“No one is going to allow seizure of property big or small. We need to eradicate poverty, but you don’t do that by getting rid of investment and those who have resources.” – Daniel Ortega

Shortly after his election, Daniel Ortega met with dozens of the country’s top business leaders and foreign investors (including two of our IL colleagues) and promised to respect property rights and support the country’s Central American Free Trade Agreement with the United States.  He further assured existing investors that they would be able to continue their work as they have in the past and expressed his welcome to new investors in the country.

• Learn about Nicaragua’s Law 306, which offers the region’s most attractive and aggressive incentives – including some amazing tax breaks – for you to invest in any tourism-related business in the country.
  
   
• Find out about the various types of visas available to you as a full-time retiree, business owner, or visitor… which one is right for you… and how to apply for it.
  
   
• Learn from our speakers all of the practical tips you’ll need to begin living, working or investing in Nicaragua… from navigating through the red tape of the real estate and immigration processes, to advice on getting your electricity turned on, getting a prescription filled, and opening a bank account.
  
   
• Discover where the best real estate and development properties are right now… you’ll even have a chance to visit some of the great places you’ve read about in International Living.
  
   
• Find out about Nicaragua’s strong benefits for retirees… its affordable cost of living… its excellent incentives for entrepreneurs… and an honest picture of day-to-day life from expats already living and working here.
  
   
• And much, much more…

• Even amid the emerging development boom along Nicaragua’s ‘Riviera Pacifica’ it’s still possible to find ocean-view lots within walking distance of the beach, restaurants, bars, dive shops, surf shops and convenience stores starting at $65,000…or a spectacular beachfront lot in a secluded bay near the country’s foremost Pacific tourist playground for under $100,000.
  
   
• Though prices aren’t what they were just a few years back, imagine what the value of those properties will be once the tourism and development boom gets going full force… assuming you can even find them then!
  
   
• If your tastes run more towards getting away from the crowds, you might consider a half-acre of lakefront property in Nicaragua’s Northern Sierra Mountains.  We know of some that are going for as little as $39,000. This is an area of unspoiled emerald forests, majestic peaks, and crystal clear lakes.  You’ll wake up in the morning to the songs of thousands of birds and the aroma of wildflowers… and the daily temperatures average a very comfortable 65 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit year round.
  
   
• For the truly adventurous… or adventure-spirited retirees… who don’t mind trading a few conveniences for a new life off the beaten track, Nicaragua also offers miles of yet undeveloped beaches and acres of pristine forests.  You’ll reach them by unpaved roads that in many places are little more than dirt tracks… and arrive in a nature-lover’s and outdoor adventurer’s fantasyland.  The spectacular landscapes, rugged coastline, deserted beaches and pure solitude will soon melt the hassles of modern-day life.  At $8,000 to $10,000 an acre, these yet undeveloped properties are a true bargain for the forward looking investor.

• Since we first bought in Nicaragua 7 years ago, land values have tripled or quadrupled and, in some instances, increased five-and six-fold… and the appreciation of real estate investments shows no sign of slowing down in the near future.
  
   
• Prices for properties we recommended in and around Granada as recently as last year are beginning to skyrocket.  Since then, the real estate market there has gone from value-ripe to over-priced, making it harder and harder to find real bargains. 
  
   
• And developers have already “discovered” the country’s south Pacific coast – Nicaragua’s ‘Riviera Pacifica’ – and condos and beach houses are popping up there all the way to the border of Costa Rica.  The big international hotel chains and flocks of tourists won’t be far behind, driving up real estate prices even higher.

• Prices for properties we recommended in and around Granada as recently as last year are beginning to skyrocket.  Since then, the real estate market there has gone from value-ripe to over-priced, making it harder and harder to find real bargains. 

• And developers have already “discovered” the country’s south Pacific coast – Nicaragua’s ‘Riviera Pacifica’ – and condos and beach houses are popping up there all the way to the border of Costa Rica.  The big international hotel chains and flocks of tourists won’t be far behind, driving up real estate prices even higher.

• Cruise ships dock regularly at San Jaun del Sur on Nicaragua’s Pacific coast...
  
   
• Nicaragua now has its first-ever tourist office in the United States...
  
   
• A new airport on the Caribbean coast makes traveling to this remote, untouched paradise easier for international tourists…
  
   
• And the government has enacted the most attractive tourism incentive law in Latin America to draw savvy entrepreneurs looking to cash-in on Nicaragua’s rapidly accelerating tourism business.  
   

Developers and bankers assure us it’s
“business as usual” in post-election Nicaragua…

“Nicaragua cannot move any direction but forward.  At worst, Ortega is merely a cosmetic blemish on the face of Nicaragua.  In the end, his election will not affect investment, growth, or development.  Developers and leaders need to respect Ortega and his party and give them the support to do as he has promised.  I feel strongly that, given the chance, Ortega will deliver the goods.  He is a man of action who has the resources to move the country ahead quickly.” – Nicaragua developer Jeffrey Finch of Laguna Beach.

“My husband and I spoke with Daniel Ortega recently.  He realizes that development in tourism and foreign investment is the way forward.  The Sandinistas had nothing to lose in the 80s.  This time around, they are all businessmen… they’ve seen Nicaragua prosper… and they have everything to lose.” – Nicaragua developer Lori Estrada of Montecristo.

“We are continuing to insure titles here in Nicaragua.  We respect the results and will continue to work with the current administrators.  For us – and for developers in the country – it’s business as usual.” – Tuey Murdock of First American Title Insurance.

“The financial system is stable after the elections and is going about its normal business.” – Jose de Jesus Rojas, General Manager, Nicaragua’s Central Bank.

An Eye-Opening Edge on Living and Prospering in Nicaragua…

“Eye-opening, to say the least.  It’s doubtful I could have gathered some of the information on my own.  In fact, I question how long it would have taken me to learn – on my own – even a fraction of what you’ve presented.  Thank you so much for putting on an informative, interesting meeting.  I was impressed!” - S. Lee Tignor, Hot Spring, AR

“These conferences are incredible – always exposed to valuable information that the average person may not have even considered to learn about.” - Richard Staufer, Superior, CO

“Good split between available property and Nicaragua information.  IL staff very accommodating.” - Scott Gemmell, Boca Raton, FL

Meet Our Presenters

During our three days together, you’ll hear from:

Joseph P. Rosko, III  -- Director, International Living- Nicaragua -- The Director of International Living's Local Office in Nicaragua, Joseph is a graduate of the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where he earned a degree in International Politics.  Before relocating to Granada, Joseph was involved with Excel Financial Corp--a full-service commercial and residential real estate finance group in Philadelphia.  While employed at Excel Financial Corp, Joseph worked closely with clients to identify and structure flexible financial solutions that met their individual and/or business cash flow requirements.  An expert in the analyzing and evaluating
the current real estate market in Nicaragua, Joseph will discuss the burgeoning development scenario and the latest ground-floor investment opportunities in this Central American paradise. Without question, Nicaragua has transformed itself into one of the most sought after property investment and lifestyle destinations in the world.

Dan Prescher is a native of Omaha, Nebraska,and a graduate of the University of Iowa Writers’ Workshop. Dan and his wife, Suzan, ran a successful marketing and corporate communications business in Omaha until 2001, when they decided to live the dream before they were too old to enjoy it. They joined the International Living team, sold the house and cars, and have lived offshore ever since. They’ve managed International Living offices in Ecuador and Mexico, and in August 2006, they made their most recent move, relocating to Panama. Dan currently hosts many of the International Living overseas events, and he also scouts for value-oriented residential projects and developments throughout Latin America.

Terencio J. García -- Garcia & Bodan -- will explain everything that you’ll need to know about immigration and residency in Nicaragua. He will be able to answer your questions regarding legal status for those working, investing or living in Nicaragua, as well as title research and property transactions.

Raul F. Calvet -- Calvet & Associates -- Raul F. Calvet, President of Calvet & Associates, the leading Tourism Investment and Marketing Consultant company in Nicaragua, offers you professional advice about how to cash in on Nicaragua’s tourist boom. His firm’s latest consultation contracts were for the development of the new $57 million Santo Domingo Shopping Center in Managua. He advises several International Living subscribers concerning their Nicaraguan tourist investment and Nicaragua's Law 306, that offers you extensive tax breaks for your tourism related investments.

Michael Cobb -- President – Gran Pacifica -- During a successful career in the computer industry, Mike decided to pursue more pioneering opportunities in emerging real estate markets.  He and his business partner formed a company, Exotic Caye International, to provide loans to North Americans purchasing properties in Belize, Honduras and throughout the region.  It was later converted to an international bank under the jurisdiction of Belize.  It continues to provide mortgage services, but has expanded its services to encompass the full realm of financial products.  In 2000, they purchased 3.5 miles of Pacific Beachfront property due west of Managua, Nicaragua.  Gran Pacifica has ambitious plans to build world-class 250-room resort hotel, 27 holes of golf, and associated amenities, the first of its kind in Nicaragua.

Ted Curmi  -- Villas de Palermo -- Ted is the Principal Developer for Villas de Palermo in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua.  He has extensive business experience in California, Florida and Central America.  He has built many businesses in the computer engineering field and real estate development.  He also has beautifully restored a large colonial home in Granada and done extensive research in the real estate market in Nicaragua.  His vision is to help both investors and the local economy in Nicaragua by focusing on turn key construction and tourism rental income, rather than the usual land purchase and sales, which is purely speculative. 

Jorge and Lori Estrada -- Cumbres De Montecristo -- Jorge Estrada, the great grandson and nephew of 3 former Nicaragua presidents, and several Premier Generals of the Republic.  Jorge, in hospital and clinic administration, and his wife, Lori a physician specializing in orthopedics, decided to open their private clinic in 1984.  13 years later, the Estrada’s and their 3 children moved to Managua, Nicaragua, where Jorge realized his goal, and opened a premier class orthopedic clinic with leading state of the art technology.  Jorge and Lori have always had a passion for real estate.  They managed several US projects and currently have a small residential community in Las Nubes, and are beginning their largest project: Cumbres De Montecristo – an exclusive oceanfront residential community on the Pacific coast of Nicaragua. 

Olli Fischer -- Iguana Golf Condos -- Mr. Fischer is co-founder and partner of Vamos Group, the developers of Iguana Golf Condominiums in Nicaragua.  Mr. Fischer is an Industrial Engineer, former McKinsey & Co. consultant, and Director of Logistics of a Pharmaceutical company in Denmark.  He moved from Denmark to Nicaragua two years ago, with the purpose of starting a development firm, with emphasis on Quality and Environmental Sustainability. He and his two partners teamed up with another Danish developer with more than 25 years experience, a Danish engineering company, and the Danish Royal Embassy in Nicaragua and set out to create the benchmark project in Quality and Environmental Sustainability in Nicaragua.

Thomas J. Gordon -- Rancho Santana -- was born in New York.  He graduated from the University of Dayton in Ohio with a Degree in Psychology.  He has been involved in real estate sales for over 20 years.  An avid naturalist, his hobbies and interests have always involved outdoor sports and activities.  Fishing, Surfing, Swimming, Hiking, you name it.......Tom is always pursuing his love for fun in the sun.  His arrival at Rancho Santana was his destiny.  Now, Tom is enjoying both of his passions in his role as the Sales Manager in this perfect paradise.  He lives at Rancho Santana full time and has become an expert in the Nicaragua real estate market.

Benjamin Hagen -- Cocos Beach Development Condos – Benjamin has had a very international education, spending time in Europe, the Caribbean, Africa, and Central America.  During this time, he was educated in English speaking environments at American Schools.  He obtained a degree in Aqua cultural Sciences and Biology in 2004 from the University, Ave Maria College of the Americas in Nicaragua, before going on to complete a post graduate program in Administration and Financial Decision in the Universidad Americana (UAM) in Managua, Nicaragua. He now works as the marketing representative for Cocos Beach Development Condos (INTUSUR S.A.) in San Juan del Sur.

David James -- Apanas Lake Estates -- In 1991 David sailed from Texas to Guatemala and never came home.  He arrived in Nicaragua 5 years ago having spent time in Ecuador, Brazil, Mexico, and Japan, looking for the country with the most ground floor opportunity. He previously worked for Playa Santa Rosa on the Pacific Coast of Nicaragua, where he was in charge of development and marketing under the direction of Bob Fordi, the developer that launched Rancho Santana.
His latest project is the first luxury development in the Northern Sierras of Nicaragua.  After a year of searching he found what he was looking for when he came to Nicaragua, a grand opportunity in the form of an amazing property with panoramic lake views, 1.5 kilometers of lakefront, cool climate, and easy access.  That property is Apanas Lake Estates.

Benjamin Lanzas -- Llansa Ingenieros -- Ben is the General Manager /Owner of Llansa Ingenieros, the leading construction company in Nicaragua.   He is a civil engineer with a master’s degree in construction management from the University of Miami.  He has been working in both horizontal and vertical construction during the last 16 years both in the private and public sector.  Some of his projects include: Hotel Montelimar, Managua International Airport and adjacent buildings (phase 1) and Industrial Free Zone Center for Ford Motor Company. He also has extensive experience in building hospitals, bridges and highway projects. He is involved in two large housing development projects in Los Almendros (140 homes) and Palmetto (187 homes) located in the suburbs of Managua.  Currently he is working in three prominent tourism and real estate developments. 

Terry Leary and Nancy Bergman -- ex-Peace Corps Volunteers arrived in Granada over 4 years and began a beautiful boutique hotel in the heart of Granada. Entrepreneurs and business women, they will offer you the benefit of their experience in Nicaragua.

Torsten and Kerstin Loeffler -- Playa Santa Rosa -- Torsten and his wife Kerstin are from Germany but have spent the last 5 years have lived in Panama.  For two of those years they worked for Robert Fordi, owner of Playa Santa Rosa and managed the project “Villas at Contadora”, located in the Pearl Islands. Recently they moved to Nicaragua to take over the management of Playa Santa Rosa.  Playa Santa Rosa is a community with excellent natural beauty, but also with well-planned infrastructure, design and administration. They have developed and improved several roads allowing year-round access. Communication and other utilities are being installed to allow full use and enjoyment of the area.  Robert Fordi is one of the owners and developers and has many years experience as a real estate developer, particularly in Nicaragua. 

Turalu Brady Murdock -- First American Title Insurance Company, Caribbean/Latin America Division -- Turalu Brady Murdock is Vice President/Counsel of the Caribbean/Latin America Division of First American Title Insurance Company based in South Florida.  Tuey is well-known to IL insiders. She has lectured extensively on title insurance related issues throughout the United States, the Caribbean and Latin America. Tuey can help you protect your property investments in Nicaragua.

Michael Navas -- ProNicaragua -- Michael spent a total of eight years working for the Nicaraguan Institute of Tourism (Ministry of Tourism) as Legal Advisor for the Minister of Tourism, Investment Advisor, and Secretary of the Tourism board of Incentives. He also co-wrote and coordinated the reaction team for the up-coming new financing mechanism for Tourism projects BIT law and the Law that expanded the Tax benefits for the Tourism Incentives Law (Law 306). Michael currently works for ProNicaragua, as the Investment Promotion Manager for the tourism sector. ProNicaragua is the Official Investment Promotion agency. They provide foreign potential investors with information and assistance throughout the exploration process of the country’s investment opportunities and during the set-up process. They also provide aftercare service.

Leonel I. Poveda Sediles -- Manager of BANCENTRO - Granada -- Leonel was educated at UCLA where he studied Banking and Finance. He has held various financial positions in both the U.S. and Nicaragua. Now he's the bank manager of BANCENTRO in Granada, Nicaragua. In this role he has helped many expatriates relocating to Granada. His friendly helpful manner helps enormously to simplify the requirements for banking in the country.

Dr. Peter Sandiford -- Vistalagos -- Dr. Sandiford is one of the three principals in the Club Vistalagos Project.  He was born in Auckland, New Zealand, and first came to Nicaragua in 1981 on vacation from his medical studies, when the country was still a hot bed of revolutionary fervor.  Like many before and after him, he was enchanted by the people and stunningly beautiful scenery of this tropical wonderland.  He returned in 1984 to work with the Nicaraguan Red Cross,
and then again in 1986 to run a World Health Organization research project.  And he has been here every year since then, sandwiched between postgraduate studies in London, working as Associate Professor at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, and then as a freelance consultant in public health, advising government and international agencies throughout the world. In 1999, Dr Sandiford moved to Nicaragua to live full time.  Most of his time is currently dedicated to developing his property investments, including Viastalagos on Lake Apoyo, although he still finds time to serve as medical director of the Central American Health Institute, a charitable organization providing medical care for the poor. 

Donn Wilson -- Las Fincas -- Donn is a southern California native, who was drawn to Nicaragua by the tremendous surf and decided to stay because of the endearing culture. Donn has worked in the action sports industry, the Direct Mail industry, real estate and home improvement. He currently has a development called Las Fincas in the San Juan del Sur area. "My wife and I got a bit tired of the consuming nature of the society in which we lived and wanted to our 3 children to know another culture. I don't think I can change much about the way southern California will turn out, but I know I can change a lot of lives down here. This project could be a model for other developers in Nicaragua and possibly world wide." Donn lives full time with his family in San Juan del Sur to be near the project and oversee the daily activities.

Exciting Raffle to Benefit the Roberto Clemente--Rancho Santana Health Clinic!

Prizes will be awarded throughout the Live and Prosper in Nicaragua Seminar in Managua, January 22-24, 2007.

Win the GRAND PRIZE--$1,000 CASH plus a 3-night Beach Vacation for 2 at stunning Rancho Santana, with lovely accommodations, breakfast and an oceanside lobster dinner for 2. 

Only $50/raffle ticket gives you a great chance to win! 

All proceeds benefit a much-needed health clinic operating in the rural Tola region of Southwest Nicaragua. 

The non-profit Roberto Clemente Clinic is already at capacity...serving 750-1,000 patients per month. Since the clinic opened in 2004, several lives have been saved, and serious illnesses averted. They're lucky to have a small, but highly dedicated medical team there on site.  But they need your donations in order to expand clinic services, the facility and get better equipment to provide modern health care to this impoverished area. Visit www.nicaclinic.org to read more about the clinic.

There will be many VALUABLE prizes awarded throughout the event, including: free attendance at future International Living, Early to Rise, or Oxford Club events...fine art and crafts...free stay at the Norome Resort on Lake Apoyo...Nicaragua rum, coffee, and cigar basket...and several surprises! 

Join in the fun, support a great cause, and buy a raffle ticket when you register for the seminar or during the event. You could win!

Special Add-On
for Conference Attendees Only!

Extend Your Stay in Sunny Nicaragua a Few Extra Days…
And Take an Up-Close Look
at Some of the Country’s Most Exciting Real Estate Developments

What better way to complement your new wealth of information about living and prospering in Nicaragua than a guided tour of some of the its banner real estate developments… and a glimpse at the country’s diverse and stunningly beautiful landscape along the way.

This is your chance to take a first-hand look at several of the developments you heard about during the seminar… places like Los Coco’s Beach, Las Fincas, and Villas de Palermo in the San Juan del Sur area… Gran Pacifica, Montecristo, and Playa Santa Rosa just a few hours north of Managua… Iguana Golf and Beach Condos, Rancho Santana and Arenas Bay along Nicaragua’s sun-washed western coast.

These highly subsidized tours are for Live & Prosper in Nicaragua attendees only! 

Club Nicaragua, worth $149 - Included Free of Charge!

Our experienced team of in-country, on-the-ground experts are expats themselves living and working in Nicaragua.

You will have their personal recommendations for the best services Nicaragua has to offer and as a Club Nicaragua member you will never pay full price again!

Club Nicaragua members:

• Save up to $10,000 or more on future real estate purchases in Nicaragua.
• Save up to 50% off first-class accommodations at more than a dozen top hotels and resorts throughout Nicaragua.
• Save up to 25% on restaurants, golf, and luxury spas - all over Nicaragua.
• Receive exclusive discounts on real estate in Nicaragua. We continue to scour the country on your behalf ensuring you hear about the best opportunities first, and you get your Club Nicaragua VIP discount.