You are going to get a lot of different answers. But, essentially-yes, it is. Am I a real estate broker? Yes, I am. And, if you were to ask any broker they would say “If I had the cash, I would buy”. But, before you plop down any money you better ask yourself a few things. First-what is the market like in the area I am considering. Did it appreciate exponentially over a short period of time and how much adjustment has been made to correct this? For example, the majority of Chicago’s downtown market did not spike like much of the country so there is not that enormous correction to be made. Depending on reports and the product, the prices are down 5-15% from this time last year. Essentially, prices are at 2004 levels.
Having myself been in real estate 20 years in Chicago and my clientele being largely first-time buyers, the market is prime for them. Rates are at their lowest and so are prices. Though, it’s not as easy at it seems. Many first-time buyers who would have easily qualified before with 5-10% down my now be seeing that they need a co-signer and/or 20% down. It’s imperative they get a pre-approval before even looking. Now, say they are qualified. Now it is time to think about what and where. I always tell my clients-think about what you do in your free time, what kind of work commute is acceptable and what’s your style. This narrows things down quickly. I tell my clients “It’s not what I like, it’s what you like”. I build a picture in my head to visualize what will work for them. I hear many people say “Oh! There’s so much out there!”. Well, there is inventory but only a small percentage really fits your criteria. If your agent is doing their job right, there really will only be 15 -20 properties. Again, it’s not what they like it is what you like and they should be developing that picture in their mind. Now comes the easy part. Seller’s are negotiable and prices are better than ever. Everything is at a 10-30%+ discount. Can’t beat that!
Now, let’s go back to “Is it a good time to buy”. Taking what I’ve just said and your own personal situation into account, you make the decision. Are you going to hold on to it for 3-5 years? Yes, 3-5 years. I have historically told my clients that and have historically been correct. 3 years to break even and 5 years to make money. Even in this market it holds true. Real estate is historically the best investment and hasn’t lost close to what the stock market has and still has all the tax benefits. No one. I repeat NO ONE has a crystal ball to know what exactly is going to happen, but historical data helps us make some educated decisions. That, along with a qualified and dedicated agent are the necessary tools for you to make the right decision.
Posted Dec. 1, 2008 by Debbie Maue
Friday, February 13, 2009
Are you looking for a luxury oceanfront home at a discount?
Hacienda Pinilla Golf Course
Posted Dec. 1, 2008 by Debbie Maue
Myth #1 If you buy property south of the border, the government can take it away.
Truth-This is not necessarily true. Yes, there have been cases where land was taken back but the root of the issue was really that “Clear Title” was never given in the first place. Many people get caught up in the excitement of purchasing a beautiful peice of paradise and leave their common sense at home! American’s can own clearly titled property throughout Latin America. The different countries have different restrictions, but as a whole ownership is much the same as it is here in the states. American’s can own beachfront property in Mexico. You will hold it in a bank trust w/you as the beneficiary. Inland you may hold w/out the bank trust. Belize offers the same benefits of ownership to foreigners as Belize nantionals. Costa Rica has very little titled beachfront property, but offers the opportunity of a “concession” which is a renewable long-term lease with the government. Concession varies so you do want to do your research. Many concessions restrict the amount of time you may actually utilize the property while offering it up in a tourism/rental capacity for the remainder. Panama has similar restrictions. Again, it’s important to do your research which includes the various restrictions as well as a title search. For example, Stewart Title is located throughout Latin American and can offer these resources.
Posted Nov. 22, 2008 by Debbie Maue
Posted Nov. 22, 2008 by Debbie Maue
Charity Golf Raises $3,000 For Seniors
Seventy golfers raised about $3000 last weekend, in the Costa Rica Global Association of Realtors’ Eighth Annual Charity Golf Tournament.
Proceeds from this year’s event will go towards a public senior retirement home in
“It was a very good turnout,” said CRGAR’s President, Sarah Myers, adding the day had attracted about 30 more players than last year.
“We had people coming from all over the place.”
Players took part in a shotgun scramble format — a style which “allows those with little or no golf experience to play and have a fun weekend”, event organizers said.
The team with the lowest gross, going around the 18 holes in 53, was Don Van Akkeren, Gabe Bettinsoli, Greg Mullins and Stephen Aler. First, once rounds had been netted, finishing with a card of 43 were Steve Islas, Grant McLean, Steve Twin and Robert Twain.
The longest drive by a woman was Debbie Maue and the longest by a man, by Robert Twain. Mark Peterson was the closest to the pin, on hole 15.
More info at http://www.thebeachtimes.com/article.php?id=14&at=2237
Posted Nov. 19th by Debbie MaueMIchigan Cottage in Lakeside for Sale
I’m selling my cottage in Lakeside Michigan. It’s a super cute 3bedroom/1 bath cottage on a very quiet, secluded & wooded lot. Only about 3 minutes walk to the beach down a dirt road. It’s fully furnished w/an eat-in kitchen, fireplace, heated and a large yard. Check it out http://www.vrbo.com/61388 It’s only 1 hour 15 minutes from Chicago, 5 minutes to New Buffalo (great shops & restaurants), loads of antique shopping, restaurants, entertainment, biking, Warren Dunes, etc.! $369k
NAR (National Association of Realtor's) Orlando Expo
Just having returned from
Beyond my reappointment, I was able to establish more relationships throughout Latin American including
Posted November 15th, 2008 by Debbie Maue
2 New Exciting Costa Rican Properties
Hi all
I’m happy to announce 2 new properties. The first is a pre-construction FULLY TITLED, FULLY FURNISHED 2bedroom/2 1/2
The other is a single family home in Parritta on the beach. 2b/2bath fully concessioned with a renewable lease. Built in 2005 w/all teak and log ceilings. A really neat opportunity. $299k.
Lots is happening in
Posted Nov. 15th, 2008 by Debbie Maue
Central Pacific Courses Target Golf Tourism
Three new golf courses are being planned for the Central Pacific, two of which are nearly ready to begin construction and represent more than $20 million in investment, say developers.
If completed, they would bring the total number of courses in the region to four, including the La Iguana Golf Course at the Los Sueños Marriot Ocean & Golf Resort. Another four courses have been built along the northern Pacific coast in Guanacaste, and at least four more are planned for that same region.
“Certainly, Costa Rica is an up-and-comer,” said Rick Summers, the CEO of the Publications and Marketing Group of the Professional Golfers Association, or more simply, the PGA Magazine. “But right now there are many, many very strong destinations that obviously have a head start on Costa Rica.”
Read On at The Beach Times
If completed, they would bring the total number of courses in the region to four, including the La Iguana Golf Course at the Los Sueños Marriot Ocean & Golf Resort. Another four courses have been built along the northern Pacific coast in Guanacaste, and at least four more are planned for that same region.
“Certainly, Costa Rica is an up-and-comer,” said Rick Summers, the CEO of the Publications and Marketing Group of the Professional Golfers Association, or more simply, the PGA Magazine. “But right now there are many, many very strong destinations that obviously have a head start on Costa Rica.”
Read On at The Beach Times
Cruise the Wild Heart of Chicago
- Population: 2,842,518
- Median home price: $245,000
The second city gets top billing as a metropolis with great access: Nearly every type of outdoor activity is within a two-hour drive. Deer Grove, just north in Palatine, offers trail options ranging from wide, semi-paved paths to narrow, technical byways for trail runners, cyclists, and cross-country skiers. Right in town there are 569 parks and 32 beaches.
Where Chi-town really sets itself apart is in its architecturally influential city center. “There’s no place else on Earth where the skyscrapers rise straight out of the water and form a downtown urban canyon,” says local kayaker Gary Mechanic, a third-generation Chicagoan. Showing the usual bombast and bluster of Windy City politicians, Mayor Richard M. Daley has announced plans to make it the greenest city in the U.S. Already, the lakefront is immaculate, 25,000 trees are planted annually, wind and solar power are in abundance, and one million square feet (92,903 square kilometers) of sky-high gardens are within city limits—more green rooftops than in all other U.S. cities combined.
Posted Sept. 18th, 2008 by Debbie Maue
BBMP Blog
Welcome,
This is the new home of the Big Blue Marble Properties Blog. Here you will find updates on articles, properties, pictures, and updates we are currently working on.
Thanks, and check back soon!
Posted Sept. 18th, 2008 by Debbie Maue
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