Discover Hidden Gems!
By: Serena Hoffman
Since living in Belize for more than 13 years, I have discovered a lot of little-known facts about this beautiful country I call my home that you won’t easily find on Google. So, let’s dive into a journey through unique traditions, natural wonders, and fascinating mysteries.
An Exquisite Lobster Fest in Beautiful Belize
By: Serena Hoffman
Another year, another Lobster Fest and we wanted to tell you all about it.
The Importance of Having a Property Manager for Your Rental Property in Belize
By: Serena Hoffman
Tropical greetings, as you may have remembered in our last newsletter I told you we were going to be talking about the importance of someone who at times is overlooked: The Property Manager. Whether you're a seasoned investor or new to the real estate market, a property manager can be an invaluable asset, ensuring the success and profitability of your rental property. Let's explore why their role is crucial and how they can enhance your investment experience.
Take Control of Your Retirement with eQRP
By: Serena Hoffman
Tropical greetings from Belize. Have you ever wondered what the eQRP is and why it is the best way to take charge of your retirement!
Many people spend more time planning for their vacation than their retirement. For most, it can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Just like my mentors taught me, my goal is to help you collapse time frames. What has taken many people YEARS to figure out, or even missteps with their IRA’s – why not learn from them and take control of your retirement?!
One option that has been gaining popularity in recent years is the eQRP. This retirement plan offers numerous benefits that make it an attractive choice for those looking to take control of their financial future.
Endless Investment Opportunities
One of the primary advantages of eQRP is that it provides access to a wide range of investment opportunities. With an eQRP, you can invest in assets such as real estate, private equity, and precious metals, among others. This means that you have the potential to earn higher returns than you would with a traditional 401(k) or IRA, which typically limit your investment options.
No Custodians
Another significant advantage of eQRP is that it does not require a custodian. This means that you can have direct control over your retirement funds, without having to go through a third-party custodian. This can save you time and money, as you won't have to pay custodial fees or wait for approval from a custodian before making investment decisions.
Lower Annual Fees
Additionally, eQRP typically has lower annual fees than traditional retirement plans. While 401(k) plans can charge annual fees of 1-2% or more, eQRP fees are typically much lower. This means that more of your money is working for you, rather than being eaten up by fees.
Control
With eQRP, you have complete control over your retirement funds. You can choose which investments to make, how much to contribute, and when to take distributions. This level of control is not always available with traditional retirement plans, which may limit your investment options or require approval from a custodian or plan administrator.
Rollover IRA Investments
Another benefit of eQRP is that it allows you to roll over funds from an existing IRA or 401(k) plan. This means that you can consolidate your retirement savings into one account, and have more control over how those funds are invested. With an eQRP, you can invest in a wide range of assets, including real estate, private equity, and more.
There are many more benefits to why the eQRP program would be a great fit for you. The eQRP offers a range of benefits. With complete control over your retirement funds, the ability to invest in a wide range of assets, and built-in IRS audit protection, eQRP provides a flexible and reliable way to save for your future.
If you're interested in learning more about eQRP and how it could benefit your retirement planning, book a call with me and we can talk strategy and I can also introduce you to Damion Lupo and his team. They are passionate about helping individuals gain control over their financial futures.
Team Theresa is committed to giving back.
By: Tom Al-Ajba
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Winston Churchill
Team Theresa is committed to giving back.
You may occasionally lose sight of what is crucial when you are working tirelessly to fulfill your clients' goals and dreams. My immediate family and I have been treated incredibly well by this lovely small gem in Central America, and we are forever thankful. Giving back is important to us at Team Theresa, a RE/MAX 1st Choice Belize company.
Final Belize Update of the Year
By: David Kafka
As 2021 comes to a close, there’s so much in the news about Beautiful Belize. Today, it’s a sunny 79 degrees, and I'm sitting outside working on my porch looking at a couple iguanas, the mountains and the water … I am sacrificing myself for all of you! :)
Your Personal Belize Update!
By: David Kafka
Ready for the latest Belize updates? You’ll meet the new owner of a Belize resort, learn traveling tips for sending your pets on a plane, COVID updates and more!
Mariposa Beach Resort and Restaurant
My team and I had the privilege to work with fellow public servant Lewis Blanchard. He just retired as a Deputy Sheriff in Georgia and is now the proud owner of Mariposa Beach Resort and Restaurant.
If you are coming to visit Placencia, stay at Mariposa and give Reservations the coupon code 'RE/MAX1' for a discount. Lewis will be a huge asset to Placencia, and we’re happy to have him here! Let’s give him a warm Belize welcome!
Save on Taxes with Passive Income & Investment Conference Takeaways
By: David Kafka
As we approach a new month, we have lots of exciting things happening. I want to dive into how to give yourself a raise with taxes and my takeaways from the New Orleans Investment Conference.
Belize Update October 2021
By: David Kafka
October is here, and we’re ready for the new month ahead!There are a few updates we want to share with you. First, we have an update on our office staff.
Jennilee just had her second surgery, and I want to thank everyone for their prayers and support. She is still out for another month. She has to go back for radiation, and we’re praying for a speedy recovery. Angy is back in the office, and she’ll be catching up on work. We are glad she is feeling better.
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.
Recent Articles
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- Discovering the Art and Music Scene in Belize
- The Benefits of Owning a Vacation Rental in Belize
- Coastal vs. Inland Living
- Affordable Living Options in Belize
- Exploring Education in Belize
- Explore Belize with Confidence
- Exciting News! RE/MAX Expands Hopkins Village Team!
- A Guide for Foreign Buyers
FIU COMPLETE TRANSPARENCY
info@1stchoicebelize.com Placencia Branch
Main Road, Placencia Village
Stann Creek, Belize
P: +(501) 523-3666 Hopkins Branch
Main Road, Hopkins Village
Stann Creek, Belize
P: +(501) 522-3225
Corozal Branch
25 4th Ave
Corozal, Belize
P: +(501) 423-4171