Westworld Alberta
Issue link: http://westworldmagazine.ama.ab.ca/i/53603
realtor Bob Leonard, who grew up in Niagara Falls and often works with Alberta oil indus- try clients looking for homes in cowboy country south. But the Lone Star State promises more than just T-shirted winters. Alongside its cosmopolitan cities, 1,000-km coastline and charming Hill Country region (a wooded, winery-dotted area of central Texas), are its neighbourly people. "Texans are genuinely welcoming to newcomers," says Leonard. Lots go for as low as $20,000 in Ambergris Caye, off the coast of Belize. ■ Health care: basic hospital treatment widely available and accessible for foreign- ers, but specialist treatment scarce. "Most of Belize is still much undervalued, but waterfront areas are highly popular," says Calgary-based property entrepreneur Bob Dhillon, who promotes a resort-studded region of Ambergris Caye. Just off the coast of Belize, this Caribbean paradise with a giant barrier reef easily hooks ice- avoiding Albertans. "And everything is more affordable – including housing, groceries and utilities." It's important to be savvy about the state's ownership rules, says Houston-based realtor and relocation specialist Christi Borden. "We have fee-simple ownership [which means ownership of both the land and its build- ings], regardless of nationality. And buyers need to understand that we collect taxes on profi ts from home sales over $300,000," she says, adding there are also variable local prop- erty taxes, but no state income taxes here. BELIZE ■ Top spots: Ambergris Caye. ■ Emerging areas: Cayo, Placencia, Caye Caulker. ■ Popular buys: beachfront condos and villas, waterfront land. ■ Sample prices: US$309,000 – 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom, 1,000 sq. ft. beachfront luxury condo in Ambergris Caye. US$359,000 – new 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom, fully furnished oceanview villa in Placencia. ■ Crime: low crime rates in tourist areas; higher crime elsewhere. Check the travel reports and warnings on the Canadian For- eign Affairs and International Trade website (voyage.gc.ca). Blickwinkel/All Canada Photos The practical appeal? English is the offi cial language of Belize and its land title system is the same as Canada's. "Prices vary depending on construction, age, waterfront proximity and type of com- plex," says Dhillon, whose book, Business and Retirement Guide to Belize, is a handy primer. "Buyers often use [properties here] for vacations, renting them out as a resort function the rest of the year – an escape as well as an investment." While Belize has simplifi ed processes for overseas buyers, you still have to do your homework here. "Hire a seasoned real estate lawyer and a reputable real estate broker," advises Dhillon. Well-known companies such as Remax and Coldwell Banker operate on the ground in Belize and can provide trustworthy local assistance. MEXICO ■ Top spots: Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta/Riviera Nayarit, Cancun, San Miguel de Allende. ■ Emerging areas: Punta Mita. ■ Popular buys: waterfront condos, homes in gated communities. ■ Sample prices: US$210,000 – 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom, 1,220 sq. ft. furnished, oceanview condo, Puerto Vallarta. WESTWORLD >> FEBRUARY 2012 23