Thursday, January 25, 2007
Encantana Pics
I don't know about everyone else but I was expecting much better quality pics for marketing Encantana! I was hoping that maybe the developer would supply some pics! I've made several trips to San Felipe and have taken pictures that I would be willing to share! Let me know what your thoughts are.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Mexico Loan Info...
• Mexico FIRST ALERT • Mexico FIRST ALERT • Mexico FIRST ALERT •
January 15, 2007
Dear Mexico First Alert Reader,
It is getting easier to buy a home or condo in Mexico.
GMAC International Mortgage recently announced it has rolled out a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage for U.S. citizens buying property in Mexico. This is in addition to a "stated income" or limited documentation option for a slightly higher interest rate. Both components also are available to borrowers for "cash-back" refinances, allowing you to pull out up to 50% of the cash value of your primary residence or second home in Mexico. And the cash-back ratio will soon increase to 70%, according to information from GMAC International Mortgage.
GMAC is the first U.S. lender to introduce a 30-year, fixed-rate product south of the border, offering a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at approximately 8.75%; a 20-year mortgage at 8.5%, and a six-month adjustable-rate mortgage tied to the LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate) at approximately 8%. Other U.S. lenders are expected to soon follow GMAC’s lead.
The new mortgage loan rollout by GMAC was announced at the recent Mexico Resort Development Conference, attended by more than 300 major developers, builders, lenders, and investors targeting real estate in Mexico. This news, combined with the fact that the new political administration in Mexico is committed to continuing the flow of foreign investment into the country, buoyed the enthusiasm of those in attendances, including the North American builders, developers, and lenders who have brought to market thousands of homes, hotels, and fractional units in Mexico in the past six years.
Mexico’s newly inaugurated President Felipe Calderon has targeted increased tourism as part of his aggressive political platform – and it seems that U.S. mortgage lenders are ready to support that agenda.
It is especially important to make note of the “cash back” component of GMAC’s program. For the first time, U.S. citizens can tap into the equity of their Mexican homes and take the cash back to the U.S. for investment. If you own property in both Mexico (where real estate prices are appreciating) and the U.S. (where prices are stagnant), you may be able to use your assets in Mexico to offset the cost of housing in the U.S.
January 15, 2007
Dear Mexico First Alert Reader,
It is getting easier to buy a home or condo in Mexico.
GMAC International Mortgage recently announced it has rolled out a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage for U.S. citizens buying property in Mexico. This is in addition to a "stated income" or limited documentation option for a slightly higher interest rate. Both components also are available to borrowers for "cash-back" refinances, allowing you to pull out up to 50% of the cash value of your primary residence or second home in Mexico. And the cash-back ratio will soon increase to 70%, according to information from GMAC International Mortgage.
GMAC is the first U.S. lender to introduce a 30-year, fixed-rate product south of the border, offering a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at approximately 8.75%; a 20-year mortgage at 8.5%, and a six-month adjustable-rate mortgage tied to the LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate) at approximately 8%. Other U.S. lenders are expected to soon follow GMAC’s lead.
The new mortgage loan rollout by GMAC was announced at the recent Mexico Resort Development Conference, attended by more than 300 major developers, builders, lenders, and investors targeting real estate in Mexico. This news, combined with the fact that the new political administration in Mexico is committed to continuing the flow of foreign investment into the country, buoyed the enthusiasm of those in attendances, including the North American builders, developers, and lenders who have brought to market thousands of homes, hotels, and fractional units in Mexico in the past six years.
Mexico’s newly inaugurated President Felipe Calderon has targeted increased tourism as part of his aggressive political platform – and it seems that U.S. mortgage lenders are ready to support that agenda.
It is especially important to make note of the “cash back” component of GMAC’s program. For the first time, U.S. citizens can tap into the equity of their Mexican homes and take the cash back to the U.S. for investment. If you own property in both Mexico (where real estate prices are appreciating) and the U.S. (where prices are stagnant), you may be able to use your assets in Mexico to offset the cost of housing in the U.S.
The use of this site
Thanks to everyone who is posting information on various areas. however, I want to make clear to all MPA's that this site is for the use of all of us to share info. on articles and interesting things about the countries in which we have projects through the Developers Corner and projects we will be taking. Please do not use this blog to promote your properties. I do not want this site being a tool for that. I do believe that Robbie has set up another blog site for the members to do that. Please check with her on that as well. This site was created specifically for the the MPA's to get useful info on the projects we are currently marketing. Thank you so much for your cooperation on this matter=)
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Info...
ST. LUCIA Facts
Size: 238 square miles
Population: 160,000 people
Capital: Castries
Political Status: Independent Nation & member of British Commonwealth
Language: English and local dialect known as Patois
Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar - US Dollar is used widely
Climate: 70-77 degrees in winter; 80-88 degrees in summer
Electricity: Current runs at 220 volts/50cycles with three prong outlets
(Adapter and converter plug is recommended)
Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time year-round
Telephone: Area code is 758, with direct dial capabilities to the US
Entry Requirements:
* US and Canadian citizens must show proof of citizenship.
(In the form of a birth certificate and photo id. A valid passport is not required but is always recommended.)
* UK citizens do not need a passport if they are staying fewer than 6 months. There is a departure tax of $11.00 US per person.
Two (2) Airports on St. Lucia: Virgie & Hewanorra.
Virgie is located near the capital city of Castries and is the closest to the majority of hotels located on the island. It has a small runway and is serviced by smaller aircraft. It is also a convenient hub to hop over to other Caribbean islands.
Airlines serving Vigie include American Eagle FROM San Juan.
Liat Airlines offers commuter service TO Antigua, Barbados, Grenada, Martinique, Dominica, Trinidad, St. Vincent and Guadeloupe.
Hewanorra was once a US airbase and given over to St. Lucia as a gift in honor of their self-rule. It is located on the southern tip of the island. It requires a drive of 45 minutes to an hour and a half (depending on the "courage" of the driver) to drive from Hewanorra to the hotels located near Castries. Hewanorra is located closer to the hotels located in the Soufriere area. Airlines serving Hewanorra include American Airlines, Air Jamaica, BWIA Airlines.
The COASTLINE of St. Lucia is jagged with long slender fingers that point out into the sea. This twisting terrain curls around sheltered bays and hidden coves before stretching back out to miles of palm-lined beaches. The powerful Atlantic surf surges against rock cliffs on the east side while sunbathers dip their toes in the calm western waters of the Caribbean.
The island is a delightful mixture of sugar white sand, golden beaches and black sand beaches painted by volcanic activity. It is estimated that there are over 120 beaches on the island.
The island continues to attract growing numbers of visitors who are drawn to her
natural splendor. Many appreciate her living reefs, towering mountains, lush forests &
exotic/unique beaches.
Magnificant, St. Lucia is fast becoming one of the most popular vacation spots in the Caribbean--yet the island is unspoiled by tourism. The southern half of St. Lucia is a protected forest reserve...home to some excellent hiking trails. But most visitors come to St. Lucia for the beaches and it's easy to understand why. Palm-lined beaches open onto crystal clear turquoise water that is perfect for swimming and snorkeling and the sun pours down on the island all year. *stlucia.com
ST. LUCIA Facts
Size: 238 square miles
Population: 160,000 people
Capital: Castries
Political Status: Independent Nation & member of British Commonwealth
Language: English and local dialect known as Patois
Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar - US Dollar is used widely
Climate: 70-77 degrees in winter; 80-88 degrees in summer
Electricity: Current runs at 220 volts/50cycles with three prong outlets
(Adapter and converter plug is recommended)
Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time year-round
Telephone: Area code is 758, with direct dial capabilities to the US
Entry Requirements:
* US and Canadian citizens must show proof of citizenship.
(In the form of a birth certificate and photo id. A valid passport is not required but is always recommended.)
* UK citizens do not need a passport if they are staying fewer than 6 months. There is a departure tax of $11.00 US per person.
Two (2) Airports on St. Lucia: Virgie & Hewanorra.
Virgie is located near the capital city of Castries and is the closest to the majority of hotels located on the island. It has a small runway and is serviced by smaller aircraft. It is also a convenient hub to hop over to other Caribbean islands.
Airlines serving Vigie include American Eagle FROM San Juan.
Liat Airlines offers commuter service TO Antigua, Barbados, Grenada, Martinique, Dominica, Trinidad, St. Vincent and Guadeloupe.
Hewanorra was once a US airbase and given over to St. Lucia as a gift in honor of their self-rule. It is located on the southern tip of the island. It requires a drive of 45 minutes to an hour and a half (depending on the "courage" of the driver) to drive from Hewanorra to the hotels located near Castries. Hewanorra is located closer to the hotels located in the Soufriere area. Airlines serving Hewanorra include American Airlines, Air Jamaica, BWIA Airlines.
The COASTLINE of St. Lucia is jagged with long slender fingers that point out into the sea. This twisting terrain curls around sheltered bays and hidden coves before stretching back out to miles of palm-lined beaches. The powerful Atlantic surf surges against rock cliffs on the east side while sunbathers dip their toes in the calm western waters of the Caribbean.
The island is a delightful mixture of sugar white sand, golden beaches and black sand beaches painted by volcanic activity. It is estimated that there are over 120 beaches on the island.
The island continues to attract growing numbers of visitors who are drawn to her
natural splendor. Many appreciate her living reefs, towering mountains, lush forests &
exotic/unique beaches.
Magnificant, St. Lucia is fast becoming one of the most popular vacation spots in the Caribbean--yet the island is unspoiled by tourism. The southern half of St. Lucia is a protected forest reserve...home to some excellent hiking trails. But most visitors come to St. Lucia for the beaches and it's easy to understand why. Palm-lined beaches open onto crystal clear turquoise water that is perfect for swimming and snorkeling and the sun pours down on the island all year. *stlucia.com
Happy New Year & Thanks!
Now that the Holidays are over & I'm back from visiting my parents in Tennessee for a few weeks, I am very excited about the New Year. The information that we will be able to share together, as ILS Master Promoting Agents, is now at our fingertips. This is also my first experience with a Blog & realize what a wonderful communication tool this is...for all of us.
If you are interested in being a Promoting Agent within your MLS, I have 3 individual Land Parcel Listings, totaling 22.4 acres, in COSTA RICA. The details of the properties are also listed on the Castles & Estates website. Please email me if you have an interest in promoting the Costa Rica Land Parcels: marilyn@marilynworley.com.
Audree & Olivier, thank you for the opportunity. All of your staff members are extremely helpful & professional. Tracie, thank you once again for organizing the site & posting all of the informative articles.
Have a wonderful week!
If you are interested in being a Promoting Agent within your MLS, I have 3 individual Land Parcel Listings, totaling 22.4 acres, in COSTA RICA. The details of the properties are also listed on the Castles & Estates website. Please email me if you have an interest in promoting the Costa Rica Land Parcels: marilyn@marilynworley.com.
Audree & Olivier, thank you for the opportunity. All of your staff members are extremely helpful & professional. Tracie, thank you once again for organizing the site & posting all of the informative articles.
Have a wonderful week!
Monday, January 8, 2007
Mexican 2007 Approved by Congress
• Mexico FIRST ALERT • Mexico FIRST ALERT • Mexico FIRST ALERT •
January 3, 2007San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Dear Mexico First Alert Reader,
– Advertisement –Where can you buy an oceanfront lot in Mexico for $50,000 or less? Find out, along with dozens of other locations in Mexico where your dollar goes farther. Some you’ve heard of and some are “our secret,” which we share with readers of Mexico: The Owner’s Manual – your guide to living, investing and doing business in Mexico.
Just a few days ago a still controversial Felipe Calderon—only recently sworn in as Mexico’s new President—took the world by surprise. Mexico City was marked by agreement rather than controversy, as the Mexican Congress showed unexpected approval for Calderon’s 2007 budget.
Calderon’s party—i.e., the PAN, or National Action Party—controls only some 40% of Congress (leaving it short of the majority required for constitutional reforms). However, it seems the parties represented in Congress are willing to put their differences aside when it really counts. The majority of the budget was approved, and after only a few days of debate.
Though a proposed soft-drink tax was nixed, increases in oil prices were deemed appropriate means for furthering highway, education and rural projects. In addition, social and pension programs pleased the hitherto cantankerous PRD (i.e., the Democratic Revolution Party, led by self-proclaimed “alternative Mexican President” Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador).
Calderon is bullish on fiscal, energy and labor reforms (much like his predecessor, former President Vicente Fox). The outdated Mexican tax system, plagued by low collection rates, and the ever-large issue of unemployment (and stemming the tide of emigration), are also on the agenda for the near future. Will Calderon succeed again? Major players have agreed to sit down and discuss the issues, so the answer to that question may well be “yes.”
January 3, 2007San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Dear Mexico First Alert Reader,
– Advertisement –Where can you buy an oceanfront lot in Mexico for $50,000 or less? Find out, along with dozens of other locations in Mexico where your dollar goes farther. Some you’ve heard of and some are “our secret,” which we share with readers of Mexico: The Owner’s Manual – your guide to living, investing and doing business in Mexico.
Just a few days ago a still controversial Felipe Calderon—only recently sworn in as Mexico’s new President—took the world by surprise. Mexico City was marked by agreement rather than controversy, as the Mexican Congress showed unexpected approval for Calderon’s 2007 budget.
Calderon’s party—i.e., the PAN, or National Action Party—controls only some 40% of Congress (leaving it short of the majority required for constitutional reforms). However, it seems the parties represented in Congress are willing to put their differences aside when it really counts. The majority of the budget was approved, and after only a few days of debate.
Though a proposed soft-drink tax was nixed, increases in oil prices were deemed appropriate means for furthering highway, education and rural projects. In addition, social and pension programs pleased the hitherto cantankerous PRD (i.e., the Democratic Revolution Party, led by self-proclaimed “alternative Mexican President” Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador).
Calderon is bullish on fiscal, energy and labor reforms (much like his predecessor, former President Vicente Fox). The outdated Mexican tax system, plagued by low collection rates, and the ever-large issue of unemployment (and stemming the tide of emigration), are also on the agenda for the near future. Will Calderon succeed again? Major players have agreed to sit down and discuss the issues, so the answer to that question may well be “yes.”
Panama
Panama FIRST ALERT • Panama FIRST ALERT • Panama FIRST ALERT •
January 3, 2007Panama City, Panama
Dear Panama First Alert Reader,
As you may well know, 2006 was a landmark year for Panama. This tiny Central American nation has become a big player on the international scene, what with the approval of the Panama Canal expansion mega-project and the drafting of a long-awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the U.S. But these events had been in the making for some time—the shocker came in November of 2006, when Panama was elected to replace Argentina on the UN Security Council.
Panama's Time Has Come
Live and Prosper in Panama SeminarPanama City, Panama - January 30-February 1, 2007Learn More
Guatemala and Venezuela waged a very public battle over the temporary seat that had been held by Argentina for two years. After multiple rounds of voting, neither country was able to obtain the required amount of votes to win. On November 1, 2006, the two contenders agreed to step back in favor of Panama as the best possible compromise.
Panama and the UN have kicked off 2007 with major events. For Panama, joining the UN Security Council is just the beginning…the excitement will continue as the $5.2 billion Panama Canal expansion project begins this year.
For the UN, the 2007 turnover comprises not only the temporary Security Council seats, but also the Security Council Presidency and the Secretary Generalship (occupied for the past decade by Nobel Prize-winner Kofi Annan, and now held by South Korea’s Ban Ki Moon).
Panama joined the UN Security Council along with South Africa, Indonesia, Italy, and Belgium, all of which will remain on the Council and participate in decision-making for the next two years. In case you’re wondering, the Council now stands as follows:
Presidency: RussiaPermanent members: the United States, Britain, Russia, France, and China.Non-permanent members (until December 31, 2007): Peru, Congo, Qatar, Ghana and Slovakia.Non-permanent members (until December 31, 2008): Panama, South Korea, Indonesia, Italy, and Belgium.
January 3, 2007Panama City, Panama
Dear Panama First Alert Reader,
As you may well know, 2006 was a landmark year for Panama. This tiny Central American nation has become a big player on the international scene, what with the approval of the Panama Canal expansion mega-project and the drafting of a long-awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the U.S. But these events had been in the making for some time—the shocker came in November of 2006, when Panama was elected to replace Argentina on the UN Security Council.
Panama's Time Has Come
Live and Prosper in Panama SeminarPanama City, Panama - January 30-February 1, 2007Learn More
Guatemala and Venezuela waged a very public battle over the temporary seat that had been held by Argentina for two years. After multiple rounds of voting, neither country was able to obtain the required amount of votes to win. On November 1, 2006, the two contenders agreed to step back in favor of Panama as the best possible compromise.
Panama and the UN have kicked off 2007 with major events. For Panama, joining the UN Security Council is just the beginning…the excitement will continue as the $5.2 billion Panama Canal expansion project begins this year.
For the UN, the 2007 turnover comprises not only the temporary Security Council seats, but also the Security Council Presidency and the Secretary Generalship (occupied for the past decade by Nobel Prize-winner Kofi Annan, and now held by South Korea’s Ban Ki Moon).
Panama joined the UN Security Council along with South Africa, Indonesia, Italy, and Belgium, all of which will remain on the Council and participate in decision-making for the next two years. In case you’re wondering, the Council now stands as follows:
Presidency: RussiaPermanent members: the United States, Britain, Russia, France, and China.Non-permanent members (until December 31, 2007): Peru, Congo, Qatar, Ghana and Slovakia.Non-permanent members (until December 31, 2008): Panama, South Korea, Indonesia, Italy, and Belgium.
Happy New Year and welcome 2007!
I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. O know most of us, including myself, are trying to get back in the groove of things. I posted an interesting article about Mexico below you should read. =)
MEXICO ALERT
• Mexico FIRST ALERT • Mexico FIRST ALERT • Mexico FIRST ALERT •
January 4, 2007
Important Notice for Travelers to Mexico
Dear Mexico First Alert Reader,
We’ve told you before about new requirements for anyone entering the U.S. But this news is important and bears repeating.
The new requirements are especially important for those who are used to traveling to and from Mexico (or Canada, Bermuda, or the Caribbean) with just a driver’s license or birth certificate. It is time to get your passports.
According to the U.S. State Department website, as of January 23, 2007, anyone who seeks entry when traveling by air into the United States will be required to have a valid passport.
For those arriving by land or sea: For those of you planning to drive across the border or enter the U.S. by boat, you will be required to have a valid passport as of January 1, 2008. It will be possible to apply for a limited Passport Card (called the Pass Card) for use for travel only by land or sea. This card is still in development, however, so our advice is to just go ahead and get your passport.
Find out more at the State Department website here.
The new regulations are being implemented under the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 in an effort to tighten U.S. border security.
According to several sources, U.S. Post Offices nationwide are facing a rush for passport applications and little help is available on filling out the forms. If you plan to travel to Mexico any time soon and you do not already have a passport, you will certainly want to start the procedure to obtain one now.
January 4, 2007
Important Notice for Travelers to Mexico
Dear Mexico First Alert Reader,
We’ve told you before about new requirements for anyone entering the U.S. But this news is important and bears repeating.
The new requirements are especially important for those who are used to traveling to and from Mexico (or Canada, Bermuda, or the Caribbean) with just a driver’s license or birth certificate. It is time to get your passports.
According to the U.S. State Department website, as of January 23, 2007, anyone who seeks entry when traveling by air into the United States will be required to have a valid passport.
For those arriving by land or sea: For those of you planning to drive across the border or enter the U.S. by boat, you will be required to have a valid passport as of January 1, 2008. It will be possible to apply for a limited Passport Card (called the Pass Card) for use for travel only by land or sea. This card is still in development, however, so our advice is to just go ahead and get your passport.
Find out more at the State Department website here.
The new regulations are being implemented under the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 in an effort to tighten U.S. border security.
According to several sources, U.S. Post Offices nationwide are facing a rush for passport applications and little help is available on filling out the forms. If you plan to travel to Mexico any time soon and you do not already have a passport, you will certainly want to start the procedure to obtain one now.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)