Expo to Explore Second Homes South of the Border

How to Buy a Home South of the Border, one of many topics to be covered at Escapes! Second-Home Expo

THE WOODLANDS, Texas –– Spending time south of the border has always been a favorite vacation option for Americans. But now, an extraordinary number of U.S. citizens are putting down roots in the sandy shores to the south and snapping up second homes in Mexico, Panama and neighboring locales. The numbers are remarkable.

"One and a half million Americans already own residential real estate in Mexico,” said Mitch Creekmore, co-author of "Cashing in on a Second Home in Mexico,” and executive VP of the title company Stewart International.

Creekmore is part of a dynamic lineup of internationally acclaimed speakers at Escapes Second-Home Expo on April 19 and 20 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center. Outstanding exhibitors include representatives of the hottest second-home properties in Texas, the U.S., Mexico, Central America and other destinations around the world.

"Mexico has it all,” said Creekmore, "and I look forward to talking with attendees about why it is an excellent place to purchase a second home, as well as what they need to know before they purchase.”

He said that beaches, deserts, mountainous terrains or Caribbean climates are all available in Mexico. "There are very distinct changes in the topography and geography depending on where you go.”

Creekmore said that other advantages to living in Mexico include its proximity to the U.S., affordable cost of living, advanced infrastructure, quality healthcare and tax benefits.

Creekmore believes in the success and growth of Mexico as a destination location so much that he owns property for investment and development purposes there himself.

According to the 2007 Global Retirement Index, as printed in International Living Magazine, Mexico is now the No. 1 retirement destination for Americans.

And to help Expo attendees find exactly the best place for them in Mexico, representatives from several Mexican properties will be at the Expo, including La Punta Realty, a luxury real estate and vacation rentals firm based in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. They specialize in coastal lots and land, luxury residences, exclusive resort villas and deluxe beachfront condominiums.

Panama is another spectacular second-home hot spot. Adsinar Cajar-Bocek, Consul General Panama, who will be speaking at the Escapes Expo, said "Americans love our natural beauty, food, fishing and nice weather. There is also a certain comfort level that Americans have when visiting Panama because of the positive historical relationship between the two countries.”

And it doesn't hurt that Panama has the same currency system as the U.S. — the dollar.

"Our healthcare system is also excellent,” said Cajar-Bocek. "Many of the doctors and other professionals studied in the United States, which I also believe makes many Americans more comfortable.”

Nicaragua is blossoming with incredible second-home opportunities. Ann Koplas, with Rancho Santana in Rivas, Nicaragua, said, "An increasing amount of people are seeing the value in purchasing a second home in this area. You can live a luxurious lifestyle for about $20 a day,” she said. "At this price you could have a gardener, a cook, a maid and even a driver.”

Representing Nicaraguan and Costa Rican properties is International Home Brokerage; and Green Seal Realty has property offerings in Costa Rica.

Reserva Conchal, an extraordinary Costa Rican beach resort, offers stretches of sand overlooking the Catalina Islands, a championship golf course, condominiums, five-star hotel, and activities that include, surfing, hiking, sport fishing, and relaxing by the pools.

Among the other Costa Rican properties to explore at the Expo are: SeaBreeze Mountain, Cortijo los Laureles in San Jose, Seaside Tamarindo and Ailanto Wellness Resort & Spa.

For Houstonians, the south-of-the-border playgrounds of Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, Belize and Nicaragua are all just a short flight away. The "Gateway to Latin America,” Houston has more nonstop flights to these areas than any U.S. city.

To help tie it all together, Samantha Brown, lively and vivacious Emmy Award-winning host on the Travel Channel, will discuss exploring your inner self and how to tell if that second-home destination under consideration is the perfect choice or if you should continue the quest.

A complete lineup of speakers and their seminar times is available on the Expo's Web site.

GETAWAY-GIVEAWAYS!
Attendees can register for a chance to win one of the outstanding Getaway packages! Sponsors include: Horseshoe Bay & Resort (Texas Hill Country), Rancho Santana (Nicaragua), Reserva Conchal (Costa Rica); Bear Mountain Resort (Canada), Brookfield Homes Hawaii/ The Fairmont Orchid (Hawaii), Vail Plaza Hotel and Club, Las Terrazas (Belize), Legacy Mazatlan (Mexico), Las Brisas (Texas Hill Country), Altos del Maria (Panama) and Continental Airlines. To learn more, to go EscapesExpo.com.

The Escapes! Second-Home Expo venue:
The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center
1601 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77380

Dates: Saturday and Sunday, April 19-20, 2008
Hours: Saturday, 9a.m. – 6p.m.; Sunday 10a.m. – 6p.m.

Pre-purchased tickets are $10 online at the show's Web site; $12 at the door. Ticket admits one adult for one day of the Expo. Two-day passes available. For detailed information on seminar times, list of exhibitors, hotel accommodations and area attractions, visit the Web site below.