Pheeding Phrenzy-Tropical Cookbook!

Okay Pholks...here's your shot at getting a one-of-a-kind original cookbook with all sorts great tropical (and not-so-tropical) recipes while helping a great cause!
This cookbook is the result of the hard work and perseverance of some very special people and friends of mine over at the Parrot Head Club of Eastern Massachusetts (www.phcoem.com). The recipes are a collection of individually submitted recipes of the many members of this great organization. And the proceeds will benefit the Shriners Hospital for Children which has 22 hospitals; all dedicated to improving the lives of children. One of the Club members was the recipient of excellent care as a childhood victim of severe burns and is now living an active, normal teenage life-thanks to the Shriners.
The Parrot Head Club of Eastern Massachusetts is a chapter of the larger Parrot Heads in Paradise national club (www.phip.com)
Here's an example of some of the recipes:
-Sauce Boss' Gumbo
-Lobster Centennial
-Scott's Shrimp Po' Boys
-Beer Can Chicken
-Memphis BBQ Spaghetti
-Seafood Menage a Trios
-Frozen Strawberry Margarita Pie
-Tequila Soaked Sorbet
-Spiced Caribbean Christmas Cake

Trust me...the list goes on...the cookbook is comprised of 120 pages of fabulous recipes! The book costs only $18 (which includes $3 for shipping) or 2 for $28 (the same $3 is included for shipping. And again...the proceeds all go to a great organization!

If you would like to order one or two (they will make a great gift!) send me an email to buybelize@comcast.net and I will provide you with the mailing address to which you can send a check. If you would like to pay using PayPal, I can arrange that, and will send the details by return email.

Thanks...and happy cooking!

SkipJack

What are the benefits of developer “sponsored” tours?

In your search for the perfect piece of “paradise” what makes the search easier? How do you get a feel for the country? The people and the culture? Can you overcome the language barrier? Are there incentives for expats to move to this country? Is Belize the right place? Or is Nicaragua the paradise you’re looking for?

Some developers are offering “fly-n-buy programs, some offer tours or discovery packages and still others will provide you with the wine-n-dine level with a personal site visit. The long and short of it is that there is no better way to make a decision than to go visit; and these tours are very rarely like the high-pressure time share 90 minute tour that everyone dreads!

A few of the developers I work with here at SkipJack offer some very cool ways to see and feel the country in which they are located. For example, Orchid Bay in Belize has a very cool trip for 3 days at an unbelievable price that includes your hotel and meals…all you have to do is get there…they even pick you up at the airport. Obviously, you will have the opportunity to tour the property, but they also do a beach cookout and a river trip to see some of the ancient Maya ruins.

In Nicaragua, Seaside Mariana offers discovery packages, but in December they are hosting a 4 day event in Managua that will cover every aspect of living, moving, or investing in real estate on the Pacific coastline of Nicaragua.

Going directly across the Caribbean Sea to the wonderful country of The Dominican Republic, Cristal Beach Resort (a 5 star condominium/hotel development) they offer the traditional fly-n-buy program and will rebate your airfare up to $1,000 when you decide to buy there.

All in all, each of these programs will enable you to go see the country and get a good feel for the country, the culture and the development before you buy. Generally, these trips are dirt cheap as well…there are two other options…sign up for any one of these upcoming webinars to get a good preliminary idea online…and the other is to use SkipJack’s private scouting service.

Live webinar Wednesday October 28th at 1 PM EST together with The Entrust office in Tampa Bay
Register here at Live and Invest in Nicaragua

Live webinar Wednesday November 4th at noon EST together with The Entrust Group in the Mid-Atlantic region…register here at Live and Invest in Nicaragua

Insider’s Tour on site at Orchid Bay, Belize-Learn more here
-November 6-8, 2009
-November 20-22, 2009
-December 11-13- 2009
-January 22-24, 2010
Nicaraguan Abundance: Live, Invest, Grow-Learn more here
-December 3-6, 2009
-Only $295 per person
-On site in Nicaragua at the Hilton Princess Hotel in Managua

As always, hit ‘em straight! At least get out there and hit ‘em (like I do)

SkipJack

Why Do Investors Sit Tight in IRA/401(k)s?

I recently read an article at WSJ.com with the above mentioned title on a LinkedIn discussion. A gentleman by the name of Brad Versteegh, who is the COO and GM at Daylight Capital responded with the following:


"The devil you know vs the devil you don't....
So many would rather see their investments die a slow and painful death than try something new that they don't understand. I do not profess to be an expert in all financial matters, but I find myself amazed at the general ignorance of the masses. Especially as it refers to "self directing" anything. They are so used to simply getting a monthly or quarterly statement and complaining about the loss or minimal gains. Even when you explain to them how Self Direction works and that you can help them navigate those waters, they would still rather sit there insecure, scared and uncomfortable than to do anything differently.
I am bewildered almost daily....."


I could not have said it any better Brad! Even when having discussions "beer talk" discussions, it seems that people just don't get the concept of taking control of their retirement planning...even my own brother-in-law, who is a business consultant with a very large firm and is very intelligent and knowledgeable, in general, was not aware of the ability individuals have to "self-direct" their retirement accounts.

Now...I will allow for some companies which simply do not allow an employee to roll-over their 401k accounts to a SDIRA until after they have left the company...and some SEP plans which were written originally by the officers (but probably at the recommendation of the financial adviser who was holding and managing the funds)so as to prevent any self-direction...hmmm...wonder why?
Having said all of that, my recommendation is to check to see if you can...indeed...roll it over into a self-directed IRA and take control of your retirement! If you simply leave it alone...how long do you think it will take to recoup the losses you have experienced over the last year and a half?
Here is a link to a webinar which was presented last week by Orchid Bay in Belize which is an outstanding real estate investment opportunity, and by Entrust Northeast, which is one of about 60 offices throughout the country which specializes in the administration of SDIRAs (self-directed IRAs)


View the webinar here

Thank you...and thank you to Brad for letting me quote him! He didn't even ask for a plug...Daylight Capital...can you believe that?

Hey...I've said it before and I'm sure I'll say it again...if you're gonna hit 'em...


Hit 'em straight!

SkipJack

What does the term Parrot Head mean to you?

I got involved (I have not joined yet, but plan to soon) with the Parrot Head Club of Eastern Massachusetts late in the year last year. My thoughts were to do some cross-marketing for the tropical real estate I tout…little did I know that it would inspire me to add a charitable element to my over-all business plan and that I would meet some new PHriends!

Back in March I attended the annual New England Parrot Head Convention with a goal of reaching this group of people who already have the tropics on their brain and introduce them to the properties I sell in the Caribbean. While I did reach many of the 400+ people in attendance, what I really learned was the true nature of charitable giving! The tag line for Parrot Head Clubs universally (I think) is “Party with a Purpose.” And while the first impression is that this group of Jimmy Buffett fans really enjoy the party aspect, the overwhelming mindset of every single person I had the pleasure of speaking with was…”giving back!” This is such a strong part of what they do that I had to know more…and what I found out is that the documents each club files for it’s application as a “sanctioned” not for profit organization with the name Parrot Head attached…the organization MUST commit to supporting 2 (I believe) charities such as Special Olympics.

With that in mind I want to commend the PH Club of Eastern Massachusetts and the PH Club of Maine…Massachusetts for listening to my proposition and for helping me to get in the door; and the club in Maine for putting on the weekend event where I was able to receive my induction to the Parrot Head mindset!

But…there’s more! It’s not all about raising money and making donations! I have been following the email threads of the Eastern Massachusetts club, events, happenings, Jimmy Buffett concerts, local trop-rock artists playing here there and everywhere…a sunset club cruise…all fun stuff right? Well how about the noble cause of beach clean ups? These folks actually organized a group of people, and have done so for several years now, to clean up some of the beaches in Massachusetts. According to Paul ( a club member), he has “been organizing Coastsweep Beach Cleanups here in Massachusetts going on 7 years now for the Parrot Head Club of Eastern Massachusetts.
Our members have picked up over 2500 pounds of trash during that period-not bad considering most of it is paper cups and napkins and untold millions of cigarette butts!
We do our events rain or shine. We've had 45 degree days and 80 degree days, bright sunshine, overcast days, winds up to 30 mph and rain squalls with visibility down to about 100 yards. Yet our members show up every year to participate with big smiles and no complaints. This is a great event, especially for families with (well-supervised) 'keets.
We did two clean ups this past weekend. And folks are already talking about next year!!
I know that our neighbor club-the Nautical Whalers also have done Coastsweep cleanups.”
I hope Paul doesn’t mind that I quoted him, but I wanted to pass the credit along to these folks. I am certain that there are other PH Clubs which do similar projects to help out with their local community and my goal here is to spread the word so that others get involved in a like way.

In the mean time…you PHolks of the Eastern Massachusetts Club…keep up the good work and watch for my membership application!

While this is not meant to be a promotional post, if you want to know more about the Parrot Head Club of Eastern Massachusetts you can click here.

Hit ‘em straight!

SkipJack

Orchid Bay, Belize "Insider Tour" dates released...

Orchid Bay, Belize has experienced such a fantastic level of interest and enthusiasm for their "Insider Tours" they have just released the dates for the next few months. First off, this is absolutely the best way to discover Belize Real Estate.



The "Insider Tours" at Orchid Bay are extremely affordable; three days and two nights for only $299 per person....now...you do have to get to Belize City yourself, but once in-country, Orchid Bay staff will greet you and transport you to the hotel, entertain you with a beach front BBQ or pig roast with music and a bon-fire on the beach on Friday evening, take you on a river jungle tour to discover some Mayan ruins and yes...take you on a tour of the property at Orchid Bay.


Upcoming dates for the ultimate way to check out the Orchid Bay opportunity (and get three days in Belize on the cheap!):

*November 6-8, 2009
*December 11-13, 2009
*January 22-24, 2010
*February 26-28, 2010
*March 26-28, 2010
*April 23-25, 2010



These photos were taken just last month in August...they are really making great progress...and my understanding is that they are building 24 of the pictured casitas and that 18 of them are sold...(make that 19, because I'm going to reserve one tomorrow!).I'm likely buying it with my self-directed IRA.

Hit 'em straight...or use the whole course...who cares? Just hit 'em!

SkipJack

Dominica gets $40 million for infrastructure

Dominica's Prime Minister Skerrit signed a "framework" agreement with China this past Wednesday in the capitol city of Roseau. The agreement will loan Dominica $40 million for the purpose of the construction and expansion of the Dominica State College, the construction of the State House; construction of new facilities to house the offices of the Electoral Commission and the rehabilitation of major roads in Roseau; according to Dominica News Online.
According to some of the comments left online about this article, the residents of Dominica would like to see some improvements throughout the small island nation rather than only in the capital city of Roseau. From what I understand, the roads could be improved leading from Roseau to destinations such as Portsmouth in the north.Making the rest of the island more accessible for tourists will make it more enjoyable to visit and will lead to more visitors, especially overnight visitors which is what Dominica needs to improve.
As for it being a Caribbean Real Estate opportunity, I can only see the future being bright for this wonderful country. As this kind of investment in the country becomes more prominent and the ability to get from south to north, not to mention the possibility of a new airport...well...hell it can only improve!
It is after all...the Caribbean's "Nature Island" and who wouldn't want to visit the place where Johnny Depp made Pirates of the Caribbean! The development opportunity is ripe for the taking for resort developers with the vision to see two or three years down the road. This is a magnificent little country with a tremendous opportunity for the eco-tourist; even today there are several resorts with the secluded jungle type vacation as well as the ocean front vacation. I am going to pay close attention to the little sleeper, watch as things begin to happen here over the next few years...I think we are all in for a treat!

Sorry it was so long between posts this time around, it has been incredibly busy for me launching the new web site at SkipJackMarketing and preparing for an upcoming webinar with the Entrust Group and with the guys over at Orchid Bay, Belize. Once we have the date and time established, I will post an invite to the webinar. Orchid Bay will be presenting about their wonderful piece of paradise in Belize...and Entrust will be presenting on how to buy your piece of paradise using your IRA or 401K!

'Til then...hit 'em straight!

SkipJack

Real Estate Prices and sales volume show signs of recovery….

I read this article today on RealtyTimes.com by Kenneth R. Harney; here is the jist of the article:


Sales of existing homes and condos continue to power the real estate market, in some areas they're up by double digits, and despite all the negative headlines about foreclosures, even prices are rising in many places as well.
Sales in the second quarter ending June 30 jumped by nearly 4 percent countrywide, according to the National Association of Realtors. Second quarter sales in 39 states were higher than the first quarter, as they were in 129 out of the 155 largest markets.
New York saw an impressive 22 percent increase for the quarter.
Wisconsin. California, Michigan and Minnesota all registered double-digit sales gains.
In the Denver area home prices were 6 percent higher in June than in May, and resale numbers increased by 32 percent.
Average prices in Boston gained 2.9 percent for the month, according to IAS. In Chicago they were up 1.3 percent, Los Angeles 2.2 percent, San Francisco 1.7 percent, and San Diego 1.4 percent.
Most economists, and even the Federal Reserve, are encouraged that the recession will be over this year. I am convinced along with them…now if we can get the media to start reporting the positive news instead of dwelling on the negative, we might just fix this mess.
On an international level, I recently read that in the Bahamas prices have held steady, Belize continues to hold property value, the Dominican Republic is doing well and in Nicaragua, well…get ready for some real good buzz in this country as the laws have changed drastically for the first time years, making it more attractive to own beachfront property…which leads me to this new release I have come across.

Special Pricing on 4 Beachfront Home Sites in Nicaragua

The all new Isla Mariana Beach & Marina Resort has just released 4 stunning beachfront home sites:
Home site 1H: 30 feet of beach frontage, only $ 45,000 USD
7G: 40 feet of beach frontage, only $ 59,995 USD
3F: 60 feet of beach frontage, only $ 90,000 USD
7F: 72 feet of beach frontage, only $108,000 USD

Phase One of this spectacular resort community originally sold out at pre-construction prices in just 6 months. These home sites are now being offered in an advance notice of Phase Two (which the developer tells me will be announced publicly any day).



Isla Mariana Beach & Marina Resort is a hidden oasis located on the secluded island of Isla Real de Las Peñ as, situated on the virgin beaches of Nicaragua's Pacific Coast. This 17-acre retreat offers some of the world's best fishing, a sailing school for the adventurous, exciting water sports, sunny and rare volcanic sand beaches, gorgeous swimming pool, gracious accommodations, exquisite dining at the Beach Grill Restaurant, Plumeria Spa, and the casual, relaxed pace of Nicaragua.

Financing and building packages are available; for more information, including site plans, maps and photos of this incredible Pacific Ocean front development please click here.

What ever you do...hit 'em straight!

SkipJack

Invest in Real Estate without actually buying the RE...?

Okay, so this is supposed to be all about the Caribbean, Caribbean adventures, experiences and opportunities...but every now and then an opportunity comes up that simply breaks the mold!
Actually, my friend Thom (who is the managing partner in this new fund) is my first real estate colleague who opened the doors to all these real estate opportunities. Thom is a developer in the Rocky Mountains (okay, a bit colder at times, but certainly a paradise in it's own right).
Thom just opened up The Income Fund, LLC specifically to take advantage of an opportunity in the Teton Valley. Here's what happened...the FDIC took over one of the largest mortgage holders in the region and The Income Fund is planning to buy some of these mortgages (secured of course, by the homes and the property)from the FDIC (which doesn't want them) at a pretty steep discount...can you say instant equity!?
This is a perfect opportunity to own a piece of a (real estate investment)company, get into the real estate market when the time is...well...perfect! And do it without becoming a landlord! It is a fantastic opportunity to rebuild the IRA portfolio because your self-directed IRA can own units in The Income Fund...read: win...win...win situation! If you don't have a self-directed IRA, well...you will soon, it's the smartest way to take control of your future and my guess is that my general readership is pretty smart!
For further info...click here on The Income Fund, LLC and to learn more about self-directed IRAs click here.

Hit 'em straight!

SkipJack

Nicaragua Approves New Coastal Real Estate Law

Nicaraguan officials have approved a new law that bans property from being built within 50 meters of the high tide line on the beach front. The decision is a tremendous relief to developers, who have had to endure 5 years of uncertainty and speculation…it was feared that the ban would be approved at 800 meters from the beach front! Could you imagine? 800 meters is a long way!
The New Coastal Law establishes a clear set of laws, rules and guarantees for land ownership and development along the shores of the ocean, lakes and lagoons, but river front property is excluded from the law…this gives developers who have been in limbo about how to move forward a huge sigh of relief and a green traffic light.
It is speculated that this new law and the green light it gives to developers could create up to 10,000 new jobs! Something the Nicaraguan people and economy could sorely use…just like the rest of us.
I’ve got friend who visits Nicaragua every year and he loves it! The people are wonderful…warm, friendly and very hospitable. The country is very diverse from a visitors perspective, you can choose from a beach vacation to a lake front trip to mountain retreats and if investing in Nicaragua is in your sights, property here is approximately 20-30% less than comparable property in Costa Rica….oh…and the surfing is fantastic from what I hear. I am not a surfer, although I’d like to give it a try (bucket list item number 124!) I’ve seen some video and have been told that surfing on the Pacific coast of Nicaragua is world class.

Cant’ wait for the world to believe that the whole economic downturn has flat-lined and starts opening up their wallets again…maybe if the media started reporting upbeat positive news…ah well that’s probably too much to ask for. I can tell you this…this new Coastal Law in Nicaragua is excellent news for Nicaraguans and for real estate investors who are paying attention!
‘Til next time…Surf’s Up!
SkipJack

Dominica’s Dive Fest 2009

All I can say is that I’m sorry I missed this year’s Dive Fest in Dominica. It was held from July 10^th through the 19^th and apparently was a huge success. The Dominica Watersports Association has been promoting awareness of Dominica’s marine environment through this week-long event since 1994.

Word is getting out about the colorful reefs, the lush tropical landscape, incredible waterfalls, warm hot spring and a natural “boiling” lake! A bit difficult to get to, but well worth the trip…Dominica is an eco-tourist’s heaven!

Dominica is located between Martinique and Guadalupe in the Eastern Caribbean and is known as the Caribbean’s “Nature Island.” It was recently reported that Dominica will be the leader in eco-tourism throughout the region for the next ten years, so I would imagine that it will become easier to get to…right now though, the trip getting there is an adventure in itself! But well worth apparently…they have Mermaids there!

I found a tremendous Dominica real estate opportunity for the right developer to build, what I envision as, a luxury boutique eco-resort...complete with a marina.

One thing I have not found here just yet is a golf course…but what hell…tee ‘em up and hit ‘em anyway…then grab an ice cold Kubuli (beer brewed in Dominica) and a Mermaid or two…and well…you get the idea!

'Til next time......SkipJack

Dominican Republic ranked #2 in Happy Planet...

In a recent Happy Planet Index comparison of 143 countries worldwide (from Cambodia to Cameroon) the Dominican Republic ranked #2 behind only Costa Rica! By comparison, the USA ranked #114 and Canada #89.
The criteria used for the rankings are Life expectancy, Life satisfaction (Happiness index) and Ecological footprint.
I have to say that I am very pleased with the fact that 3 of the 5 countries in which I am recommending specific developments are within the top 30! They are:
-Dominican Republic #2
-Nicaragua #11
-Belize#27
Then there are the other two countries:
-Dominica
-Bahamas
Neither of which were mentioned, which I find a bit odd...the Bahamas are extremely Happy...especially the outer islands like Long Island. And Dominica?! Come on now...the filmed the Pirates of the Caribbean there...I've got a great opportunity there for a developer with vision interested in developing the first marina on the island.
Anyway...very cool that the DR is in the #2 slot...it couldn't be a better time to invest in any of these places, but the DR is experiencing a boom in some very nice luxury Caribbean real estate. Now IS indeed the time to buy and with the popularity of self-directed IRA's and 401K's...it's easier than ever!
Make sure you check out the Happy Planet Index...I had never heard of it before, but there is some very interesting (and useful) information there!

Hit 'em straight or take a drop!

SkipJack

Five different Caribbean countries...

It all started out as doing the marketing for my friends at Orchid Bay in Belize, then I came to an agreement with a new found friend from West Hampton Beach, NY with a development project in the Dominican Republic; I am expecting the marketing agreement for another development in the DR any day now...Just signed off on a deal selling real estate in the Bahamas, am expecting the contract any day now for a fabulous community development on the beach in Nicaragua and just received the contract to market a truly unique marina opportunity on the island nation of Dominica...where they filmed "Pirates of the Caribbean."


How cool is this!!??

Here's to having sand between your toes!

SkipJack

Experts Who Don't Understand Real Estate IRAs

I recently read an article with the following headline… "Retirement accounts can't be used for realty", she went so far to state that anyone who says it's ok is committing fraud!

Simply NOT true!

IRAs and Qualified Plans, also known as Keoghs (which include 401(k) plans, have been able to invest in real property for over 25 years. There are however, rules that go along with this that one must follow.

This concept is NOT for everyone, but it is possible to own real estate within your self-directed IRA or 401K. I am not the expert on this, but I can recommend an excellent company which is…The Entrust Group. They can help with the particulars of your individual situation, but here are some very (and I mean very) basic concepts to understand:

1. Your IRA/401K is a separate and independent entity and needs to be treated as such.

2. As a separate entity, your IRA/401K can own real estate, including foreign real estate, as an investment.

3. You may not use the property, nor can you collect rent, but your IRA/401K can!

So…if you want to buy a vacation home for your own personal use to go to the tropics a few times a year and rent it out the rest of the time…DON’T use your IRA/401K!

If, on the other hand, you want to buy property as an investment, renting it out and NOT using it personally until retirement age…then, by all means use your IRA/401K funds. But, before you do, speak to the folks at The Entrust Group, particularly, the Entrust office in New Jersey. They have offices all over the country, but I deal with the folks in NJ.

I have a free CD which I will be happy to mail to you, just click here to request it…in the comment box…type “free CD.” Or click here for an additional (video) explanation and to request the free CD.

Hit ‘em straight!

SkipJack