August Monthly Update
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Sunset Shot by my Favorite Photographers Dan & Cesar (sorry I haven’t figured out yet how to post the photos here from my updates, please email me and I’ll send you the complete update with photos! 🙂 )
I want to thank my clients for your business. By 11 am Wednesday morning, I will have closed on 5 properties bought by 3 clients in the past 30 days! My clients are my heroes, thank you for your business!!
Clients of mine relocating to Nicaragua successfully flew in on a charter flight with their 2 dogs and 6 other passengers on July 31st . Avianca has had some successful and some cancelled charter flights. For national and foreign travelers, a required negative Covid-19 test must be performed in a period not exceeding 72 hours before entry.
Who knows when more flights will be coming, they keep pushing them out into the future but here is the last list I saw:
Aeroméxico suspended until September 1, 2020
United Airlines suspended until September 2, 2020
Avianca Airlines suspended until September 2, 2020 (but doing some charters now)
Delta Airlines suspended indefinitely
American Airlines suspended until September 2, 2020
Copa Airlines suspended until September 5, 2020
Spirit Airlines suspended until August 17, 2020
San Juan del Sur feels basically the same regarding the virus however a little more relaxed. Many people are still wearing masks and businesses are taking precautions. It is heartwarming to see the number of small hand sinks installed outside of businesses so people can wash their hands. I have no idea how many people are sick but I don’t think many or I would hear more buzz about it around town.
I have no idea what system of closing down or staying open will prove to be the best in the long run. Nicaragua has allowed people to determine for themselves what is best for them. I appreciate that I can stay home or go out based on what I feel is safe for me. Here are a few great quotes from an article I recently read talking about Nicaraguans and the culture here:
- …What’s interesting to note is this highly admired kindness and air of flexibility is a result of people who are used to being responsible for themselves. A local business owner, explaining why she and others are happy to be here, put it this way, “Everyone takes care of themselves, it’s as simple as that.” She continued on to say the people don’t expect to be babysat, but simply put protocols in place themselves….
- …Less jurisdiction and involvement in daily life bears a community of people that look out for themselves, yes, but also for one another in a manner most of us have never encountered. This emphasis on self-reliance actually creates an environment where individuals happily give, exchange and benefit freely…a climate of reciprocity, if you will….
- Here is the link to the full very enlightening article is you want to read: https://www.kyybahealthandlife.com/safety-third-living-in-a-third-world-country-during-a-global-pandemic/?fbclid=IwAR0lpa98-EIMKr7wDhS_UW5ujIck67o_kqg-DvQ6e8HSJUaGqbK4Bejz8B8
I was worried though about the possible food shortages until I read this article about food sovereignty in Nicaragua. This article helped me relax a lot knowing food won’t be an issue for us living here in Nicaragua! I might not be able to get some imports I love like blueberries, but I’ll survive J https://www.coha.org/feeding-the-people-in-times-of-pandemic-the-food-sovereignty-approach-in-nicaragua/?fbclid=IwAR0Fq5QVEPysYFM0n3KgbPlm8zkw8KAcPMCcSrGxCt9vOW-Xu8JcGu4nd3w
Check out my videos on my YouTube page for updates and views around SJDS including recent hikes to Jesus and the Lighthouse: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_FK8vBLE0c4chsWvVkEY3g/videos
I pray that everyone is safe and sound and for a resolution to this mess! And as always my thoughts on 2020:
&
Why Live Abroad
Lots of Reasons
There are numerous reasons but here are a few of my favorite:
- A fresh start is invigorating and stimulating, it gets you out of your daily rut.
- Improve your cognitive function as you create new schedules, learn new languages, discover new supply sources, try new foods, etc.
- Time, especially in a slower paced country like Nicaragua, becomes a new asset. When your life costs less to maintain you spend less time worrying about it and more time enjoying it.
- Expand and challenge your mind learning new cultures and traditions.
- You’ll feel renewed making new friends and swapping your life stories with people who haven’t heard them before!
- You’ll discover an amazing bond with your new friends as everyone looks out for each other here in Nicaragua.
Need Insurance?
Every type of insurance from multiple companies with Ivan, a bilingual agent
Ometepe Island
A Video History of it
I prefer not to sell property on the island as getting there and back requires an hour ferry ride plus a 45 minute drive each way but I will be happy to refer you to someone on the island if you have an interest.
Need Furniture – Help Support Locals
Come by the office!
By selling custom made wooden furniture, shelves, cutting boards, serving trays, etc., we are keeping workers employed so they can support their families during these difficult times. Thank you to the clients who have already purchased furniture; you are their heroes! I can send you photos/videos of the custom made wooden furniture and accessories here on display at the office or they can make what you want. Give them a photo and they can duplicate it J
Nice pats on the Back
Our team helps with everything, it isn’t all just me!
Hi Natalie just wanted to say how much I enjoy your emails. So glad to hear that you are making the best of the bad situation there.
Looking forward to eventually coming down again to visit was so impressed last time especially the affordability of living down there!
Keep up the great work keeping us all informed! – Blake
———————————————————————————————————————-
Natalie,
I really find all of your emails to be quite a source of positivity and light. I just want to thank you for radiating that energy out into the world. Quite a lot more people are positively affected by it than you’d imagine.
Keep Shining!
Alan, Owner, Lot #24 Las Fincas de Escamequita
—————————————————————————————————-
Hi Natalie –
Great job with the newsletter! I always love reading them and keeping up to date on local values – I will get back there as soon as I can. Thanks for all the time you invest in these.
Stay safe during these crazy times and be so grateful you are there and not in the chaos of big cities.
Cheers Karinda
Looking for a Rental When the Travel Bans are Lifted? We now accept credit cards for a rental reservation!
We Have Lots of Properties to Choose From
Here is a great 2 bedroom rental with access to 3 pools in Pelican Eyes. Temporary, highly reduced, rental prices starting at $75 per night, or $476 per week, or $1,377 per month – Click the link here for more details: https://discoversjds.com/property/casa-verde-at-pelican-eyes-for-rent/
We Have Almost 300 Listings – Below are only the featured listings for this month!
Go to www.discoversjds.com to see more!
Type reduced or bargain in the keyword box, or whatever you are looking for,
And quickly find all the properties that match!
Casa Samelia Pacific Oceanfront House with Stairs to the Ocean
Casa Samelia is a beautiful oceanfront house about 30 feet above the Pacific Ocean with direct ocean access via concrete stairs to a rocky beach. Unique one of a kind property located just north of the La Jolla community in the gated development of Pacific Marlin, in San Juan del Sur. Fall asleep listening to the waves at night or enjoy the spotlight that lights up the night time ocean so you can enjoy the view of the waves crashing on the rocks below 24/7.
The fully furnished house features 3 bedrooms with air conditioning and 3.5 bathrooms. The fully equipped spacious kitchen has stainless steel appliances, granite counter-tops, a dishwasher, island with stove and exhaust hood, and a large pantry. Additional amenities include a large screen TV with satellite TV, a DVD player, and a pool table.
The master bedroom has two walk-in closets, a makeup mirror, a covered and uncovered balcony, and it opens into a private library/office area all overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy views of the waves crashing on the rocks as you work in your home office.
Casa Samelia has a large covered and uncovered poolside patio, a large pool with a heated Jacuzzi, an outdoor shower, half a bathroom, and a gas BBQ. A thatch roofed umbrella cliff side provides shade for the lounge chairs while you watch and listen to the waves crashing on the rocks 30 feet below.
There is a large separate laundry room with lots of storage space, counter space for folding clothes, a washer & dryer, a mop sink, and a utility sink. Numerous closets plus a large kitchen pantry provide ample storage in this three level home. A separate caretaker’s residence with easy access to the gated parking area gives you privacy and security. $720,000 Reduced from $849,000 https://discoversjds.com/property/casa-samelia-pacific-oceanfront-house-with-stairs-to-the-ocean/
Kawana Beach House Playa Marsella
Kawana Beach House on Playa Marsella is a beautiful 3 bedroom beachfront villa on Nicaragua’s gorgeous Pacific Coast. Located on a double lot with 41.83 meters (450.41 feet) of beach frontage, nothing blocks your sunset views! Playa Marsella, mere steps away just outside the patio wall, is a quiet family beach but super close to the surfing party beach of Playa Maderas. Playa Marsella is a long sandy beach perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or taking a sunset stroll. A large rock formation in the bay resembles a submarine or a birthday cake depending on how you view it.
Kawana Beach House is just 20 minutes from San Juan del Sur or 5 minutes to Playa Maderas. Enjoy numerous restaurants and stores within 2 kilometers including a small unique market and pizza shop and several beachfront restaurants on Marsella and Maderas beaches. This beautiful private location is surrounded by spectacular nature with a sense of tranquility. You can safely walk to many places or purchase from the produce trucks that pass by several times a week.
Enjoy the thoughtful floor plan with a separate private master bedroom suite and patio on one end and two guest bedrooms with a shared bathroom on the other end. Also included in the mostly fenced in property is a detached garage and live-in caretaker’s residence. The double lot provides more than ample space to add on, build another rental property, volleyball court, or park numerous cars in the massive gated parking area.
Kawama Beach House is a fully furnished and tastefully decorated home with air-conditioned rooms, Wi-Fi, satellite TV, CD player, and a backup generator. Relax in the hammocks or lounge under the gazebo next to the recently refinished infinity edge pool with a Diamond Brite finish and new trim edging. Also for your convenience is an outdoor shower and half bath. Entertaining friends and family is easy with the pool side sink/bar area and two outdoor BBQ’s, one gas grill and one traditional wood fired grill. The kitchen features a breakfast bar opening into the ocean view living room with sliding doors to access the pool patio. Attractively priced at $495,000 https://discoversjds.com/property/kawana-beach-house-playa-marsella/
Casa Arbol Glamping In Balcones De Majagual
Casa Arbol Glamping, at its best, is located in the community of Balcones de Majagual. This unique three-story home was built to be the perfect balance of tropical open fresh air living with modern comforts. High ceilings provide extraordinary views through the state-of-the-art screen system, no windows that close so you are always one with nature. One with nature listening to the crashing of waves, the calls of exotic birds, and the howling of monkeys.
Casa Arbol overlooks a low valley and the Pacific Ocean. Its position is perfect for some ocean sunsets or extraordinary bird and monkey watching from inside the house or from the deck. The house is supported by massive eucalyptus trunks and curved wood ceilings built from sustainable timber. Wi-Fi internet is available throughout the house and on the grounds. The Pacific Ocean view living room features a large flat screen TV with leather and wood furnishings. Also on the same floor is a fully equipped kitchen, refrigerator, microwave, and gas stove.
The master and guest bedrooms located below the living area both have forest and ocean views, custom lighting, along with their own beautiful stonework bathrooms. Balcones de Majagual is an eco-conscious community hence Casa Arbol comes with solar hot water.
The Master bedroom is an incredible space consisting of stone, wood, and custom lighting. The vista of the ocean below or the night sky above makes it difficult to tell whether you are indoors or outdoors especially after turning out the lights at night.
A gorgeous plunge pool shared with one other house set on the edge of the hill allows for incredible views of the Pacific, perfect for that sunset dip! Casa Arbol is guaranteed to provide you with an experience you will never forget while on vacation or immense joy if living there full time. Below the bedrooms are two storage spaces and a concrete laundry sink.
Bird and wildlife watching from the house or on the many hiking and nature trails, is incomparable. Numerous Howler monkeys and many species of birds live in the trees around the house. Bargain at $250,000!! https://discoversjds.com/property/casa-arbol-glamping-in-balcones-de-majagual/
Finca Esperanza Collado – 28 Manzana Farm with 2 Houses + 10 More Manzanas
Finca Esperanza Collado is a large 20 hectare farm located just 15 minutes from Playa Escameca, 45 minutes south of San Juan del Sur. And now they just added another 10 manzanas to it! The property features 2 houses surrounded by more than 800 fruit trees, as well as barns for pigs and chickens, creating the perfect place for nature lovers who feel like being far away from the business of town yet still within a reasonable proximity to its amenities. A new fence and gate has also recently been added around the houses. The yellow line is the driveway and the red line is the approximate perimeter of the property.
The property is currently being run as a farm tourism business. The two different houses give excellent rental potential, allowing guests to have their own private space during their stay to ensure they fully enjoy the tranquility and authenticity of the farm. The 1 story rectangle house, built in 2018, features 1 bedroom, 2 bathrooms and a terrace. The second house was built in 2005 but remodeled in 2017. Shaped like an octagon, it has 2 floors and features 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a terrace. In the evenings, residents can take a walk to the highest point on the property, where the sunset can be viewed over the mountains of Costa Rica. One of the houses has a garage.
The fruit trees throughout the property include mangoes, limes, mandarins, oranges, grapes, papayas, bananas, passion fruits, guava and cashews. Organic fruit and veggie gardens can be found with edible flowers and medicinal herbs. Amazing privacy for $390,000! https://discoversjds.com/property/finca-esperanza-collado/
Acuarela Lots in the Heart of San Juan Del Sur
Acuarela, formerly Pacific Turtle, is a development site in the heart of San Juan del Sur which offers fabulous Pacific Ocean and valley views from all levels. Positioned beside Pelican Eyes Resort, this high end development has the same stunning Pacific Ocean views. Purchase your lot today and build your dream home! Several lots have already been leveled off and are ready with building sites for construction.
Acurela has easy access to all of San Juan del Sur’s many amenities but is away from the noise of down town. For the fit individual looking for an active lifestyle, this development has access to several hiking trails and the walk into or back from town up the hill will keep you in fantastic shape. Situated on the southeast side of San Juan del Sur you have a commanding view of the Bay of San Juan del Sur, the town, and the Pacific Ocean. Also depending on the lot you will have views back to town and of the statue of Jesus located across the bay in Pacific Marlin.
Acuarela features stamped non-slip concrete roads through the entire development with sidewalks and a gated entrance. The roads are also complete with drainage for water control during heavy rainstorms. All underground utilities including electric, water, city sewer connections, and high speed fiber optic internet have also been installed to each lot and all services can be accessed via the manholes positioned along the roads.
Currently Acuarela has one high end finished residence and model home owned by the developer. Also there is currently one house under construction. The developer will be happy to help you design and build your house with all the high end amenities you are accustomed to. Big Discounts on Lots!! https://discoversjds.com/property/acuarela-lots-heart-of-san-juan-del-sur/
Southwestern Style Ranch House Perfect for Horse Lovers
HUGE house or horse ranch or commercial property! This Southwestern Style Ranch can comes with 20 manzanas or 34 acres of completely fenced in property for $254,000. The owner will consider self-financing for qualified individuals.
Enjoy the shade trees, perfect for several hammocks, right beside the pool area on this large property. Live outside of town away from the hustle and bustle but close enough to make it convenient. This huge house with 3,328 sq. feet has multiple uses for commercial, residential, or mixed use.
Features!
- 200′ of road frontage
- Brand new roof!
- New pool with a rock waterfall feature and built in table with seating
- 2 living rooms
- Huge 3 car + garage or workshop with 220 service
- New on demand gas hot water
- New pump for well
- Reflective glass on the windows so people can’t see in and security bars on all windows
- Dishwasher
- 3 bedrooms
- 5 baths – 2 shower head Jacuzzi bath in the master bedroom
- Pantry
- Laundry room
- Freezer/storage room
- Large walk in closet in master bedroom
- Patio with landscaping
- Amazing luxurious whirlpool tub with two shower heads in the master bathroom
- Barn with 2 extra-large horse stalls with built in water troughs and multiple locking rooms for feed and tack
- 2009 Mahindra Bolero 4×4 Diesel truck with 350,000+ kilometers comes with the house
Enjoy all this space for yourself or start a bed & breakfast, dude ranch, or small farm for fruits and vegetables.
The back half of the house has a flat concrete roof which can be turned into a 2nd floor patio or build an additional floor and more bedrooms. This house also has locking interior doors making it possible to rent out one of the bedrooms or turn part of it into a commercial space and live in the rest. The usage possibilities are endless considering the commercial value of the road frontage. Attractively priced at $254,000 for all this property! https://discoversjds.com/property/lujoso-rancho-cerca-de-san-juan-del-sur/
3 Bedroom Home with Fabulous Privacy Overlooking Nacascolo Bay
Enjoy fabulous privacy in this remodeled 3 bedroom home with fantastic decorations perfect for your rental investment property or retirement home! 1,500 square foot 3 Bedroom 2.5 bathroom home overlooking Nacascolo Bay and San Juan del Sur.
Details are the only way to describe this home and landscaping! Located directly below Hotel El Jardin where you can easily walk to dinner or have extra guests stay at the hotel and only 8 minutes from San Juan del Sur. Custom wooden beds with matching night stands are featured in all three air conditioned bedrooms. The master bedroom has its own private patio just above the waterfall feature of the pool. Enjoy your morning coffee or evening glass of wine listening to the sound of the waterfall.
The two guest bedrooms have a Jack & Jill bathroom shared between them which features a semicircular outdoor shower. A glass sliding shower door seals the bathroom from the outside shower. One of the guest bedrooms also has a window seat with a custom cushion so you can curl up with your favorite book or movie on your iPad.
The partially shaded private pool with a waterfall is super private and great for skinny dipping! Part of the pool is under the patio roof making it the perfect spot to get out of the sun while in the pool. There is also a half bath and outdoor pool shower tucked into the corner of the walled in pool patio area. The pool patio connects to a thatch roofed rancho with a dining table, lounge chair, and double chase lounge. Enjoy it during the day to escape the sun or evening dining looking at the moon and stars twinkling in the night sky.
Behind the house is a caretaker’s residence and laundry room with a washer and dryer. There is a large storage room located under the rancho, generator, and backup water tanks located above the caretaker’s residence means you never need to worry about having water. Reduced to $225,000 from $385,000 US Dollars.
Please ask today for more information on this fabulous private 3 bedroom, fully furnished house with lots of custom made wooden furniture. Reduced to $225,000 from $385,000! https://discoversjds.com/property/3bedroomhome-sanjuandelsur/
Lomas De Palermo Lot D – 1.23 Acres in a Great Development!
Lot D is a 1.23 acre lot located in the upscale community of Lomas de Palermo, featuring panoramic views of the bay of San Juan del Sur. This large property has been approved for multiple homes or a condo development, and the owner will consider self-financing with a significant down payment.
Lomas de Palermo’s first rate infrastructure simplifies living in San Juan del Sur. Roads are paved and underground electric service has been provided to each home site. A robust water service network has been installed and is feeding water to each home site. Amenities include an on-site, ocean view club house with pool and restaurant, hiking trails, on-site tree canopy tour, horseback riding, and only a 5 minute drive to San Juan del Sur. Residents of Lot D will enjoy convenient access from 2 different entrances to the development.
Lomas de Palermo is located squarely behind the bay, it’s long, panoramic views of the ocean are beautifully framed by San Juan del Sur’s two headlands. The neighborhood is anchored by Villas de Palermo a hotel and resort with 50 luxury villas, community pool, clubhouse, bar and restaurant set within carefully maintained grounds. Wrapping around the hotel is Lomas de Palermo, a neighborhood of single family homes nestled in the rolling landscape, perfectly orientated to catch the sun as it sets over the ocean. Reduced to $85,000 from $185,000!!! https://discoversjds.com/property/lomas-de-palermo-lot-d-san-juan-del-sur/
Expansive Valley Views from This Hilltop Home on 10 Manzanas EXCLUSIVE
New roof, new paint, and everything repaired in this house perched on top of a hill overlooking the valley of Las Delicias giving you a bird’s eye-view of your surroundings and total peacefulness. Watch the storms rolling in across the valley, the twinkling lights of the houses below at night, or the birds soaring in the sky. The main house has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, with a 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom studio apartment underneath at the pool level. Use the studio for rental income, a workshop, an art studio, a mother-in-law suite, the pool level kitchen, etc., the possibilities are endless.
This bargain house sits on a 7,050 m², lot leaving 63,370 m² open for development. Water and septic have been run to several potential lots to be sold off, or you can keep it all for yourself for the ultimate amount of privacy. The caretaker house, which is well removed from the main house, is located at the bottom of the hill, beside the entrance to the property.
All bedrooms have air conditioning. Included in the sale is a generator, hot water, washing machine, oversized two car carport connecting to a large wrap around patio, plus all furniture and linens. Another bonus are the numerous fruit trees including lime, mango, coconut, orange, papaya, pitaya, and Nonie. Now only $260,000 Reduced from $449,000 https://discoversjds.com/property/expansive-valley-views-hilltop-home-10-manzanas/
Barrio Cafe, Taco Stop, and 8 Room Hotel
Your opportunity to own one of the most prominent corners in San Juan del Sur. Barrio Cafe, Taco Stop, and the 8 room hotel attached to it are all for sale; the location only, not the Brand Name of Barrio Cafe! People love staying in this hotel for the amazingly comfortable beds and the convenience of walking out of their hotel room door and right into one of the best restaurants and coffee shops in town.
The central location of these three business guarantees you lots of foot and vehicle traffic right by the location. Walk to all amenities in San Juan del Sur, a quiet fishing town with a surfing habit. San Juan del Sur is a mixing pot of cultures, foods, activities, and people from all over the world. Young and old both enjoy this town for various reasons and Barrio Cafe appeals to clients of all ages. $700,000 Bargain! https://discoversjds.com/property/barrio-cafe-taco-stop-and-8-room-hotel/
Beautiful Villa with Brazilian Hardwoods in Redonda Bay
This gorgeous 4 bed/3.5 bath is built with Brazilian hardwood and is nestled in the tree canopy overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It was recently remodeled and comes fully furnished, making it a great turn-key business property or excellent family vacation home. The house generates great rental incomes. Don’t miss this great opportunity in Tola Nicaragua Real Estate.
The house features a very large, wrap-around deck that stretches the entire width of the house, where you’ll find plenty of space to kick back and relax! Located in the private, oceanfront development of Redondo Bay, you can enjoy private beaches and all of the amenities the development has to offer.
On the 1st floor is the kitchen, dining room, living room, a Junior Suite, another 2 bedrooms that share 1 bathroom, a half bathroom and a laundry room. The kitchen features granite counters, hardwood cabinetry and stainless steel appliances. The dining and living room adjoin and open onto the deck, where there is both covered space for relaxing outside in the rain or shade and uncovered space for enjoying the sun. The Junior Suite features a walk-in closet, a stunning bathroom and french doors that open out to the deck.
On the 2nd floor is the Master Suite, which has french doors that open to a private deck, a walk-in closet and a bathroom with a Jacuzzi tub and natural stone finishes. $299,000 Reduced from $359,000 https://discoversjds.com/property/tola-nicaragua-real-estate/
Studio Paz in Pelican Eyes Residential Community
Feel relaxed and at home instantly at Studio Paz. This well-appointed luxury studio is located in the Residential area of Pelican Eyes overlooking the bay of San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua.
With two queen beds Studio Paz can comfortably accommodate up to 4 guests. It is an ideal vacation rental for couples or small families looking for the quintessential Nicaraguan beach town holiday. Also the perfect place for a single person or couple to live full time; remove one of the beds and make it extra living space or an office space by utilizing the reading light above the bed you removed.
Studio Paz has two uncovered terraces and one covered terrace. The shaded terrace with ocean view is the perfect place to laze the day away with a good book and your favorite beverage in hand. While the tropical garden in the uncovered front terrace with water fountain and hammock is an ideal spot for an afternoon nap. The side terrace closet houses the gas bottles and the on demand hot water system.
The studio’s sleeping area houses two cozy queen beds, large flat screen TV and spacious ensuite bath with double vanity and waterfall shower. Closets line the back wall including a closet with connections for a stack-able washer and dryer.
Studio Paz is part of the HOA which gives you access to the 3 Pelican Eyes pools, trash pickup, security, gardening, and many other amenities. The infinity lap pool and family pool are located a short 5-minute walk from the studio. The third pool is situated inside Cascada Club Restaurant & Bar – just couple minute walk further down the stairs. $95,000 https://discoversjds.com/property/studio-paz-in-pelican-eyes-residential-community/
