Tuesday, 22 May 2007

Moving to Panama - a tropical retirement paradise


Just a two and a half flight away from the US “Sunshine State” of Florida is Panama, a country about the size of Scotland with a population of some 3 million at the “Gateway” to South America, adjoining Columbia and Costa Rica in Central America; it enjoys a safe and wonderful climate free from any earthquake or hurricane.

About 1 million of the population live in Panama City, home to around 150 International Banks and a major off shore finance centre; the International Airport enjoys flight connections via major US destinations, thereby providing ready access to most places in the world.
This is an interesting country that is probably best known for its famous Canal, a most valuable asset that is widely thought to be the main reason why in 1989 US troops ousted its former dictatorship leader General Noriega.

Since this historic event took place, the US influence and support has helped Panama to grow to a point where it now provides new residents with an attractive affordable lifestyle for a fraction of the cost in the USA and its steady economic growth and political stability is providing those that choose to invest with that much needed peace of mind.


The country’s future does seem to be assured and the growth rate is helped by new businesses, which are seemingly arriving weekly plus so are many new residents; the main reason for the population growth is the Panamanian authorities desire to increase the numbers by way of the “retirement visa” programme which is specifically aimed to attract US retirees; however the opportunity equally applies to other foreign nationals who can meet the low cost and simple visa qualification criteria.

A variety of attractive tax incentives operate for retirees in Panama and this together with the country’s many other virtues is aiding to make this tropical paradise a haven of opportunity!

Such virtues as; the low cost of living, a warm tropical climate, stunning and most beautiful terrain encompassing; mountains, rain forests, scattered islands and a fine sandy beach coastline, there are 3 different oceans, (the Caribbean Pacific and Atlantic) plus of course the country has a variety of quality and highly affordable housing to choose from; all in all new residents and property investors alike are now taking advantage and are starting to arrive in droves!

To qualify for a retirement visa, a minimum $200,000 cash investment is required within the property purchase/s, plus the authorities need to see proof that the applicant is drawing a pension anywhere in the world; when these two principal requirements are fulfilled, the applicant should be granted a visa!

Foreign property investment in Panama today is indeed rife; many are to enjoy the prosperity that should be forthcoming that has recently been assisted by the recent referendum in the country. This has provided the official go ahead for a 7-year building programme that involves the expansion and rerouting of the Panama Canal.
This major additional new-found opportunity will help those capitalising on the opportunities by investing in the country; many new luxury developments are suddenly springing up everywhere and most enjoy Property Tax exemption, which alone is simply a great investor attraction.

The luxury waterfront high-rise condos and beachfront holiday homes being built are at most attractive prices; a good quality home can start from as little as $140,000, albeit if you are seeking something at the real high end, say around the $700,00 to $900,000 mark in a golf and/or beachside location, it can still be found!

In Panama an unprecedented economic property boom is currently taking place and for those interested it is certainly still not too late to join!

Interested to know more? Contact Countryside International on UK number 08456 444 747
or visit
www.countrysideinternational.com

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Thursday, 10 May 2007

British pound breaks the $2 barrier - the perfect time to buy in the USA !


May 2007… With the US dollar reaching a 14-year high against the pound; it is currently trading at an amazing 2 to 1 exchange rate, anyone that has been considering buying a property in the USA surely should do so NOW!
The current market is providing a buying environment that is more like a “Buy 1 and get 1 FREE” offer more normally associated with our weekly supermarket shopping!

If you are extra careful by heeding some good sound professional advice as to what and where you should buy, today you can also take FULL advantage of the conditions and find yourself an absolute real bargain!

The recent slowdown in US real estate has created some unbelievable low priced purchase opportunities that in my opinion will never be repeated.

I have been actively involved in Florida real estate sales since the mid 80’s and as such have personally experienced several different kinds of markets, yet none that I have seen provided buyers with such a great opportunity for a savvy investment as this one!
Consider that a US realtor with MLS board membership such as my firm, has access to sell ALL listed property for sale, plus they can act for a buyer with a duty of care and yet their fee is paid by the title company after collection from the seller and it becomes clear that the US market is indeed a very different one from its UK counterpart.

Following is a small sampler of what is currently on offer in Orlando Florida and you will see precisely what I mean about the current buying value;

From £90,000 we can find New Luxury 2 to 4 beds 2 bath 1,200 to 1,600 square ft homes in a resort community all having short or long-term rental use approval located just 5 minutes from Disney.
From £130,000 New Detached 3 and 4 bed 2 and 3 bath villas with own pool 10 mins from Disney
£150,000 Resale A 5 year old 2,500 square ft Detached 5 bed - 3.5 bath villa with pool just 15 minutes from Disney


Furthermore loans are relatively easy to obtain; we can introduce potential buyers to specialist mortgage brokers who normally can arrange 80% mortgages for foreign nationals with 30-year terms.
Most loans will have no pre-payment penalties arising and there will be a variety of fixed 1 3 5 and 7 year adjustable rate loans to choose from. There is a further bonus too; there are some mortgages that can be fixed at a Sterling exchange rate and so those acting NOW can also take full advantage of the great current £ to $ exchange rate conditions!!!!

As an alternative to buying a home in Florida, some of you may wish to invest in land that is located in the mountains and lakes of Tennessee; here prices start from around £25,000 for a large tract that could be possibly sub divided at a later date or may be a brand new home in Panama in Central America is more you’re your type of investment. In Panama we have sourced some fine property with prices starting from as little as £85,000; the US dollar purchase is of course entirely yours to consider!!
Wherever and whatever, my advice to you any interested party is to ACT now if you are looking to try and make some real money!

Graham Pyle

To obtain a free DVD “The definitive guide to buying in Florida” call the UK number 08456 444 747 or e mail us with any questions about this subject at enquiries@countrysideinternational.com

www.countrysideinternational.com


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Wednesday, 2 May 2007

Florida - Overseas Property Radio Show with Graham Pyle


Listen to the radio interview

Beloved destination not only of the British families who flock to the theme parks, Florida is a huge destination for internal migration, where the ‘snowbirds’, as retirees are called, contribute to the fact that over a thousand people move to the state every single day.

In this On Demand Radio Show, Adrian Mills is joined by national property journalist, and US citizen, Robert Liebman, and Graham Pyle of Florida Countryside – a highly-experienced property agent. This expert panel takes a further look at the current state of the Florida property market – exploring not only the economic and market situation, but also how to find out about rental prospects, where you might look for the next big property bargain, and how to finance an investment or holiday home, including how currency fluctuations can change the price of a property.

On top of all this, the property experts also look at the culture, lifestyle, climate, property types and the buying process. The panel then answer some of your questions about buying in Florida, dealing with buying costs, surveys and how to set up a property for rental.

For a free DVD "The definitive guide to buying in Florida" plus more detailed information regarding properties currently for sale or to obtain an invitation to one of the information seminars being held throughout the UK call 08456444747 or visit www.floridacountryside.com

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