ARABELLA CHAMBERS

Community is an essential part of family, of lifestyle, and of real estate.

Understanding local conditions in any district of Belize is important when it comes to buying real estate, but the neighborhood you choose can have a dramatic impact on all other aspects of your life as well. Feel free to browse through the complimentary Cayo District information I’ve provided.

When it’s time to make that move, contact us to get a representative on your side who has experience, Cayo market knowledge, and the confidence to help you make the best transaction possible. Enjoy! 

Cayo Quick Description: The area of Cayo was previously named by the Spanish “El Cayo” same name as they used to describe the offshore islands. However, now these days we locally refer to the town of San Ignacio as Cayo. The district is in a peninsula between two converging rivers and mostly surrounded by the forests

More about Cayo:

• Centrally located
• Wide choice of villages and friendly communities
• Access to 4 major cities - Belmopan, Spanish lookout, San Ignacio and Benque Viejo del Carmen
• Serene Tranquility Safe country ambience
• Great variety of landscapes Wide choice of properties from raw land to fully developed.
• Great market value
• Many natural sources of water access - from natural springs, creeks to rivers
• Great for self-sufficiency - Almost everything grows in Cayo
• 50 miles from Belize City
• Lower living costs in the villages
• There are many properties to choose from and fitting anyone investment budget.
• Filled with Archeological sites, activities, caves, trails, wild life and adventures for all. Its nature at its best
• Offers both country living and city commodities.

The Cayo District is a district in the west of the nation of Belize and the largest district. The District capital is the town of San Ignacio. Also in the Cayo District are the national capital of Belmopan, the town of Benque Viejo del Carmen and Santa Elena, the villages of San Antonio, Valley of Peace, St. Margret's, Roaring Creek, Armenia, San Jose Succotz, Arenal, Buena Vista, Calla Creek, Esperanza, Cristo Rey, Georgeville, Unitedville, Blackman Eddy, Ontario, Camelote, Los Tombos, Teakettle, Albaina, and Spanish Lookout. Cayo District also contains the Pre-Columbian Maya ruins of Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, and Caracol.

Today, the home search process can be time consuming, from our own experience when know that at times you even get frustrated. Because we have been there, we know what our clients need. So to make your Home Search easier we have posted some helpful resources about making the right moves on choosing the right property. The internet can be a good place to start, but it is not an experienced Belize Real Estate professional; It cannot consult, advice or guide, and lacks the knowledge of local laws or land regulations and market conditions which are very crucial for decision making.  Your family and your individual goals are at stake. We care, we want to help you find the perfect home.
 
Once you have armed yourself with the right tools and obtained the right guidance from local professionals and gained crucial answers. It will save you time, money, aggravations and you will be on your way to a proactive home search.  
 
Buying in Cayo
 
If you prefer slopping hills to beaches, Cayo would be the Best choice. Wide-open spaces, wilderness, unspoiled landscapes offering a multitude of terrains, adventures and small towns and villages; defiantly your best choice. However, many people that chose this district have elected to settle in rural areas. – “It is all about personal choice”
 
 
 “We ourselves settled in Unitedville Village. What appealed to us mostly was the lower housing costs; the endless landscape features, the good market value in the area, its proximity to major towns and the variety of village conveniences.”
 
 Now, is the Cayo District for you? Here are some questions I believe will help you decide if Cayo will fit your plans. Answering these simple, yet crucial, questions could make a big difference in your home search process and buying decisions.
 
More about the Cayo area
The Cayo District is primarily an agricultural district, with the chief crops being citrus, (oranges, grapefruit, and tangerine), as well as bananas. Recently oil was found in Spanish Lookout and is now in production. There are 2 major highways in the District. The Western Highway runs from Belize City to the Guatemalan border, and the Hummingbird Highway which starts in Belmopan and ends at the juncture of the Coastal Road and the Southern Highway in the Stann Creek District. In addition to the ruins listed above there are several other important nature reserves including two National Parks, Blue Hole (park) and Guanacaste National Park. Ecotourism is also an integral part of the region's economy. According to the 2000 census, Cayo District had a population of 53,715 people.

Are you dreaming of your own stables, gardens, jungle retreat, farm, pasture or life in the wilderness?

If the thought of any of the above mentioned makes you smile. Then there is a good chance Cayo would be the right place for you. The Cayo District located to the west of the nation of Belize is the largest district; its home to the Capital of Belize being Belmopan City, now, the District’s Capital is the town of San Ignacio. In this district the most prominent towns are the Twin Towns San Ignacio & Santa Elena and not forgetting Benque Viejo Del Carmen Town. This District has an enormous Mayan heritage and it contains the Pre-Columbian Maya ruins of Xunantunich, Cahal Pech and Caracol.

Will the listings you've been considering, continue to provide you access to your daily needs and hobbies?

Some of you might say no, which is why I am seeking a change and moving to Belize. However, keep in mind that there are some of your daily habits or needs that will continue to be part of your Lifestyle abroad.

Are these listings fitting your short and long terms investment goals?

It may look every appealing at first to buy a large property, but, it will also mean extra work and financial obligations that could eventually spoil, in a long run your retirement plans resulting in increasing  your living costs and straining your existing cash flow.

How much acreage is enough?

Keep in mind that the bigger the land, bigger the maintenance. This would also mean more expenses to your living costs.

Are you ok with high property maintenance?

Perhaps today, you fill up to it, but this is one of the major reasons why many owners are listing their properties for sale.  Keep in mind that during the rainy season cutting that grass will keep you busy, I definitely guarantee it!  So, if you are not planning to keep that busy! Can you financially support some additional help?

Are you including in your living budget the costs for maintenance of the equipment needed or supplies? 

Yes! Labour costs in Belize are lower compared to the United States or Canada’s minimum wages. However, months go by quickly in Belize too, so will the growth of your grass. If unprepared, it could become a straining part of your budgeted living expenses and your plans of a laid-back lifestyle.    

Do you know how much it will cost weekly, monthly or yearly to maintain these properties?

Most people are eager to work their piece of land themselves, that is great!, however you will notice that owning a small or big property will rapidly become an added obligation, at times it will require the employment of extra help. Therefore, choosing a property that fits your desired maintenance preferences and budget is crucial from the start.

Do you know what to expect when you move?

What are the housing and living costs in the areas of your preferred listings?Take the time to research what is available in these areas. If you plan on renting a home while you build, you should check out if there any rentals nearby that could accommodate you for your long or short terms needs? Are there any “Tiendas” nearby? Will you have access to obtain your daily needs quickly or have to plan weekly trips in town? Again, these are important factors in your planning and relocating process.

Are you searching at the right places?

Knowing what each district has to offer from lifestyle to landscape features is very important. I would strongly recommend that you plan a few visits before making your venture. Visiting your areas of interest could be a very revealing moment for anyone. Keep in mind that travelling to a place is not the same as permanently living there. Therefore, you will need all the facts before being able to assess the location that is right for you.

Are your spouse and kids, including yourself, dreaming of the same lifestyle or Home?

Everyone’s needs should be taken into account, no matter their age. We all know that some family members have little habits that make them happy that cannot be ignored. So, have everyone make a list of the needs he or she has and what they would be willing to let go. It is a great start. So make sure that you all know what is essential to you prepared when you contact a buyer’s agent.

What are the characteristics or features a home, property or neighbourhood should have to qualify for ideal home?

Having a list prepared and answering these important questions will save you lots of time when searching the net; it will also enable you to go directly to the property listings that meet at least 75% of your criteria’s. Consequently, when you decide to contact a selling agent, having prepared your clear guidelines, will generate higher results and you will be able to assess only the properties that fit your needs.

Example: What are you seeking for? River or creek frontage, Hill, Valley, or Mountain views, proximity to highways and major cities, rural life, island life, country life or city life, near the airport, electricity & water on site or nearby.........

About Electricity & Water - How important is the access to these infrastructures to you?

Remember, that the idea of owning 20, 30, 50 acres of land at a great price may sound good now. But, if this property is located 1, 3 or 5 miles or more away from the existing mains, this may become a costly nightmare, as well as some other alternatives available on the market, if not prepared.

For example, solar systems have been a popular choice by many.

However, the long-term costs in battery maintenance have proven to be costly for certain homeowners. What can you afford or live with on a short and long term?

Would you consider private community Living?

Life within a private & gated community could provide many community features and amenities that would release you from unwanted duties or property maintenance. They are many attractive communities throughout Belize and all offer very appealing lifestyles to choose from, the choice is up to you!

Finally, remember that there are many good professionals here to help you. We will help you evaluate your options as to buying in the right place and at the right cost, concentrate our search on properties fitting all your financial needs, living demands and perhaps add a little extra to it.

Thank you for your valuable time, We hope these tips have been helpful to you! Feel free to contact us at anytime should you need a neighbourhood expert.  
 

Tips for Finding the Perfect Neighborhood 
 

1. Make a list of all of the amenities that are close by in the neighborhood you are considering as your new residence.  Keep in mind what distances and routes to each of these places are acceptable and what are not.

2.  Determine what the best features of the neighborhoods are.  This is especially helpful if you are deciding between a few different neighborhoods.

Are there parks nearby?
Is it scenic and visually appealing?
Are there quiet areas, streets, culs de sac?
Are the people friendly in the neighborhood?
Is the neighborhood clean?  Yards, streets, parks?
Are there nice trees and foliage?
Do the lots have large or small yards?
Are there walkways and are they easily accessible?
Is it a safe neighborhood?
What are the market values of the homes in the area?
Are there many houses for sale?
How long ago was the community developed?
What is the average age of the people in the area?
Are there families with small children in the area?
What is the proximity to schools?
Are there community events or organizations?

3.  Walk around in the neighborhood.  The best way to determine the cleanliness and friendliness of the neighborhood is to walk around in it and meet its residents.