Jul 4, 2009

Happy Canada Day in San Juan del Sur

Given the number of Canadians that called San Juan del Sur home, it's not surprising that July 1st is a big deal here!

For the second year in a row, Canada Day was celebrated with a massive road hockey game. The Canadians that didn't play cheered from the sidelines.

One notable change in the Canada Day Road Hockey game was the number of local Nicaraguan kids that joined the game. Last year the kids had never seen any type of hockey. Over the course of the last 12 months, while watching our 6 or 7 pick up games, the kids have developed an interest in the game and are keen to join the fun. I suppose games of all sorts are universal!

For pictures of the game check out Dan and Cesar's website:
http://www.pbase.com/danpolley/roadhockeyjuly2009

May 31, 2009

Nicaragua Real Estate

Things have changed so much in respect to Nicaragua real estate since last year. The first and most obvious change is a significant decrease in demand. The second and slightly less obvious change is that there are so many great deals to choose from. I am in the middle of preparing to take some clients out tomorrow and I'm having to skip some places because there is just so much to choose from. I am able to show them a half dozen properties that suit their needs and all are 30-40% less expensive than what they are willing to pay. I know they will be very pleased.

The rains have started and now San Juan del Sur is becoming a vibrant collage of different shades and textures of green. The air is still generally hot and heavy but there is often an evening breeze to keep things cooler and bearable. The wet season is a beautiful time to be here. Actually the rainy season or wet season in Nicaragua is a bit of a misnomer. When it rains, it generally only rains for an hour or two and often the rains come at night. October is the exception to this rule. In October it can rain a lot.

In a few short weeks we will be heading back to Canada for a few months. Although we are visiting Canada in the heat of the summer it will still be cooler than May in Nicaragua. We will return to Nicaragua later in the year when the Nicaragua real estate season picks up some steam.

May 13, 2009

Real Estate Deals in San Juan del Sur

There are a number of excellent Nicaraguan real estate deals presenting themselves these days. The American and world-wide recession has been very punishing to people who bought who use too much leverage in their purchases, There more than a few house of cards that are set to tumble in the San Juan del Sur area. As sad as it is for those who got in over their heads, it now presnets as an excellent buying opportunity to the cautious investors.

I have recently listed 2 homes in San Juan del Sur that are up to 100K less than they were 18 months ago. Last year it was tough to find any finished homes under $200,000.00 and now I can easily fill a few days showing prospective clients a number of great options under $200,000.00.

The cost of building materials has also started to drop making the real estate market in the San Juan del Sur area even more compelling.

There are a few signs in the US and Europe that the markets are firming but I don't expect to see any appreciation in the cost of homes in Nicaragua until at least 2010.
rea
Check out Nicaragua Real Estate for more information or to contact me directly.