Frequently Asked Questions

Q.    Are there going to be 75 lots with waterski membership on the two lakes? 
A.    No.  Only the lakefront lots will have waterski memberships.

Q.    Would I get an actual title to the lot? 
A.    Yes. Belize allows foreigners to hold title to property, unlike many countries, such as Mexico.                   http://www.century21belize.com/buy_property.php 

Q.    Where is Manatee Bay and how do we get there?
A.    Manatee Bay is located approximately 35 miles SW of Belize City.  You fly into Belize City and then take the Western Highway west to the Coastal Road south. It takes about an hour to drive there. 

Q.    When will the lake/lots be complete?
A.    We anticipate completion of the project by the summer of 2010 or sooner if we get enough lots sold to start construction in January 2009.

Q.    Why is Phase I the lake further away from the lagoon as opposed to the lake closer to the lagoon?
A.    We decided to start with the Phase I location as shown because of the logistics of moving the dirt and where we are going to place it. It was less expensive and more feasible to start at the western edge of the property.  

We consider the Phase I lots to be the premier lots because the view will look across both lakes and out to the lagoon and the mountains in the background.  The dirt from digging the Phase I lake will be placed along the length of the lake, elevating those lots 11 feet to create a nice view.  Plus you have the option to build your house on stilts which will raise it approximately 10 more feet. 

The lots on Phase II will not be elevated and they will be approximately 600 feet away from Phase I houses, across both lakes, so those houses will not block the view from Phase I. 

However, when we begin Phase II, if a charter owner of Phase I (one of the first 12 buyers) would like to move to a Phase II lot, we will give those people first choice of the lots in the order that they purchased and we will help them sell their Phase I lot via our website.  

Of course price depends upon market demand, but we are thinking that after the first 12 lots are sold, we will take the remaining lots of Phase I off the market until the lake is done, then re-list them at 20%higher. Therefore, Phase I charter owners would enjoy an immediate 20% increase in property value.  So if you were to sell your Phase I lot to upgrade to Phase II, you would essentially be transferring your 20% discount when you upgrade. 

Q.    How expensive is it to build?
A.    It is anywhere from $50 to $100/sq ft depending on your taste.  See our Housing page for more details.

Q.    Are there water rights issues? 

A.    Water is abundant in Belize.  There are no water rights issues.  Ground water would provide plenty of water for the lake.  Environmental issues, however, are very important to the country of Belize. They recognize that the natural environment is what attracts tourists to their country and they have taken measures to protect it. They have scrutinized our development plan and presented us with compliance requirements and an ongoing monitoring plan for issues such as sewage disposal, erosion, construction methods, reclamation, water quality, etc.  We take this as a positive sign since the environment is what attracted us to Belize and we want to protect that for our home and investment also.

Q.    How about utilities?

A.    This is a remote location and currently there is no electricity near the site. We highly encourage homeowners to install solar and perhaps wind systems. There are many configuration options which can be discussed and decided upon by the HOA.

Whole-house solar systems are commonly used for homes off-grid.  These systems provide all of the power one will need to operate the modern conveniences to which we’ve become accustomed, such as air conditioners, dishwashers, washing machines, computers, televisions, etc. The cost of the solar system should be figured into the cost of building the house.  See the following website for solar package examples:
http://www.wholesalesolar.com/products.folder/systems-folder/OffGridPackages.html  There are also packages available from local sources in Belize.

We have spoken with a solar provider who has suggested a community solar grid. This is an interesting idea which we will pursue further and present to the HOA.

 

Backup power can be provided with small diesel generators or perhaps one large generator that feeds the entire community. This is another option that will be decided upon by the HOA.

 

When there is more development in the area, power from the electric grid will be available. Because of the proximity of the property to Belize City and the capital, Belmopan, we expect development in the area to increase substantially in the next few years and power will move within a feasible distance. 

 

Water will be provided via a central well.  Each home site must have a cistern to hold water and a septic system that meets standards.

Q.    Do we have to have our own ski boat?
A.    Tournament waterski boats are expensive to get to Belize, so it makes sense that we share a club boat.  There will be a common starting dock where the boat is stored and everyone will ski from there. For more information, see The Vision.

Q.    What about health care?

A. Belize boasts better than average Central American facilities and services.  The best health care in the country is an hour away at Belize City. For more information, visit the Belize Medical Associates website.

 

Q.    How scary is it to buy property in Belize? 
A.    Not as bad you might imagine. Just like in the US, you will hold title to the property. Title guaranty is available through Belize National Title Company, which underwrites its policies through Stewart Title of Texas, the third largest title guaranty company in the USA.

Q.    Can we share a lot ownership and ski membership.
A.    Yes. Up to 2 families can share a lot ownership and ski membership.  This would be considered one membership.  Each membership would have one ski turn per rotation. 

Q.    21 lots seems like too many skiers for one lake. 
A.    Keep in mind that for many people this will be a vacation home. We do not anticipate a time when all members would be on-site and skiing at the same time.