Do you want to build your own home in the Caribbean on a tight budget? Well, if you keep these points in mind, it could well be possible to build for less than you think. Quality doesn't have to be compromised and you can still decide what you want in terms of design, but it is key to keep a tight hold on your budget and try to make decisions based on facts as opposed to emotions.

Wise Plot Selection
Even if you are in a hurry, be selective about your plot. If something is being offered at a lower price, take a look at what is on the plot. Are there a lot of trees and rocks? Removal of these could cost you more money, as it could if the land isn't flat. However, many homes in the Caribbean are built on stilts/piles as this is an easy and frugal way to overcome any sloping of the land. You also need to ensure that utilities are close by if they are essential to you, as it can cost a fair bit to install if not. If you want to build an eco-home with solar power and collection of water from your roof, then this can further cut down the costs. Continue reading "Build Your Own Home in the Caribbean on a Budget"

In the UK, there used to be a television program named 'House Doctor'. The House Doctor was Ann Maurice and she would video unsuspecting buyers as they toured an unprepared house on the sales market. Taking into account any negative remarks that these buyers candidly made, Ann would set to work performing low cost visual miracles on the home and many of the potential buyers would then want to change direction and buy the home. The one downside was that some of the sellers then wouldn't want to move house!

Before your home is put onto the market, it is always wise to prepare it well. To do this, it's best to look at your home like a buyer. You'll need to make a list of what needs to be done in terms of taking care of minor repairs, giving it curb-appeal and making it irresistible to the largest audience possible. This could result in a faster sale with less negotiation and a larger profit.

You might not like changing your home to suit others, but remember this is purely to sell your home faster and to make it less likely that you will be haggling over the asking price with the buyer. You won't always have to live with this new style, it is just until you achieve the goal of getting it sold.
Continue reading "How to Prepare Your Home for Sale"

Lush and green, Belize is a nature lovers paradise with blue skies and blue waters lapping at it's thousands of cayes. The 185 mile long coral reef is the 2nd largest barrier reef in the world and makes Belize a popular destination for divers and snorkellers.

The country is on the northern coast of central america and is 8,867 square miles with over 200 miles of coast to explore with white sands, mangrove swamps and lagoons all contributing to the abundant flora and fauna. The interior has a jungle and jaguar and maccaws can be found in their natural habitat.

Foreign ownership is encouraged by the government and Belize's Retirement Program has been so successful that the government recently reviewed whether it should undergo a revamp. Not only that, the cost of living is fairly low. For example water supply for one month is likely to be around US$20 and your electricity bill is likely to be US$120 and up, with internet quite a pricey US$70 per month. However the weekly food bill can be as low as US$30 per month. If you don't own a car, it is possible to live there fairly comfortably for approximately US$1000 per month. This figure is taking into account that a house has been purchased to live in. Continue reading "A to Z Caribbean : Belize"