The Pathfinder Alert

A Killer Combination: Low Property Prices & Big Rental Potential

2013-05-24T08:25:57+00:00

Low property prices combined with big rental opportunities makes for one hell of a killer deal. And when this killer deal is on a Caribbean island…you know you are on to a good thing.

Dear Reader,

When I say Caribbean island, what’s the first thing you think of?

I’m writing from a secret location where we’ve gathered together some of the world’s top real estate experts and a select group of real estate investors. Right now, we’re all thinking the same thing…Caribbean island.

Clear warm waters…endless summer beaches…palm trees swaying in the soft ocean breeze…

But our expert is telling us that there’s much more to this island destination than sun, sea and surf.

Sure, it’s got a dreamy coastline with 19 miles of gorgeous beach. You can walk along the seashore, swim and snorkel to your heart’s content, or picnic in a secluded cove.

It’s not remote, though. You can leave home in the early morning and enjoy a lobster lunch on a golden-sand beach…

Plus, it’s got European style and elegance. You can breakfast at the French bakery on crisp croissants, shop in the Italian grocery store or relax at the Turkish spa.

Unlike most other Caribbean islands, it’s very affordable. In fact, it’s got a killer combination of low property prices and big rental potential. You can buy a new condo for as little as $56,000….and generate up to 10% rental yields by renting your vacation home out when you’re not using it yourself.

Sounds incredibly tempting, doesn’t it?

I’m sure our little group of smart real estate investors is wondering why this place is such a steal. Our on-the-ground contact is just about to explain why. More on that in a moment…

We’re gathered at this closed-doors event to uncover the secrets to successful property investing. Follow a number of simple strategies and you’re sitting pretty for real estate profits. We’re getting the lowdown from connected insiders. They’re showing us actionable deals in locations poised for capital growth, and spots where your vacation home can generate an income stream.

And you can get a slice of the action. You can hear the presenters…see the properties…and jump on the deals, from the comfort of home. We’ve recorded everything so you can listen at your leisure. You can find out more about ‘In The Room, In the Deal: How to profit from the World’s Hottest Real Estate’ here.

Now, let’s go back to the exciting island beach town. Why is it such good value?

It’s simple, our insider tells us. It was tough to get to until the new airport and the new road opened it up. Plus, it’s completely overlooked by mass market tourists. They flock to another island location, to pick their way through the maze of sun loungers and towels blocking the sand. They don’t even consider this tranquil spot – because they don’t know about it.

But it’s popular with well-heeled locals and Europeans. They vacation with friends and family. And they often prefer to rent a villa or condo for the space and privacy they seek.

Our island insider’s got breakdowns of rental income on properties and some fantastic real estate deals – including generous discounts on new condos until the end of June, 2013.

She’s inviting our group to come and see this place for themselves – to see if it’s a good fit, if the laid-back lifestyle will suit, and if the beaches are just as beautiful as they are in her photos.

(I’ve seen those beaches – and her photos don’t do them justice!)

Our group will save $100 off the cost of the trip, too, thanks to their $100 Chill Weekend voucher. They can take our insider up on her invitation…or visit any one of the other 13 locations we cover…and knock $100 off the cost of their trip.

And we’ll extend that offer to you, too. Buy ‘In The Room, In the Deal: How to profit from the World’s Hottest Real Estate’ and you’ll get a $100 Chill Weekend credit. You could check out Belize…Tulum…Ecuador…and save $100 with your special credit.

Margaret Summerfield

Director, Pathfinder Ltd.

P.S. If you order ‘In The Room, In the Deal: How to Profit from the World’s Hottest Real Estate’ while I’m reporting live from our secret location this week, you’ll get a 20% discount off the purchase price. Instead of paying $99, you’ll only pay $79 if you place your order before midnight on Sunday.

By reserving your copy of ‘In The Room, In the Deal: How to Profit from the World’s Hottest Real Estate’, you’ll get downloadable audio recordings of all of the real estate experts’ presentations, copies of their slideshows, a special bonus report ”Property Profit Plays”, and a $100 Chill Weekend credit you can use against any of the Chill Weekend trips you’ll hear about.

For Crisis, Read Opportunity

2013-05-22T06:30:34+00:00

What has Argentina got in common with Ireland when it comes to real estate investing? Quite a lot, it would appear. Find out today how you can learn the secrets that could see you profit from distressed markets.

Dear Reader,

I’m in a private, closed-doors meeting with a select group of savvy real estate investors this week. We’re talking about property hot spots…places where you can profit from capital appreciation, strong rental income, or a combination of both.

My Pathfinder colleague, Ronan McMahon, is talking about Buenos Aires, Argentina. It’s home to almost 13 million people in the greater metropolitan area…high-rise towers and busy shopping streets…tango clubs and Art Deco buildings.

Now, he’s switching to Kerry, Ireland. It’s a quiet spot, popular with tourists, steeped in history and rich in stunning landscapes.

On paper, these two places are worlds apart, Ronan explains. But they’ve got one huge factor in common. They’re both places where crisis equals opportunity. Back in 2001, Argentina’s economy collapsed. The value of their currency plummeted. With bank accounts frozen, locals took to fire selling their assets. That included property.

And while most folk wanted out, a savvy few saw opportunity. They quietly snapped up prime properties for a fraction of their cost only a few months earlier. Then, they sat back and waited…for a market recovery. This strategy is called crisis investing and it’s a smart way to build in a cushion of appreciation and generate higher rental yields from the get-go. Those who bought in Buenos Aires in 2001 made a killing.

It’s a similar situation in Ireland today. Bank accounts aren’t frozen, of course. But the country’s economy and property market are in deep distress. The collapse of real estate values has been catastrophic.

That means opportunity. It’s a true buyer’s market for the first time in more than a decade. Ronan’s got his pulse on the best deals in Ireland’s property market right now. He knows where – and how -you can snap up a scenic cottage or a stately home…a country pub or a city center condo…with up to 80% off list pricing in the boom years.

Ronan’s explaining to our little group where we should look…what we should buy…and the golden rules of crisis investing. Did you know that there is one type of property you should never, ever buy in a distressed market? Most of the folks in the room didn’t, until Ronan told them…

Don’t worry. There’s a way for you to “pull up a chair” and join us in the room – for only $79.

You see, we’re recording every word and making copies of each presentation…gathering all the intelligence we’re hearing today from 13 real estate experts, covering more than a dozen different locations…into a special package called ‘In the Room, In the Deal: How to Profit from the World’s Hottest Real Estate’.

It gives you all the details you need to profit from overseas real estate. You can pick the areas and the deals that interest you most and get detailed information packages on them from the real estate experts you’ll “meet”… from the comfort of your armchair.

You can find out more about ‘In the Room, In the Deal: How to Profit from the World’s Hottest Real Estate’ and order your copy, here.

Margaret Summerfield

P.S. If you couldn’t make it to our private strategy meeting, don’t worry. There’s still a way you can get in on the investment opportunities we discussed. For instance, we’ll reveal where in Costa Rica you can get the best bang for your real estate buck… and how you can buy a condo for as little as $56,000 in a chic island beach town. Find out about these opportunities and more here.

Our #1 Vacation & Retirement Spot

2013-05-19T17:41:43+00:00

When it comes to buying a vacation or retirement home, there’s one destination that always comes up trumps. And it’s not just down to the sheer beauty of the place or the fact that its within easy reach…although that certainly helps. Read on to discover why so many have their eye on this world-class location.

Dear Reader,

There’s a hands-down winner with Pathfinder readers when it comes to buying a vacation or retirement home.

It’s a popular spot, and it’s easy to see why. It’s easy to get to. It’s incredibly beautiful. And it’s got huge upside potential.

Everyone that comes here raves about the beaches. They’re world-class. They keep tourists coming back, year after year. And they’re a big factor for property buyers looking for their dream retirement home or a fun vacation spot to share with family and friends.

But this place is more than a pretty beach destination. It’s packed with amenities. You’ll never run short of things to do, and they’re all on your doorstep.

If you enjoy swimming or sunbathing you’ll love the beaches. There’s a lot of beach, and it’s all gorgeous:

Divers and snorkelers will appreciate the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea. You can swim with giant whale sharks, manatees and sea turtles:

A huge barrier reef begs you to explore its jewel-like corals swarming with neon-bright fish. You can explore a network of limestone caves, sinkholes and underground rivers. Or discover the magic of a vast nature reserve that’s untamed and filled with wildlife.

If you’re into history, you can check out ancient Mayan temples and pyramids.

Golfers, take note. You’re spoiled for choice in this location with more than a dozen courses - and an excellent 27-hole course in our top community in this area:

When it comes to restaurants, cafes, bars, entertainment and shopping, it’s hard to know where to begin. You’ve got lots of choice inside our top community. Venture out to the little beach towns close by and you can take your pick…gourmet food, chic cafes, live music, clubs, movie theaters, big-box shopping and little family-run stores.

And those beach towns also host fashion shows, art exhibits and jazz, food and film festivals.

Back inside your community, an on-site Wellness Center opens up endless possibilities. You can swim in lap pools, work out in the gym, or take part in the morning yoga, meditation or tai chi classes:

You can get fitness and nutrition advice, learn about energy medicine, healthy cooking or how to salsa. The Wellness Center gives you the chance to balance your mind and body and achieve long-lasting inner peace.

You’ll never go short of things to do in this location. Of course, you could still opt for the beach and the hammock…

Margaret Summerfield

P.S. This community will truly impress you… Best of all a luxury condo is affordable here at just $800 a month. Click here to find out how you can own a stunning property in this community.

Four Days in a Caribbean Paradise for $180

2013-05-18T17:43:39+00:00

This Caribbean coast is one you’d probably never think of - yet it offers a luxury, comfortable lifestyle, plenty of amenities and affordable property. Better yet, you can check it out for only $180. Read on to find out more.

Dear Reader,

Just picture yourself in the lounger:

The tropical sun’s warm on your skin…an ocean breeze ruffles your hair…you sip a frosty margarita to the sound of the surf…

Tempting, isn’t it?

This Caribbean coast is rich in natural beauty. It’s rich in amenities. It’s a playground for the rich and famous.

But it won’t cost you a fortune to try on its luxuriously laid-back lifestyle for size - or make this your permanent vacation spot.

In this video, we’ll show you how you can put yourself in that lounger for four days for $180…and how you can own a home here from $800 a month.

Margaret Summerfield

Find Out Why this Couple Chose a Caribbean Resort Lifestyle

2013-05-17T15:50:28+00:00

Clint and Rosine thought they wanted a colonial location for their retirement home in Mexico. But it only took one glimpse of the country’s gorgeous Caribbean coast to make them change their minds. Find out what they bought - and why - in this article.

Dear Reader,

Clint and Rosine first visited Mexico to look for a retirement home because they thought they “were attracted to the whole colonial thing”. It only took one glimpse of the country’s Caribbean coast for them to change their minds. “We flew in and out of Cancun. We stayed the last night in Cancun and the water was just…beautiful,” they say.

The couple decided that they’d explore the coast on their next visit and “skip the colonial thing”. “We loved the beaches and clear blue water in Cancun, but we didn’t want a big city. We were looking for something more calm, more peaceful… we wanted less hectic in our life.”

Clint had been on a diving trip on the coast many years earlier. The couple had also heard from Rosine’s brother about Tulum. He visited Tulum decades ago and “loved it”.

After reading an an article on the Tao community in the International Living magazine, Rosine decided she wanted to find out more. It was the Tao lifestyle that appealed to the couple more than anything else. . “It’s a really attractive idea, where the whole point of the existence, the whole point of building the place was peace, and calm and health and just having a better quality of life.

“Because it’s not about ‘what can we do today?’ it’s about a simpler life and a simpler and healthier way to approach living… and that was what brought us here,” Clint comments.

They booked a Tao Chill Weekend and were impressed. They stayed in developer Benjamin Beja’s first project in the resort, the Sian Ka’an hotel: “As soon as we stayed at the Sian Ka’an hotel we knew we were going to get what we had been promised in Tao. We knew it was a different project, but seeing the way it’s built and the way the infrastructure has been handled where everything is underground and a lot of attention has been paid to preserving the environment and the jungle as much as possible. I especially like the way the Tao Wellness Center is built right into the landscape instead of altering the landscape massively. It’s a great way to do it and it’s a great way to live.

“There is just a different feeling here. Everything in the US is about GO, DO, EARN, BUY, ACQUIRE. We wanted to step back from that as we approach semi-retirement.”

The couple didn’t think twice before snapping up a brand-new condo. “We didn’t even go to lunch to think about it!”

They bought a penthouse condo in Tao because they wanted a unit “up high”. “We figured it was going to be breezier and have a better view. And we were looking for a retirement home where the maintenance is taken care of, it was a lock-and-leave, that we can still travel and leave it feeling secure, that it was going to be safe and taken care of. We like the possibility of renting it out. We don’t know if we are going to do that or not yet but we like to have that option.”

They chose Tulum partly because of its proximity to the US. “We like the fact that coming from Florida we can have an hour flight and be back often if we want to,” the couple explains.

“Part of the thing, the motivation for buying in Mexico, is that we want to be able to travel. Rosine has been a teacher her whole life, so she doesn’t have a huge retirement fund. I don’t have a huge retirement fund, so we are going to be living basically on social security and a very small pension from the movie business. We can’t afford to live in the US on that kind of income and travel. That is not possible,” says Clint.

Rosine adds: “We appreciate the more reasonable cost of health care, reasonable taxes and the kinds of things that make it possible for us to have a better quality of living here than in the United States”.

Now Clint and Rosine are looking forward to their new life overseas and can’t wait to start vacationing in Tulum. Rosine sums it up nicely: “There’s the biosphere, the Mayan ruins, the Caribbean water and the beautiful beaches and the diving. I think one of the things for me is being able to have the wide variety from doing absolutely nothing, sitting on the beach, meditating, having quietness in my life, to having all these other activities, to be as active as I want to be…. from doing absolutely nothing to being fully involved in the community and outreach, going to the Wellness Center and swimming and doing yoga, and attending all the lectures and workshops.

“It’s not just finding a place to live, it’s the environment we were looking for as well as a home that we could love and live in.”

Margaret Summerfield

P.S. You can find out why Tao appeals so much to Clint and Rosine…and dozens of your fellow readers…on a Tao Chill Weekend.

Imagine…four days in a five-star Caribbean paradise… soaking up the sun, relaxing on the powder-sand beaches and trying out the Tao lifestyle for size. Plus, you get to see first-hand the Tao condos just like Clint and Rosine’s new home. And all for only $180. Click here to find out more.

Move over Cancun…it’s Tulum’s Turn to Shine

2013-05-15T07:32:02+00:00

Only 80 miles down the coast from Cancun, Tulum is a world apart. The beaches are even more beautiful…the water crystal-clear…and the vibe much more bohemian. So move over Cancun…it’s Tulum’s turn to shine.

It’s the quintessential Caribbean: beautiful beaches and turquoise seas…

Dear Reader,

My friend’s disappointed. It’s her first visit to Cancun. She’s been dreaming of coral sand beaches and inviting clear-blue sea. But something’s not quite right…

“I mean, it’s pretty,” she says, “but not as pretty as I imagined it. I thought it would look brighter, nicer. But it’s kind of dull.”

I tell her she’s looking in the wrong direction. She’s looking at the marina, not the Caribbean Sea. It’s an easy mistake to make. We can’t see the beach or the sea from the highway. A string of hotels sitting on the sand blocks the view.

When we finally stand on the beach her face lights up. She’s got her camera out: “Wow, it’s beautiful! I can’t believe how blue the water is.” But she’s not so comfortable with the partying college crowd next to us. We try to find a quiet spot. We finally give up and head back to the hotel.

Over the next few days, we eat at nice restaurants, check out the nightlife and shop in the malls. We view some condos with a local real estate agent. We both agree Cancun has its upsides. It’s comfortable, connected, modern and easy. It’s got great infrastructure and amenities. And it’s fun.

But there’s a price to pay for its convenience. Cancun lacks local flavor; it feels like a transplanted slice of the U.S., with many of the same brands, stores and restaurants you’ll see back home. My friend says she feels “too old”. We’re the only people in our hotel who aren’t on spring break or here for a bachelorette party. We’re going to bed when they’re hitting the nightclubs.

Cancun’s certainly not cheap either. We’re paying tourist prices for dinner, taxis and drinks. Real estate pricing is almost scary. The lowest-priced condo we viewed cost more than $400,000. It was nice – but not $400,000 nice.

Not to worry, I say. Our next stop on this Caribbean coast will knock your socks off. It’s much more affordable. We’re headed for a little beach town called Tulum.

Only 80 miles down the coast from Cancun, Tulum’s a world apart. The beaches are even more beautiful…the water crystal-clear…and the vibe is much more bohemian.

We’re enjoying lunch on Tulum Beach - and we’re speechless. We’re absorbed in the view. The beach is talcum-powder white and soft. The turquoise waves swoosh back and forth. A couple stroll on the sand, her red bathing suit a stark contrast to the white and blue of sea, sky and beach.

There’s no wall of concrete hotels or condo towers on this beach. Pretty thatched-roof restaurants and bars nestle among palm trees. The hotels are boutique and off-grid. The small stores sell an eclectic mix of art, souvenirs and fashion. My friend’s booked a Mayan clay massage on the beach this afternoon.

It’s all a far cry from the crazy hustle and bustle we left two hours ago in Cancun. The vibe in Tulum is not about fancy yachts or expensive malls or painting the town red. It’s luxurious, but a different kind of luxury – simple luxury, in an astounding natural setting with a slow sleepy pace.

So why is Tulum so undeveloped compared to Cancun? The Mexican government looked at Cancun in the 1960s and earmarked it as a potential hot spot. Tourists would love its beautiful beaches, they figured, if they could get to Cancun. They pulled out all the stops over the next two decades. Cancun got highways, an international airport, utilities, amenities, hotels and malls – and a massive marketing campaign. In 2012, seven million passengers landed in Cancun airport.

Tulum, two short hours along the coast, missed out on the development and the marketing. Instead, it attracted hip and fashionable visitors in tune with its rustic charms. But Mexico’s government has big plans for Tulum. They want to triple tourist numbers in the coming decade. But they also want to keep Tulum’s low-key, low-rise vibe. That’s its big selling point.

For now, Tulum is the best spot on Mexico’s Caribbean coast. It’s early days here, unlike the more established Cancun. It’s unspoiled and gorgeous, surrounded by national parks, reserves and the neon-blue sea. Prices are remarkably affordable; they’ve a long way to go to catch up to Cancun.

Twenty or thirty years ago, the time was right for Cancun. Now it’s Tulum’s turn. Make sure you don’t miss out this time around.

Margaret Summerfield

P.S. It’s easy to buy here - and with one exciting opportunity, you can take advantage of generous developer financing….in a five-star community with a golf course, powder-sand beach, top eateries, a gym and spa, swimming pools and a Wellness Center. Click here to find out more about Tulum and how you can snap up a condo in the resort from $800 a month.

Stunning Views, a Friendly Welcome and Low Property Prices

2013-05-12T16:50:10+00:00

Find out here how you can buy a half-acre lot with lake and volcano views for only $35,000 in Costa Rica’s stunning Lake Country.

Dear Reader,

We'd walked into the restaurant only a few hours ago. Yet it felt like we'd already made friends. We spent the evening chatting, moving from table to bar and back again, switching seats to shoot the breeze with someone new. We met vacationers, retirees and young professionals starting up new businesses. We even got invited to a wine and cheese party and a fishing trip.

It's the warmest welcome I'd experienced on a scouting trip. I could understand perfectly why so many retirement and second home buyers describe this as their dream spot...

It's Costa Rica's Lake Arenal. I'm in the Gingerbread Hotel, a foodie heaven on the lakeshore road. The food is five-star and absolutely delicious - something you wouldn't expect to find in a location like this. And the Gingerbread's the place where locals and expats gather in the evenings to catch up and unwind over dinner or drinks. They give a warm, friendly reception to newcomers, making you feel part of the community from the get-go.

It's all part of Arenal's wonderfully small town atmosphere. A little road meanders around the lakeshore, taking in amazing views of rolling hills, forests, the huge deep-blue lake and the sharp, flared cone of a volcano. It's low-key and small-scale in a way that's very appealing.

You'll wake to the sound of the dawn chorus - but sometimes here it's a chorus of howler monkeys rather than birds. You'll shop in family-run grocery stores, pick up bread from the bakery and dine in little cafes and restaurants. You can spend your days sailing, fishing or kayaking on the lake...horseback riding or hiking in the hills...or exploring the national parks nearby.

The expats I met all said they'd chosen Arenal for the same reasons: the gorgeous scenery, the small-town feel and the warm reception they got from those that had already made the move. The affordable price of property was another huge factor. Here, you can get killer views without paying killer prices.

Imagine waking up to a view like this one:

This is a half-acre lot with lake and volcano views. The road access and build pad are already cut. It's priced at $35,000.

Build costs run around $85 per square foot. You could build a nice custom home, 1300 square feet in size, on the lot for around $110,000. With the price of the lot, that's a total of $145,000.

You should include a big outside terrace or patio in your home plans. You'll spend a lot of your time outdoors here; the weather's warm all year. And you'll need plenty of space to entertain your new circle of friends...

You can get more details on this property from local real estate agent Terry Moran here.

Margaret Summerfield

P.S. I know our reader Arnold was looking for a beach home on his $150,000 budget. But many of the buyers in Lake Arenal were convinced they wanted a beach house too - until they saw the lake for themselves. It really is a special place that you need to see first-hand to experience its magic. Terry can help you organize a customized real estate tour if you contact him here.

A Caribbean Coast Penthouse for $144,000

2013-05-11T16:46:59+00:00

Tulum’s star is on the rise. It’s got huge untapped potential as a tourism and retirement hot spot. But it’s still an early-in, ground-floor opportunity.

A penthouse with rooftop terrace here costs less than you think...

Dear Reader,

According to reports, one million Americans live in Mexico. Some are based in Mexico for work. Others spend up to six months a year in Mexico, escaping the cold winter months back home. Many are retirees, looking for a more affordable, relaxed lifestyle just across the border.

Mexico's proximity to the U.S. is a big plus. It's quick and easy to get to, with lots of direct flights and low-cost fares. It makes it a good choice for retirees and snowbirds who want friends and family to visit regularly.

Mexico's also a great second home destination with amazing beaches, good infrastructure and plenty of amenities. Better yet, if you want to rent your home out, you've got a regular stream of potential renters, thanks to the country's strong tourism industry.

One corner of Mexico is home to some of the world's best beaches. It's the Riviera Maya on Mexico's Caribbean coast. This 80-mile stretch of coastline is a dream. Powder sand fringes the neon-blue Caribbean Sea. Thick forests hide ancient ruins and exotic wildlife. The world's second-longest barrier reef lies just offshore.

It's a beach-lover's paradise, and heaven for snorkelers and divers, with super-soft sand and warm, crystal-clear waters. You can sunbathe on a stunning beach, explore the coral reef, or swim with schools of tropical fish and giant whale sharks.

You can golf on a dozen championship courses, spend a day relaxing at a luxury spa, dine on gourmet food, or grab a piece of the action at film, food and fashion festivals. You'll love the shopping and the nightlife. You can take your pick of buzzing clubs, movie theaters or lively bars.

Mexico's tourism ministry, Fonatur, has big plans for the Riviera Maya. They aim to triple the number of tourists here in the next decade. But they don't want spring breakers or budget backpackers. They want upscale tourists with sophisticated tastes and well-stuffed wallets. It's all about yoga on the beach at sunrise, not drunken partygoers.

Fonatur knows what it's doing. They looked at Cancun back in the 1960s. Where others saw a scrubby coconut plantation, they saw potential. Tourists would love the gorgeous beaches and the turquoise seas of Cancun, they reasoned. They simply needed to make it easy for those tourists to get to Cancun.

They invested heavily in roads and utilities. They built an international airport. They helped resort owners and developers get started. They created a shrewd marketing machine to bring as many visitors as possible to Cancun.

Cancun was transformed into the tourist hot spot you see today. It now boasts 170 hotels, a marina with luxury yachts, fancy shopping malls and top-notch golf courses. In 2012, more than 7 million tourists landed in Cancun's international airport.

Fonatur has already carried out upgrades to the highway that runs from Cancun to Tulum, cutting the travel time to two hours. They're looking at building an international airport just outside Tulum to land tourists directly in this up-and-coming area. And they're promoting it heavily as a tourist destination in the U.S., Canada, Brazil, Russia and China.

Their focus is on Tulum. This little town is the sweet spot at the end of the Riviera Maya. It's a smooth two-hour drive from Cancun airport. Although it's not a remote outpost buried in the jungle, it's not exactly mainstream - just yet.

Tulum started as a dusty backpacker retreat. But it's shedding its humble roots and going upmarket. In the last five years, it's grown considerably, adding new banks, supermarkets and residential communities. Organic cafes, chic restaurants and boutique hotels line the coral-sand Tulum Beach.

It's already a destination of choice for big names in the world of fashion, who dress "down" in expensive caftans and designer flip-flops. They come to Tulum to relax and unwind and to seek inspiration in this beautiful setting.

Tulum's star is on the rise. It's got huge untapped potential as a tourism and retirement hot spot. But it's still an early-in, ground-floor opportunity.

You'll see what I mean with this property. I mentioned new residential communities in Tulum. One of these, newly-completed, is a small complex with a central swimming pool.

It's walking distance to stores, restaurants and cafes and five minutes' drive to Tulum Beach.

A third-floor condo in this complex is for sale. It's got nice finishes, including porcelain floor tiles and granite and marble countertops:

It's a two-bed two-bath unit with 926 square feet of inside living space. But it's a penthouse unit, so you also get a 538-square-feet private rooftop terrace with an outdoor kitchen and a jacuzzi. It's the perfect spot for outdoor dining and entertaining:

The complex is done but this unit still needs its final finishes. Once you sign a sale contract, you can customize the floor tiles and countertops. The penthouse will be move-in ready within 2-3 months.

Monthly condo fees are low at only $80.

The penthouse is priced at $149,000. It would make an excellent vacation or retirement home and a good rental. If you look on sites that advertise vacation or long-term rentals, there isn't much available for rent in Tulum. This is a new unit in a good location with nice finishes. It should rent easily.

Better yet, if you reserve the unit before June 15, 2013, you'll get a $5,000 discount - cutting the price to $144,000.

You can get a full information package on the penthouse from local listing agent Sarah Cox. You can contact Sarah here. She can also help you arrange a trip to see the penthouse (and Tulum's fabulous Caribbean beaches) in person.

Margaret Summerfield

P.S. It's not just Pathfinder that rates Tulum. Travel + Leisure say: "Tulum has become a fashionable yet decidedly low-key escape". And Frommer's introduction to Tulum comments: "Anyone who thinks of Tulum as a charming pueblo hasn't been here for a few years. The growth is astounding and shows no sign of slowing."

Best-Value Pacific Coast Spot on my Radar

2013-05-10T07:44:42+00:00

Today, we are heading to some of the best finds on Ecuador’s Pacific coast with a budget of $150,000.

You can afford beachside living in this location

Dear Reader,

Our search for beach locations with a $150,000 budget continues today and takes us to Ecuador’s Pacific coast.

This is the best-value Pacific coast on the Pathfinder beat, period. If you’re on a tight budget you’ll get a bigger home closer to the beach compared to other countries in the region.

And there’s no trade-off for the bargain property prices. We’re not talking about a remote outpost where you’ll have to rough it. Ecuador’s southern Pacific coast is very convenient.

Take the beach town of Salinas. It’s a 90-mile drive from the international airport in Guayaquil on a smooth paved road.

Salinas boasts some nice in-town beaches (wide, soft-sand beaches) and some amazing beaches a short drive outside town. It’s a well-known venue for sport fishermen. Close by, laid-back rustic hotels sit next to some great surf breaks. The warm dry climate makes it an excellent beach destination all year.

Salinas has long been a playground for Ecuadorians who come here on vacation. They relax on the beach and ocean during the day and take in the buzzing nightlife when the sun goes down. The town shifts up a gear on holiday weekends, Christmas and Easter.

But today it’s not just the locals that appreciate Salinas. It’s becoming more popular with North American retirees and snowbirds. They see it as more than a vacation spot. It’s got a lot of practical conveniences alongside the fun resort amenities like yacht clubs, bars, cafes and restaurants. It’s home to supermarkets, beauty salons, hardware stores, banks, a movie theater and a big produce and seafood market.

The cost of living is a big attraction too. You can buy lunch for less than $5. Throwing in a beer will add $1 to the tab. You’ll pay a couple of dollars for a taxi ride around town. A maid will typically charge $60 to clean your house twice a week. Property taxes usually run around $50-$100 a year. A doctor’s visit costs just $30. It’s possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month.

So, it’s affordable to live here. And it gets better. You can make your dream beach home a reality in Salinas. On a $150,000 budget, you can buy a condo with ocean-views in an exclusive beachside community a short drive from shopping and entertainment.

This condo is a three-bed, three-bath unit of 1250 square feet. It’s got an open-plan living space, modern styling and plenty of natural light. The complex has parking, a social area and a swimming pool.

This modern, stylish condo is in an exclusive beachside community

Sliding glass doors from the living area open out on a big terrace with ocean views, a seating area and a Jacuzzi. Imagine sinking into the Jacuzzi with a glass of wine or a cool beer and watching the sun set over the ocean…

The condo comes fully furnished, so you can move right in and start enjoying your new beach lifestyle straight away.

It’s listed with local real estate agent Amy Pinoargote for $150,000. You can contact her here for a full information package. Amy will also help you visit Salinas so you can see the condo – and try out the Salinas lifestyle - for yourself.

Margaret Summerfield

A Bargain Beach Town in Panama

2013-05-08T09:35:06+00:00

What can you buy with a limit of $150,000? Quite a lot when you look overseas. This week we’ll show you examples of four locations where $150,000 goes a long way.

Your real estate budget goes a long way in Panama’s Azuero peninsula

Dear Reader,

Arnold contacted me recently with a question. He’s looking for a retirement home overseas. He wants somewhere close to the beach, but not necessarily a busy tourist place. He’s open to suggestions, he points out, before adding that he’s on a tight budget. He’s got $150,000 maximum to spend.

I suggested four locations to Arnold. I’ll share them with you this week, and show you some property deals for $150,000 or less in each of them.

The first country I suggested was Panama. You see, some countries welcome retirees with open arms. Retirees in Panama take advantage of a generous pensionado (retiree) program. The list of benefits goes on and on…

You can bring your household goods into Panama duty-free. You get terrific discounts on everything from utility bills to medical consults, airfares, restaurants, hotels and even entertainment.

It’s no wonder Panama’s such a hot spot for retirees. I know Arnold will like the savings his retiree status will give him in Panama. But, with his tight budget, can he afford a home close to the beach in a well-established retiree haven like Panama?

In a nutshell, yes. He simply needs to look to Azuero, Panama’s quiet, traditional interior.

The Azuero peninsula is a personal favorite of mine. It’s slow and sleepy, away from the crazy rush of city life. It’s undeveloped; not the place if you want golf courses, luxury spas or giant shopping malls. But that’s the appeal of Azuero. Everything’s on a small scale, from the little grocery stores and mom’n'pop eateries to the small churches and plazas.

Well, almost everything. The beaches on this coast seem endless - soft, sweeping stretches of sand, unspoiled and empty. You won’t fight for space to spread your towel; you’ll often get the whole beach to yourself. This is one of the best places in Panama for diving, sport fishing and eco-adventures.

Azuero is the traditional heart of Panama, where they make ceramics, hand-woven hats and intricately-stitched pollera dresses. It feels genuinely Panamanian, not prettied up for tourists or dominated by big brand names.

It’s the kind of place where farmers drive around in fancy new pick-ups, but you still see men on horseback herding cattle and sheep. Life revolves around friends and family in Azuero - and a year-round calendar of processions, fiestas and fun.

Las Tablas, a small town in Azuero, hosts the best Carnival celebration in Panama. The town trades its tranquil normality for a week of madness and mayhem. It’s impossible to get a room in a hotel or hostel. People sleep on floors, in their cars, on the beach.

The rest of the year, Las Tablas slumbers. That’s not surprising when you consider that it’s a four-hour drive from Panama City. But there’s a big upside to its relative remoteness. The cost of living is ultra-affordable. And property prices remain low.

For Arnold, the distance to Panama City isn’t a huge issue. He plans on living in his retirement home at least 6 months of the year. Plus, Las Tablas is only 30 minutes to Chitre, a rapidly-expanding town with supermarkets, strip malls, hardware stores and a hospital. And it’s 10 minutes from very nice beaches like this one:

In Las Tablas, Arnold could buy a home like the one below for as little as $77,000. It’s three-bed, two-bath house, with just over 1200 square feet of construction:

Or Arnold could buy a lot and build a custom home for around $50 per square foot. That would get him a home closer to the beach. He could buy a home site less than a mile from the beach for $35,000 - $50,000, and a 1200-square-foot house would cost an additional $60,000 to build.

In Las Tablas, Arnold would enjoy low-cost local living and a laid-back pace of life. And his real estate budget would go a long way.

If you’d like to get more information on property in Las Tablas, you can contact local real estate agent Jean-Paul Villamil here.

Margaret Summerfield