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RealtyCast Global #14 Exploring Real Estate investment opportunities in Central America with Michael Cobb

RealtyCast Global #14: Exploring Real Estate Investment Opportunities in Central America with Michael Cobb

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Welcome to episode #14 of RealtyCast Global – a global connection to all things real estate, hosted by Hugh Gilliam, president of Global Property Pros.

In the latest episode of RealtyCast Global, we explore the multifaceted landscape of real estate investment in Central America. With a keen focus on perception and knowledge, the episode delves into strategies that can help investors unlock lucrative opportunities in this dynamic region. From contrasting property values in Costa Rica and Nicaragua to highlighting Belize’s burgeoning market, the episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone considering a real estate investment in Central America.

*Entries must be submitted by Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at 10am CT after which winners will be drawn. Winners will be drawn randomly from all entries submitted and those who are drawn, will be contacted via email. No purchase is necessary to enter – one entry is allowed per person/email.

Purchase Michael’s newly released book How to Buy Your Home Overseas: And Get It Right The First Time; click here.

The episode kicks off with a critical discussion on the concept of “buyer beware,” emphasizing the importance of being well-informed before making any property purchases. Drawing from the Overseas Investment Guide, the hosts discuss how perception often dictates property prices more than actual safety or quality. For instance, despite similar crime statistics, properties in Costa Rica are significantly more expensive than those in Nicaragua, largely due to perception. The discussion underscores the importance of understanding these perception gaps and staying ahead of changing perceptions to capitalize on the best opportunities.

Next, the episode shifts focus to investment strategies in popular versus less popular locations within Central America. The hosts compare the immediate costs and long-term returns of investing in high-demand areas like Costa Rica with those of under-the-radar spots like Nicaragua. They highlight Belize, particularly Ambergris Caye, as a balanced investment option with promising growth potential. The Best Western Studio Condos in Belize are cited as a prime example of a mid-range product that caters to mainstream travelers, offering consistent cash flow and practical investment opportunities.

The episode also explores the robust healthcare and educational systems that make Central America an attractive destination for families and remote workers. The hosts share personal experiences of accessing seamless and efficient medical care in the region, noting the ease and affordability compared to other regions. They also discuss the various schooling options available, including international, bilingual, and homeschooling, which provide flexibility and quality education for expatriate families.

A deep dive into the transcript of the ‘Global Real Estate Investing and Perception’ chapter reveals the intricate details of how perception influences property values. The hosts discuss a survey by the Zogby company, which found that only 11.6% of US citizens had seriously considered owning property overseas. This highlights the significant perception gap that exists even among well-traveled Americans. They use the example of property prices on either side of the Costa Rica-Nicaragua border to illustrate how perception drives price differences, despite similar crime statistics and other factors.

The ‘Investment Strategies in Central America’ chapter provides a nuanced comparison of acquiring assets in popular versus less popular locations. The hosts use simple numerical examples to explain how lower acquisition costs in less popular areas like Nicaragua can lead to higher long-term returns, provided the investor is patient and willing to take on some risk. They also emphasize the potential of Belize, particularly Ambergris Caye, as a balanced investment option that offers both reasonable acquisition prices and promising growth potential.

Finally, the ‘Accessing Healthcare and Education Abroad’ chapter reassures potential investors and expatriates about the quality of life in Central America. The hosts discuss the ease of accessing medical care without bureaucratic hassles and at a fraction of the cost compared to other regions. They also explore educational opportunities, highlighting the flexibility and quality of schooling options available for expatriate families. This segment aims to alleviate concerns for tech-savvy parents working remotely, making the move to Central America less daunting and more feasible.

In summary, this episode of RealtyCast Global provides a comprehensive guide to maximizing property investments in Central America. By focusing on perception and knowledge, the hosts equip listeners with the tools needed to make informed decisions and capitalize on hidden opportunities in this vibrant region. Whether you’re contemplating a move or seeking to diversify your investment portfolio, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in Central American real estate.

For more information on living and investing in Belize, check out Michael’s Overseas Investment Guide (click here to download the guide).

For real estate agents looking to expand their business internationally, expose existing listings to a global pool of buyers, and connect with new clients, check out Global Property Pros.

For Property Buyers & Sellers seeking assistance in the international market, check out RealtyHive’s property marketing solutions.

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About the Guest – Michael Cobb:

At the height of a successful career in the computer industry, Mr. Cobb left to pursue more pioneering opportunities in the emerging real estate markets of Central America.  In 1996, he and his business partner formed a company, Exotic Caye International, to provide loans to North Americans purchasing properties in Belize, Honduras and throughout the region.  As the need for capital outstripped the supply, the mortgage company was converted to an international bank under the jurisdiction of Belize.  It continues to provide mortgage services but has expanded its services to encompass the full realm of financial products. 
 
Mr. Cobb also saw the need for a regional real estate company that would serve the Baby Boomer consumer with a North American standard product for the next 2 decades.  He led the group into real estate development and created a holding company for several properties including a resort on Ambergris Caye, Belize. In August of 2000, Exotic Caye purchased 3.5 miles of Pacific Beachfront property due west of Managua, Nicaragua. 

This master planned community hosts world class infrastructure, homes and condominium units.  In February of 2006, the ECI Development group acquired 1100 acres and 3km of coastline in Costa Rica, setting the stage for expansion into this popular market.  Most recently they merged their Belize property with a much larger parcel and have begun to develop 200 condominiums units on Ambergris Caye, Belize. 
 
Additionally, Mike Cobb has spoken at hundreds of international conferences about real estate financing and development.  He has acted as a consultant to The Oxford Club and gives counsel to various real estate projects throughout Central America.

Website: ecidevelopment.com

Phone: +1.703.795.2555

Email: mcobb@ECIdevelopment.com

About the host – Hugh Gilliam:

Hugh Gilliam co-owned a national transportation company, created a land development business, and worked as a general contractor in residential and commercial construction for over two decades. Hugh also co-founded an international distribution company and successfully negotiated and contracted with 135 sales representatives in the United States, Canada, France, Brazil, Japan, and the Netherlands.

Today, Mr. Gilliam is affiliated with RealtyHive, LLC where he serves as Director of International Real Estate and President of Global Property Pros. His duties include involvement in commercial and residential transactions, plus promoting marketing systems and lead generation platforms.

He is also co-founder of the luxury digital magazine, DOORWAYS INTERNATIONAL, powered by RealtyHive, which serves as a platform for Brokers and Buyers throughout 70 countries.

Hugh’s Designations Include:

  • Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist
  • Certified Distressed Property Export
  • Certified International Property Specialist
  • Certified International Investment & Immigration Specialist
  • Transnational Referral Certification

Hugh’s Memberships Include:

  • Georgia Association of REALTORS
  • National Association of REALTORS
  • International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI-USA)
  • Asian Real Estate Association of America

Sip on something awesome: Coffee in the Caribbean

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“Our culture runs on coffee and gasoline, the first often tasting like the second.” -Edward Abbey

While Americans have enjoyed coffee from airtight tins since the early 1900s, many have not experienced the joy of truly fresh coffee. In 1907, 97% of the world’s coffee came from Brazil, but today many countries, from Ethiopia to Hawaii export these delicious and highly coveted beans. If you’re looking for the best cuppa Joe, here’s what you need to know

 
coffee being poured into mug
 
Costa Rica

Costa Rican coffee is known for having a full and rich body with bright acidity and a clean, crisp taste. Costa Rica uses an Arabica bean which is grown at higher altitudes and harvested in winter between December and February. The aroma profile is an intense and fragrant coffee smell with hints of brown sugar, while the flavor leans more toward citrus, tropical fruit, and apricots. The high quality brews these beans create means Costa Rican coffee has gotten a reputation as some of the best in Central/South American and has led to its introduction into Starbucks’ “reserve” program.


 
beans in coffee cup
 
Jamaica

Jamaica produces multiple types of coffee, but the most well-known is its Blue Mountain variety. Grown in the region of the same name north of Kingston and south of Port Maria at an elevation of between 3,000-5,500 feet, this coffee has virtually no bitterness, despite the fact that it has an excellently full body and a vibrant, yet smooth, acidity. This brew is also very complex with an unusually sweet flavor that teeters on chocolaty and an aroma filled with sweet herbal and floral notes with nutty undertones. One of the more notable facts about Jamaican coffee cultivation is that nearly all of Jamaica’s coffee plants are direct descendants of the plants the French brought to Martinique in 1723.
 


hands holding coffee in mug
 
Honduras

Historically coffee in Honduras was fairly standard and unremarkable, but in recent years has been receiving more acclaim. Grown at an elevation of between 3,600-5,400 feet, this bean exhibits a round, medium body with a soft acidity and a vanilla/hazelnut aroma. Like the coffee of the nearby Costa Rica, the harvest time in Honduras is from November to April. While the country was slow to take to coffee production, it has been a primary cash crop (along with bananas) since the early 2000s.
 
coffee with flower drizzle

Guatemala

Known as a “true Central American coffee”, Guatemalan coffee has a full body, rich cocoa-like flavor, and a toffee-esque flavor. The beans here are washed and sun dried and give off citrusy, floral notes when brewed. One of the truly unique properties of Guatemalan coffee is its ability to retain its flavor, even through dark and even espresso roasts. Guatemala’s location between the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, consistent climate (it averages 72F year-round!), and volcanic soil makes this an ideal spot for cultivation.
 
coffee in white cup
 
While you can buy these varieties of coffee (and many, many) more at your local grocery store or online, experts will tell you to consult a local coffee roaster to obtain green coffee beans which can then be roasted to your specification right before you pick them up. You will then want to leave the beans whole until you are ready to brew a cup and ground coffee goes stale much faster than whole beans. Enjoy!

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Central American & Caribbean Vacation Spots

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While all-inclusive mega resorts have their time and place, sometimes you want your trips to be a little farther off the tourist path. Whether you’re looking for a less-than-conventional vacation spot, a location for a vacation or retirement home, or are considering an expatriate lifestyle these are some of the best places to check out in 2018.

Belize

While the beachy Ambergris Caye gets all the attention — and a lot of tourism — the Cayo District, home to the capital city of Belmopan, is where an adventure vacation awaits you. This jungle-covered landscape is home to many eco-activities and adventures and is dotted with Mayan ruins. San Ignacio, a town with a population of nearly 18,000 serves as the perfect point to launch your trip as all roads and activities branch out from this hub. Here you can find waterfalls, cave exploring expeditions, Mayan ruins and so much more!
Must Try Activity: Explore the hidden depths and crystal clear waters at Actun Tunichil Muknal, a natural wonder featured in National Geographic. From here you can swim into a mysterious cave known as Xibalba, which the ancient Mayans considered to be a portal to the underworld. You’ll have to hike, climb, and possibly even swim, but the history and beauty can’t be beaten.

Costa Rica

If your ideal vacation involves fewer beaches and more jungles, you must check out El Castillo in the Alajuela province. Getting there can be quite the trip as it’s about a 2.5 hour trek by car or bus through Costa Rican jungle roads, but once you make it, you’ll know the trip was worth it.
Must Try Activity: There are a ton of great things to do using El Castillo as a jumping off point, but visiting the hot springs of the Arenal Volcano tops the list. While there are numerous hot springs in the area, those looking for a more intimate and natural experience will enjoy Eco Termales Fortuna, where the number guests is limited per day.
Coming in close behind are the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park and the Sky Adventures Arenal Park (both offer a great view, neither are for those who are afraid of heights!) and the Arenal Ecozoo.

Tobago, Trinidad & Tobago

Scarborough, the capital of the island of Tobago lays outside the hurricane belt in the Caribbean. The population of around 17,000 gives off the smalltown vibes while having a deep-sea port allows for an influx of cruise tourists and a nearby rainforest preserve will make you believe you are in a much more remote locale. English is the official language of the island which makes it easy for Americans to travel around, although tourists should be aware that prices can be quoted in either USD or Trinidad & Tobago (TT) dollars, so make sure to ask which one your purchase is in!
Must Try Activity: Take a glass bottom boat out to Nylon Pool. It’s a shallow area in the ocean that you can bathe in! The “sand” is pulverized coral (so exfoliating!) and people who bathe here are said to return looking 10 years younger! Along the way there are beautiful, tropical fish to see and is very inexpensive with many tours under USD 10. Other notable attractions include Argyle Falls, a three-tiered waterfall with natural rock tubs (great for relaxing!) and swimmable areas and Fort King George, a military outpost from the 1700s with gorgeous sunset views.

Trinidad, Trinidad & Tobago

Gasparillo, a small town near Upper Santa Cruz in the San Juan/Laventille region (not to be confused with the town of about 16,000 on the southeastern side of Trinidad), located 5 miles (8 km) from the capital city of Port of Spain.
Must Try Activity: Spend your day lounging on the nearby Maracas Beach, the best place for sun, sand, and surf on the island of Trinidad. When you get hungry, head over to Richard’s Shark and Bake where they sell deep fried shark sandwiches with all the fixings. There are other shark and bake shops, but this is the local favorite!

Jamaica

Jamaica is known for beautiful, turquoise beaches, but almost as well known as the beauty are the hustlers and vendors that crowd the tourist areas trying to vend their goods. Looking for a more unadulterated paradise experience? Set up camp in the town of Green Island, located in the Hanover Parish on the northwestern side of the island.
Must Try Activity: Half Moon Beach is a private beach with a small entrance fee and provides the peace and serenity vacationers are looking for while having an onsite bar and restaurant for those whose version of paradise still includes a well-cooked meal. The beach also offers a nearby healthy reef for snorkeling and a bamboo rafting tour–the only of its kind on the open sea! Other fun vacation activities nearby include the Crocodile Reserve and Bird Sanctuary as well as the Kool Runnings Adventure Park, a theme park based off the 1993 movie Cool Runnings.