When you begin to search for real estate in North America, generally you go to your computer and search the local Multiple Listing Service. Whether it is for curiousity, looking for comps or initiating research on a pending purchase, virtually all of the information can be found on the web. If the municipality is fully integrated you may be able to find tax records as well. In many foreign lands, ... »
WHEN YOU SELL YOUR PROPERTY, DO NOT FORGET… Usually people do not realize that when they sell their property their role is not limited to receiving their payment, delivering the property and signing the deed. Although the major risk in a real estate transaction is carried by the buyer, there are several aspects that the seller should take into consideration to avoid unexpected and undesirable situ... »
by David Steckenreiter and Rich Holman Any visa application takes time and preparation. The least expensive Colombian visa in the terms of an investment would be a student visa (qualified that you have to pay your tuition and be prepared to study), a spousal visa or a pensioner’s visa if you can show a guaranteed income of 3 x the current Colombian minimum wage (at the time of this writing &... »
It just seems to be human nature that we leave things until the last minute – especially when it comes to taxes ! If you are American then the tax deadline – remember April 15 – is looming !! As an American citizen your have to report your income from all sources domestic or foreign whether you live in the great U.S. of A. or abroad. The same basic rules apply regardless of your ... »
The Volkswagen Diaries Many people who are familiar with First American Realty in Medellin, know that they are the number one Expat Real Estate consultants in Colombia. Rich Holman, the founder, has had his story told many times but the other partners have ”languished” in obscurity. Joe Greco’s entrance into the company brought about a number of dynamic changes. Joe is an intuit... »
We have chatted about the importance of using a Real Estate Professional. Nowhere is it more important than in a foreign country especially if you do not speak the language, understand the culture or have a familiarity with the law. Colombia presents even more challenges as there is no national MLS system and the local systems are feeble at best. To address foreign buyers concerns and interest, St... »
Jardines – A place to watch Sometimes one hates to give up secrets. Living in the Colombian community you often traverse paths that are not typically seen by most foreigners but the time has come and the word is out. Jardines, Envigado is a place to watch. Envigado is the municipality that is immediately south of El Poblado (Medellin). As this is a continuous urbanization one does not notic... »
Some might say that Fashion is king in Colombia but perhaps it would be better said that Colombia is the reigning Fashion Queen in Latin America and Colombiatex is one of the two annual, major fashion events organized by Inexmoda, the Colombian institute for exports and fashion. Actually Colombiatex of the Americas is the most important business center for the textile industry in all of Latin Amer... »
To buy or not to buy – Colombia Real Estate 2014 Now, more than ever is a good time to considering buying into the Colombian marketplace. The Colombian economy grew 5.1 percent in compared to the same quarter of 2012 while inflation was held at a rate below 3% for 2013. The National Administrative Department of Statistics – el Dane – reported a 9.6% rise in the production of ceme... »
In 2011, for the first time in ten years, the Colombia investment grade credit rating was reinstated as the economic growth, bolstered by improving security conditions in the country, attracted record foreign investment. On Dec. 10, 2013, Fitch Ratings (the global rating agency dedicated to providing value through objective and balanced credit opinions, research and data) raised Colombia’s... »
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