Bringing Pets to Belize
By: David Kafka
Many of us are pet lovers and bringing your pets to Belize is easy. Depending on where you are traveling from there may be some added requirements, however, in Belize you need only an import permit. An application for the import permit is needed each time for any import of products, foods, and medicines for animals.
Before traveling see your Country, State, Province, or District requirements. The USDA offers a great resource for those traveling from the United States to Belize “Pet travel from the US to Belize”.
Gun Laws and Belize
By: David Kafka
COVID-19 has increased demand on farms and gun inquiries. Many ask about being able to bring a gun to Belize. The short answer is I wouldn’t recommend it, it can be very expensive. Here’s a short lesson on the rules and regulations of carrying a gun in Belize.
The Story Behind the Name Belize
By: David Kafka
Did you know that Belize was formerly known as British Honduras? The country was officially renamed as Belize in 1973 which caught the attention of many because the name is so exotic and unique. Add to that the various stories about where the name came from and it is still a mystery. Here are two credible possibilities for where the name Belize came from.
Thankful is an understatement...
By: David Kafka
Can you Belize it is already September?!? Three more months, and 2021 is OVER.
Last month was very busy! So many wonderful things are happening here in Belize …
Tips to Overcome Challenges When Buying Property in Belize
By: David Kafka
On a monthly call with my mentors, we talk about real-life issues when it comes to investing. This last call made me think about some of the issues we may face when buying properties in Belize. We also talk about the importance of setting expectations with clients.
Here are some of the challenges we’ve experienced and tips on how to handle them.
Can Foreigners Buy Property in Belize?
By: David Kafka
Can foreigners buy property in Belize?
That is a very popular question. The short answer is YES!
The majority of our sales this year are foreigner to foreigner. Very few are Belizean own land. For the last few years, most of our buyers are from the USA or Canada.
The American dollar has hurt our transactions with Canadians. The cost of Belize land is priced in USD and since the conversion from USD to CAD is inflated by 30%, purchasing land for Canadians has become too expensive - 25% more expensive.
How to Find the Right Builder in Belize
By: David Kafka
Want to build your dream home in Belize? This week we'll help you find the right builder.
The steps to building are pretty simple. We suggest anyone looking to build start by visiting the Central Building Authority website. The website is a great place to learn about the approval process and fees associated with building and help finding a local architect.
Once you’ve found a local architect, review your plans and ideas for the build. Ask if they offer services to help oversee the project. This can be especially helpful if you are not able to monitor the project in-person.
How Belize Became a Melting Pot of Religions
By: David Kafka
The religion in Belize is diverse, just like their rich culture and ethnic groups. The country’s religious sectors are mostly non-natives because of many immigrant cultures that influenced their beliefs.
These influencers brought it into small communities in which they passed their religious traits or heritage, not only to their siblings or relatives but from generation to generation.
The most dominant religion in Belize is Roman Catholic. Spanish conquistadors, accompanied by missionaries, forced the Mayans, the first inhabitants of the country, to convert into Catholicism in the 17th century.
Belize Update August 2021
By: David Kafka
It has been quite some time we have updated you on all of the exciting things going on in Belize and with RE/MAX 1st Choice Belize.
Can you believe it’s already August 2021?
In June, I was a guest writer for Caribbean Culture & Lifestyle, covering 7 Questions to Ask Before Investing in Belize. On July 25th, I had the privilege of being on another HGTV show called Beachfront Bargain Hunt.
Where in Paradise Would You Live? Part 1
By: David Kafka
When I first started coming to Belize around 2005, the most popular t-shirt to buy was "Where the Hell is Belize?". Now more and more people know about this beautiful country that is about the size of Connecticut.
This week's Blog: Belize, Experiences of a Lifetime
By: David Kafka
Many of you know by now my journey on moving to Belize over 15 years ago. We wanted a Caribbean vacation that wasn’t on a cruise ship. All it took was that first trip and I was in love. I write about this journey in the #1 Amazon Best Seller book, Don’t Quit. It’s a great book on real-life stories of persistence, courage, and faith. I recommend you check it out if you are needing a little inspiration about life.
My beautiful daughter, Serena, was 11 when we moved to Belize, but she was 6 years old when we came for the first time. What a trooper she was. We uprooted her from malls, movies, private schools, and first-world living to moving to a third world but developing country.
Where in Paradise Would You Live? Part 2
By: David Kafka
Although Belize has a relatively small geographical footprint, it is absolutely bursting with cultural and topographical diversity.
Physically, Belize includes a wide variety of beautiful landscapes ranging from dense jungle to city to cool Caribbean shoreline. It is also home to people from many different backgrounds and cultures.
Each of Belize’s six distinct districts offers its own history and characteristics to its visitors and residents. Together, they combine to create this incredible paradise, often referred to as “The jewel in the heart of the Caribbean Basin.”
A few weeks ago, we touched on Stann Creek and Toledo. This week, we dive into the distinctive features of two more districts: Corozal and the Orange Walk District.
Reason #4,657,999 As to Why to Visit and Move to Belize
By: David Kafka
I am a foodie; I love food. One of the biggest and most pleasant shocks I received when I initially visited over 15 years ago was the FOOD. Everywhere I went, the food was great. I have so many stories and endless pictures of the awesome food I have eaten throughout this wonderful country, Belize.
Best Damn Zoo, a Must Visit!
By: David Kafka
I LOVE animals. It’s one of the reasons why I have been on the board of directors for The Placencia Humane Society for so long. Sometimes I find myself wanting to be with animals rather than people.
Where in Paradise Would You Live? Part 3
By: David Kafka
In case you haven’t found your little slice of paradise just yet, this week, we’ll dive into a couple of districts in Belize: Stann Creek and Toledo.
Stann Creek
The Stann Creek district, located 90 miles from Belize City by land and 36 miles by sea, can also be accessed via the Manatee Highway, located at Milepost 30.5 on the Western Highway (less than two miles past the Belize Zoo turnoff).
The Manatee Highway or Coastal Highway as it is also known is currently being widened, raised and paved. It is a 4 year project that was started in 2020.
The Scoop on Belize Citizenship, Residency, Visas & More
By: David Kafka
What is one thing that Belize has that many other countries don’t? Space! No matter what religion you are, what political party you belong to, your background, etc. We have one word for you: WELCOME!
Mangroves in Belize
By: David Kafka
It’s no secret that animals hold a special place in my heart. Along with that is protecting their habitat and ours. Although we are a real estate company and support new development, protecting the environment and the ecosystem is always at the forefront of any project we participate in.
One of my favorite plants, and a very crucial one to Belize, is the mangrove.
Top 5 Questions to Ask When Buying Real Estate in Belize
By: David Kafka
With our exclusive relationship with realtor.com/international and other websites, we receive a large number of leads every day. Many leads are the same person messaging four or five different realtors in the same area. In North America, we use one agent, and they show you all the properties you want.
Belize is no different.
Belize Jungle: Reviews of Calico Jack’s and Sleeping Giant
By: David Kafka
Last week was a bit stressful.
I wanted to get away and lock myself up in a room to catch up on work.
What did I do?
I went to Cayo and stayed in Calico Jack’s Village. Then I visited Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge for a few days.