Nicaragua … why not?

“Kathleen, you write much about Nicaragua as a possibility for retirement,” writes reader David M. from the United States. “I am in agreement for the most part. However, as opposed to Panama, about which you are very frank concerning the downsides, I have not read anything about the problems in Nicaragua. “Most prominent in my mind is the shortage of electricity. The country’s electrical system is a mess. Before the Sandinistas came to power, the electrical system was sold to a Spanish transnational. The last time I was in the country, there were random blackouts, unannounced and sometimes lasting many … Continue reading Nicaragua … why not?

Your Dream Country Home In Italy…From 11,000 Euro

It’s a common dream: Find a tumbledown farmhouse in Italy and renovate it into a dream country home. In some regions of Italy, Abruzzo, for example, the cost can be as tempting as the romantic notion. You can find stone house ruins in this part of the country for US$50,000 and less….sometimes much less. But then what? Unless your plan is to relocate straightaway and to live nearby…you’re faced with the challenges of a long-distance renovation. And, even if you are ready to up-sticks and camp out near your renovation project…are you prepared to become a general contractor overseeing a … Continue reading Your Dream Country Home In Italy…From 11,000 Euro

Borrowing to buy overseas … this is what you have to know

Nowhere in the world has it ever been as easy to borrow money to buy real estate as it has been in the United States of America over the past decade. You could borrow more than the cost of the property you were buying, even, with a fixed rate of interest and a nice, long repayment term. During this time, as a result, the easiest way for an American to source capital to purchase real estate anywhere in the world has been to borrow it at home. Pull equity out of his U.S. property. Or simply find some U.S.-based outfit … Continue reading Borrowing to buy overseas … this is what you have to know

Your Passport To 2009’s Land of Opportunity

Panama is the world’s #1 retirement haven…the world’s top offshore haven…and an international banking center. Its pensionado program of special benefits for foreign retirees is the Gold Standard. As a foreign resident, you can pay zero local tax. Panama is one of the best places in the world right now to start a business and one of the easiest places to obtain foreign residency. Plus, outside Panama City, this beautiful country hides the smartest beach, river, and mountain property buys anywhere on the planet today. Panama is a land where the cost of living is low…the standard of health care … Continue reading Your Passport To 2009’s Land of Opportunity

On Murkey Beach…Just Off Swamp Lagoon…

While we’ve been fully occupied with our conference these past two weeks, the Mailbag has filled to overflowing. Let’s dive right in… “Kathleen, I so appreciate your newsletter. We found it when looking up global real-estate investments. You are giving a wonderful educational service to many Baby Boomers. Thank you.” — Carolyn and Larry B., Canada *** “I agree with you regarding the downsides to living in Panama, and it’s the same thing in most all Central and South American countries, as well. In the States, if you call for some type of service, and you don’t like it, there … Continue reading On Murkey Beach…Just Off Swamp Lagoon…

Cele mai cautate insule din Europa

Situată în arhipelagul maltez, Gozo este singura destinaţie din Europa inclusă de revista Island în topul celor mai apreciate insule. La realizarea clasamentului s-a ţinut cont, printre altele, de condiţiile atmosferice, de preţurile din sectorul imobiliar, precum şi de numărul imigranţilor. Pentru mulţi români, Gozo este necunoscută, întrucât excursiile directe către această insulă sunt inexistente. Totuşi, cei care îşi petrec concediile în Malta – iar numărul lor a crescut cu 35% în acest an – au opţiunea de a ajunge în Gozo prin intermediul unei excursii de o zi, contra sumei de 80 de euro. „Pentru iubitorii sporturilor, insulele malteze … Continue reading Cele mai cautate insule din Europa

Ibiza Guide – The Beaches

From ‘must do’ party-on-the-sand spots to the hidden secluded coves, the DJs who regularly visit or live on Ibiza know the score when it comes to shore, and know the most when it comes to the coast. We asked them for their favourite waterfront places to catch some rays, each of which has its own distinct vibe. For public nudity to spiritual enlightenment and all manner of seaside pastimes in between, just head for the beach. Las Salinas South, (No.11 bus) Also hugely popular among the DJs is this large cove lined with cool bars found just past the islands … Continue reading Ibiza Guide – The Beaches

Zermatt, Switzerland – video & images from a good friend of mine, Richard

Zermatt in Summer Hiking and mountain climbing Zermatt has many opportunities for hiking. There are numerous well-marked footpaths and walks (400 km in all) which will take you through pine-scented mountain forests, to the shores of calm Alpine lakes and to the ice-blue glaciers. Mountain railways make it easy to reach the high altitude rambling areas. There are many mountain cabins and restaurants ready to offer a warm welcome and a leisurely rest. Alpine tourism was the beginning of Zermatt’s development. Situated at the foot of the Matterhorn and surrounded by 38 fourthousend-meter high mountains, Zermatt has always been the … Continue reading Zermatt, Switzerland – video & images from a good friend of mine, Richard