How To Close On A Foreign Property Purchase

Dec. 23, 2011, Stowe, Vermont: When making a property purchase in a foreign country, it’s critically important to do a walkthrough and to make a punch list before closing on the purchase.

Dear Live and Invest Overseas Reader,

A couple of friends have taken possession of new-construction apartments recently, both in Panama.

Actually, they haven't taken possession quite yet. The developer in each case has informed them that the apartment in each case is ready to be turned over, meaning it's time for the buyer to close.

But both these friends have been around enough to know not to take a developer at his word.

Christmas In Cuenca—Celebrating El Pase del Niño Viajero

Dec. 22, 2011, Cuenca, Ecuador: The El Pase del Niño Viajero in Cuenca, Ecuador, is a unique and charming annual Christmas tradition in Cuenca, Ecuador. Once you witness it, you’ll carry the memory of El Pase del Niño Viajero with you.

Dear Live and Invest Overseas Reader,

"Every morning in Cuenca, Ecuador" writes Latin America Correspondent Lee Harrison, "the sunrise backlights the jagged Andean peaks and church steeples, casting its glow over the sea of clay-tile roofs.

"But on the morning of Christmas Eve in Cuenca, it also lights up an impressive scene that comes but once a year.

"On this day, thousands of Ecuadorians come to Cuenca from all over the country to celebrate a procession known as El Pase del Niño Viajero, loosely, 'the passage of the child.'

Caribbean Christmas

Dec. 21, 2011, Ambergris Caye, Belize: Christmas on Ambergris Caye, Belize, is a delightful blend of Christmas traditions from 10 different ethnic groups and the growing community of expats living and retired on Ambergris Caye, Belize.

Dear Live and Invest Overseas Reader,

"For those of us who grew up in snow country, it seems odd to be walking around in T-shirts and flip flops on Christmas Day," writes Belize Correspondent Ann Kuffner.

"But, having lived here on Ambergris Caye for five years now, I've come to appreciate that Belize offers a unique collection of blended Christmas traditions. Home to more than 10 different ethnic groups, this country boasts the most multicultural holiday celebrations I can imagine.

"First and foremost, Christmas in Belize is about spending quality time with family and friends. Government offices, banks, and most non-tourism-oriented businesses shut down for the week surrounding Christmas Day.

Settling In

Dec. 20, 2011, Panama City, Panama: Once you’ve chosen where you want to retire overseas, the hard work of establishing a new life in retirement overseas begins.

Dear Live and Invest Overseas Reader,

Day by day, in these dispatches, I introduce you to your best options worldwide for living better and retiring well, hoping to help you make a choice.

But what happens when you do? Decide to retire to Las Tablas, Panama...Mendoza, Argentina...Languedoc, France...County Kerry, Ireland...or Penang, Malaysia...and then what?

The truth? In some ways, having done the hard work of determining where you'd like to launch your new life, the real work has only just begun. Because the getting-settled administration wherever you decide to build your new life overseas won't be insignificant...and it won't come without challenges and frustrations.

Why Costa Rica May Become One Of The Least Attractive Retirement Choices In The World

Dec. 19, 2011, San Jose, Costa Rica: If proposed tax changes in Costa Rica are passed, Costa Rica will become one of the least appealing overseas retirement choices in the world.

Dear Live and Invest Overseas Reader,

The Costa Rica legislature is trying to fast-track new tax legislation...and the opposition has filed a suit with the Supreme Court to stop the fast-tracking. Not the legislation itself, just the fast-tracking.

Politics aside, the proposed tax changes show that a government (any government) can shift policies at a moment's notice. Among the more disturbing changes in the proposed law include allowances for taxing residents on worldwide income and for taxing income in the free trade zones (whose names, I guess, would need to be changed).

The breadth and depth of these proposed new taxes is easily explained. Costa Rica, like so many countries right now, is broke. They have too much government and welfare and too little income. So they are looking for ways to increase their revenues.