11-11-11 the date for Veterans Day and Remembrance Day in 2011

As you have not noticed everyone is making a great deal about the date 11-11-11 and to take it even further 11:11:11 AM. This day is said to be a lucky date and next year's 12-12-12 will be the same however we do not have a 13th month so we will not see another 11-11-11 for another 100 years.

Most importantly though is the fact that American in the United States are celebrating Veterans Day. November 11th every year is a day thats a federal holiday and a time to honor military veterans who has paid the ultimate sacrifice and all veterans who are currently serving or have served the country. According to Wikipedia, 'The U.S. President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed an Armistice Day for November 11, 1919. In proclaiming the holiday, he said:"To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations." '. With this today American are honoring those veterans with parades and monumental services at Arlington National Cemetary at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Coincidentally the United States Holiday of Veterans Day also coincides with Remebrance Day also known as Poppy Day. Remembrance Day is also a memorial day celebrated in Commonwealth countries after the end of World War I. This day is also a day to remember those that have died in the line of duty. The poppy flower is a very symbolic of Rembrance Day because some of the worst battlefields where blood was spilled brilliant red poppies now grow in abundance. The famous poem "In Flanders Field" has made the poppies very famous for this special occassion.

Whether you are celbrating Veterans Day or Rembrance Day make sure to take the time to honor those that are currently serving or have served and the many that have given the ultimate sacrifice of their lives for our freedom.

12-12-12 is another date that will not occur for another 100 Years. What will you be doing for that special date?

Real Estate Hot Spot in Central America and the Caribbean

There is a small Central American Nation that has a lot in common with the Caribbean, and is certainly a new hot spot. It has certainly been making headlines around the world in travel articles. So many people from all over the world primarily Canada, United States, Europe and the UK are choosing to purchase a retirement home, second home or invest in property in this small nation.

One of the reasons so many choose this country is because it's the only English speaking Central American country, which makes communicating with the locals easy and also facilitates your move. If you are wondering which country we are talking about you have to wait no longer. This country with so much beauty packed within its borders is most certainly, Belize.

Belize offers a diverse landscape. If you are looking for beachfront properties, private islands, farm lands or a secluded jungle home in the rainforests or mountains, look no further than Belize. You can choose to live in the city or in the rural areas. You will find that the real estate prices vary depending on the area that you choose. You will find that the prices in Belize City, Consejo Shores, San Pedro - Ambergris Caye and Placencia are generally higher than those in the rural areas of Belize.

The world's economy has certainly affected Belize, and since the start of the economic downturn, Belize has seen  as much as 30-35% depreciation in real estate values in some areas. This makes Belize the real hot spot of Central America and the Caribbean when it comes to purchasing real estate. It has become a real buyer's market with prices certainly being negotiable. We have seen rare discounts by as much as 50% on some land and homes. Comparing Belize's prices to that of the United States or Europe, Belize prices are still relatively low. Therefore, Belize is an excellent location for investment.

The Government of Belize as Well as the Belize Tourism Board has been promoting Belize, not only as a vacation destination, but offering Belize as Retirement Destination for expats to purchase a primary residence, second home or vacation home. For those that will be retiring in Belize, they can certainly take advantage of the Qualified Retirement Programme (QRP Program) which offers tax benefits to retirees.

If you are considering making the move to Belize or investing in real estate in this small Central American and Caribbean nation be sure to do all the necessary research or talk to a Belize Relocation Consultant about areas that would be most desirable to you.

Why should you consider Buying Real Estate in Belize?

Why should you consider Buying Real Estate in Belize?

 "Timing is everything when it comes to purchasing real estate and now is an excellent time to choose real estate in Belize." Platinum International Real Estate and Investments looks forward to welcoming you to Belize and showing you the real estate opportunities available to you. The team behind Platinum International Real Estate and Investments has over 20 years of experience in international real estate and the network and connections to give you an insider's view and bring you the region's best lifestyle and real estate opportunities.

Belize is located just two hours by air from Houston or Miami, Belize is located in the Caribbean on the main land of Central America with the Caribbean Sea is to its east which gives Belize 174 miles of pristine coastline and a land mass of 8,866 sq. miles of territory, including 266 square miles of islands.

Property prices in the Caribbean and other Central American countries have experienced over inflation in recent years, but Belize Properties still remains a bargain. Real estate in Belize has seen stability in real estate values in certain areas despite the economic turmoil in the USA and other nations around the world. Belize has seen increasing real estate investments by Canadians, Europeans, and Americans among other nationalities due to increased direct air travel from Europe and other parts of the world and is likely to increase the area’s popularity even further. Many Investors who cannot afford to retire in the U.S., Canada or Europe are considering Belize as inflation continues to rise at home. Many Investors are realizing that they may have an opportunity to jump on board before the Belize real estate market takes off again. Annual Property taxes are minimal in Belize. With NO CAPITAL GAINS TAX and NO INHERTANCE TAX, Belize is ideal for those seeking the protection of offshore investment and banking.

Owning Belize Properties in Belize is made more appealing by the Belize government’s retirement incentive program and the asset protection offered by the Belize banking system. The Legal System in Belize can also protect your assets and also your personal interest. If you are looking for possible tax exemptions, privacy and inheritance advantages, Belize is definitely the key to having much needed peace of mind.

Many properties in Belize are ideal for rentals and offer great investment opportunities. Your property can be entered into our long term lease program and property management. You can also take advantage of our short term rental or vacation home rental pool for a portion of the year ensuring that you have income when you are away and the safety of having a place you can enjoy while you are in Belize.


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Happy New Year - 2010

Sending you our warmest wishes...
For a year filled with good cheer, joy and peace
Wishing everyone a Happy and Prosperous
Happy New Year!

MOST POPULAR NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS
■Lose Weight
■Manage Debt
■Save Money
■Get a Better Job
■Get Fit
■Get a Better Education
■Drink Less Alcohol
■Quit Smoking Now
■Reduce Stress Overall
■Reduce Stress at Work
■Take a Trip
■Volunteer to Help Others
■Learn Something New
■Get Organize in your Home and Work
■Spend More Time with Family and Friends


Which one of these did you make?

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.

Wishing You and Your Family a Wonderful Holiday Season

During this beautiful season, may our hands give the gifts of caring, our hearts touch in a spirit of kindness, and our world be united in peace and love. And may the beauty and peace of the season stay in your heart all through the year.

From all of us at:
Platinum International Real Estate and Investments
Belize: 501-664-1630
USA: 714-715-2836
platinumhomesbelize@gmail.com

Paying Tribute to the Fallen on Memorial Day

We can never say truly say how appreciative we are of your service. Some have given ALL for the freedom there is today and for that reason we want to take the time on this very special day to thank not only those that have fallen but also those who have served or is serving in the Military.

We Remember and will keep your memory alive.

How to Buy Real Estate in Belize

On the eastern coastline of Central America with a mainland and over 200 islands, Belize is a popular tourist destination. It offers many natural attractions with rainforests, sandy beaches, Mayan ruins and tropical climate. Belize is affordable and has a lower cost of living than Europe, Canada and the United States. There are no restrictions on foreign ownership, and the country is politically and economically stable. The difficulty of buying property in Belize is: Moderately Challenging.

Instructions
1. Step 1
Spend time in Belize and ask any Platinum International Real Estate and Investment Agent for properties. There are a few real estate listings, but a large amount are for sale by owner and usually there are no signs posted. We have an inventory on those inside listings that are to the benefit of our clients. We should be prepared to hunt for your piece of real estate to call home.
2. Step 2
Pay cash or get financing on your assets back home. Mortgage financing is not readily available for foreign buyers. We have a few possible options but we would need to find out what your needs and wants are.
3. Step 3
We will negotiate your price. There are two prices, one for locals and one for foreigners. Unfortunately that’s the way it is but we will do your research and have our Belizean agents find out the local prices just for you. You will get a better price with Platinum International Real Estate and Investments having more knowledge of the real estate market in Belize.
4. Step 4
Hire a lawyer. The attorney fee is normally two percent of the purchase price. If you don’t know of any we have a few we could suggest to you. That decision is ultimately yours to make.
5. Step 5
Research and learn the real estate market. Know the fees and costs of purchase. Your Land Title Transfer fee, called a stamp tax, is 12 percent. The property taxes vary based on the assessed value of your property. We will make the process as easy as possible and take the hassle out of buying or selling real estate in Belize by providing a breakdown of costs and fees up front.
6. Step 6
Apply for a Title Transfer and receive a Certificate of Title under the Registered Land Act System. This is the most common purchase agreement. There is also the Conveyance System involving a title search usually done by an attorney, and the Torrens System involving a First Certificate of Title.
7. Step 7
Moving into your home after the transaction is complete.
Platinum International Real Estate and Investments will ensure that you have adapted and will continue to check with you to make sure everything is going smoothly. The only other reason would be because we have forged a lasting relationship with you, our client.

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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