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Nicaragua: Anyone Know Anything about This Property?:
Howdy, folks!
We're interested in a property near Granada which we found posted by a "real estate agent" (or property representative ... or whatever they call themselves there).
According to the property description, it's located on "Granada-Masaya Highway in front of urbanization San Juan."
Is anyone here familiar with that area? Is it decent? Safe?
Just in case anyone is interested, here's the complete listing from Craigslist: https://managua.craigslist.org/reo/5014532911.html
Any information, input, feedback, suspicions, etc., that you might have about this property and location would be greatly appreciated!
Have yourselves a very fine weekend.
Best wishes,
--Bruce
Nicaragua: Property vs. Location:
Wherever we've lived around the world, we've always lived among the natives and locals ...
... not in an enclave for expats.
Our circumstances are somewhat different now, "thanks" to our age and the next chapter in our lives.
Retired and living on Social Security + Medicare (with wraparound "Medicare Advantage" health insurance), we're looking to get out of the increasingly political hotbed that's going to explode one of these days over any number of issues national, international, and local. Remember "states' rights" and the Civil War?
Anyway, our plan is to settle either in Cuenca, Ecuador (perfect climate year-round, beautiful history, etc.) which is a bit too far, costly and time-consuming in terms of airfares and transit times to the states, and complicated in terms of moving our three dogs through four separate take-offs and landings.
Granada, Nicaragua, has much that we like going for it, including that it takes half the time and half the cost to travel to and from the USA.
Granada proper, however, is a little too hot for our comfort ... and doesn't lend itself well (at a price we can afford) to opening a small "boutique" bed and breakfast.
Lake Apoyo, however, does.
We have come across this large, new property that has plenty of rooms, a separate guest house, a pool, and two garages ... for, what we think, is a reasonable price: $165,000 USD.
http://jproperties.weebly.com/nicaragua--new-lakeview-villa.html
The issue we grappling with is that the property is part of the planned "Club Vistalagos" which has much going for it in terms of its proposed efforts to revive and preserve the ecosystem and natural resources.
But it's a gated community for Canadian and American expats. Sure, our guests would probably feel safer in such a compound ... but something simply bothers me about moving to other people's country and then living apart from them in a zone of my own.
I would appreciate any input or feedback you might be willing to share on our dilemma ... as long as the discourse is civil, polite, and as honest as possible.
Thanks for your consideration.
Ecuador Welcome Forum: PURCHASING PROPERTY IN CUENCA:
Howdy, folks.
Would you be so kind as to weigh in with opinions on negotiating the purchase price of property in Cuenca?
We have lived in Europe and across the USA, where we always have found that the listed price of a property is more likely its "asking" price. Rarely have we purchased property in places where the sales price was firm and not open to negotiation.
What about Cuenca ... now (vs. several years ago)?
We're considering several properties, including a 4BR 4BA TH with approx 1,800-sq-feet in the Rio Amarillo area listed for $120,000 USD. What would be an appropriate offer on a property listed at that price? And, above and beyond the price of the home, what can we expect to pay in legal, government, and other closing costs? In some places (like Mexico) the price of the property itself doesn't really matter ... within a few dollars the settlement costs more or less are the same (about $5,000 USD).
Is there an estimated amount -- or percentage -- we can use to calculate the true "bottom line" for purchasing property in Cuenca?
Thanks for your help!
Nicaragua: Retired Expat Medical Insurance:
All things considered, TerryCicada, between your US health insurance (excl Medicare) with the highest possible deductible ... along with the supplemental insurance to cover the remaining 20% not covered by Medicare .. what are you paying (on overage) monthly for health care premiums? Thanks!
Ecuador Welcome Forum: PROGRESSIVE CHURCH IN CUENCA?:
Howdy, folks!
As a pastor and potential expat seeking to relocate and retire in Cuenca, Ecuador, my research shows that -- like most Latin American countries -- "Christians" have but two options: Either attend the local Roman Catholic church ... or visit an "evangelical" church generally set up by missionaries for American & Canadian expats + locals who either are Spanish-speakers or somewhat conversant in English.
I am a progressive Protestant pastor (ordained) who has established and grown churches in the USA and in Spain. If we do decide to relocate to Cuenca, I'd like to judge the potential interest in establishing an "alternative" church.
Here's our mission statement:
"To be a bridge (1) of cooperation and understanding among religious groups of all faiths; (2) of acceptance of others regardless of social class, race, gender, or sexual orientation; (3) between all of God's children, mirroring and practicing the love God has for us; (4) of freedom in the study of religion, the interpretation, and the practice of faith; and (5) for God's love in a troubled world, expressing a generosity of spirit to all those in need."
Progressive and inclusive, the congregation would also believe that:
--"Church" should be a community of people coming together to seek and to celebrate God in their lives.
--"Church" should be spiritual rather than religious, organic over organizational, and personal beyond institutional.
--"Church" should be where all can find support in becoming the special, unique, individuals God created us to be ... as well as to be part of a
welcoming, caring, and sharing community.
--"Church" should teach that God's love is unconditional ... that God's grace is freely given, not earned ... and that each of us is wonderfully created in the likeness of the Sacred.
--"Church" should dedicate as much of its resources to caring for others as it does to caring for itself.
--"Church" should work for the greater good by being active in service, mission, ministry, compassion, and social justice.
--"Church" should encourage us to ask questions as, together, we deal with the challenges of faith, belief, and observance.
--"Church" should think outside of the box and be eager to learn from other faith traditions ... open to different styles of worship ... and looking forward toward new possibilities or potential for ministry.
--"Church" should support the full inclusion of all people in its life and ministry. Our diversity is a reflection of the divine imprint we share.
If a new church like this might be of interest to you,, please drop me a note through this forum ... or directly: bhjoffe@yahoo.com.
And please check out my current church website: www.doorcountypeopleoffaith.org for more information about our beliefs and operations.
God bless!
Nicaragua: Medical care in Camelot:
That's downright scary!
We're reconsidering our desire to relocate and retire in Nicaragua.
Maybe we would be better of in the Yucatan (Merida, Progreso, etc.) area of Mexico ... especially if the ferry service between either Tampa, Florida, or New Orleans and Progreso begins later this year as planned.
Nicaragua: Hola y Mucho Gusto:
We've enjoyed reading the posts on this expat forum.
We are two guys, together for 25 years, who are planning to retire in Nicaragua and open a b&b in the Lake Apoyo area of Granada.
One of us is from Spain and fluent in Spanish; the other isn't, but has learned how to understand the language. He's an amazing chef and cook!
I am an ordained church pastor and was offered a position in Panama, but turned it down. Unlike the Roman Catholic church and evangelical missionaries, I am very much a progressive Christian who doesn't believe in creeds, confessionals, or most of the "traditional" rites & rituals we've come to accept as representing Christianity. IMHO, they don't!
We've lived abroad in a variety of countries (most recently in the Yucatan -- Merida, Progreso & Chelem -- of Mexico), so we are accustomed to some of the differences between living in Central America & the USA.
We're about to make an offer on a new 4BR, 4BA + "casita" + garage property right on Lake Arroyo outside of Granada.
Just curious if any of you good folks have any advice or suggestions for us before we sign on the dotted line???
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