Understanding All The Players Involved In A Real Estate Transaction

Buying a home is often times a once-in-a-lifetime experience since its a very big investment. Being an experience most rarely experience more than once, all that real estate jargon and attributes are quite foreign to the layman.

Aside from the property itself, a major part of any real estate transaction is the various parties involved, in terms of the buyer, seller and their agents (if any).

It is always recommended to enter into these types of transactions with the help of an agent who would be more knowledgeable of the market trends and have the experience in getting you the best possible deal. However, these agents don't work for free. So who fits the bill for the agents?

In this article, we'll help to clarify everyone's role in the transaction and understand how each person involved benefits.

Buyer's Agent

The buyer's agent acts as an adviser to the buyer throughout the entire home buying process. The buyer's agent will use their acquired knowledge and experience to best educate the buyer on current market conditions and find the best homes that matches the buyer's wants and needs.

The buyer's agent will be responsible for handling all negotiations on behalf of the buyer and ensures that the buyer's interests are thoroughly protected. As part of protecting the buyer's interest, the buyer's agent is also responsible for advising the buyer on how to handle any repairs necessary on the property.

At the close of the deal, the buyer's agent will share profits with the listing agent.

Listing Agent

The listing agent is responsible for helping homeowners to sell their home at the highest price possible. This agent is responsible to negotiate with the buyer/buyer's agent to come to an agreed price that both the buyer and seller can agree upon.

The listing agent would split the commission with the buyer's agent. If there is no buyer's agent, the listing agent receives total commission.

Buyer

The buyer pays no commission fee whether he is working with a buyer's agent or not. Any commissions the buyer's agent would make will come from a share of the commission set out in the listing agreement, by the seller, that would be split between the buyer's agent and listing agent.

So if you're a buyer and want to get expert help finding the home of your dreams, take advantage of buyer's agents that are available to you, free of cost, with a wealth of knowledge and experience in finding homes like the one you may be looking for.

Seller

The seller is the person paying the commission out of the selling price they had set for the property on sale. The percentage for the commission is negotiable and is set when the listing agreement is created.

The commission percentage always remains the same after it is set, whether there is only a listing agent involved or if there is both a listing and buyer's agent.

Get help from experienced Belize real estate agents when conducting real estate transactions in Belize. These real estate agents have access to an extensive listing to some of the most sought after properties in the country and are versed in conducting MLS transactions to get you the most suited property at the best price. If you want to list a property in Belize, real estate agents can take the hassle out of lengthy negotiations and get your property sold fast!

Beautiful 5 Bedroom Beach Home for Sale in Belize

Sittee Point Estates is a developing community in Hopkins, Belize. This community provides serene beach living on spacious beach lots without breaking the bank. This amazing property offers just that plus a spacious, modern home perfect for starting a new in Belize.

The home on this 50 ft. by 125 ft. property is 3 stories and boasts 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. It is a recently constructed home made to North American standards. The first floor of the home can be used as an income property. It has a one bedroom apartment or guest suite that is fully equipped with a kitchen, living/ dining combination, a full bath, a garage and storage area. As an added bonus, there's also a large covered deck off the guest suite leading to the sea.

The two upper floors have the main living quarters of the house. The second floor has a large master bedroom with a sitting area for lounging and cane ceilings as well as a master bathroom. Also on this floor is a guest bedroom, guest bathroom, laundry room, and a great room. The great room includes a large kitchen with granite counter tops. Off the great room is a spacious large stone deck, great for outdoor entertaining.

The third floor is a masterpiece with a vaulted ceiling of exotic hardwood. It has a large office area and a second master bedroom with en-suite bathroom that over looks the sea. There is also another guest bedroom and guest bathroom on this floor.

You're guaranteed to stay cool on those warm tropical days as all rooms have a ceiling fan as well as split A/C units. All doors, cabinets and trim in the home are from exotic solid mahogany hardwood. All hardware for the doors (including knobs, hinges, and lock sets) are solid brass with black coating that provides a worn brass patina. The windows are adorned with imported wooden horizontal slat blinds.

This house was built to last your family a lifetime and with the Belizean weather in mind. The foundation consists of 24 piles with heavy pile caps which is able to withstand earthquakes, although Belize isn't prone to them. One weather system Belize is prone to is the hurricane (though the country has been spared for the past few years), and the windows in this home are all laminated hurricane-resistant that provide protection as well as save on energy costs.

On the home's exterior is a 600-gallon water storage.

This property is not prone to flooding and has a good history of generating income as a vacation rental.

To find out more about this great property in Belize and set up a meeting to view the home, contact the Belize real estate agents at CPC.

Exterior

Living area

 

Entertainment Center of exotic hardwood

Kitchen

Bathroom

Fabulous Beach Hotel For Sale in Hopkins Belize

Hopkins, Belize is a friendly little village in Belize. A mile south, you can find the sprawling property that is home to Villa Verano. Villa Verano is a 5 star Caribbean sea front hotel for sale in Belize. Its ideal location makes it the perfect destination for romantic getaways, family reunions, fishing expeditions, weddings, yoga groups or corporate retreats.

The Villa Verano is a 10 room hotel that can accommodate up to 38 guests comfortably. The hotel has Wi-Fi throughout as well as poolside. On-site amenities include full concierge services, 70-foot beachfront swimming pool, bikes, double kayaks, paddle boards, catamaran, a fully-equipped air conditioned gym, rooftop games room, BBQ, hot tub, and galley kitchen.

Villa Verano sits on 100 feet of Caribbean sea front, plus a 50 X 150 foot lot with a staff building across the road.

The hotel is currently staffed and fully operational. Take a closer look at this phenomenal hotel for sale in Belize.

Exterior of Villa Verano

Villa Verano Pool

Room at Villa Verano

Living Area in Villa Verano

2 Bedroom Modern Home in Southern Belize

Life in Belize is filled with relaxation, adventure and endless scenic views. Southern Belize is home to the most beautiful beaches in the country and is near to the lush rain forest and natural attractions like the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary Jaguar Preserve and Victoria Peak Mountain. With a home in Belize, you can enjoy all these and more all year long.

So don't miss out on this great deal! This 2 bed/ 3 bath 3 story home in Sittee River Village is for sale.  This home is a sprawling 4,862 square feet and is well-constructed . It boasts custom finishes throughout the home with terraces allowing plenty of fresh air and natural light through.

This home's 2 bedrooms are the same size with each having their own private terraces. Its interior is decorate with custom finishes which include European-style aluminum wood imitation sliding doors and swing/tilt windows. The kitchen features Ceasar stone quartz counters, stainless steal double sinks, an insinkerator, instant hot water dispenser, and a spacious island with bar seating.

The living area has a recessed TV and an electric fireplace. The master bathroom is complete with an indoor/outdoor shower, travertine counter tops, teak cabinets with double vessel sinks, separate water closet, skylight, AC unit and pocket doors. The guest bath includes travertine counter tops and a soaking tub with a swinging glass shower door.

The upper level screened porch boasts an outdoor kitchen with Vermont Castings grill with rotisserie, a bar sink, Frigidaire compact refrigerator, radiant heater, and a ceiling fan. The open terrace includes a 5-person 325 gallon hot tub with ACE salt water sanitizing system, a half bath with towel storage, and an outdoor rinsing shower.

Currently, this home is being sold at a steal of $609K without furnishings. However, the owners are willing to negotiate and include the existing furniture and appliances. Visit the listing page on CPC's site to get more details on this amazing property.

Exterior of this deluxe home in Belize

Spacious living room

Organized laundry room

Airy master bedroom

Outdoor kitchen area

2 Key Ways to Avoid Real Estate Scams

Once you're into real estate, whether as a buyer or seller, you'll always be susceptible to real estate scams. That isn't to say that majority of sellers, buyers and renters aren't honest, but you shouldn't enter into these transactions blindly because not everyone's intentions are true.

We can all detect these scams by paying close attention to detail, but these con artists get smarter and their scams evolve with time. So how can you be sure you're not being scammed? You can't. But there are steps that you can take to protect yourself.

1. Take your time
Real estate transactions come with a lot of back-and-forth as well as a lot of paper work. We tend to get hasty when we're close to finalizing a sale or finding the house of our dreams, but this is often where we get caught up in our emotions and overlook important details of the transaction that may not always be beneficial to us.

This is how all scams are effective. Scams fool the victims into thinking their in for a deal and need to move quickly before they miss this once in a lifetime opportunity. Always remember, if something seems too good to be true then it probably is. Slow down to pay attention to details and do your own research to ensure that the transaction is truly beneficial to you.

2. Vet the person you're doing business with
Never take a stranger's word for gold. They can show you the most professional LinkedIn page or the best looking business card and have raving testimonials, but those things can never verify the validity of that person.

No matter how good of a first impression they give, always search for them online. If you're checking out a broker, ensure they have a valid real estate license. When you're finalizing the deal, ensure that all the documents are valid and legal and that the proper processes are being followed.

Its unfortunate that real estate scams have become a part of life for those in the real estate market. Remember these two points to avoid becoming a potential victim to any real estate scams. If you're looking for real estate in Belize, you can avoid these scams by working with legitimate real estate brokers from CPC.

How to Choose the Perfect Location for Your Next Home

Finding a home is a long, exhausting process but when done right, it can be the most rewarding endeavor you've ever done. A crucial part to buying the right home is ensuring that its location affords you easy access to places and amenities that matter most to you and your family. Here some tips to choosing the perfect location for your next home.

Visit during the day, at night and on the weekend

If you’re seriously considering buying a home this is important. You can find the perfect house to live in, but if its location isn’t practical for your lifestyle it you’ll never be satisfied with it. Get to know the neighborhood before you jump to buying the home. Visit the home during the day, at night and on the weekends. Listen to what sounds you hear and make note of what type of people are in the area. Do you hear a lot of traffic outside? Are there mostly families living in the area or younger people? Do the people walking around look sketchy? All these things will give you an idea of what the neighborhood is like and will help you decide if it’s the kind of environment you want to be living in.

Do mock trips to places you frequent most

This one relates to location similar to the previous tip, but here you’ll time how long it takes you to get to the places you go to most like work, school and the supermarket. Try to do mock trips to these places, from the home you’re thinking of buying, at the same times you’d normally go so you can get a true picture of what traffic along your new route would be like.

Pay attention to the cars and landscaping

If you can’t get a look at the people living in the neighborhood, a quick look at their cars and the exterior of their property can give a good indicator of what kind of people they are. If there are a lot of clean, well maintained cars around you can deduce that your neighbors are people who take care of their belongings rather than if you see junk cars that may indicate a more juvenile, careless neighborhood. The same can be said for areas where the yards a well maintained and not overgrown or filled with trash.

Visit the shopping centers

Your needs don’t stop just because you move, and unfortunately not all stores carry the same stock. Ensure that the grocery stores and shopping centers carry all the products you use or if they are adequate alternatives at good prices.

Aside from ensuring your shopping list will remain unchanged, the local grocery store is always filled with people from the area and may even contain a community billboard with events. Take a look around to see what the people are like and what’s happening in the area. You can even take this time ask people what it’s like to live in the community to get real-life reviews to help you make your choice.

If you’re ready to buy a home in Belize, get help from our reliable agents at CPC Real Estate Solutions.

Beautiful Home for Sale in Placencia Belize

Placencia is quickly becoming one of the most sought after places to live in Belize. Its southern location on a peninsula makes it ideal for home owners who want a true "beach house" experience. This beautiful 4 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home in Surfside, Placencia is the epitome of beach house elegance and charm.

The home sits on one of the largest lots in the southern tip of Surfside with amazing views of the Caribbean sea and Maya Mountains across the Placencia lagoon. The lot size is 78' X 237' X 135' X 230'. The home itself provides a whopping 4,562 square foot of living space with a 20' X 35' garage.

The home was recently built in 2008 and is two stories with 4 bedrooms, 2 and a half bathrooms and a den. The main floor features an open floor plan with a modern kitchen. All the included appliances are like new, so they're guaranteed to provides years of service. A large sea-side veranda lines the outside of the living room, as well as the dining room and two main floor bedrooms. Off the living room is a den which can be converted into an office or an additional bedroom.

The second floor of this home has the master bedroom which has an en-suite bathroom and balcony. The fourth bedroom is also located on this floor and also has a balcony. Just above is the sky deck which provides 360 degree views of the entire peninsula.

All the floors and sky deck are fully tiled. The kitchen and bathroom counter tops are finished in marble. There is great natural light in every room of this house which enters through huge windows.

The home comes equipped with all municipal utilities and a 1,588 gallon cistern to store additional water. The yard is fully landscaped with a wide variety of flowering plants, trellised walk ways, tropical trees and a garden area. There is also an outdoor shower so you can take a refreshing rinse after swimming in the sea. The deck is ideal for outdoor entertainment, equipped with a large gas BBQ and plenty of counter- and storage space. The fenced property has a circular driveway  with a two-car palapa garage and utility building.

Contact the Belize real estate agent for more details on this luxurious beach property.

Balcony

Open Floor Plan

Kitchen

Outside of Home

Back Yard

Turnkey Business for Sale in Cayo, Belize

This thriving, profitable business for sale is a resort in the Blackman Eddy Village in Cayo, Belize. The resort features 4 cabanas, restaurant and an owner’s residence. The property is directly beside the Belize River, 8 miles east of San Ignacio Town and 8 miles west of Belmopan. It is nestles atop a tropical hill that gives breathtaking views of the area.

Specs

Included in the sale of this resort are:

• 3 fully furnished rental units with handcrafted furniture;
• 3 bamboo outdoor showers;
• 2 outdoor toilets;
• 1 owner’s residence with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and kitchen with appliances;
• 1 fully furnished apartment with 1 bathroom;
• A fully furnished, 24-seat restaurant;
• 1 thatch structure with hammocks.

The property also has access to all major utilities like cable TV, phone, electricity, water and internet. There are two backup water systems on the property, as well as a well landscaped garden including plants and fruit trees like papayas, orange, bananas and limes.

This resort is ideally located nearby lots of tourist attractions, making it very appealing to guests. Some of the best attractions in Belize are only a few minutes’ drive away, like the Mountain Pine Ridge, Barton Creek, Mayan Ruins and Spanish Lookout.

Public transportation is readily available at regular intervals near the property making it very accessible. Being nestled in this village, gives guests a unique experience during their stay. As a testament to the resort’s superior quality, it has received a “Certificate of Excellence” from TripAdvisor in 2014.

If you’d be interested in an expansion of the property, the land size gives enough room for the addition of additional cabanas or a pool. There is an adjoining property for sale that is over an acre which, if bought, can combine with this property to make about 3 acres of total land.

The lodge is currently a family-run operation. Because of its quaint size, it is easily managed while bringing in constant revenue. The property is set up for longevity and constant revenue generation.

To find out more about this recently reduced property, visit CPC Real Estate Solutions Ltd.

What to Look for when Buying A House

Buying a new house is a big deal. It’s a huge investment and you need to make sure you’re choosing a house with all the right components to fit your lifestyle, now and in the future. When you’re touring for a future home, some questions you should be asking yourself are “Does this house look and feel like home?” and “Could this house really be my dream home?” Apart from those basic questions, here is a list to keep in mind when buying a house.

Space

The first thing you should be sure of when buying a house is the size and space it offers. It’s always a better option to have more space rather than less. Ensure there are enough bedrooms for your family to be comfortable, your furniture would be able to fit without making the space seem cluttered, the kitchen is big enough for more than one person to move around in and it has enough prep space, and finally that the home provides enough space to grow.

Features

Think of what a typical day for you would be like if you were already living in that house. Make a list of all the activities you would normally do and cross check the house’s features to ensure that it has everything you need in a home. If you have a green thumb and enjoy gardening, an important feature of the house for you would be enough outdoor space with good soil. A nice storage shed would come in handy for lots of outdoor gear and tools. If you have dogs, a fenced-in yard would definitely be a plus so they have room to run around. Aside from enough bedrooms, you should check to see if the home has space for an extra laundry room, office or workout room if those things are important for you to be comfortable.

Proximity

This is a biggie! Finding the perfect home includes its proximity to places you visit most- work, school, shopping and recreation. Do a mock commute to and from work at the same times you normally would to get an idea of how long it would take and the traffic you’ll encounter if you buy the house.

Amenities

Amenities here include those inside the house as well as those in the neighborhood. Check the age and condition of the appliances (refrigerator, stove, washer, dryer, etc.) as their condition will determine whether you’d need to have extra money to replace or service them. Other important appliances to check in the home are the A/C units and water heaters. These items are very expensive to fix or replace, so it’s important to determine their condition when buying a home so you can know if you’d need to a lot a budget for maintenance. 

If you're looking to buy a home in Belize, be sure to get the help of a certified agent at CPC Real Estate Solutions Ltd.

The SMART Way To Make an Offer Lower Than The List Price

Every real estate transaction is a dance between buyers and sellers that can go on for months. Both parties want to be profitable from the transaction; and to achieve this, they may have to go through several bouts of negotiations.

However, not everyone is a master negotiator. So to help buyers get the most bang for their buck, we've devised this list of elements that provide a smart way for buyers to make an offer lower than the list price.

Know the stats
You need to do your research here. You can't just offer a lower price for a property and expect the seller to jump without a second guess. You need to work with your Realtor to get specific stats like what the fair market value would be for the property you're interested in. Ways they would get this information would be by evaluating the list price of that specific home versus those of similar homes. Your Realtor would also compare the list price versus the selling price of the home as well as the number of days the home has been on the market.

Follow a set communication process
Its always better to convey any communication to the seller in writing via your Realtor. When presenting your offer, your Realtor will draft the letter, including some statistics mentioned above, and present it to the seller for consideration. If you wish to further explain your lowered offer to the seller or tell them about your feelings about their home, you may write a personal letter to them which is often times a nice touch. Personal letters may also touch the emotions of the seller and make them more inclined to take a lower offer on the home.

The seller must be motivated to sell
This is the main reason any seller will accept a lower offer on their property. A seller may be motivated to sell if they have already closed the deal on a new home and are scheduled to move soon. There are many other reason for seller motivation. Any reason it is, you need to do your research to ensure that the seller will even be inclined to budge given a lower offer before presenting one to them.

Make your lower offer attractive
If the seller doesn't seem to have a clear cut motivation to sell quickly, you may need to entice them to accept your lower offer with some offers from you. You'll need to be able to offer some compensation for the loss in profit from a lower offer like flexible closing dates or accepting all closing costs. Another thing that may make a lower offer more attractive would be having a mortgage pre-approval letter to show the seller that your funds are secure. Make sure you present ample benefits the seller will enjoy by accepting your offer.

Get the most out of the list price
Conversely if the seller refuses your offer, you can still benefit by ensuring you're getting all you could out of the cost of the home. You can request that the home be sold with the existing furniture or appliances which will save you those costs after moving in. You could also ask the seller to cover all closing costs, allowing you to use that money in upgrading your home. Get help from your Realtor in finding different ways you can get all you can out of the list price of the home if the seller won't budge on price.

This process may seem like a long journey to acquiring the right home, but in the end it will be worth it. Take your time and plan out your offer strategically. Present it with the right facts and make it work for both your seller and you. In the end, you'll walk away with a profitable investment and the home of your dreams.

Great Deal! Two Homes for Sale in Belize on Sittee River

The Sittee River in Southern Belize lines the banks of the Sittee River Village that neighbors Hopkins. Sittee River Village is a shaded community filled with lush vegetation on its banks, and small wooden houses, small grocery stores and friendly residents.

CPC Real Estate is giving you the chance to experience life in this quaint oasis with a package deal of two homes for sale on 5.45 acres of land in southern Sittee River Village. This Belize property for sale is comprised of 4 parcels (lots numbers 3,4,5 and 6) which are ideally located near Hopkins and its developing hotel zone.

The main living quarters are on lots #4 and #5 which consists of 1.78 acres. There is a home on each lot with 350 feet of river frontage. The main home is turnkey and sits on lot #5. It is a 2000 sq. ft. 2 story concrete home with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.

The second home is on lot #4. This home is 900 square feet with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. It is a 2 story wooden home that is currently being used by the property's caretakers.

This property is home to a host of amenities including a 60 foot boat dock, large two-car garage, two-car carport, and ample space for storage under the main home for additional vehicles and other equipment.

Community amenities include a marina just south of the property, a newly constructed marina in nearby Sittee Point Estates, municipal power, water, internet and cable TV, immediate access to the sea and proximity to Hopkins Village.

Here are some images of the property and homes.

Main Turnkey Home

Second Home used by Caretakers

Garage for Main Home

Living Room of Main Home

Kitchen of Main Home

Enclosed Sun Room of Main Home

To get more information on this property and see more pictures, visit the listing page here.

The Beginner's Guide to Owning your First Home

Ready, set, BUY!

If only it were so easy. You will never be without worry when in the market for purchasing a home. This is a huge investment that deserves an equally huge, well thought out plan of action. Here's a concise beginner's guide to owning your first home to help form a steady path on your house-hunting endeavor.

Know what you can afford
The most important factor in determining your success when buying a new home is knowing what you can afford and staying within those limits. As a general rule of thumb, you can afford a mortgage 3 times your annual income. Your monthly payments on your mortgage should not exceed 28% of your monthly income, while your monthly bills should not exceed 36% of your monthly income.

For example, if you make $36,000 a year, you will be able to afford a home worth $108,000 with your monthly mortgage payment being no more than $840 and your monthly expenses being no more than $1,080.

Have your down payment on hand
Depending on the type of loan you're getting, your down payment can be anywhere from 3% to 20%. Having a larger down payment readily available can reduce the amount you have to pay back on the loan monthly. Some other factors that may lower your monthly mortgage payments are having a lower interest rate or a longer loan length.

Other payments you'll need to have on hand are about 1 to 8% of your purchase price for closing costs and anywhere from $250 to $800 for other miscellaneous fees that may pop up.

Get Pre-approved
Being pre-approved for your mortgage is a must in order for you to know exactly how much you have on hand to spend on your new home. Without a pre-approved loan, you may miss out on homes you're interested in because you cannot act as quickly as possible in closing the deal. If you already got the loan approved, you then have the flexibility to make an offer as a home peaks your interest.

Find the right realtor
Realtors are the most knowledgeable people about property on the market for sale. They're familiar with the neighborhood, traffic trends and the prices homes are going for in the area. Real estate agents already know what homes are on sale and which ones meet your criteria, saving you tons of time and providing vital insights into which home will be the best fit for you. Visit CPC for great advice from Belize real estate agents and homes for sale in Belize.

Know what you want
Its easy to get thrown off track of what you really want and need in a home when you see what all some homes have to offer. To stay on track, you should create a list of all your must-haves in a home before you start looking. Then, split that list into two-- wants & needs. Take those lists with you on your house tours and ensure that the home you choose has all your needs in it so you're not looking back with regret for not buying a home with everything you need. If the home checks off all your needs and includes some wants too within your budget, then you've hit the jackpot!

Do your research
Although you'll have the help of your Realtor, its still important for you to know where you stand in your house-hunting journey. It's important to know your budget, but you also need to do your research on the desired location you wish to live in and have some knowledge of the prices homes are selling for in the area so that you can know if the house you're interested in is a realistic option or not.

Make an offer
After you've decided on the home of your dreams, its now time to make an offer to the sellers. This offer is your proposed price for purchasing the home. Your Realtor will normally craft an agreement with your offer and present it to the sellers for them to sign if they are in agreement. If they are, then you've got a new home. If not, you'll have to create a counter offer or find another home that will be sold for the amount you're offering.

Get a home appraisal and inspection
Once your offer is accepted, you will need to get it appraised to know its true value. Also, you'd need a thorough home inspection in order to identify any problems with the home. Both are crucial in knowing if the home is a good investment or not.

Close the deal
In closing the deal on your new home purchase, you sit down and finalize all the legalities and ownership transfer. You'll also make the down payment now and pay closing costs if necessary. Finally, you'll also be given the keys to your new home!

5 Tips Every First Time Buyer Needs to Know

Buying your first home is a HUGE deal. Its probably the biggest investment you'll ever make so the pressure that comes along with being a first-time home buyer is sure to be monumental. Don't let your emotions get caught up and hinder your good decision-making skills. Follow these 5 tips every first time buyer needs to know, and you're sure to have a clear path in finding the home of your dreams.

1. Get approved
In order to come out of this investment successfully, you need to know the right amount to invest. The only way to find this out is by consulting with your lending institution to find out exactly how much you're approved for. This amount will then be your guide in your house hunt.

2. Budget smart
Just because you've been pre-approved for a certain amount doesn't necessarily mean you'll be able to comfortably afford it.  You need to take things like renovations, new appliances and furniture, bills and incidentals into account as well with your budget. Ensure that the amount you set to spend on purchasing your new home leaves you with enough change in the budget to cover other expenses so you're not stretching yourself too thin.

3. Research location
More times than not, the location of your new address is even more important than the home itself. A home is something you can always customize to meet your personal taste and style; but there's no changing a location. Do your research and make sure the neighborhood of your potential home is right for you in terms of its proximity to stores, activities, work and school; as well as its crime rate and traffic. Once you have the desired location set out, you can then venture freely into finding a home on the market or land where you can break ground on building your own home.

4. Keep your options open
People tend to get stuck into their pattern of thinking and block out amazing opportunities that lie outside what they've ever imagined possible. Don't let this happen to you. Just because you've decided on an existing home in your neighborhood to be yours, doesn't mean its the best possible option out there. Spend a couple weeks exploring other locations where the  homes may be cheaper, sort through foreclosures or maybe even building your own home from the ground up. Take the time to weed through all the options available to you instead of just latching onto one option immediately based solely on your emotions.

5. Save, save, save
When you're in the market for a huge investment like a home, its certainly not the time to make large purchases or any major career changes that can negatively impact your budget. You never know what emergencies may happen while you're in the process of buying your home. As a basic rule of thumb, you should have at least 3 months' mortgage payments set aside in your account in case of any unforeseen emergency that may arise.

Bonus: Don't get hung up on the decor and furniture in homes that you tour. Remember all these things can be changed to your liking. Keep your focus on the space the home provides and the flow, to see if it would suite your needs.

You can get more insight into buying your home from the experienced agents at CPC Real Estate Solutions Ltd.

2 Bedroom Beach Villa For Sale in Placencia Belize

Placencia, Belize is on the rise as one of the top places in the country to live. Thanks in large part to recent structural developments in the area with newly updated roads, an increase in businesses, as well as its scenic ocean front location on the edge of the Caribbean.

There are a lot of newly built condo complexes and beach front homes on the market right now that make living in Placencia, Belize an easy process. With competitive prices, you’re sure to find something that meets your taste and budget.

Here is a deeper look into one such property – a two bedroom beach villa that comes fully furnished with a pool.

Enjoy Style and Comfort

This home is located in the Cocoplum Residential Community. This is a master planned resort community that boasts a large beach and lagoon front homes for sale in Placencia, Belize with luxurious finishes.

This newly built home is two bedrooms with two baths sitting on a 96’ x 200’ lot with a 66’ Reserve. It has a very open floor plan with folding glass doors in the living area that provides unparalleled views of the beach and nearby islands in the distance. Just beyond these doors is a large deck surrounding the pool, which will be great for soaking up the sun in Belize!

Modern amenities in the Caribbean

Belize is still considered to be a third world country, but there is no lack in innovation here. You can still enjoy all the technological comforts from larger, more modernized countries here. This beautiful home comes with underground power, cable TV, 24-hour security, a water supply system, granite 

counter tops and tiled floors.

Income Property

One main benefit to living in the Cocoplum Residential Community is that the principals live on the property and provide property management services for buyers who choose to use their homes for only parts of the year. With this property, you’re able to enjoy the best Placencia has to offer as well as earn an attractive extra income while you’re away.

Don’t miss out on this beautiful beach villa in Placencia Belize! Contact the brokers for more information on the property and owner financing, today!

7 Benefits of Investing in Belize Real Estate

Offshore investments are one of the most effective ways to get a good return on your dollar. Investing in Belize real estate provides all these benefits and more.

Belize is a small Central American country that is packed with an abundance of natural resources, beauty and attractions. Belize is home to some of the best scuba diving and fishing spots in the world, thanks to having the largest barrier reef in the western hemisphere within its boundaries. With tourism as one of the biggest growing industries in Belize, the country has been able to branch out in various specializations of the Tourism umbrella.

One such area of specialty is Medical Tourism. Because of the quality and affordable health care provided in Belize (ranging from dentistry to medicine to dermatology and more), many people are anxious to visit and those that permanently reside here enjoy such benefits.

Belize has much to offer its residents. Here are some benefits you’ll get to enjoy by investing in Belize real estate.

1. Easily own a second home

It’s easy to own a second home in Belize, specifically because of their affordable price tags. A nice home on the beach in Belize will cost you about $100,000 whereas a similar home in Miami Beach could easily cost almost $1,000,000. If you invest early, you can enjoy the vacation home of your dreams during your working years that will easily convert to your retirement home. Belize is popular with expats and retirees, who are looking for an escape from the years of hustle and bustle of urban living, because of its laid back lifestyle and “easy going” people.

2. Currency diversity

By investing in Belize real estate, you’ll be diversifying your wealth profile and stabilizing your net worth. Have you ever heard the phrase “never put all your eggs in one basket”? Well, you’re doing precisely that by only saving and investing in your home country. By investing in another country, you’ll be benefiting from added security for your money should one economy suffer a decrease in value.

3. Low cost of living

Belize is a retirement hot spot with expats because of its affordability. You can maximize your retirement savings in Belize and live on as little as $1000 per month without sacrificing much. The Government of Belize has also provided expats with a great retirement package, called the QRP, which provides immigrants with tax exemptions when retiring in Belize.

4. Privacy and tax benefits

When you own foreign real estate for personal use, and it is in your name, it is not mandatory to report it. Additionally, you can enjoy tax deductions for the cost of searching for and purchasing the property as well as some maintenance expenses on the property once it is for personal use. As always, it is best to consult a tax professional to get all the details of how you can enjoy tax deductions from your offshore investments.

5. Location

Owning real estate in Belize is very convenient to those who don’t plan on living in Belize year round. Belize is located a short plane ride from major airports in the US and is easily accessible to other major countries around the globe.

Because of its ideal location, Belize enjoys a sub-tropical climate all the time. This means that the average yearly temperature is in the mid 80’s with lots of sunny days, prefect for exploring the abundance of wildlife and relaxing on the many beaches.

6. Earn income abroad

Investing in Belize real estate can also provide property owners with an extra income stream. You can generate income by using the property as a rental when you’re not there, which will generate income in another currency denomination adding to your wealth’s currency diversification (see #2).

7. International asset protection

When you invest internationally, your investments are protected by the jurisdiction in which the assets are in. Investing in Belize provides added security for your investments. Although possible, it is highly unlikely that your assets will be easily accessed by a foreign government.

If you decide Belize real estate is the right investment for you, below are some helpful links to get the most of your investment.

• Asset Protection Lawyers
• Belize shipping and freight services
• Belize IBC (International Business Companies), trust & foundations formations

5 Reasons You Should Hire a Real Estate Agent

It’s tempting to bypass hiring a real estate agent when you’re buying or selling property. Many people seem to have a lack of confidence in real estate agents and think that their just getting scammed for their money. Often times, however; the people who share those sentiments are the ones that don’t put enough effort into finding the qualified real estate agents in their neighborhood. Qualified agents pride themselves on making property transfers a timely and stress-free process.

Here are 5 great reasons you should hire a real estate agent the next time you’re shopping around for properties.

1. They’ll do all the hard work for you
   If you’re in the market to buy a home, there’s a lot of searching, touring and negotiating involved. You might start off with a good idea of what you want but as you go deeper in the search to find a home, you’ll often times be (1) frustrated that you’re not finding the right type of home that you’re looking for or (2) you become overwhelmed with all the options available. Then after you've finally found some worthy options, you’re stuck with scheduling appointments, going to home tours, and negotiations that seem to go on forever before you finally make a (hopefully successful) close.
   
   The situation is reciprocated with sellers. Without a real estate agent, the sellers have to be available for all the meetings and home tours for the prospective buyers, and then have to conduct negotiations and close the deal on their own.
   
   All these headaches can be avoided by hiring a qualified real estate agent. The only information you’ll need to disclose to the agent are your terms and a budget; they’ll take care of the rest. Because your agent is supposed to act on your behalf with your interests at heart, they’re guaranteed to close the deal in the most profitable way for you.


2. They've been formally trained to buy and sell real estate Real estate agents don’t just wake up one day and decide they’ll sell property. They need to be formally trained and certified by their jurisdictional real estate association. With this education, they already know all the paperwork that needs to be in order before any property goes on sale, as well as the technicalities that go into closing a deal and everything else that needs to be done after a close before you move in. There’s no need for you to spend hours on end researching information you’ll still have no clue about when you can simply hire someone who already knows the information and has experience using it.
   
   
3. No one knows the area better than them
   There’s a difference between being familiar with an area in terms of its locale and knowing the trends of buyers and sellers in the area. If you’re not constantly working with these figures and studying the patterns, you’ll be blind to all the opportunities and pitfalls present which can cause you to possibly lose money.
   
   Don’t dive in blindly. Find a real estate agent who is also a consultant and get all the facts about buyer and seller trends in the area to see if properties you’re interested are in your budget, or if you’ll be making a profitable return on your sale.
   
   
4. They’ll get you the best price possible
   Because real estate agents know the current standing of the real estate market, they are the best people to guide you toward an accurate (and realistic) budget or valuation of your home. They’re master negotiators, and will definitely get you the best possible deal.
   
   Not all real estate deals go through amicably. When the time comes to close the deal and sort out all the little details, your inexperience will show through limiting you from asserting yourself the way you need to get all your stipulations met. Agents are trained to negotiate and counter offers until the right offer is presented.
   
   
5. You’ll find the overall selling/buying experience a whole lot easier
   Inexperience will be your biggest adversary in the real estate market. Going it alone will only lengthen the process and add frustration to your life. Save yourself the hassle and hire an agent to deal with all the details for you. From securing a loan, getting a home inspection, completing title and so forth, your real estate agent will guide you through all the necessary steps ensuring that the process is as flows as smoothly as possible. 

Don’t go it alone. Be sure to get an agent for all your real estate transactions. When buying real estate in Belize, choose CPC Real Estate Solutions Ltd. – your trusted brokers in Belize!

Beach House for Sale in Hopkins Belize

There is a three bedroom, 2 bathroom beach house for sale on the very private and scenic Sittee Point Estates in Hopkins Belize. This beach house is built to last with a steel and concrete structure that has just been recently renovated to provide added comfort and security along with breathtaking views of the sea and beach. The 20-foot easement to the South of the property allows more privacy than most other properties nearby.

The interior of this home is just as spectacular as the outside.  This home has a 1,700 square foot interior and sits on a 17,500 square foot lot. The master suite comes with a comfortable king-sized bed and ensuite bathroom, guaranteeing thorough relaxation. Two more bedrooms can be found in the home that each have a queen-sized and share a bathroom. At the heart of the house is a spacious kitchen that's great for preparing family meals. There is also a dining area and living room that opens up to a large East-facing deck that will definitely be used a often to enjoy views of the beach and sunrises everyday.

This house comes with a bonus, fully-contained one bedroom suite and an adjoining utility/laundry room. This home for sale in Hopkins Belize comes fully furnished and is "turn key", so the new owners would not need to break a sweat before moving in.

There is also great income potential with this property if used as a vacation home. Over the past 3 years it produced over $20,000 per year in revenue when rented out. If you plan to be living in the home permanently, another option would be to rent the one-bedroom suite since it is self contained.

Book a tour to view this amazing Belize home for sale, today!

Here are some pictures in and around the home.

Find out more about the property here or view more Belize real estate listings on our website!