Survivor Nicaragua Update

Adapted from TV Squad

This fall, a new set of masochists will descend upon the jungle to compete on the 21st season of CBS's 'Survivor.' This year, however, it won't just be a match of wits that will weed them out. CBS announced Wednesday that the show will divide the contestants by age, creating one tribe of competitors over age 40, and another tribe of those under age 30 for a face-off called 'Young vs. Old.'

"The Espada Tribe, made up of individuals over the age of 40, must prove they have the life experience and knowledge that will ultimately help them outwit and outlast their younger competitors," the network said in a statement. "The La Flor Tribe, consisting of individuals 30 years of age and younger, will have to use their youth and vitality to outplay and ultimately outlast their elders."

'Survivor: Nicaragua' won't be first the time that the series has split its cast along age lines. In season 12, 'Survivor: Panama' divided its cast into four tribes, but split them by both gender and age.





While the sheer physical demands of 'Survivor' would suggest that the young'uns will easily best their elders, some of the old-timers in Nicaragua might just have a fighting chance - and they can look to previous seasons for inspiration. In season 10, it was then-40-year-old Tom Westman who took home the top honor, beating out his nubile jungle-mates on 'Survivor: Palau.' It looks like Nicaragua will feature some similarly tough cast members who were born long before 1980.

The cast of 'Survivor: Nicaragua' has yet to be officially announced, but casting newly leaked casting rumors include hearty elders such as former NFL coach Jimmy Johnson, 67, who was previously suggested to be joining the show, former Massachusetts fisherman Jimmy Tarantino, 48, amateur cycling champ Dr. Jillian Halmi Behm, 43, and former army nurse Wendy Jo Kohlhoff, 48. Other potential members of the Espada tribe include Brooklynite Dan Lembo, 63, rancher and pageant director Holly Hoffman, 44, and dog breeder Jane Bright, 56.

As for the rumored under-30 crew? So far, Team La Flor is all pecs and bikinis, and include model-actor-drummer Jud Birza, 21, ex-cheerleader and paddle board enthusiast Brenda Lowe, 27, hunky club promoter Ben Henry, 24, swimsuit model Alina Wilson, 23, and track athlete Ma Onka Mixon, 27. Of course, there are also a few serious athletes rumored to be in the younger tribe, too, including ex-NCAA linebacker Chase Rice, 24, and marathoner/real estate broker Matt Lenahan, 30, among others. Still, with a potential elder cast this rugged, the nubile flowers better watch their over-tanned, wrinkle-free backs if they want a shot at winning season 21.

'Survivor: Nicaragua' premieres Sept. 15 on CBS (8 pm/ET).

Survivor Comes to Nicaragua

There has been a lot of talk lately about the popular TV Show, Survivor, currently filming 2 seasons near San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua. The 21st season is already highly acclaimed by Survivor's creator, Jeff Probst. He describes Nicaragua as "...a land of impenetrable terrain, smoking volcanoes and savage wildlife." While I have personally have never run into any "savage wildlife" in my daily life, I do agree with Probst that the series will "star a brand new set of survivors" - Nicaragua being one of them.

Speculation about Nicaragua being thrust into the limelight during the 21st and 22nd seasons is probably quite accurate, as previous promotion in countries like Belize and Honduras resulted in an influx in real estate investors and higher prices, due to the countries' increased international profiles and increased demand for property.

"Pre-Survivor" prices are still here today, but that will likely change as soon as the hit show broadcasts simultaneously in many countries world wide. Survivor is franchised in over 50 countries.

I personally am very excited for Survivor Nicaragua not because of any direct impact on real estate, but because of the positive exposure of a largely misunderstood nation. Hopefully Survivor will show an accurate portrayal of the beauty and friendliness of Nicaragua.

For anyone interested in checking out Nicaragua prior to the Survivor Season airing later this year, please please be wary of real estate offices or property sellers pressuring too much or artificially increasing prices today. There are still many great deals out there in Nicaragua, and organic appreciation in the values of land prices will come slowly and steadily as the truth about the optimal conditions in Nicaragua reach more mainstream markets.

SURVIVOR NICARAGUA PREVIEW ON YOUTUBE

Yoga Community, Lots & Yoga Retreats in Nicaragua - El Camino del Sol San Juan del Sur

Everyone who knows me knows I rarely align myself personally with any developer or development project in Nicaragua or Costa Rica. I am a buyer's agent who scouts the best properties for my clients, regardless of who owns the property or what the price point is. I do like to find the outliers, however, and tend to specialize in finding properties that are priced well below market comps in Nicaragua and Costa Rica.

In any sense, I am genuinely impressed with the development, infrastructure, amenities and property management at El Camino del Sol in south west Nicaragua, just outside San Juan del Sur. The owner has really transformed a common finca into a community center and upscale development for people interested in quality of life, health, wellness, surfing and yoga. This community, though humble in its marketing, actually boasts the highest lots owned to houses built ratio in all of San Juan del Sur. Most developers sell a bunch of lots without anyone building anything, or in some cases, without any infrastructure at all. El Camino is quite the opposite. Not only are there 8 houses built in the small community, but there are also indoor/outdoor yoga spaces, a gourmet restaurant and coffee/tea spot with wireless internet, an impressive lap pool and swimming pool, lush gardens and landscaping, water, electricity, well-maintained roads and ambitious drainage and finishing touches to all construction.

Every day, young, lively local residents, expats and tourists frequent the development to drop in on a Nica Yoga class, eat at the restaurant, check their email or converse with friends and travelers. The short term and long term residents alike in the rental houses all feel at home and like a part of the greater San Juan del Sur community and coastal lifestyle.



Here are the specs on owning a coveted lot in El Camino del Sol by Mark Sullivan of Pro Nica Development.

ON SURFING: Great waves are basically as close to surf as the town of San Juan del Sur. Remanso is 10 min down the road to the south and Maderas is 15 min away to the north. After those there's several breaks within 25 min of here.

ON BUILDING: There is no building timeline requirement; however will consider granting a lot credit if someone builds right away.

ON CLOSING COSTS: Utilities are already installed and ready to go to each lot. Closing costs are usually less than 3k.

ON BUILDING REQUIREMENTS: There are no specific restrictions but there are CCRs for the community. Basically, the developers have the right to disapprove of any design that is structurally unsound or absolutely hideous. Other than building correctly and aesthetically, there are no restrictions on what folks can do. Building costs depend greatly on the materials used and finishings that go in eventually. We're looking at building methods that have us spending $35-40/ft2 with structurally sound natural building materials, as well as sustainable options.

ON OCEAN VIEWS: El Camino isn't best known for it's ocean views, while there are a few left with affordable price points.

ON LOT PRICES: Lot prices for 1/4 to 1 acre lots are average from $25-225k but at a much lower price per meter than San Juan del Sur just a click down the road.

ON HOA's: Association fees are $95/month and cover 24 hr security, maintenance of the common areas, internet, full time gardener, road maintenance, etc.

ON FINANCING: On a case by case basis, we would consider seller financing.

Here is another link to the amenities of El Camino del Sol.

For anyone who wants an affordable lot in a secure community close to the beach in San Juan del Sur, El Camino del Sol is for you!

They offer:

Lots

Homes and Construction Services

Vacation Rentals


Contact me for questions on buying or check out their website at Elcaminodelsol.com and tell them Nica Chica sent you!

Popoyo, Nicaragua Surf Vacation Rental Properties

Surfari Charters' Jeff Soderlind starts a new property management company in Popoyo, Nicaragua.



Karina Noguera, the Vacation Rentals Manager of Horizon Group, recently reported a new website, www.horizonnicaragua.com, which will display all of their real estate listings, home construction projects and vacation rentals here in Nicaragua. Be sure to keep your eyes open for our first Horizon Newsletter which we will send out once the site is live.

They now have a large selection of beautiful and diverse vacation rentals all along the Pacific coastline - including San Juan del Sur, Guacalito de la Isla, Hacienda Iguana, Rancho Santana and the Popoyo area.

Contact them for the inside scoop on Popoyo, Nicaragua house rentals and real estate properties and tell them the Nica Chica sent you!

Nicaragua Ranked in Top 5 Latin American Real Estate Destinations

Congratulations Nicaragua on making the Top 5 Latin American Real Estate Destinations, even ahead of Costa Rica!

NuWire Investor recently published its rankings of the Top 5 locations for real estate investment in Latin America. In its analysis, NuWire considered a combination of geographic, economic and political factors; real estate values and rental rates; possibility of natural disasters; cost of living; growth in tourism and other industries; job markets and crime.

The governing parties of many Latin American countries have been historically considered volatile and corrupt, which has discouraged foreign investment in certain areas. As a result, many markets are still in their infancy and NuWire has carefully examined which governments have put forth a sincere effort to change this and attract foreign capital through legitimate means. Peru has, for example, increased its protective measures for private investors and eliminated all restrictions on money transfers in or out of the country. Brazil has a wealth of natural resources and has initiated several programs over the last decade to attract investors to the Northeastern coastal areas. Each country's market has its own unique strengths and every investor can find something of interest in these vibrant markets.

The Top 5 Latin American Real Estate Markets are:

1. Chile

2. Brazil

3. Uruguay

4. Peru

5. Nicaragua

To view the full article, click here.

NuWire Investor provides investment news on a range of alternative investment topics, such as U.S. and international real estate, tax liens and deeds, lending, franchising and others. For more information, and to access additional analysis, research, commentary and expert interviews, see www.NuWireInvestor.com.

Here is the text from the Article:

5. Nicaragua

Although Nicaragua is known for its history of political instability and conflict, the previously war-torn nation is desperately trying to attract foreign investment. Government incentives have made Nicaragua real estate appealing to investors, as Nicaragua’s attractions continue to draw more tourists and expatriates.

Nicaragua could become an ideal retirement and vacation destination for millions“Because Nicaragua has historically been overlooked by travelers and real estate investors [in comparison] to Costa Rica, Panama, and Mexico, prices have remained extremely affordable,” Henkel Smith, president of Water’s Edge International Realty, said. “Nicaragua's real estate market is definitely still in its infancy, but we see things changing as the number of foreign visitors and investors continue to buy up properties.”
The country has an abundance of natural resources , beautiful landscapes and a government that claims to be welcoming towards foreign investment and tourism. Assuming the government’s expressed attitude towards foreign investment is genuine, Nicaragua appears to be an investor's dream, offering an ideal retirement and vacation destination for millions of people, especially Americans and Europeans.

On the other hand, some investors might find Nicaragua’s political structure to be intimidating; those who perceive President Daniel Ortega ’s position of power as threatening have been discouraged from entering the market. Nevertheless, optimistic investors believe that Ortega’s personal investment in business and tourism projects around the country are a sign that he plans to take a different path this time in office, and that the President is now trying to make amends for his violent past as a young Sandinista revolutionary.

Nicaragua’s investment hotspots are Granada, a colonial town on the bank of Lake Nicaragua, and San Juan Del Sur, a booming fishing village located on the Pacific Ocean just north of Costa Rica. Although a profusion of new developments are happening along the Pacific coast, most of the country awaits significant advancements in Nicaragua infrastructure, providing investors with opportunities to buy property in almost any price range.



Author Information

Marie Langhout
NuWire, Inc.

Announcing New Website for Real Estate in Costa Rica-Nicaragua

Well everyone knows I love Nicaragua, but Costa Rica was my first introduction to Central America (besides Mexico & the Caribbean) back in 2002. Living and working in Costa Rica also became my eventual gateway to traveling and working and living in Nicaragua beginning in 2006.

Living centrally in Costa Rica also led me to travel in Panama, so I have a lot to thank Costa Rica for!

With that in mind, I have decided to expand my services throughout Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. Even a few times on this blog I may weave through topics that have to do with not only Nicaragua, but Costa Rica and Panama as well.

I hope you all enjoy and can use this info to decide where you might be most inclined to live or invest in the future!

The website is WWW.REALESTATECOSTARICA-NICARAGUA.COM

Check out more about me, stats and properties on each country and the Costa Rica - Nicaragua - Panama Photo Gallery, as well as lots of fun information and downloadable documents.

Tell your friends!


Northern Nicaragua at Sunrise