About gkwylie

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Some Forum Posts:

Belize: Ambergris Barrier Reef Condos:

Reef Village and the Residences at Barrier Reef are two very different properties. Reef Village is just north of the bridge - and when we first started looking for a place down here, we were told - don't buy there. That was 5+ years ago, and I still wouldn't buy there. :-) Even though they've painted one building, the whole complex is just kind of ramshackle. If (when) someone builds on the oceanfront property across the street, most units will lose their ocean view. Are they cheap? Yup! But you get what you pay for. Now the Residences at Barrier Reef are very nice. Further north. Newer. But, you're looking at 3 times+ the price.

Belize: Batten Down The Hatches:

Just heard from our neighbor who's full-time on islad, and he said they got hit pretty hard. He said our north pier is gone and the south pier is damaged pretty bad. We're 5-ish miles north of the bridge on AC. Ugh. Kimberly

Belize: Ambergris Caye looks like tight quarters from the air...is it?:

The little town of San Pedro, is definitely a little tight. However, go north of the bridge, and you get quickly less developed. Our property is about 7 miles of the bridge, and it's a nice, big lot, plus "green space" planned in the little subdivision that will never be built upon, so views of the ocean will be unobstructed. Go north, if you're looking for tranquil, peaceful and uncrowded. But, AC is a great island! And, the people - locals and ex-pats - are very friendly. It's not perfect - no place is, especially in developing areas of the world. But, the pros of AC far outweigh the cons. That's why we purchased there, and will be finally fully retired in 2018! :-D Kim

Belize: SAN PEDRO FIRE:

From the San Pedro Sun, they suspect arson. For all of us out of the country, the South Ambergris Caye Neighborhood Watch is taking online donations. https://sacnw.org/wp/product/fire-victim-assistance/ So very tragic!! Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of our island friends who've lost so much! Kimberly & Grant

Belize: AC condos. Comments for 2 selections:

I apologize if this posts twice. I responded yesterday, but don't see it going through. :-D Hi Frosty, We looked at a couple of units at Barrier Reef as well. The reason we didn't bite was because both had title issues. You definitely want to make sure you check on that before you make a purchase. We ended up, instead, buying a piece of property and will build what we want instead. For real estate, you can't do any better than Amanda Syme at Sunrise Realty. Her e-mail address is info@sunrisebelize.com. Let her know Kimberly & Grant said "Hi!" She's not only very trustworthy, but knows AC inside and out. You won't go wrong using her. Kimberly

Belize: Amazon and online orders shipped to Belize:

Are you coming in under the QRP? If so, you can bring a shipping container into the country duty free.

Belize: Best dive shop on Ambregris Caye:

I know one of the reasons we're making the move to Belize is for the phenomenal diving. However, we quickly learned that not all dive shops are equal on AC. :-) Thought I'd share this from my blog, in case there are any other divers on the forum (or simply travel enthusiasts)... http://www.best-travel-destination.com/2016/03/01/best-dive-shop-on-ambergris-caye-belize-chuck-robbies/

Belize: Rent or Buy?:

Real estate purchase in ANY country can be a risky investment. Bobbyveee clearly has never bought real estate in the US. LOL Our current home is only 10 years old, in a gorgeous, planned subdivision, with clubhouse, swimming pools, greenbelts, tennis courts, and more. It's original purchase price was over $500k. Now, there are three houses in foreclosure on my street alone, because property values have fallen to under $300k! Plus, we pay over $13k a year in property taxes! Investing in real estate in the US can be just as risky - if not more so, thanks to the high property taxes in many states, than Belize.

Belize: Retiring in Belize:

I agree Phill333. Although any loss of life is troubling and tragic, I think it's important to keep things in perspective. Heck, here in Chicago there were 487 murders in 2015! That's more than 1 per day! Yet, despite these horrific statistics, I have never (Thank God!) known anyone that has been murdered. Why? Because they are often drug and/or gang-related, and that's not the crowd I hang out with, nor do we go to certain areas of the city, especially after dark. It's called being aware of your surroundings and being safe. I think some people are sensationalizing the crime rate in Belize. I know there are some ex-pats that are unhappy with the influx of new people coming to "their" country. That may be part of it. Also, there are some people that just like to always see the glass half-empty and like to stir up drama.

Belize: Looking for "realtor" in Ambergris Caye:

We used Amanda at Sunrise Realty and LOVED her!! info@sunrisebelize.com She's super-knowledgeable about the island - and really went above and beyond getting our sale through the sometimes challenges of titles in Belize. :-) Tell her Kim & Grant sent you. :-) Kim

Date Joined:

6/17/2013

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62

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