 7/28/2019 Twelve Killer Real Estate Deals for $50,000 or Less

    7/35

    7

    archeologistsuncovered the solid jade head of KinichAhau, the largest jadecarving ever found in any Maya country.

    At Orchid Bay, youll enjoy the comforts and convenience of a modern, close-knit,luxury community combined with the easy ambiance of a beach front, tropicalsetting . The streets will interconnect, and hardwood boardwalks will encourage walkingand biking.

    Belize is a water-worshipers paradise

    Six years back, owners at Orchid Bay were buying a master plan and a vision. Thedeveloper promised a beach club and restaurantprivate beaches and a boat dockandlittle beachfront casitas . But six years back, all buyers could see was heavy machinerycutting in roads and utilities

    Today, however, its a different story. The beach club, restaurant and bar opened lastyear. You can enjoy tasty meals and snacksor shoot the breeze with friends and

    neighbors over a local Belikin beer. The first beach and the dock are complete, and asecond beach is underway. Eight homes are under construction. The 24 little beachfrontcasitas are finished (the first owners have already moved in). The community Wi-Fi is upand runningand the first of two swimming pools is under construction.

    Homes in Orchid Bay use locally-sourced and hand crafted hardwood

    Yet home sites in Orchid Bay still start from only $44,000.

  • 7/28/2019 Twelve Killer Real Estate Deals for $50,000 or Less

    8/35

  • 7/28/2019 Twelve Killer Real Estate Deals for $50,000 or Less

    9/35

    9

    BRAZIL: CUMBUCO

    The beaches here are stunning

    I didnt think Id ever see Brazil in a report with properties for $50,000 or less. But if youknow where to look, you can find a bargain

    Cumbucoon Brazils northeast coast is truly is a special little beach town. The pace of lifeis slowbut funky, active and energetic. The streets are lined with little fishermenshomes. Blooming flowers drape over freshly painted exteriors. For a playground, the kidshave miles of beach and a soccer ball. The beach is also mum and dadsworkshopwhere they repair fishing nets and touch up the paint on their fishing boats.

    For neighbors, the fishermens homes have Italian restaurants, a German grill, a trendykite surfing shop and beach bars where bronzed adventurers come to enjoy caipirinhas at sunset to the soft melodies of chill out tracks.

    Miles of white sand beaches stretch out, uninterrupted, east and west of here. This is thetype of beach town Id expect to find way off the beaten track. Like the ones I saw inThailand over a decade ago. A place beautiful enough to draw an eclectic mix of

    residents and visitors from far afield. But usually places like this are too secretor toofar off the beaten track... to grab the attention of the mainstream.

    But in this little beach town we are only thirty minutes from downtown Fortaleza with hershiny boardwalk. Fortaleza plays host to more domestic tourists than anywhere inBrazil.more than three million last yearand tourist numbers are growing strongly.Standing on the white sand beach at Cumbucowhere I have seen baby turtles take

    their first staggering steps towards the waterif you look to your right, you can seeFortalezas glimmering skyline. The international airport is 35 minutes away.

    This would be a great place to have a beach home.

    And the little community of Summerville in Cumbucowould be a great place to have thatbeach home. Its private, with a gated entrance, paved roads and utilities, landscaped

  • 7/28/2019 Twelve Killer Real Estate Deals for $50,000 or Less

    10/35

    10

    grounds, and the social area (complete with swimming pool and tennis courts) alreadyfinished. A few minutes' walk got you to the beach. The beach is stunning...a soft carpetof white sand, unfurling into the distance...dotted with lofty coconut palms...and thewarm ocean calling out for a quick dip.

    Its location is hard to beat. It's only thirty minutes from Fortaleza, a city with more than3 million residents, the international airport, and all of those big-city conveniences

    (hospitals, shopping malls, large supermarkets, hardware stores) and fun (nightclubs,restaurants, theaters, cinema, bars and cultural events).

    The private gated entrance to Summerville

    Summerville is also close to the center of Cumbuco. Scandinavians have come here formany years, mainly to kite surf, but it's off the radar of North American tourists.

    Two years ago when I first visited Summerville, the community's location felt a littleawkward. Sure, it was only a five-minute beach buggy ride to Cumbuco and a half-hour

    from Fortaleza. But it felt isolated, oddly positioned on the edge of Cumbuco. But thatchanged with the arrival of a new five-star hotel, the Vila Gale Cumbuco.

    This new resort places Summerville in between the center of Cumbuco and Vila Gale.Vila Gale plans to add a golf course and residences in the next phase of theirdevelopment. Brazilian and Spanish groups snapped up land parcels adjacent to VilaGale, who also plan on developing residential projects.

    For now, Vila Gale's hotel is an oasis of luxury. Designed to blend in with the gorgeousscenery around it, the hotel's roofs are sand-colored, fading into the dunes around it.The large swimming pool is natural, too, without the bright turquoise tiling you usuallysee in hotel pools. The social areas and lobby feel elegant and comfortable. Guests pay

    an average of $350-$450 a night for a standard double room at the hotel (which is all-inclusive). You can also buy day passes to the hotel for 220 reals ($118).

  • 7/28/2019 Twelve Killer Real Estate Deals for $50,000 or Less

    11/35

    11

    Vila Gale brought in a new access road to the hotel, too, much of which is complete. It'swide, smooth, well-lit, and comfortable to drive. Cumbuco's little streets were alsogetting an upgrade when I visited last month. And new little residential developmentsand pousadas in the town feel distinctly upscale. But it still feels like a low-key, laid-back beach

    town.

    Summerville has landscaped grounds, a social area...and sits next to the beach

    In Summerville, two years ago, we checked out a model home. I didn't like it. It was

    decent, but lacking in inspiration. The layout and finishings were okay...but only okay. Itdidn't have much in the way of outside terraces or patios. It just didn't feel like a dreambeach house.

    But newer homes here have upped the ante. They could easily grace the pages of aglossy magazine. They are large, stylishly designed, with plenty of outdoor living space.

    So, you have a great location in Summerville:

    Five minutes from Cumbuco, a friendly, charming little beach town

    Close to Vila Gale, a 5-star resort...and large planned residential communities,that should push land prices up here

    Thirty minutes from Fortaleza, when you need the international airport, or cityamenities

    A tranquil community that sits right next to a beautiful beach

    But what about property prices?

    Well, that is the interesting part.

    You can buy lots in the project for 85,000 reals ($45,736 at the time of writing). (This is for cash buyers only. Other lots are available, with a higher purchase

  • 7/28/2019 Twelve Killer Real Estate Deals for $50,000 or Less

    12/35

  • 7/28/2019 Twelve Killer Real Estate Deals for $50,000 or Less

    13/35

    13

    COSTA RICA: PACIFIC LOTS

    This place is home to some of the most stunning landscape you'll see in Costa Rica.Sharp, spiny mountain ridges, cloaked in thick, rich rainforest, wind into the distance.

    They slope down to a curving coast, with mile after mile of pristine beaches, backed byimmense national parks. Hot-orange tropical flowers stud the roadsideverges...waterfalls cascade from rocky overhangs...and the rhythmic sound of the surf greets you at every turn.

    Costa Rica's north Pacific coast boomed in the 1990s. But this area stayed under theradar...with its mist-shrouded mountain peaks, pristine beaches and vast forests...asecret known only to adventure tourists, a small group of expats, and the locals.

    It should have attracted swarms of property shoppers...and resort and residential

    developers, looking to cash in on the real estate boom. But it didn't...because it wastough getting here.

    I'm talking about Costa Rica's Southern Zone.

    Sharp mountains, vast rainforests, miles of sandy beach...this is a dramaticlandscape

    The Costanera (coastal) Highway was, quite frankly, one of the worst roads I've comeacross on scouting trips. Unpaved...filled with lunar-sized craters...with rickety bridgesand whole sections that washed out in rainy season. In dry season, clouds of dustobscured other drivers heading straight for you, on the wrong side of the road...trying to

    avoid the potholes. The drive wasn't for the faint-hearted.

    There is an airport, but it's a small, domestic affair, lacking basic amenities. You won'tfind duty-free, VIP lounges, or airport food here. You'll wait for the tiny planes alongside

  • 7/28/2019 Twelve Killer Real Estate Deals for $50,000 or Less

    14/35

    14

    the bumpy strip in an open-sided hangar with wooden benches, with your fellowpassengers--all eleven of them...

    The beaches stretch for miles--and you'll often have them all to yourself

    These are exactly the kinds of conditions to look for when scouting out a promising realestate opportunity - a stunning setting, with low property prices, that's tough to getto...with infrastructure upgrades on the way.

    The upgraded, resurfaced coastal highway, with new bridges, storm drainage systems -all the bells and whistles - opened in January 2010. It cuts the drive time from CostaRica's capital, San Jose, to just over three hours. And it's a smooth, comfortable, easydrive. One section that took 90 minutes on the old road took 22 minutes when I testedthe road shortly after it opened.

    The government plans an international airport for this region, though. This would make

    the Southern Zone even more accessible to mainstream touristsbring in more resort

    and residential developersand push property prices up.

    The Hospital de Osa opened in the Southern Zone in April 2008. It has an emergencyroom, a pediatrics wing, and a neurology center. It's out of proportion to the area as it isnow...but an international airport needs a hospital of a certain size and caliber...so theybuilt this one.

    The new highway kick-started the opening of this region to mainstream tourists. Thesetourists will bring residential and resort developers, who'll want to buy the best beachand ocean view properties. They know that once tourists see this place, they'll want to

    spend more time here...and want to own a piece of it. That all means one thing:property prices should rise...

  • 7/28/2019 Twelve Killer Real Estate Deals for $50,000 or Less

    15/35

    15

    Close to the little town of Ojochal in the heart of the country's Southern Zone, you'll findPacific Lots. This secluded spot is where emerald-green hillsides slope down to desertedbeaches...where cloud-ringed mountains tower behind ...and the afternoon sunglimmering through the lush vegetation creates a magical show of light and shadow...

    Don't think for a moment, though, that your early-in opportunity in this still-emergingarea of Costa Rica means you'll be roughing it.

    Pacific Lots is a mature development, with over 150 homes already constructed, and it'sfully serviced with roads, water, electricity, satellite TV, Internet, and a moderncommunications system.The development is close to the new coastal road, and Hospitalde Osa.

    The nearby village of Ojochal has plenty of tiny restaurants. But instead of serving rice

    and beans, they serve Indonesian food...French, Italian and even organic food. You canbuy crispy French baguettes fresh from the oven...grab an espresso from the coffeeshop...or savor a wood-fired pizza. A small deli stocks imported cheeses, wine andchampagne, Cuban cigars, Swiss chocolate and other treats.

    It feels quite cosmopolitan for such an out of the way place...

    If you're an outdoor enthusiast or a nature lover, you'll love the unspoiled, lush

    landscape, and pristine beaches. It's the perfect spot for swimming, surfing, seakayaking, hiking, bird watching, whale watching...or chilling out in a hammock, rocked

    by the ocean breeze.

    Choose your view...choose your lot...and design your own dream home

    What will really take your breath away is how extremely affordable the majestic views atPacific Lots are.

  • 7/28/2019 Twelve Killer Real Estate Deals for $50,000 or Less

    16/35

    16

    For as little as $40,000 , you can purchase a home site, with superb mountain views.There are no requirements to build immediately--so you can lock down your piece of paradise at today's low prices.

    If you wait to buy here, the early-in deals will be gone. It's inevitable that values will risedramatically once the infrastructure upgrades open this coastline up.

    Contact pathfinder@pacificlots. com

    to find out more.

    mailto:pathfinder@pacificlotsmailto:pathfinder@pacificlotsmailto:pathfinder@pacificlots
  • 7/28/2019 Twelve Killer Real Estate Deals for $50,000 or Less

    17/35

    17

    COSTA RICAS LAKE COUNTRY

    Costa Rica's Lake Country: Home to stunning scenery, and low property prices

    Dear Reader,

    The forest-cloaked mountains rise gracefully from the lake shore. The wide, sapphire-blue depths of the lake sparkle and shimmer in the bright morning sunshine. A small

    white sailboat skims across the lake's mirror-smooth surface, alone in this majesticlandscape.

    Sitting on your terrace, with a show-stopping view of this breathtakingly beautiful Lake

    Country, you greet the day with a leisurely breakfast. You almost want to pinch yourself.You still can't quite believe this is real...that you're here...and that you could afford tobuy a home in this sensational setting...

    However, this is all real. It's a secret paradise...hidden away from the hordes that throngthe beach towns of this popular tourist destination...concealed by the lucky few who

    chanced upon it, and settled here for good...and where you can still buy a property for afraction of the price you'd pay elsewhere.

    The location will surprise you. This place is in Costa Rica...not exactly a shrinking violetwhen it comes to self-promotion of its natural assets. But while most vacationers andhome buyers tread the well-worn paths of the country's north and central Pacific coast,and her Central Valley, this location plays it cool...

    It's Costa Rica's Lake Country...a glorious jewel that's under-appreciated--and under-valued.

  • 7/28/2019 Twelve Killer Real Estate Deals for $50,000 or Less

    18/35

    18

    Life's a Beach...or Is It?

    Set in the north of the country (see it on this map, marked with a green star ) , CostaRica's Lake Country is a three and a half hour drive from San Jose, the capital city, or

    two hours from the international airport in Liberia. It's easy to get here. But it stays off the map of most of Costa Rica's visitors...

    You see, most of the travelers and property buyers in Costa Rica look for one of twothings: beach living on the Pacific coastline, or cool highland living in the Central Valley,close to San Jose. They don't consider other possibilities...so they skip Costa Rica's LakeCountry. They have no idea what they are missing out on...

    You can enjoy sailing, fishing, kayaking and swimming on the lake

    Those beach lovers could indulge all their water sport fantasies in Costa Rica's LakeCountry - without the sand and salt. The huge lake (the largest in Costa Rica) provides aperfect arena for kayaking, swimming, wind-surfing and fishing. Onshore, you can tryhorseback riding, hiking, bird watching, or canopy tours.

    Central Valley aficionados will find the climate in the Lake Country a surprise, too.

    Temperatures here hover in the 70s year-round, with refreshing lake breezes. It's notcloudy and misty either (unlike the Central Valley, which is frequently overcast in rainyseason).

    And So Much More

    Costa Rica's Lake Country has a unique twist. The scenery looks a lot like Switzerland or

    Italy, with mountains, forests, pastures...tumbling streams and cascadingwaterfalls...with an exotic touch. The heady perfume of tropical flowers drifts on the

    http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=HlaEU&m=1Zr3zslHpI9pHK&b=DEUejrQpRglNRay8GVk6HAhttp://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=HlaEU&m=1Zr3zslHpI9pHK&b=DEUejrQpRglNRay8GVk6HAhttp://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=HlaEU&m=1Zr3zslHpI9pHK&b=DEUejrQpRglNRay8GVk6HAhttp://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=HlaEU&m=1Zr3zslHpI9pHK&b=DEUejrQpRglNRay8GVk6HA
  • 7/28/2019 Twelve Killer Real Estate Deals for $50,000 or Less

    19/35

    19

    breeze. Howler monkeys swing through the tree tops, their growling barks echoingacross the hills. A rainbow-billed toucan or an ultramarine butterfly may join you whenyou dine alfresco. And then there's the volcano...

    The wildlife here is spectacular...and right on your doorstep

    Costa Rica boasts many volcanoes. Some smoke, smolder and steam...ooze scarletstreams of lava...and mesmerize onlookers with their fiery displays. And the LakeCountry' s volcano is a scene stealer. Its tall, sharp cone rises majestically over the lake.

    It doesn't simply look pretty. It also provides another bonus: thermal spas. Sink into one

    at the end of a busy day...and soak away your aching muscles and niggling stresses.You'll emerge, feeling like a brand-new person...and ready for dinner with friends.

    Good Food...but What about the Company?

    And that's when you'll discover the Lake Country's gourmet delights. In the local towns,you'll find pastry shops and bakeries stacked with mouth-watering treats...little cafes

    serving seafood dinners and local delicacies...and a small restaurant that offers the bestfood you'll eat in Costa Rica. Period.

    You can enjoy good food and good company here

    And you'll enjoy your meal with convivial company. Costa Rica's Lake Country is home toa friendly group of expats, who love this place, and welcome newcomers.

  • 7/28/2019 Twelve Killer Real Estate Deals for $50,000 or Less

    20/35

    20

    But now on to the hidden treasure...property bargains that you'll find hard to beat...andeven harder to resist.

    There really is a property for every budget here.One of the best is a private communityoffering half-acre lake-view lots from only $19,000 .

    See it For Yourself

    If you want to get a feel for Costa Rica's Lake Country, surprise yourself with its hiddencharms, and check out the best property deals in the area (including those $19,000lots), contact local broker Terry Moran a t [email protected] . Let himknow youre interested in the Preserve lots, and a personalized tour. Terry can help youdiscover this hidden corner of Costa Rica...before the mainstream catches on.

    mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]
  • 7/28/2019 Twelve Killer Real Estate Deals for $50,000 or Less

    21/35

    21

    COSTA RICA: COUNTRY, CITY, OR BEACHOR ALL THREE?

    Colinas de Miramar offers quiet country living, close to the city and beach

    Dear Reader,

    It's a seashore resort popular with Costa Ricans. Islands speckle the deep blue waters of its bay. It's the gateway to the gorgeous Nicoya peninsula. It's close to cloud forests,

    lush highlands, and pretty beaches. It was a port for shipping coffee overseas in the1940s. Today, 18 different cruise ships call here.

    It's easy to get to, and it's highly affordable.

    It's Puntarenas, on Costa Rica's Pacific coast.This area offers quiet country living, closeto the city, and close to the beach. Yet you probably haven't heard of it. It's overlookedand undervalued.

    But if you're thinking of retiring or buying a second home in Costa Rica, this area should

    be on your shortlist. Here's why...

    It's Easy to Get To

    For starters, it's accessible. A new highway opened last year, connecting the port city of Caldera (south of Puntarenas) with San Jose, Costa Rica's capital. The new road cuts thedrive time from San Jose in half. It now takes around an hour.

    It takes an hour and a half to get to San Jose's international airport. But you can also flyinto Liberia, Costa Rica's second international airport. The drive time from Liberia is

    roughly two hours.

  • 7/28/2019 Twelve Killer Real Estate Deals for $50,000 or Less

    22/35

    22

    It's a quick, easy and comfortable drive to Puntarenas from San Jose. So you can takeadvantage of San Jose's city amenities. These include top-class hospitals likeClinicaBiblica and CIMA...cinemas, restaurants, cafes, bars and clubs...supermarkets andshopping malls. But you're not in a remote outpost here. You have a world of amenities

    on your doorstep...

    Fun & Adventure Awaits You

    The setting is beautiful. Mountains and hills tumble down to the wide, sparkling-blue Gulf of Nicoya. Sandy beaches, dotted with palm trees, run for miles along the coast.

    Head into the Tilaran Mountains behind the coast and the scene switches from beachliving to country living. Farms and small villages are scattered across this pastorallandscape, including the village of Miramar.

    It's a little hidden gem. A small white church with twin red-roofed towers sits on thecentral plaza. It's a scrubbed-clean, tidy village. Exotic flowers in shades of pink, scarletand cream spill over walls and fences. Miramar was a gold town. Some of the older,grander houses are historically important. Others are simple homes in brightly paintedwood. There's also a sprinkling of newer, larger homes in landscaped grounds.

    The little town of Miramar is a lovely place to spend time

    Miramar boasts a doctor, dentist, supermarket, bank, butcher, and hardware store. Littlebakeries, cafes and restaurants offer light snacks and hearty meals at low prices. Youcan shop at the little family-owned stores. Thursday through Sunday, the local farmersmarket offers fresh fruits and vegetables, cheeses and herbs. It's a lovely peaceful place

    to spend time...

  • 7/28/2019 Twelve Killer Real Estate Deals for $50,000 or Less

    23/35

    23

    If you carry on driving through Miramar, up into the mountains, you reach a mirador (lookout point). You can look down the valley, across the farms and forest-covered hills,out to the Gulf of Nicoya. It's an awesome view. A restaurant at the mirador serveschilled beers and freshly-prepared food.

    You have beautiful beaches 10-15 minutes away, including Playa Blanca with its whitesand beach. You have surfing, horse riding, sport fishing, white water rafting, zip lining,

    canopy tours, and nature hikes...all on your doorstep.

    Take a short ferry ride across the gulf, and you're in Nicoya. Nicoya's beaches arepopular with surfers and celebrities alike. You could spot Mel Gibson, Bruce Willis,Harrison Ford, or Gisele Bundchen strolling on the sand...

    A Boom Town

    The port city of Puntarenas feels a little gritty round the edges. It won't win awards rightnow for charm or cuteness. But this city is moving ahead. Many of the older, smallerhomes in Puntarenas are changing hands, or getting a facelift. New condo blocks aregoing up.

    Development is spreading outside the town, too. A Hilton Doubletree hotel opened on

    the outskirts a couple of years back. An upscale private residential community close tothe hotel has plans for a golf course. Land prices have shot up in this area in the last 2-3years.

    An Opportunity You Should Check Out

    Colinas de Miramar is set in 647 acres of gentle hills, with streams and centuries-old

    trees. Situated at the base of the Tilaran Mountains, many of the lots in the communityhave panoramic ocean views, over the Gulf of Nicoya. The developer is a Miramar local.His well-connected family has lived here for generations.

    Colinas is a master-planned community. Plans call for a community center, commercialcenter, swimming pool, tennis and squash courts, and a gym. Road construction isalready underway in the first phase. And they're building the first model home.

  • 7/28/2019 Twelve Killer Real Estate Deals for $50,000 or Less

    24/35

    24

    Stunning sunset views in Colinas de Miramar

    Colinas de Miramar is around 5 minutes from Miramar, and 20 minutes from Puntarenas.

    Home lots in this community are large, averaging 1.25 acres. Mountain-view lots startfrom $50,000. You pay 1/3 of the price down, and then have two years interest-free

    financing on the remainder.

    Owners can either hire their own builder, or choose a home/lot package. But there is norequirement or timeframe to build; you can sit on your lot for as long as you like.

    Why Not Visit and See For Yourself?

    There's an easy way to see this area and Colinas de Miramar for yourself.

    Just contact the developer. Then, choose a lot, and reserve it with a fully refundable $2000 deposit.Now, you have 60 days to come and check out Colinas de Miramar - for free .

    Just get yourself to the airport at San Jose, and the Colinas team will meet you there. You'll stay in aboutique hotel in Escazu, the nicest neighborhood in San Jose.

    Over three days, you'll explore Puntarenas, Miramar, the views, the beaches...and get afirst-hand look at Colinas de Miramar. The Colinas team will pick up the tab for youraccommodation, airport transfers and transport.

    This isn't a high-pressure sales trip. If you don't like what you see, you can ask for yourdeposit back. That's it. No strings, no obligation. You'll have enjoyed three days in CostaRica, partly at someone else's expense. Not bad at all...

  • 7/28/2019 Twelve Killer Real Estate Deals for $50,000 or Less

    25/35

  • 7/28/2019 Twelve Killer Real Estate Deals for $50,000 or Less

    26/35

    26

    URUGUAY: The Next Coastal Hot Spot

    A typical beach in Rocha: beautiful, untamed, and empty...

    Dear Reader,

    As we crested the dunes, the beach came into view. It was gorgeous: a wide silky ribbonof white sand, bordered by the sapphire ocean sparkling in the sun. The rhythmicswoosh of the waves rolling up on the sand and the call of seabirds broke the peaceful

    silence. The beach was empty. We had it all to ourselves, for swimming, sunbathing, andwalking barefoot in the sand...

    This is the province of Rocha, on Uruguay's eastern seaboard. While it holds a certaincachet for a select few, it's not particularly well-known. Punta del Este, Uruguay's (andSouth America's) most glamorous resort town overshadows Rocha.

    Rocha is very different to Punta. It doesn't have the swanky high-rises or the fairy-dust

    magic of celebrities. It's more tranquil...more discreet. And it's a lot more affordablethan Punta. You can buy a spacious home site from only $31,900. More on that in a

    moment.But first, why you should seriously consider the Rocha area.

    Rocha: A Beautiful Coast at a Beautiful Price

    For starters, the beaches here are the best in Uruguay. Wide and untamed...with soft

    white sand...and white-capped breakers running across the navy-blue ocean. Sanddunes crouch protectively behind the beach. On the other side of the dunes lies adifferent watery oasis: a huge lake, Laguna de Rocha. It's protected, and covers morethan 22,000 acres. Both the lake and the beach are open to anyone to enjoy.

    The landscape around the lake is a rural one of rolling grassland, pine forests and fieldsdotted with cows and sheep.

  • 7/28/2019 Twelve Killer Real Estate Deals for $50,000 or Less

    27/35

    27

    Close by, you have a choice of two popular beach towns. La Paloma, favored byUruguayans, is the larger of the two. It has more amenities: a bank, post office,supermarkets, clinic, taxi ranks, bus depot, and many restaurants and cafes. A newboutique hotel on the edge of town offers chic modern style.

    The beach at La Paloma with the town's famous lighthouse

    The town's lighthouse (one of a series dotted along the Uruguayan coast) is a much-

    photographed landmark. La Paloma's pretty beaches fill with vacationers, surfers and

    backpackers in peak season.

    La Pedrera is much quieter, and attracts Argentineans and Europeans. It lacks many of Paloma's amenities. Two boutique hotels, a handful of little restaurants and a smallgrocery store stocking the basics...and that's about it.

    La Pedrera: chic, upscale, and tranquil

  • 7/28/2019 Twelve Killer Real Estate Deals for $50,000 or Less

    28/35

    28

    The homes in the town are a mix of ultra-modern architecture and upscale rustic. Set ona low cliff, the town overlooks sweeping curves and coves of white sand. Rocky reefs andoutcrops shoot ocean spray skywards.

    Unspoiled Chic or High-end Glamour?

    These little beach towns are a sharp contrast to Punta del Este. Punta is the traditionalsummer and vacation resort of Argentineans, and increasingly for Brazilians. For sixweeks a year, royalty, the seriously wealthy, and stars from the worlds of fashion, musicand cinema gather in Punta to party. Punta's trendy restaurants and designer storescater to this exclusive market. From the sleek yachts moored in the marina, to the multi-

    million dollar condos on the boardwalk, Punta oozes money and glamour.

    That popularity impacts real estate prices. New condos in Punta now average $3000 persquare meter. A lot in a gated community can cost up to $500,000. It hasn't stoppedbuyers coming. Real estate sales in Punta hit $2.2 billion in the 12 months to April 2011.But those escalating prices are pushing real estate development along the coast, awayfrom Punta, and towards the border with Brazil. That's where you'll find Rocha.

    When I first visited Rocha four years back, there wasn't much in the way of development. I only found a couple of small private communities, and some re-sales.

    Since then, things have started moving in Rocha. You still won't see high-rises, condotowers, or mega-resort hotels. But a prominent Argentinean developer plans a $350million project here...the founder of clothing chains Mango and EtiquetaNegra plans todo another one...and smaller developments are starting up.

    And we've uncovered one community, close to the ocean and the lake, with spacious lotsfrom only $31,900.

    La Serena Golf

    La Serena Golf is developer Daniel Ok's second development in this area. His first, Las

    Tajamares, features heavily in a glossy coffee table book showcasing homes fromArgentina's foremost architects. Owners in Tajamares selected some of the bestarchitects to design their homes. It's the only project in the book in the Rocha area.

    With 225 acres, La Serena's 179 lots vary from a half-acre to three-quarters of an acrein size. More than 50% of the land will stay as green space. Seven lakes will dot theproject, adding to the relaxed country feel of the property. Amenities will include a nine-

    hole golf course, a putting green and tennis courts. This will be the first golf course in

    Rocha.

  • 7/28/2019 Twelve Killer Real Estate Deals for $50,000 or Less

    29/35

    29

    The landscape around La Serena: pine forests, pastureland...lake and ocean

    Many of the lots have ocean views. And La Serena is only 400 meters from the ocean

    and beach. It's a kilometer to Laguna de Rocha and four kilometers to the beach town of La Paloma.

    This beach is 400 meters from La Serena

    Despite the amenities, lots in La Serena start from $31,900 . That gets you 2120square meters (a half-acre). If you want sea views, you'll pay a little more. You don'thave a build requirement, so you can sit on your lot as long as you like, and only start to

    construct a home when you're ready.

    You'll enjoy spending time on Rocha's beautiful coastline. And La Serena Golf is in the

    right place...at the right time...ahead of the development path that's sweeping along thiscoast from Punta.

  • 7/28/2019 Twelve Killer Real Estate Deals for $50,000 or Less

    30/35

    30

    In the next five to ten years, I expect this section of coast will change significantly. Thepace of development is gathering speed. This is good news for property investors. I justhope that Rochas little beach towns preserve their quaint charm

    If you want to snap up one of those spacious lots in La Serena,contact [email protected] .

    mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]
  • 7/28/2019 Twelve Killer Real Estate Deals for $50,000 or Less

    31/35

    31

    RE-SALES

    Ecuador

    It might seem almost impossible to get a home for $50,000 or less these days. Weasked our in-country broker contacts to scour their listingsand surprisingly, they cameup with some gems.

    Ecuadors Pacific coast has miles of sandy beaches

    Ecuador has 1400 miles of Pacific coastline. If you're dreaming of a bolthole overseas,but didn't think you could afford it, Ecuador can give you that beach lifestyle you dream

    of...at a price you can afford. Think California in the 1950s, before prices got out of hand.

    Ecuador is the place to go to make your retirement dollars stretch even further...and thisapplies to your daily living costs and to real estate values as well. This is where you'llfind some of the worlds cheapest beachfront. Thats because until now, this country'scoast...with miles of unspoiled, pristine beaches, and undervalued property...wasoverlooked. But that's changing.

    Ecuador's coast reminds us of parts of the Pacific coast in Nicaragua and Costa Rica,

    before the real estate boom in those countries, triggered by an influx of foreign buyers.

  • 7/28/2019 Twelve Killer Real Estate Deals for $50,000 or Less

    32/35

    32

    And Ecuador's coast is now on the radar of an increasing number of overseas propertyshoppers. Faced with economic uncertainty in the US, they're exploring morealternatives. They want a lower cost of living, and a lower-priced home. They want to cutcosts without cutting their standard of living. Ecuador's coast fits the bill.

    Foreign property buyers are also waking up to the potential of this area. Once word getsout, the trickle of buyers here could become a floodand prices should rise.

    Ecuadors south Pacific coast boasts coastal cities as well as tiny beach towns. Youllenjoy warm beach weather year-round here, with low humidity levels. Salinas is one of the most developed cities. It offers big-city amenities: Supermarkets, shopping malls,hospitals and clinics, restaurants and nightclubs. It also offers two marinas, and a choiceof watersports, including world-class sport fishing.

    The city feels a little like Miamiwith gleaming high-rises lining parts of the beach,trendy clubs coming alive in the evenings, and the jet sets luxurious yachts swayinggently on the ocean. You wont pay Miami prices for eating out or enjoying the localnightlife here. Dinner for two in a fashionable restaurant shouldnt set you back morethan $20. With lunches costing around $5, you can cut your living costs hereor savesome dollars to splurge on household help, deep-sea fishing trips, or spa treatments.

    And you wont pay Miami prices for a property in this area, either. A condo with 70square meters (750 square feet) of living space comes with ocean views. The one-bed,one and a half bath condo feels bright, airy and spacious. Its got a parking space, and

    its furnished. Only two blocks from the beach, its a short walk to restaurants, shopping,and the boardwalk. The condo is on the market for $47,500 .

    If you dream of building your own beach house, then an on-beach lot, 800 square

    meters (8608 square feet) in size, makes sense. Its further up the coast, close toMontanita, a hip beach town popular with surfers. In a private community with onlytwenty lots, the price is $45,000 .Contact [email protected] to find outmore.

    Re-sales: Uruguay

    mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]
  • 7/28/2019 Twelve Killer Real Estate Deals for $50,000 or Less

    33/35

    33

    Montevideos Plaza Independencia

    Uruguay is the final country for our re-sale picks. Montevideo, the capital, has a veryEuropean flair. From its tree-lined streets to the grand buildings that surround the

    peaceful plazas, the feel is civilized and cosmopolitan.

    Ciudad Vieja, the historic part of Montevideo, was neglected and forgotten for decades.However, today, infrastructure investment and the restoration of properties arereversing that trend, and Ciudad Vieja is an up-and-coming area for overseas propertybuyers.

    A 75 square meter (800 square feet) centrally-located apartment in Ciudad Vieja is listedat $45,000 . Its in good condition (recently renovated), with three bedrooms and abathroom, and close to shopping, restaurants, and banks.

    Another 65 square meter (700 square feet) apartment in need of complete restoration is

    listed for $40,000 . Its on the pedestrianized walkway, and dates back to 1935. In fact,when looking for bargain apartments, I found 21 in Ciudad Vieja for less than $50,000.

    Re-sales: Panama

    Known as the Crossroads of the Americas and with a dramatic coastline stretching formore than 3000 kilometers, Panama has attracted large numbers of expats and realestate buyers in the last decade. From the bewitching highlands beauty of Boquetethequaint colonial villages in the interior to the tropical, white sand beaches of the PearlIslandsits easy to understand why so many people are tempted by Panamas charms.

    In the early years of Panamas property boom (2004/2005) it was easy to pick up aprime waterfront condo in Panama City at a bargain price, from as little as $1000 a

    square meter. But that was then

  • 7/28/2019 Twelve Killer Real Estate Deals for $50,000 or Less

    34/35

    34

    Today, Panama has a shortage of buyers...and a glut of city condos. Many buyersbought a pre-construction condo three or four years ago, who need to find 70% of thepurchase price to close, but who no longer have access to those funds. Other ownersneed to sell to shore up finances elsewhere. It all leads to one thing: fire sales. We are

    starting to see more and more of those

    What does this mean for the potential real estate buyer in Panama? Don't buy in Panama

    right now for short-term appreciation. Don't buy expecting high rental yields--the daysof hotel shortages, 84.7% hotel occupancy rates, and double-digit net rental yields areover. Don't buy pre-construction whatever you do...there's always a risk with pre-construction, even in a rising market. In a stagnant market like Panama today, pre-construction is not a risk worth taking.

    But Panama still makes sense as a place to live. If you plan on relocating or spending a

    chunk of the year here long-term, and you want a home base, then look for a fire sale.The key is not to over-pay. That lack of buyers combined with distressed sellers equalssome great opportunities. Youll find some bargains.

    A local broker contact has a lot 15 minutes outsideBoquete priced at $50,000 ...and thatprice is negotiable. With excellent views of VolcanBaru (a dormant volcano), this 1.24

    acre site comes equipped with water, electricity and has road frontage. Boquete has alarge group of expats, gourmet restaurants, and an active social scene. If you areconsidering a home in a relaxing, cool, highlands setting, this lot is worth a look.

    If beach living is more your thing, then perhaps you should consider El Uverito.Overlooking the endless Pacific Ocean, El Uverito is a small seaside village in the Azuero

    peninsula. Azuero is Panamas traditional heartthe home of folklore, tradition andfestivals (theres said to be a festival for every day of the year in Azuero). Its also oneof the most affordableand most tranquillocations in Panama. A home site with astunning ocean-view is on the market here for just $45,000 . The property comeswith water and power close by and a paved road within 70 meters of the lot.

    If you want details on any of these re-sale properties,

    contact [email protected] , and let us know which one you are interestedin.

    And rememberyoull get more great deals like these ones in your free e-letter,The Pathfinder Alertso watch your inbox!

    2011 Pathfinder Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Protected by copyright laws of Ireland andinternational treaties. Do not reproduce, copy, or redistribute this work either online orin print without the express written permission from Pathfinder.

    mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]
  • 7/28/2019 Twelve Killer Real Estate Deals for $50,000 or Less

    35/35

    Neither Pathfinder nor its employees and agents are licensed to give personalized adviceabout securities investments. Nothing in this email or in communications from ouremployees to you should be construed as personalized to your investment situation.

    Pathfinder is in the business of recommending a wide range of real estate and relocationservices from developers and lawyers to real estate agents and tax specialists, to namebut a few. Pathfinder requires developments to meet basic criteria before bringing themto you. However, any vetting we do on projects or professionals should not be construedas a guarantee by Pathfinder. Pathfinder is not responsible for the management anddelivery of real estate agent or developer-sponsored real estate tours and chillweekends. We bring these to you for informational purposes on behalf of our developerand real estate agent partners. As with any other overseas trip, we advise that youpurchase travel insurance.

    We always recommend strongly that buyers perform their own complete due diligence,use a qualified legal professional to help with real estate transactions and purchase titleinsurance. Should a reader decide to purchase a property from one of thedevelopers/real estate agents we cover, we will receive a fee from the developer or realestate agent.

    Copyright 2011, Pangaea Ltd., trading as Pathfinder, Elysium House, Ballytruckle, Waterford,Ireland. All rights reserved. No part of this report may be reproduced by any means without theexpress written consent of the publisher. The information contained herein is obtained from sourcesbelieved to be reliable, but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Registered in Ireland No. 441952.