Vacation homes are a hot item despite the nationwide slow down in real estate.

Are you planting new roots?

Nearly every day,the newspapers report on the increasing popularity of second homes in exotic locations such as tropical Carribean islands, or remote Mexican seaside villages. Real estate possibilities in Panama or Costa Rica and the lure of buying a Tuscan villa flood the internet. But how many North Americans are actually taking the leap and choosing to purchase a second home outside the United States?

The trend of Americans buying homes in foreign markets is almost impossible to track. Data relating to this subject is hard to find. The U. S. State Department reports more than 4 milliom Americans living abroad which excludes military and government personnel. Mexico has 25% with 1 million America trasplants. Canada follows with over 688,000 and Costa Rica has over 100,000 Americans alone. Internatioal real estate companies and residnetial developers report torrid activity in the past 18 months suggesting that these numbers are grossly outdated.

The Home-Buying-Abroad-Craze

“More than ever people are looking for better value and natural beauty, both of which are often difficult to find in the U.S.”, says Amanda Surgiss, director of escapehomes.com. Surgis continues that “many international countries, such as Mexico and Nicaragua, are great alternatives and are now making it easier for foreigners to buy and live within their borders. Foreign developers are taking the fear out of purchasing for Americans by using U. S. based title companies and are making the real estate transaction process as simple as possible, mirroring a typical U. S. transaction.

Affordability and lifestyle are the keys.

One of the major attractions to buying abroad is affordability. In many countries Americans can afford a high quality of life at affordable prices. In Mexico you can have a maid for $250 per month and a breath-taking ocean view for under $400,000. The baby-boomer generation is heading across our borders for a different experience, affordaility and a taste of the exotic. In a nutshell, the lure is the beach, mountains, forests, colonial cities, and a chance to step outside the box. For whatever reason, more and more Americans are finding their dream vacation and retirement homes in far away destinations.

Island Home Furniture & Decor makes furnishing your vacation home easy . . .

We are with you every step of the way!

When it comes to furnishig your vacation home, our experience at Island Home Furniture & Decor can make it easy. Services include assisting you in planning and selecting your furnishings all the way through ordering, coordinating the shipment, delivery and set up.  Furnishing vacation homes abroad can be a challenge and the limited selection of furnishings offered by the developer can be costly and limited. The personal service of Island Home Furniture & Decor will assist you in creating your own dream home because providing turn-key villa and condo furnishings  is our specialty.

Serving Canada, the U.S., Caribbean and Mexico

Live the Life You Imagine!

For further information check out the following:

Island Home Furniture & Decor Package Brochure

Trend Indicators of Americans Buying Homes Abroad

Article: Las Vegans Buying in Mexico

Assistance in finding your vacation home