Moving to Belize? It May Be the Best Decision You'll Ever Make.

From its secluded white sandy beaches to its steamy tropical rainforests, Belize is a country of diverse natural beauty, a true jewel in the Caribbean. Its slow pace of life makes it a very popular tourist destination, and cost of living is still low. For the more adventurous traveler, activities can include a trek into the jungle in search of Mayan ruins, spotting parrots, toucans, and maybe even a jaguar along the way.

It's true that Belize is no longer the lowest priced place to buy property, but this country has other benefits: economic stability, a stress-free lifestyle, and a cost of living that is a very good value when compared with the U.S. (or even other Caribbean destinations).

Belize is still undeveloped and sparsely populated so there's a lot of room (on the beaches, in the jungle, in the rainforests...) for you to stretch out, and there are only three highways traversing the country (one goes north, one goes south, one goes west).

Tourism in Belize is booming. A dozen years ago, the commercial airlines from the USA to Belize City were full of Belizeans returning home from their visits to the United States. Today, they are full of Americans. We asked several people why they were moving to Belize: "The simple answer is quality of life--we're looking to improve ours. In Belize, we know our lives will be blissfully free from the commuter crush, 24-hour news, workaday stress...Belize is a land of few cars, abundant fresh food from the sea and the trees, and great natural beauty," they said.


What makes Belize such a popular destination? They speak English.
If you don't enjoy the idea of learning a new language but still want a place in the sun, then BELIZE IS THE PLACE FOR YOU!

Belize...Mother Natures Best Kept Secret of the Caribbean

I wanted to share a video about Belize with each and everyone. This is to share the beauty of the jewel we all call home, Belize.

Please enjoy and stay tuned for more.

Belize Unveiled $13.5m Sustainable Tourism Plan

Earlier this year The Government of Belize (GOB) committed to a four-year, $13.5 million dollar plan to promote and practice responsible tourism development in the country. The new sustainable tourism initiative outlines infrastructural projects that focus on the long-term preservation of Belize’s stunning natural resources, as well as developments in four of the country’s more popular tourism destinations, including San Ignacio in the Cayo District, Placencia in the Stann Creek District, San Pedro on Ambergris Caye and Belize City.

“Our focus is to help build Belize as an emerging destination in a responsible way, thereby setting the tone for future developments and advances throughout the country,” said Tracy Panton,Director of Tourism for the Belize Tourism Board (BTB). “The initiatives presented in Belize’s new plan will promote sustainability and foster mutually beneficial relationships between residents and investors."

In Belize City, infrastructural developments will include a pedestrian link from the cruise ship portto the city’s downtown area, allowing locals to benefit from cruise tourism; as well as re-surfacing ofthe street, installation of wider sidewalks, lighting and landscaping.

In Placencia, a natural disaster management plan will be put into place, along with the construction ofan extended pier, allowing visiting yachts and boats to dock and access the area.

In San Pedro-Ambergris Caye, an outlet mall will be built on the western side of the town, which will create new jobs and local opportunities for growth.

In San Ignacio, the sustainable tourism projects will focus on improving accessibility to, and preservation of, key archeological sites. In addition, a town cultural center will be developed to help tourists access all the services San Ignacio has to offer.

Complementing the new initiative in May will be the third annual World Conference on Responsible Tourism by the International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT).

The BTB recently announced its sponsorship of the event which focuses on the responsibility for sustainable tourism and addresses local economic development through tourism, the impact of second homes or condo hotels, the impact of mass tourism to the marine environment as well as climate change.

Buying a piece of the Caribbean

The Caribbean, the playground of the rich and famous, has been getting more affordable. The depreciation of the US dollar against major currencies such as the British pound and the euro, has made Caribbean properties more attractive from a European point of view.

More affordable… but still not cheap! Property prices in more popular and developed islands can easily reach over one million US dollars for a house and lot near the beach.

In its latest survey of Caribbean property prices, the Global Property Guide finds that in Bermuda, the average price of a three bedroom house and lot is around US$1.5 million.
In Grand Bahama, Bahamas, a similar property costs around US$1.4 million, according to Global Property Guide figures.

Property prices in highly-developed areas such as Bermuda and Bahamas exceed US$7,000 per sq. m.

Coastal properties in Barbados are also expensive, at around US$6,700 per sq. m. In the British Virgin Islands (BVI), the US Virgin Islands (USVI), real estate prices are around US$5,000 per sq. m. Saint Maarten also has expensive properties at around US$5,300 per sq. m.

Property prices in St. Kitts and Nevis, Puerto Rico, Martinique, St. Lucia and Antigua and Barbuda range from US$3,170 per sq. m. to US$4,500 per sq. m.

The cheapest Caribbean properties are found in Belize, Jamaica, Aruba and Dominican Republic, with prices ranging from US$1,300 per sq. m to US$1,500 per sq. m for houses near the beach.

For apartment buyers, Bermuda and Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) are among the most expensive with prices at around US$5,000 to US$8,000 per sq. m. A two bedroom apartment costs around US$841,000 in Bermuda and US$670,000 in TCI.

Despite these high prices, Caribbean properties are now considerably cheaper than coastal properties in Mediterranean Europe.

Risks and Restrictions

Property buyers, however, should take note that some islands impose restrictions on foreigners or “non-belongers” intending to purchase properties. These restrictions are quite strict in Bermuda, BVI and Tobago. Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, St. Kitts and Nevis and St. Lucia require a permit or license, and this adds costs.

Thanks to a system based on British Common Law, Belizean law places almost no restrictions on foreign ownership of real estate. As a result, buying property in Belize is far easier than it is in many other Caribbean countries.

Andrew Zimmern from Bizarre Foods films in Belize

World Famous Andrew Zimmern, a food writer, TV personality, chef, teacher and host of Travel Channel’s Bizarre Foods, was in the country filming the first episode for his new TV Show Bizarre Worlds. The show will feature different aspects of the countries he visits and Zimmern’s piece on Belize will showcase art, Mayan sites, caves, cayes and of course, food.

Andrew arrived in Belize on Monday, April 6, and was filming throughout the week. “This is our first show in the Bizarre World series. So it is a really a momentous occasion for us and we’re just thrilled to be able to kick it off in Belize,” commented Zimmern to 7News. “Bizarre World allows me to cover stories that aren’t about food. The show will be about half food and allows me to do things like this, art installation stories which is certainly unusual. It is a provocative idea. It is something we believe belongs in this show about Belize.”

According to Zimmern he had wanted to visit Belize for the past 15 years but was unable to do so because of his hectic work schedule and was extremely pleased to finally visit the country and to film his show here.

“There are more than just ancient Mayan cultures and beaches here. Now we are exploring both of those because we think there are interesting stories for folks who will never make it here but we also want to talk about the Creole population,” commented Zimmern. “We also want to talk about the indigenous food; we want to take our cameras into the art parks, connect people in the rest of the world, it shows in 70 countries.” The show airs in 70 countries that will see the people of Belize and show what really makes Belize tick.

Andrew arrived in San Pedro on Thursday, April 9, and was at Azul Resort filming with Chef Jeff Spiegel at Rojo Lounge. “It was a pleasure having Andrew at the resort,” commented Spiegel of Azul Resort. “Andrew has a great sense of humor and during his visit we prepared several dishes of which I wish not to name so that we don’t spoil the fun before it actually airs. But we did use several local ingredients in an interesting and unusual way, of course.”

Bizarre World plans to venture into Cuba, which according to Zimmern, no other show has been able to do. Belize will be the first episode of Bizarre World, which premiers on Tuesday, September 8, 2009. Be sure to mark your calendars and tune into the Travel Channel at 10:00 p.m. eastern time.

Why do we Leave Out Central America and The Northern Coast of South America When We think of the Caribbean?

When we think of the Caribbean, most of us think of only Islands. Countries like the Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Puerto Rico, The Cayman Islands, Jamaica, The Virgin Islands, etc. come to mind.

But what about Central American Countries Like Belize, Nicaragua, Panama, Costa Rica, etc., and South American Countries such as Colombia, Venezuela, French Guiana, etc.???
These are also part of the beautiful Caribbean. We just don’t think of them as such. Yes, the Caribbean is mostly made up of Island Nations and Territories but the following Continental Countries also have Caribbean Coasts and Islands within the Caribbean:

Belize
Colombia
Costa Rica
French Guiana
Guatemala
Guyana
Honduras
Mexico
Nicaragua
Panama
Suriname
Venezuela

So the next time that you are thinking about embarking on a Caribbean Journey, why not look toward some of these places as well. You’ll find the same tropical climate and beautiful beaches you’ll obviously find in the island setting and you’ll also find access to a vast new continental territory.

Call Platinum International Real Estate and Investments Today!

platinumhomesbelize@gmail.com

Looking for Platinum Real Estate Agents!

Do YOU have what it takes?

Looking for a few good real estate agents.

Platinum Agents to be exact.

If you have what it takes, the drive, ambition and if you are a team player, make sure to contact us.

No experience necessary just the willingness to learn, be positive and be proactive.

Email us today at: platinum_internationalre@yahoo.com, for more information.

Who is buying property in Central America?

There has been a trend in recent years for many North American and European, Canadians and Asian buyers to purchase real estate in what are seen as developing or emerging economies. In Europe much of the focus has been on the emerging economies of the former Soviet Union, Morocco, southern Europe and the Caribbean. In North America the focus has been very strongly on the Caribbean, Central and Latin America. The US State Department estimates that about 380,000 Social Security cheques are delivered to beneficiaries outside the US each month. Almost four million Americans, not including embassy officials and the military, are now living overseas.

Many Central American countries offer impressive incentive packages for retirees. The economic benefit of a retiree migration to Central America is a two way street. “Retirees get a lower cost of living, warm weather and more economic housing and create a virtuous cycle in return: more retirees equals more local jobs, resulting in more economic stability and less political stability, resulting in more retirees” If you have any questions about this artice please write to platinumhomesbelize@gmail.com

Platinum International Real Estate and Investments

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Finding Paradise in Belize

Have you ever wondered what paradise looks like? Do you like to look at breathtaking views? Have you ever wondered what it feels like to walk in the past? Do you want to experience Caribbean culture and cuisines at its very best? Are you looking for adventure? Are you looking for your getaway location? You can find all this and more in Belize with the help from Platinum International Real Estate and Investments.

Belize is a small, unspoiled country located in Central America and is fast becoming a world renowned destination for tourists and international investors alike. It is the only English speaking Central American country due to the historical influences of the British Buccaneers and Colonialists that settled in the country for over a century. It is home to a multi-cultural society made up of Creole, Mestizo, East Indian, Chinese, Arabs, Garifuna, Maya, and Mennonites just to name a few. It is a country rich in Culture and rooted in beliefs of working together for a strong economy. The Belizean people are very friendly and a simple hello is given everywhere you go no matter who you are or what you do.

People that visit Belize keep coming back to immerse themselves in the rich cultural diversity and the well preserved forests and barrier reef that we call paradise. People enjoy soaking in the cool azure Caribbean waters; taking day trips to the fishing, diving or snorkeling preservation sites or taking a hike in the lush protected rain forests that keep the country so serene. The preservation of such beautiful places in Belize is essential for generations to enjoy it even after we move on and leave our legacy behind.


Platinum International Real Estate and Investments, vows to stand firm, work with everyone to bring Belize to a recognizable International Real Estate Level unsurpassed by most in the industry. They will help anyone to find that wonderful place that they can call Home in Belize.

Platinum Goals for Belize Real Estate.

The goal of Platinum International Real Estate and Investments is to revolutionize the real estate industry by offering various departmentalized services to the benefit of the Sellers and Buyers of residential, commercial and investment property in the country of Belize therefore setting Platinum International Real Estate and Investments as the client’s number one choice for all real estate services.
We will standardize the real estate practice to avoid price gouging of the real estate Sellers and Buyers therefore gaining the trust from our real estate clients.
We offer unmatched services among our competitors which sets our company as the number one choice for real estate in the nation and the first choice for anyone looking for real estate in Belize.