A Christmas Giving - Bringing Smiles to the Faces of Children

"A Christmas Giving" is a cause to help children of less fortunate families and bring smiles to their faces by offering them a gift for Christmas. These children would have normally not recieved a gift during this precious time of year, a season of giving, the holiday time of year we all know as Christmas.

Belize Association of California, BelizeLive.net and Platinum International Real Estate have taken on the task of conducting charity drives in the United States and in Belize to benefit the less fortunate children. Everyone has seen the disparaging effects of the economy on many peoples lives but despite all that it's very encouraging to say that it has been a great success and they plan of continuing the effort year after year to bring these smiles to the children.

In a conjunction of efforts they have collected new and used toys, clothes and other items for boys, girls and babies which will go a long way.

If you have used toys that are working and clothes that your kids are not using, they would be more than happy to collect them from you for this worthy cause. So please friends, let’s put a smiles of the faces of less fortunate children. However small your donation can be, it will be greatly appreciated and will be going toward a great cause.

Belize Association of California

310-701-4846

BelizeLive.net

310-612-9200

Platinum International Real Estate

USA: 714-715-2836

Belize: 501-664-1630

They know there is a place in your heart and a willingness to give to the less fortunate children especially during the season of giving. Please help to put a smile on the faces of children for the season of Christmas.

5 Top Tips to Buying Property Overseas Safely

Take your time when buying international real estate is the advice from AAIP an independent industry body for international property. They’ve put together 5 tips to help investors buy overseas property safely.

The advice from the AAIP is listed below and you should certainly keep these tips in mind when considering investing in real estate in Belize, Costa Rica, Panama, Nicaragua or anywhere in the Caribbean.

Buying property is not a process to be rushed. You need to take the time to research the market as a whole and your particular destination of choice. You should also spend time researching the companies in the market place – using the right professionals will save you time, money and stress. Investing time at the beginning of the process will save you time later.

Below you will find 5 tips for buying property overseas safely, given to you by the AIPP.

1. Independent Lawyer
No matter what anybody tells you, no matter how easy it all seems and no matter how lovely the agent seems, ALWAYS use an independent lawyer to represent you throughout the purchase of your property overseas.
It is the lawyer’s job to protect you and inform you.
You will need to pay the lawyer a fee – accept that as part of your purchase costs. This is not an area in which to keep costs down.
The definition of ‘independent’ is that the lawyer represents you and only you.


2. Do the Numbers
Make sure you know your budget before you start looking at properties – this should include at least a provisional mortgage offer if you’re borrowing money.
Don’t then be tempted to buy more properties than you can afford (particularly on off-plan properties) hoping to sell the extra properties before completion unless you fully understand the risks as well as the rewards (see point 5).
If borrowing money, your repayments will stretch over several years, years in which lending criteria and borrowing costs may change. Discuss the long term repayment with a financial specialist before proceeding.


3. Beware Exchange Rate Movements
The rates do not need to move substantially to affect the value of your purchase. When you start looking, £100,000 may buy you a certain property – a 10% drop in the value of the £ against the Euro, for example, may then put that property out of your budget. If you’ve already signed contracts to buy, this could cause you a problem. Speak to specialists in this area and secure your rate of exchange early.
The rate fluctuations will also affect the costs of mortgages (if you raise the mortgage overseas and earn your income at home). Again, speak to a foreign exchange specialist to highlight the risks and to take appropriate action.


4. Use Professional Agents and Developers
There are few, if any, guarantees when buying property, at home or overseas. Using an independent lawyer (see point 1) significantly reduces the risks you take on an overseas property purchase and employing a professional agent or buying from a professional developer will also help you.
Ask lots of questions. 3 year old children are known for asking lots of questions (why? why? why?) and you should follow their lead when talking to agents about a purchase. Initially, focus questions on the company itself, not the properties for sale. Dig around for details on the founders of the company and the track record of the company. Ask for client testimonials (real ones) and make sure you find out in detail exactly what service they offer. Don’t just take their word for it – ask for details on their service in writing, preferably in the form of some type of ‘Terms of Business’.


5. Remember the Reward : Risk Ratio
If you are buying property overseas as an investment (as many people have done in recent years), you need to bear in mind that big returns may come with significant risks. Be careful to assess the possible downsides to an investment property as well as the enticing investment numbers that could be achieved if all goes to plan.

Take your time and follow these tips and there is no reason why you’ll be taking any more risk buying overseas than you do at home.

To find out more about this article or the work of Platinum International Real Estate and Invesments, please call us (Belize) 501-664-1630 or (USA) 714-715-2836 or email us at platinumhomesbelize@gmail.com.

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.

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.