One that I can recommed that is also a participant on this board is Tim Callanan from Invest In Belize.

Elbert while they can not help you in belize yes ,You need a good belize Attorney they can give you sound advice/read your contact etc..And can speak to your belize Attorney and ask good questions to help you sleep at night..!!!! I have made big bucks and lost big bucks better to make big bucks than the latter it feels better....

There are some very pretty villas on that website (Atlas). Too bad none of them exist. Jabiru Shores exists but its real name is Pelican Reef. Why would they rename it? I wonder if Pelican Reef knows this?

I agree with Capt Jeff make sure the juice is worth the squeeze when ever possible.

Interesting Atlas has just changed its web site

One other point is that you hear various realtors saying there will be a new town up north(one realtor actually owes me a 100usd bet and he refuses to pay)-at least two golf courses-international airports -they should back up what they say in writing and if it does not come to pass pay the people who bought properties from them at least their high commission.

A/C is very much a Buyer Beware Market.

I have owned property on A/C for a while now (but am not livening here full time). I am periodically approached (back home) by people who have purchases on A/C, and want to compare experiences.

The vast majority do not have happy tales to tell.
They feel that they have been swindled (at worst), Misled (at best).

It's easy to see (by the turn-over rate) that the majority of buyers are not overjoyed with their real estate purchase.

There is little (or NO) incentive for Realtors to adopt a more forthcoming approach, since they make money on the initial Purchase, and when the buyer is dissatisfied, they make money from the Re-Sale of the property.
(If there was "real" land or property to begin with - rather than just a blue print and a promise)

Although this may be good for Realtor profits, It's terrible for the remaining businesses.
The bad taste does not fade quickly.

The reputable Realtors know this.

Regulation is a good first step.
but is only as good as the enforcement.

I also think this board helps people.
I have noticed more open & honest discussions.
When I first started lurking (years ago) - people seemed more censored.
- I thought everyone on A/C Farted Rainbows!

Honest business dealings and realistic expectations makes for Happy and RETURNING visitors to A/C.

.... and they tell two friends.... and so on .... and so on....

" I thought everyone on A/C Farted Rainbows! "

Its true, We Do!!!

I'm glad to hear that everyone farts rainbows on AC. While I was there, I did it and had a full GI workup when I got home! When I come back, I'll know that it's not the Rum Punch or the Skittles. Whew!

I bought realty on AC once, from a realtor who has been acknowledged here as "one of the good ones". The transaction went very smoothly, even though there was lots of scope for problems, and the realtor concerned didn't make much on the deal - yet still provided a full professional service. As with so many things, be careful who you buy from or through and you're over halfway there. I have heard nightmare stories from people who chose their realtor or principal unwisely.