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What “Secret” Latin American Haven And Holds Out Enormous
This until-now overlooked destination checks every box:
Plus, the people are friendly, the streets are clean and safe, the infrastructure international-standard… With its restaurants, cafes, galleries, and shops, this place feels more European than Latin American… I predict it won’t be long before this overlooked gem gains the recognition it deserves… Meantime, opportunity abounds…and costs can be fantastically low… Where in the world am I talking about?... Dear Live and Invest Overseas Reader, You could say I’m a cynic. For the past 26 years, I’ve been traveling the globe almost continuously, scouting out opportunity…searching for the next great spot for living, investing, retiring... I’ve tromped a lot of territory, because I don’t like to take anyone’s word for anything. I want to see for myself, poke around, talk to as many people on the ground as I can, and consider every aspect of a place. Including the downsides. You might even say that, at this point in my career, I seek out the negatives. Because, over the past 26+ years, I’ve built a reputation that means a great deal to me. I don’t say something is so if it isn’t, and I don’t paint everything as rosy. You and your hundreds of thousands of fellow readers count on me to give it to you straight. I take that responsibility seriously. That’s why, when people, even people I know and trust, tell me how great a place is, I take the recommendation with a pinch of salt…and bide my time until I can invest in vetting the opportunity firsthand. That’s how I came to discover the city that I believe is on track to become one of the world’s most sought-after destinations, for both retirement and investment. It’s not often that you find a place that holds out great and equal opportunity for both the would-be retiree and the global investor. But that’s what I’ve discovered… Thanks to the persistent recommendation of a couple of contacts who finally convinced me I needed to come see this place for myself. That was about two years ago. In the time since, I’ve made 12 return trips. I’ve now invested myself, I’m actively searching for a next property buy, and my family and I have even rethought our overall long-term retirement plan. That’s how impressed we are with what we have found here. From my first visit, I recognized how special this place is. I knew this was somewhere I wanted to be able to spend time long term…and a place where even a modest amount of capital could be invested for a big return. Frankly, this is the kind of discovery that doesn’t come along very often. Today, this place remains under the radar. But that won’t last forever. In fact, I see it changing much sooner rather than later. As investors and retirees catch on, the increased demand will result in rising prices. It isn’t often that opportunity presents itself in such abundance…and it’s even less often that we’re aware enough to recognize the opportunity when it’s on the table. I’ve got my long list of would’a, could’a, should’a opportunities, as I’m sure you do, too. That’s why I’ve been moving as quickly as possible to act here. Timing is everything, and, in this special place, the time is now. I am not overstating it to say that this is one of the best places on earth today to establish your foothold overseas. How can I make such a bold claim with such confidence? Because I’ve seen this before. Remember, I’ve been at this for more than 26 years. I've been on the ground early, urging readers and friends to get in ahead of the curve and ahead of the crowd, in most every market that has emerged over the past two-and-a-half decades as a top retirement and investment haven...from Costa Rica to Honduras, Belize, Ecuador, Ireland, Uruguay... Twelve years ago, for example, I sat around a table in a just-opened restaurant in a little-known mountain town in Panama called Boquete. I was with a group of investors and businesspeople in the country to scout opportunity. "I believe the potential in this place for retirees is enormous," one of the gentlemen in the group (the one who had just invested in opening the restaurant where we were having dinner) theorized. "Right now, the opportunity here is for the investor and the speculator. Property prices are totally under-valued. Apartments in Panama City are a screaming bargain on a global scale. Pacific beachfront, Caribbean, farmland, river-front...this country has it all, and it's all cheap. "Panama is still misunderstood, suffering from a lingering case of bad press," my host for the evening continued. "When you say 'Panama' to an American today, he thinks: Noriega...drug cartels...CIA intrigue... "It won't be too many years before those perceptions are flipped on their head. I predict that, five, seven years from now, when you say 'Panama' to the average American, he'll think: Retirement. Because that's what this country is gearing up to offer--a very appealing retirement option." That was 1999. In August 2010, the AARP named Boquete, Panama, one of the top five places in the world to retire. OK…enough about the past and retirement and investment havens that have come before.
When I tell you that I have discovered the place where I now want to spend at least part of my own retirement…and where I am moving as quickly as possible to invest ahead of the upturn that I see on the horizon… Where in the world am I talking about? Medellin, Colombia. Recently, I sat around a table in a newly opened restaurant in this city that has so captured my imagination. Once more I was with a group of investors and businesspeople in the country, as I was, to explore current opportunity. "Property values in this city are so under-valued," one of the gentlemen having dinner with us (who happens to be in the real estate business) remarked. "I believe that apartment costs here are the lowest for any cosmopolitan city in the world on a per-square-meter basis. "This is because Colombia, including Medellin, is still misunderstood. When you say 'Medellin' to the average American, he thinks: Drugs...gangs...Pablo Escobar... "It's such a misperception. The current reality of this city is so far removed from all that..." It was like déjà vu… One opportunity Medellin offers now is for the investor and the speculator. Prices are an absolute, global bargain. Costs of getting in are low. Demand is growing at an accelerating rate. Right now, in this city, you could buy almost anything and feel pretty confident that you could make money from the purchase...somehow. The other, more emerging opportunity in Medellin is for the retiree. This City of Eternal Springtime is on track to offer a very appealing and competitive retirement option in the not-too-distant future. We don’t always have the vision to jump when opportunity presents itself. Imagine if you had bought in Costa Rica in the mid-1980s…in Ireland in the mid-1990s…on Ambergris Caye, Belize, later in that decade…or in Panama City 10 years ago… I recognized the opportunities in all these places at precisely those points in time. And I urged readers and friends to take advantage. Now I see that same potential again. In Medellin. That’s why I’m inviting you now to join me and my team in this city of flowers and parks for our first-ever Live & Invest in Colombia Conference. Is It The Perfect Time Again?
Why am I so convinced that now is the right time for Colombia…and, specifically, Medellin? Just look at these factors:
These are just a few of the reasons why I’ve invested myself already. And why I’m looking today for even more property to buy. Medellin is one of the most undervalued real estate markets in the world right now, meaning prices are absolutely low. At the same time, the supply of available rentals is small…and demand is increasing! This makes for almost perfect conditions for real estate investing. And it means double-digit yields on rental property are attainable. Listen to what international property investor Lief Simon has to say: “The Medellin real estate market didn't take a big hit in the past couple of years. Unlike so many real estate markets around the world, the property market here was never frothy. Real estate prices in Medellin are downright cheap. Not just relatively, but absolutely. And rental returns are strong, again, not relatively, but absolutely. Rental investments in this city are regularly throwing off double-digit net yields. Short-term yields are particularly high, in part thanks to a faster rate of growth in the tourism market. Demand has expanded, and values have held steady. Some properties have been achieving annual yields of as much as 16% net. The combination of low cost of acquisition and expanding rental activity makes for one of the most appealing yield-producing markets in the world right now.” These Past Conference Attendees Got
Everything They Needed to Act --Arleen Phelps, United States -- Mike Granville, United States --Karla Darring, United States A Little Like Paris…
The first thing you notice about Medellin is that it feels very different from the typical Latin American city. It's much more Euro in flavor, almost like a mini-Buenos Aires…but cleaner. And far, far safer than Buenos Aires. Medellin is definitely the place to be in Colombia right now. With a population of about three-and-a-half million people, Medellin is big enough to provide the services and the infrastructure of a real city, but not so big as to feel impersonal. This is a pretty, pleasant city of gardens and parks everywhere. It's clean, and it's green. Structures are red brick, with red-clay tiled roofs. You see almost no steel and glass towers. The mood is calm, easy-going, relaxing. The people are friendly, polite, and pleasant…even the taxi drivers. No one honks his horn or cuts you off in traffic. If you want to escape the grit and grind of a typical big city while still enjoying all the advantages and benefits of city life, this is the place. The paisas, as the local people are known, spend their days and evenings enjoying each other’s company at their city’s cafes, gardens, museums, and art galleries. See this City of Flowers once and you will understand why tourists and investors both are increasingly infatuated with this place.
Medellin is sophisticated and cultured in a way that is uncommon anywhere in the world, but especially in Latin America. It’s a major educational center with over 30 colleges and universities…plus an aquarium, a planetarium, botanical gardens, sculpture gardens… And what about the weather? For many, this is the best part. Medellin enjoys a comfortable climate all year long. It is never hotter than the low to mid-80s Fahrenheit. Because of the altitude, there are almost no mosquitos or bugs. Humidity levels stay very low year-round, another rarity near the Equator. This is one of the best climates not only in Colombia, not only in South America, but anywhere in the world. Living here, your utility bills could be next-to-nothing, as you can be very comfortable without either heat or air conditioning.
The easiest way to make friends with a paisa is to compliment his city. The people of Medellin are rightly hugely proud, for theirs is a city of delights. There's no shortage of things to do in this town, both outdoorsy and more cerebral. Medellin is an industrial, economic, and financial center for this country, but it’s also a literary and an artistic one. Newspapers, radio networks, publishing houses, an annual poetry festival, an international jazz festival, an international tango festival, an annual book fair, and, back in 1971, Colombia's answer to Woodstock—the Festival de Ancon—all have chosen Medellin as their base. Each July is the five-day Festival of Flowers with its procession of horse riding, music, and, of course, beautiful flowers. There are many other festivals throughout the year, including the International Jazz Festival, the International Tango Festival, a book fair, and the Festival de Humor. These are a people who love to socialize and to celebrate life. One concern you might have if you’re considering a move to Latin America is that you’ll have to give up Western-standard luxuries. This couldn’t be further from the reality in Medellin, where you can actually enjoy a higher quality of life. On any given day, you could go hiking or bike riding. You could visit a museum or one of the seven shopping malls. You could see a tango show or an opera. Come evening, dance the night away. Sample the local rum in one of the nightclubs. Or enjoy a fine meal and white-glove service at one of the many international-standard restaurants. As the only city in Colombia with two transportation terminals and two airports, Medellin is very accessible, its infrastructure excellent. It has good buses, taxis, and a well-designed metro. This is a city where the systems work. Colombia's excellent medical system is also one of the best in Latin America and highly respected internationally. The cost of procedures can be 30% to 90% (!) lower than for comparable procedures in the United States. Because of this, Medellin has become a center for medical tourism. Cosmetic treatments, dentistry, and eye surgery are the most popular services. Medellin offers five renowned hospitals (five of the best in all Latin America). You will find that their standards typically exceed those in the United States. So Affordable
Of course, when thinking about retirement or relocation, cost is crucial, both cost of living and cost of real estate. Living anywhere, the biggest part of your budget will be given over to housing—either the purchase of a home of your own or rent.
This is another way Medellin shines. You can buy in El Poblado, the top end of the market and the best location in the city, for as little as US$1,000 to US$1,500 per square meter. At that price, you’re buying a resale in good condition or something brand new. If you’re up for a renovation project, you can get in for as little as US$700 a square meter (I speak from recent personal experience). Or you could rent a nice, modest apartment in a good neighborhood for US$400 a month…or less. Still not convinced that Medellin deserves your immediate attention? Then consider this... Could He Be Right Again?
Legendary real estate investor Sam Zell has made billions with his savvy. He’s smart. He’s tough. And he’s famous for his great timing. Zell sold his Equity Office Properties Trust in 2007 for US$39 billion, right as the real estate market in the U.S. was peaking. Where is his timing telling him to invest now? Colombia. “Colombia is the next star of Latin America,” Zell says. His company has already invested US$75 million in a mixed-use development. And, where Zell leads, others follow… Sure…But What's It Really Like To Live In Medellin?
American Rich Holman made his full-time move to Medellin, Colombia, four years ago. "Being a gringo in Medellin is sort of cool," Rich reports. "The locals here, the paisas, as they're known, they like us. They're friendly, accommodating, protective, considerate, warm, and engaging. "Their city is their biggest source of pride. If you want to bring a big smile to the face of any paisa, just tell him how much you appreciate and enjoy his city and culture. "Outside El Poblado (Medellin's central zone), gringos are still a bit of a novelty, so we stand out. But in a friendly way.
"My best advice for any gringo interested in spending time in Medellin is to respect the culture and to be polite. Preface any conversation with a local, even in business, with 'Como estas?', 'Que tal?', 'Que mas?', or the like. You'll come across as arrogant and unfriendly if you don't. "For me, one of the best things about living in Medellin is the weather. You have one season: springtime. We're at 4,300 feet and near the equator, so temperatures are consistently 72 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit with low humidity. Your main dressing decision is whether to wear a short-sleeved or a long-sleeved shirt. "At this altitude, bugs are almost nonexistent, hence no screens on windows or porches. The city is amazingly clean, even in the poor areas—no dirty bathrooms, no rotting garbage or litter in the streets, no animal feces... "Five of the top-rated 35 hospitals in all South America are in Medellin. Plus, the cost of health care here is about one-third the cost in the States. "Transportation is affordable and efficient. Plenty of taxis (the average fare is US$3 to US$5) and lots of buses (fares around 70 cents). The above-ground Metro, which traverses north to south and east to west, is spotless, completely sans graffiti. The cost of a ride is about US$1.20. "Medellin has a great educational system, with more than 30 colleges and universities, almost as many as in Boston. There is a tremendous sense of community. In almost all 60 of Medellin's barrios (neighborhoods), on any given evening or weekend, you'll find friends and families sitting at small outdoor bars and restaurants and on their front porches enjoying themselves, always laughing and smiling. "If you like to party, you will have trouble keeping up with the paisas. Their energy for entertainment is inexhaustible. "I think at least some of their energy comes from their city. This place has a vibrancy about it, a great positive energy. It just feels good to be here. "This is an emerging economy. That translates to tremendous opportunities for entrepreneurs willing to put up with some negatives and some challenges. Speaking as one who has been running a business here for a few years, I can tell you that it isn't an easy thing. However, I believe I'm investing now to position myself for the wave of growth I see coming. "There are reasons why the world's largest computer manufacturer, one of the world's richest men, and the United States' largest private real estate investor all have this year announced business operations in Medellin and Colombia. "The key to getting yourself established is local contacts. Without them, I'd say you'd find the process of trying to get yourself set up here overwhelming. "For instance, you could meet with three accountants, four attorneys, and five branch managers of the same bank, ask them all the same question, and get 12 different answers. "You need to source advisors you can trust and then invest in building personal relationships with them. You also need patience. Don't come here expecting to operate by logic. That won't work. And don't be surprised when people over-promise and under-deliver. "For me, the negatives and the challenges are all worth it, because, again, I see big opportunity on the horizon in Colombia, specifically in Medellin. "I'm in the real estate business. Right now, real estate in Medellin, on a cost-per-square-meter basis, is the least expensive of any cosmopolitan city in the world. That alone is enough to get my attention. Layer on top of that critical current reality all the many other advantages and benefits of this city, and it's not hard to understand why I've chosen to restart my life here. "Colombia continues to suffer a stigma thanks to its past problems. There's still a lot of ignorance in the international community. Which explains why foreigners still represent less than 1% of residential real estate buyers in Medellin. "This is changing, though. And the rate of change is accelerating." Medellin is truly a prize jewel…but what about Colombia bigger picture? Again, opportunity abounds. A Spectacular Country At A Turning
Point In Its History
Colombia is a beautiful country with a colorful history and a rich and diverse culture. The variety of its geography has resulted in a rapidly growing tourist industry. From the northern Caribbean coast and its resorts to the Andes Mountains and the Tatacoa desert, there is so much to see and experience here. In recent years, Colombia has enjoyed some of the highest rates of growth of any Latin American country, reaching 8.2% in 2007. This is due to many favorable factors, including the country’s steadily decreasing crime rate. International investment money is pouring in. Foreign direct investment is up 80% year over year, valued at US$7 billion through June of 2011. The economy has almost doubled in the last eight years, and is projected to grow by another 5% in 2011. Colombia lies at the crossroads of Latin America and the broader American continent. As a result, it is a cultural melting pot. Enticing European, African, American, and Caribbean influences can all be detected. "An Absolute Must"
-- Joe Dennison, United States
--Norma Harrington, United States
--Sarto Beaumont, United States
--Esther Johnson, United States But Is Medellin For Me?
No place is perfect. I pride myself on telling it like it is, warts and all, because you deserve honest and complete information. Anywhere you go, you will find pro’s and con’s. Colombia is no different. Some people will tell you only the good things about a place. No one wins with that kind of approach. Reality and a balanced view are what make for happy and successful ventures. So, as great as Colombia is, you need to be aware of its downsides. One drawback is that English is not spoken by most of the locals. Though you will find it spoken at the larger hotels and businesses, this is not the rule elsewhere. If you do not have at least a little Spanish, many daily tasks could be difficult. You can build your Spanish skills in-country, though, and use your language study as an opportunity to make new friends and contacts. Another downside right now is that things like opening a bank account and establishing residency are not straightforward. This is an emerging retirement haven…not, at this point, a user-friendly one. It’s possible to do both things—to open a bank account (in fact, at our event in January, we’ll introduce you to two good options for this) and to establish legal residency (again, in January, we’ll walk you through your realistic options)—but you will need help. To navigate these kinds of things in Colombia right now, you need guidance. In fact, often, you need an introduction. Colombia is a place where who you know matters. Walk into a bank on your own, and, no, you won’t be able to open an account. If you don’t speak fluent Spanish, you probably won’t even be able to communicate with the bank staff. However, if you’re introduced to a bank by a respected and connected Colombian, no problem. Suddenly, doors are open to you that otherwise would be closed. The same goes for obtaining residency. This can be a complex process….unless you have the right legal guide. Another challenge in Colombia is the government’s monetary policies. These can be managed and navigated successfully—again, if you have the right guidance. Certainly, you want to understand the restrictions in place before you bring any money into the country. This is the key anywhere in the world—knowing what you’re getting into in advance so you can make well-informed decisions and smart choices that will protect you from any potential downsides. That’s the driving agenda always of our live events—to prepare you. To help you understand your options. This is why we take the warts-and-all approach that we do. Certainly, you will make your own choices about where you spend your time and your money. Our objective is to make it possible for you to make those choices as wisely as possible. Information, contacts, connections, and real-world insights. That’s what we promise…and that’s what we deliver. All the current and complete information you need to understand the opportunities on the table…and all the contacts and resources you need to pursue the best of those opportunities to your greatest advantage. Not Too Early… Not Too Late…
But Just The Right Time To Take Your Position I can’t stress strongly enough how great the window of opportunity available in Medellin is right now. Remember, I’ve seen this many, many times before, over the 26 years I’ve been covering this beat. I recognize the potential that Medellin is offering, for both the investor and the retiree. And I know from experience that this window can’t stay open indefinitely. Already, change is coming to this market. Change and recognition. On one hand, this is a very good thing. As Medellin and Colombia become more recognized for the investment and retirement havens that they are, it will become ever-easier to invest and retire here. Opening a bank account, getting a residency visa, moving money in and out of the country…these things will become more user-friendly and efficient in time. On the other hand, as more and more investors and retirees discover what Medellin and Colombia have to offer…the more costly it will become to get in on the action and to enjoy the lifestyle that Medellin offers. So the time to act is now…while Medellin and Colombia still qualify as emerging retirement and investment havens and prices are correspondingly, absolutely low. However, getting in now, before the trail has been blazed, means that the right advice and support is even more critical than it typically is. You have to act ahead of the crowd to gain the big advantages. But jumping in without the right knowledge can be a costly mistake. You could waste months, even years trying to figure out on your own how best to invest and get things done in Colombia. Not to mention the thousands of dollars you could lose by taking some all-too-common missteps. Please, save yourself the heartache and the hassles. Join me and my team for our first-ever Live & Invest in Colombia Conference and get all the inside information and all the on-the-ground support you need. Learn the important details you need to be able to make your plans and invest wisely. Meet the people who can make all the difference for you…the difference between positioning yourself for big upside and establishing yourself for a delightful adventure…and missing out and, even worse, losing your shirt (and maybe your sanity). At this first-ever Live & Invest in Colombia event, you will get all your questions answered…including:
…and much more. You’ll hear from experienced experts and expats who know what they’re talking about. People who will share their real world, practical experiences with you. People who are themselves living, working, and investing in Colombia. Get your personal concerns addressed. Come away armed with the knowledge and information you’ll need to make a great success of your own plans. Attending this event will give you the edge you need to live, retire, or invest successfully in this wonderful place. Congratulations!
-- Serge Bolla, Spain Join Us In The City Of Springtime And
Flowers…A Land Of Opportunity And Upside When you attend our Live & Invest in Colombia Conference, you’ll have full access to two-and–a-half days of interactive presentations and workshops, jam-packed with solid content. We’ll start in the afternoon on the first of three days, and explore every topic of interest, including:
…and more. We’ll cover a lot of ground, but we promise you plenty of fun, too. There will be time to mix and mingle and to get one-on-one with our experts. You’ll make new friends with your fellow attendees, too. In fact, you might find that the new relationships you gain alone will be worth more than your investment in the conference. We’ve put together a great slate of presenters for you, including all the contacts we’ve been using personally over the past two years to invest ourselves in Medellin and to begin to establish our base here. Join us in Medellin Jan. 25-27, 2012, and we’ll introduce you to the folks on the ground here who can make sure you learn everything you need to know about buying and selling real estate...purchasing for investment…establishing residency…understanding your potential tax liability...opening a bank account and setting up a corporation...forming the right holding structures…obtaining the right health insurance...medical care…employment opportunities (these are limited) and entrepreneurial options (these are not)... The #1 Resource for Legal and Residency Support:
Juan Darío Gutiérrez Foreign Investment and Business Law Director His firm, Gutiérrez Márquez Asesores, has more than three decades of experience helping foreigners and companies new to doing business in Colombia or looking to retire/relocate. The #1 Resource for Buying or Renting Property: Rich Holman
Owner/Broker, First American Realty Medellin & First American Commercial Realty Medellin
It was less than a year after his initial visit in 2006 that Rich decided to make his move to Medellin and launch his new real estate company. He made his first Medellin property purchase in September 2007 and started First American Realty Medellin shortly thereafter. “It doesn’t hurt, of course,” Rich continues, “that it’s also one of the greatest places in the world to live.” In the more than four years since his arrival on the scene, Rich has made a series of personal investments (residential and commercial), he has helped many dozens of other investors and retirees purchase through his agency, has built a property management and remodeling services business for international clients looking to live, work, invest, and spend time in Medellin, and is now working to put together two very interesting investment projects (including one agricultural). Ninety-five percent of Rich’s clients are foreigners and his companies and employees are dedicated to providing competent, efficient, reliable, on-the-ground support these clients have come to count on and to trust. That’s why we’ve invited him to be on stage with us for the two-and-a-half days of our January Live & Invest In Colombia event. The #1 Resource for Property Development and Investing (residential, rental, and commercial): Joseph Greco
Partner, First American Realty Medellin
How did Joe end up in Medellin? He didn’t intend to. Joe set out on a six-month road trip, looking for both adventure and up-and-coming real estate markets. He started from Seattle, Washington, and worked his way down the U.S. West Coast, through Baja, Mexico, the Mexican mainland, and into Central America, continually evaluating the cities and towns he visited looking for the best place to live and a lucrative place to invest. Then…his VW van broke down…in Medellin. It was fate. For, in Medellin, he immediately recognized the rare combination of attractions on offer. This place, Joe realized, is modern, sophisticated, organized…plus, it boasts an unbeatable climate, a safe, friendly population, and a strong economy, all set in a lush, green valley. Nothing was as he’d expected. What he discovered, as everyone who finds Medellin discovers, is that this city is nothing like what you’ve been led to believe by the press. The Colombia stereotypes don’t apply. After several months of due diligence and research, Joe decided to join First American Realty, where he has been able to leverage his investment knowledge to help clients select properties that meet their financial objectives and offer the potential for above-market yields and appreciation. The #1 Resource for Rental and Property Management: Andrew Campion
Owner, The Apartment Medellin
After six years of operation Andrew has acquired a comprehensive knowledge of the local rental market and the specific tools required to manage properties for foreigner investors. As the laws have changed recently in Colombia, it is also important to note that Andrew, as a founding member of ACOVITUR (Colombian Association of Tourist Properties) is fully aware of the legal and accounting requirements for foreigners when investing in rental properties in this country. The #1 Resource for International Tax Planning: Chris Rusch
JD, MBA, international tax attorney and advisor
We looked for more than 20 years...then, finally, six years ago, we found Chris Rusch. Chris is an international tax lawyer with a dozen years’ experience working with international structures, asset protection, banking, and multi-jurisdiction tax issues. Lots of guys call themselves international tax experts, but Chris is one guy we'd describe that way. We’ve invited Chris to join us in Medellin for this first-ever event…and I’m delighted to report that he’s agreed. He’ll be on hand over the two-and-a-half days of the event to help you understand and connect the financial, banking, doing-business, and taxation pieces of your new life in this beautiful city. The #1 Resource for Global Property Investing: Private Real Estate Investor, Consultant, and Developer; Editor Global Property Investor’s Marketwatch 
Lief Simon has lived and worked on 5 continents and traveled to more than 50 countries. His real estate investing experience began more than 16 years ago with a multi-unit building in Chicago. After selling that building for a leveraged total return of more than 1,800% in 2 ½ years, Lief began to diversify internationally. In the dozen years since, he has personally bought and sold property in 19 countries.
In addition, during the two-and-a-half days we're together in Medellin, we'll introduce you to our preferred Colombian bankers. One of the most frequently asked questions from readers is, "Can I get a bank account in Colombia?” Yes, you can…but, in truth, it’s not always easy, certainly it’s not as simple a thing as walking into a bank and asking for one. You need an introduction. That’s what we’ll provide during this event. In fact, we’ll provide two--personal introductions to our prefered banking resources in this city This will be a high-energy, full-throttle two-and-a-half days. But we'll do everything we can to make sure it's also a whole lot of fun. We're building in cocktail receptions, lunches, open-air parties, and other special events to give you as much opportunity as possible to mingle and mix with your fellow attendees and your Live and Invest Overseas panel of experts.
Also, please, understand this: This conference is not going to be some mammoth, over-hyped event with hundreds of people in a cavernous ballroom. That’s not our style. At this focused event, you’ll be part of a select group, in an intimate setting, with full one-to-one access to all of our experts. This means you’ll get the personal attention you deserve. And that makes all the difference. A Better Option? A Brighter Future? Let’s face it... Things won’t be getting any better in the United States anytime soon. Real estate is down and out, with no hint of a recovery in sight. Jobs are gone or seriously at risk. Many companies are struggling, even failing. 401k’s are shrinking. Municipalities are cutting back on services. People are frustrated, angry, and on edge. Many feel trapped, confused...even desperate. But that does not have to be your reality. Turn your head. Shift your perspective. Both the lifestyle and the investment opportunities on offer right now in Medellin couldn’t be more appealing. The mood is positive. The trends are up. Things are looking good, and opportunity is abundant. Would you like to reclaim your freedom? Regain a sense of hope and optimism? Launch an exciting adventure and build a brighter future for yourself? How would it feel to escape to a place where you can look forward to the future? And enjoy a great quality of life at the same time. The key is taking control of your own destiny. That’s what I’m offering you here—a chance to take control of your own destiny and to create your own new and dramatically improved future. In Medellin. At our event in January, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to make smart decisions…decisions with upside…the right decisions for you. The high-quality information and contacts we’ll introduce to you will give you complete confidence as you explore all your options. We’ll guide you through the details and secrets to making a successful plan, and we’ll give you all the tools and resources you’ll need to follow you. We’ve packaged everything you need into one great event. Save yourself months of tedious, frustrating research, dead-ends, and blind alleys. I truly believe Medellin, Colombia, is going to be one of the world’s next great lifestyle and retirement havens. It’s already one of the world’s best investment havens. I’m not alone in these positions and predictions. I’m very fired up about what I see on offer in Medellin right now. Meet me in this beautiful city in January, and I’ll show you what I’m talking about. The time is right. A brighter future is there for you to grab hold of. Come, join us, and see for yourself. I’ll look forward to meeting you at our first-ever Live & Invest In Colombia Conference! Sincerely, P.S. The two-and-a-half days of our Live & Invest in Colombia Conference will give you a complete introduction to current opportunities for living, retiring, and investing in this culture-rich retirement haven blessed with perfect weather. It isn’t often that opportunity presents itself in such abundance…and it’s even less often that we’re aware enough to recognize the opportunity when it’s on the table. I’ve got my long list of would’a, could’a, should’a opportunities, as I’m sure you do, too. That’s why I’ve been moving as quickly as possible to act here. Timing is everything, and, in this special place, the time is now. It's time to see for yourself the enormous potential that could be your new life in this hidden haven of opportunity. We want to do everything we can to motivate you to make the trip.
Still not convinced you need to book your plane reservations right now to be here in Medellin with us Jan. 25-27, 2012? Or register now online here. When you do, we will respond immediately to confirm you're status as a VIP, and help you to book your hotel and find the best flights for the event. P.P.S. If you register now, you take advantage of the Early Bird Discount, which is on offer through Dec. 15, 2011. This saves you US$250 per person off the cost of the Live & Invest in Colombia Conference registration fee. Register as a couple, and your total cost is reduced by a full US$500. In addition, we'd like to invite Overseas Retirement Letter subscribers and Overseas Retirement Circle members to join us at a specially discounted price, along with previous conference attendees, who also enjoy special savings. Live Overseas Personal Consulting Clients attend as our guest, as always. Other important discounts are available. See below for full program and cost details... Live & Invest in Colombia Conference Program Details, Costs, & Special Discounts Your Live & Invest in Colombia admission includes all seminars, breakout sessions, workshops, lunches, cocktail parties, entrance to the exhibit hall, participation in our farewell reception, plus all your printed materials. The cost of admission is only US$1,095 per person, only US$1,595 per couple. (That's right...the second half of a couple attends for less than half-price.) Discounts for subscribers and members of Live and Invest Overseas services are available (see below for more details). We're holding our event at the Hotel Estelar Milla de Oro in Medellin, where we've negotiated a special rate for you, including breakfast daily and Internet every day. We've reserved a block of rooms, but, when they're gone, we may not be able to get more. Frankly, we're expecting a great turnout, given the interest we've been receiving. So, again, please, don't delay in making your reservation. Important Discounts & Special Offers
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT: When you register before Dec. 15, 2011, you take advantage of our Early Bird Discount and save a full US$250 off the cost of your conference registration. This Early Bird Discount is available for both members of a couple registering together. That means that you and your significant other can save a full US$500 by reserving your seats in the room before Dec. 15, 2011. We'd like to extend a special discounted invitation to our Overseas Retirement Letter subscribers and Overseas Retirement Circle members. If you're an active ORL reader, you save an additional US$50. Active ORC members enjoy a total discount of US$100. (Note that you cannot combine the ORL and ORC discounts.) Global Property Investor’s Marketwatch subscribers and 52 Days To Your New Life Overseas graduates enjoy a full 50% off the regular conference fee (cannot be combined with other discounts). To avail of your 50% discount, contact us directly by email at ColombiaConference@LiveandInvestOverseas.com or by phone: 1-888-627-8834. Plus, we offer a special US$100 discount if you have attended any event with us in the past. And, of course, if you are a Live Overseas Personal Consulting Client, you are invited to join us as our guests. Simply contact our Conference Coordinators to reserve your place. Don't delay. Reserve now to take full advantage of these special offers and limited-time discounts. Click on the Reserve My Place! button below. Or get in touch now with our Conference Coordinators by e-mail: ColombiaConference@LiveandInvestOverseas.com or by phone at 1-888-627-8834 or +1-443-599-1221. On behalf of our entire Live and Invest Overseas team, we look forward to meeting you soon in beautiful Medellin!
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Kathleen, the three days of your event were fast-paced and information-packed. Thank you!
Juan Darío Gutiérrez is the Foreign Investment and Business Law Director and partner in Gutiérrez Márquez Asesores, a legal, accounting, and financial advisory practice in Medellin, that specializes in providing personalized and client-oriented services in tax, contract, corporate, real estate, business, labor, foreign investment, and immigration law, as well as accounting processes, audits, and corporate finances.
Before visiting Medellin for the first time in August 2006, Rich Holman had a varied business background in the States. He’d worked in real estate, mortgage banking, securities, publishing, the Internet, and investment banking. He holds an undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering Management from the University of Texas and an MBA from Ohio State University. 
Joseph Greco has been a full-time investor and developer for the last eight years. He has invested through both growth markets and down ones, working on projects both in the United States and abroad. Joe has been residing full-time in Medellin for two years. He is a partner in First American Realty Medellin, where he is focused on development projects and managing the commercial sales group.
Born in Australia, Andrew Campion left a career in computing with Sony Playstation to go travelling at the age of 33. He spent three years on the road in South America, finally arriving in Medellin in 2005. As it is for so many who find their way to this city, it was love at first sight. Andrew decided to stay and launched what is now the most respected property management company in the city.
You don't want to organize your live, retire, or invest overseas plans according to tax code, but you sure don't want to ignore it either. Especially when you're just starting out, but even after you've been at this a while, buying real estate in a foreign country or setting up an offshore corporation...these are intimidating propositions. You worry you'll end up running afoul of some tax law you didn't know existed.
From my 26+ years of experience , I can tell you that this is a moment of opportunity in this country that, more than ever, qualifies as one of the best places on earth today to establish your foothold overseas. 
Kathleen, my husband and I would like to thank you so very much for the recent Live and Invest conference. Our minds are still reeling with all of the information presented to us. All of the presenters were very knowledgeable about their respective fields. We also enjoyed talking with other expats-in-waiting. Mike and I live in the snowy part Washington State. Last year was very snowy and cold. Needless to say, we would love to spend at least our winters someplace warm instead!