In a recent New York Times article, published March 23, 2010, the author (Lisa Keys) explains how prices in the most desired areas of Quito, Ecuador’s capital city, have nearly doubled in the last five years and continue to show a relatively strong demand for much of the historical homes, although there are signs of a slower sales this year.

Many people are unaware of the beauty, diversity and history of this region in South America. Today, it’s common to see people from Europe, Canada and the United States in these popular areas of Ecuador.

Ecuador has a lot to offer, especially with lower real estate prices in comparison to Costa Rica and Panama and, in many cases only an addition 60-90 minutes more in flight time. Ecuadorians use the U.S. dollar as their currency, making prices more attractive to Canadians and Europeans when the dollar is weak.

Ecuador also has a long, beautiful coastline, allowing for lower real estate prices along the Pacific Ocean.

We’re looking forward to hearing your thoughts and comments on Ecuador and hope to see you there soon!

For most people, moving to Panama or Costa Rica is a great adventure! and can be a great place to live, although for some, the greatest challenge is being ‘homesick.’

Often, all parties involved, are excited about the move and change in way of life. But as you know, after the ‘honeymoon’ period, it can take planning and true diligence to keep oneself active, surrounded by a different culture, warmer weather, new language, etc.

The best way to keep from becoming homesick is to plan ahead and keep our minds busy. This can easily be accomplished with a little planning. For example, one can pick up a new hobby, like golf, which can also be a great way to exercise, or find a place to volunteer! surely there are plenty of people with great skills and some extra time on their hands.

Walking, rather than driving where possible, is another way of getting exercise and giving you the opportunity to learn more about your new neighborhood and town. Just be sure to bring sunscreen or an umbrella for protection from the sun and the tropical rains.

One can always take Spanish classes or any class in Spanish for that matter. Dance classes are often very fun and a great way to get out, meet people and get exercise.

What about writing letters, many of us have nearly forgotten how! Write a book, write you memoirs, leave stories behind for children and grandchildren, brothers, sisters or other family members.

Garden, knit, learn to play chess, if you haven’t already. And, what about Dominos? It a very popular game in Central America. Horseback riding anyone??? And one of my favorites… ahhhhhh, the beach!

Needless to say, there are many things to do and keep you busy at or near your new home in Panama or Costa Rica… all you have to do is plan a little, then proceed to have fun!

Have you noticed that much of the food in Central America tastes much better than the food in North America? The fruit more juicy, the soup more flavorful, the meat more tender??? And the milk, mmm…

Yes, dear friends and clients, it’s probably not your imagination, we truly do believe much of the food tastes better in Central America than in North America, but we’ll let you decide for yourself…

Still haven’t purchase your plane ticket? What are you waiting for? Come and join us in Costa Rica or Panama, today!

Many professionals agree, the sale of high-rises in Panama City may, and probably should, soon come to a halt. After recently speaking with many several real estate professionals, including Panama real estate brokers and attorneys, everyone agreed that most US and Canadian citizens have stopped buying homes in Panama and most condo (aka apartment) sales in Panama City are coming from buyers of unstable or highly politically divisive countries in South America, looking for more financial stability, and these recent sales may soon slow down as well. If this happens in 2010, we won’t be surprised to see a price correction of at least 10% or more. This alone, for most potential home buyers and real estate investors, is a good reason to rent rather than buy in Panama and Costa Rica’s urban areas.

During a drive through the countryside, we came across a few police checkpoints along the way. At first, it’s always a little unnerving driving where there are four or five police officers monitoring cars during a standard road check, but after awhile this becomes second nature almost expected. As we drove through, we politely slowed down, waved to the officer directing traffic and kept on going, as directed by the officer, then politely smile and waved at the other officers. At this point, one also feels an appreciation and sense of comfort, knowing the guys are out there looking after us, especially because they’re watching to keep any potential unsafe driver off the roads.

In many countries, this isn’t common, except during certain federal holidays, where there are often more deadly car accidents, but in Panama, these roads checks are common on the main highways, especially between Panama City, Santiago and David.

It’s good to see the men in uniform out there keeping an eye on the drivers and making sure the roads are safe. This was a good reminder that when visiting another country, it’s important to relax, abide by the law and not speed.

A word for those who may forget to about following the speed limits and slowing down near bus stops or when entering small towns (which there are many), we’re confident a $300.00 reminder (ok – speeding ticket) from a friendly police officer is the last thing you want to include in your next vacation!

Happy Driving!

PANAMA CITY, March 17 (Reuters) – Spain’s Acciona, Brazil’s Construtora Norberto Odebrecht, and Italy’s Impregilo lead three consortia that will be allowed to bid on a $1.5 billion contract to build a Panamanian subway…

to read more about this project, visit http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN1713441520100317

Our first thought is rent in either Panama or Costa Rica. The real estate markets have cooled off considerably and, if you want to buy now, there are buyers in a difficult situation who need to sell now. This, due to unforeseen circumstances, and these, we suggest, are the families and individuals who could really use the right buyer to come along. Do consider however, there is considerable risk in buying a home priced over US$120,000.00.

Know that the real estate markets are somewhat unpredictable at this time, although condominium (aka apartment) prices in Panama City have held up reasonable well in relation to many other international real markets. This being primarily due to buyers from South America who want to own real estate in a Latin American country, with a more stable government, and because the Panamanian currency is the US dollar, and for many investors from South America, owning property in US dollars is well worth buying in Panama.

Areas to continue to watch in Panama are Pedasi, Boquete, Albrook/Clayton, and Coronado. Although Punta Pacifica has a beautiful shopping mall and, of course, a very good hospital affiliated with Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States, the future seems bright for the more rural areas in and around Pedasi and Boquete, with plenty of growth opportunity, beautiful landscape, lots of character and relatively lower prices.

Please click on the following link for travel information on Costa Rica: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1093.html

Please click on the link provided for travel information on Panama: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_994.html

According to a recent article provided by BBCNews (British Broadcasting Corp.) has a very persuading story! You can read more about Costa Rica at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8498456.stm