85 of 93 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Delusion is a Valid False Belief., March 31, 2003
This review is from: Living and Investing in the New Nicaragua (Paperback)
After spending three weeks in Nicaragua I heard much hype (mainly from those selling real estate there) about the "coming boom". It was when the saleman was telling me to "get in now, or regret it" I recalled the words in the Bhagavadgita, "Delusion is the child of ignorance."
This book can help, BUT, most of the time, it reads more like a Nicaraguan chamber of commerce advertisement; using lines like: "land of opportunity", "ripe for investment", etc.
Reality check: Nicaragua is not a San Miguel del Allende (Rated by "Money Magazine" as one of the top ten retirement locations) nor will it be the next Costa Rica. I don't want to bash the country, but those considering Nicaragua need to know that it has very poor superstructure, and it is one of the poorest nations in Latin America, and this year it was eliminated from receiving US aid because of massive corruption. Finally, if that isn't enough, Nicaragua is constantly ravaged by earthquakes and hurricanes.
Yes, Nicaragua is a cheap destination. And yes, there are opportunities to be found. But, before you pack your bags, take time to investigate and do your homework.
Christopher Howard does not seriously address the downside of this country and he also uses statements, from unknown sources, failing to qualify their competence as authorities. Thus, comments from sources which state: "Nicaragua has a thriving economy" are not only ludicrous, but this type of statements compromises the integrity of the author.
Howard makes statements like "The country is ripe for foreign investments because it is so underdeveloped." Wow, Howard! What a great reason for investing in Nicaragua. It, and 60% of the world, are "ripe for foreign investments", eh?.
Finally, in the book you will find pages of advertisements for real estate companies, relocation consultants, and even a plug for tours that are lead by??? you guessed it, the author himself.
On the upside, there is a section called "minor obstacles to doing business". Actually, these obstacles can be major. This section is informative and needs to be heeded. Also, Howard's "Red Tape" section is a must read for those who have made up their mind to come, live and invest in Nicaragua. And, his 'Health Care' Section, his `Cost of Living' Section, and his `Hired Help' Sections are all provide you with valuable, useful information.
His most informative, and provocative section is titled "Love and Permanent Companionship". This is a must read for all American men that think that they will find a sweet, young Nica. Howard points out that "young, attractive, unscrupulous Nicas target Americans/Canadians". Howard states candidly, "marriage means you support her and her whole family" and that "quality Latin women are difficult to meet." Howard's realistic picture here is applaudable.
Is the book self-serving and lacking the critical comparision to other Central America countries? YES. Can this book help you if you are thinking of living in Nicaragua? YES. Overall, there is useful information packed in these 200 pages that warrants a purchase. Recommended.
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16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Author needs a good editor, otherwise . . ., February 13, 2004
By A Customer
This review is from: Living and Investing in the New Nicaragua (Paperback)
the book is useful if one is seriously thinking of actually buying real estate in Nica. If you want just a good book on the country with an eye towards traveling there, get the Moon Publications book. It's by far the best of the lot.
While this is not the most professionally written or edited publication, it does have the crucial information you need to know about before buying in Nica. Essentially, there are three types of documents you need to get a hold of and to verify before purchasing a property. A good, clean title is essential, especially since some of the lands were expropriated from large landowners during the Sandinista years and given to local groups. Some of the groups are now selling parts of their ranches and these lands may have clouded titles. Get a local lawyer not associated with the real estate agent would be my recommendation. Overall, good book, but don't expect a great read or an in-depth review of the country itself.
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29 of 35 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Offensive and contemptible, December 23, 2004
This review is from: Living and Investing in the New Nicaragua (Paperback)
". . . quality Latin women are difficult to meet."
Unklike other reviewers on this page, I do not find this statement from Mr. Howard's book "applaudable," rather, it is offensive, racist, and totally indicative of the sleazy, sloppy undercurrent running through this book that caters to tax-evading ugly Americans looking for "companionship" with a girl a third their age. Fortunately, not all gringos moving down are like this; many good-hearted folks are coming down too, people that are sensitive to the grinding poverty of their new adopted country and are doing something to try to improve the situation instead of just buying it all up at rockbottom prices.
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