Real estate tours showcase the best that Nicaragua has to offer
12/20/2006 8:23:46 PM
by Claudia Gonella
Coldwell Banker Nicaragua Real Estate Tours Showcasing the best Nicaragua has to offer Coldwell Banker Nicaragua real estate tours are designed to showcase the best real estate deals the country has to offer. The tours present a perfect way to fast-track your understanding of the real estate market here in Nicaragua. Over an intensive 5 days you will learn more about the local real estate market and see more properties for sale than would be possible if you arranged your own trip. It’s the prudent way to see for yourself whether Nicaragua is right for you. Why now? As Nicaragua watchers will know, Daniel Ortega became President Elect on 5th November 2006 after winning 38% of the national vote on the back of a campaign focused on the twin themes of "Peace and Reconciliation." Timing is everything in real estate and we have chosen to start our next real estate tour on January 20th 2007 - 10 days after Daniel formally takes the office of President. Tours will also run in February and March 2007. Some international commentators are voicing caution and this is to be expected – they are not here and do not see what is happening at a local level. We are seeing the possibilities for investors with an insider track on what is happening - opinion formers, investors, developers and analysts here on the ground are seeing real buying opportunities based on the following hard facts: Having Sandinistas in Government is not something new - the Sandinistas have been very involved in the governance of the country at all levels over the last 16 years. In fact two of the biggest growth areas for tourism and foreign investment, the towns of Granada and San del Sur (along with the capital Managua), have had Sandinista local governments for a number of years now, presiding over rapidly growing and highly successful foreign tourism and investment markets. The National Assembly will be more balanced than during the previous administration – Four major parties are represented in the Assembly and although Ortega has won the Presidential seat, he has not secured a controlling number of seats – the Liberal and Conservative parties (ALN and PLC) have a larger representation. Ortega has taken very real steps to underline his support for tourism and foreign investment - The very next day after being voted as President Elect Ortega held a meeting with the foreign investment community where he stressed his commitment to free enterprise, CAFTA, private property rights and tourism. His Vice President (an ex Contra) will visit key real estate developments in San Juan del Sur on December 9th to underline this commitment once again. Since being re-elected Ortega has visited the largest CAFTA-era investment of all Central America – a $100 million free-trade denim plant being built just north of Managua by North Carolina group Cone Denim. Ortega has indicated that he would like to reappoint members of outgoing President Bolaños’ pro-market economic team - In fact, as in the US, Ortega will need the support of Congress to do so following constitutional reforms enacted in 2005 where key Presidential powers were transferred to the Legislature. The IMF, the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB), and the World Bank have pledged to help the future government with loans and aid - On November 16, Ortega declared his “absolute agreement” with conditions being imposed by the International Monetary Fund for a new loan. Sandinista party members have a personal stake in Nicaragua’s economic success - A large number of the Sandinista party elite have substantial financial and business interests in the country and so have a very personal stake in the future economic success of Nicaragua. These are the realties on the ground. Real positive benefits are being felt as a result of tourism and foreign investment; and free enterprise is the only way for the country to progress. It is the key to helping reduce poverty in the country – the key policy platform of Ortega’s campaign. Nicaragua is well and truly open for business. In fact, International Living go as far as to say that “Already There’s a New Speculator’s Buzz in the Air”. We certainly think that if we look toward the long term, a Sandinista victory will sweep away once and for all the old concerns rooted in memories of the revolution that have hung over the country for over 15 years. It’s a great time to be in the country and we hope you can join us and see for yourself. Work with a premier real estate organization Coldwell Banker is internationally recognized as one of the world’s premier real estate companies. In Nicaragua we have helped hundreds of clients get in on the ground floor of real estate opportunities and it is this experience that we will share with you. We know which strategies work and which do not. Timely market intelligence and a great network can make the difference between a good investment and a great one. We continually review the country with our network of local property finders for the best deals and work with the finest real estate developers in Nicaragua. A tour with "insider access" With our two offices located in colonial Granada and on the beach at San Juan del Sur we can ensure the "insider access" that only a local staff can provide. We are passionate about Nicaragua and feel that it offers some of the best real estate opportunities in all of Central America. We look forward to introducing you to our resident real estate agents all chosen for their professionalism and in-depth understanding of the market. Ask them the hard-hitting questions and you will quickly understand the possibilities that Nicaragua has to offer and develop your own perspective on whether Nicaragua is right for you. Through the course of the tour we also offer you innovative “insider access” in the form of introductions to prominent lawyers, investment analysts, developers, hotel owners and tourism professionals; each with a unique perspective on the real estate market. Showcasing the best deals We make the most of your precious commodity, your time, in a service that shows you the finest real estate in the country. On the tour you will discover: Stunning beachfront and ocean view properties that are the best candidates for capital growth and rental income in the country; Ground-floor investment opportunities in lake and mountain property, boasting some of the best views of the country; Historic colonial properties in Granada with 12ft high adobe walls and cool interior gardens that are undervalued against market benchmarks and offer an immediate positive cash flow; A coastline often compared to California but at a fraction of the price; and The best in surf real estate up and down the coast. We know the market and we know the best deals. We also have access to property options pre-general market release, some of which will be launched specifically for our tours. A more personal touch Our clients are discerning and expect the best. With an average of just 6-12 participants, our groups are small enough to facilitate individual contact among group members, and personalized attention from our sales agents. This small group size also allows us a degree of flexibility. We will consult with you prior to the tour so that we ensure that we can meet your needs in the most efficient way possible. We think keeping our groups small is important and ultimately offers a better way for our participants to see property and learn about the market. Tour schedule Saturday 20th January 2007 Day 1 Arrival and transit to Hotel Intercontinental in Managua Monday 21st January 2007 Day 2 Opening presentations and orientation Transit to Granada Tour of historic colonial properties Visit Vista Lagos on Laguna de Apoyo Overnight in Granada Hotels Tuesday 22nd January 2007 Day 3 Transit to San Juan del Sur Property tour in the San Juan del Sur area Meting with developers Overnight at Pelican Eyes Piedras y Olas Wednesday 23rd January 2007 Day 4 Property tour of the Tola Rivieria Overnight Pelican Eyes Piedras y Olas Thursday 24th January 2007 Day 5 Property tour Laguna de Apoyo Visit craft town and Masaya Volcan Closing briefing Overnight Camino Real Airport Hotel in Managua Friday 25th January 2007 Day 6 Shuttle to the airport Don’t miss this timely event The tour pricing includes the following: all accommodations, meals, park entrance fees, in-country transportation, including airport transfers. Please note that the pricing does not include international flights, departure taxes and alcoholic beverages. Price for singles accommodation: US $1099 Price per person for two (sharing accommodations): US$859 Our partner, Nicaragua Adventures, a travel agency recommended by Conde Nast Traveler (March 2005), will be assisting us with logistical arrangements for the tour. Please go here to learn more about Nicaragua and see listings of fabulous Nicaragua homes.