Welcome To The City Of Springtime And Flowers

Jan. 25, 2012, Medellin, Colombia: Today is the first day of our first-ever Live and Invest in Colombia Conference taking place in Medellin, Colombia.

Dear Live and Invest Overseas Reader,

Twelve years ago, I sat around a table in a just-opened restaurant in a little-known mountain town in Panama called Boquete with a group of investors and businesspeople, in the country, as I was, to scout opportunity.

"I believe that 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) prophesied.

"Right now, the opportunity here is for the investor and the speculator. Property prices are so 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.

Understanding The Tax Benefits Of A Like-Kind Exchange

Dec. 24, 2010, Baltimore, Maryland: A 1031 like-kind exchange can be an effective tax-planning tool; however, before you use it for foreign real estate, you must understand the tax implications on both sides of the investment.

Christmas Eve Fun On Facebook!

Your final day to enter our Christmas Around The World contest.

Every entry wins a prize.

Grand Prize is a FREE Conference Attendance in 2011!

Dear Live and Invest Overseas Reader,

As we near the end of the year, many investors are looking ahead to the coming tax season and considering tax-saving strategies. One that is often misunderstood is the 1031 like-kind exchange that an American can use to defer capital gains taxes on investment real estate profits.

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.

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.