Category: Articles

Say “Tuscany” and most folks will think of historic Florence…the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance…the glorious rolling landscapes…and the world famous cuisine. But Tuscany’s popularity has also meant that it’s often viewed as a place in Italy where only those with huge bank balances can afford to buy a dream home. But when you look… Read more

It was the perfect bolthole. A penthouse condo on the edge of Cotacachi, Ecuador. It had stunning views of the volcano. The sun was always warm and the air fresh. There was space for a big open fire if the nights ever turned chilly. The best part was it came with a price tag of… Read more

I’m very much a beach person. I love the sound of the waves crashing into the sand…an early morning walk along the beach clears my head and sets me up for the day ahead. And when I’m looking for an overseas property for myself (in other words, not an investment property), one of my criteria… Read more

The South of France is synonymous with glitz, glamour, and out-of-this world real estate prices. But look beyond the beaches of Cannes and the high-end celeb hangout of Antibes and it is possible to find bargain homes in the South of France. And one region in particular is worth paying attention to… Languedoc-Roussillon essentially covers… Read more

The top university towns in Europe are known for their vibrancy, youthful atmosphere, and lively nightlife. Not only are they a great place to study, but they also offer visitors and residents plenty of culture, tons of restaurants and cafes, and centuries of scholarly history that echo through the streets. But their popularity means that… Read more

I’ve dipped my toes in the warm Caribbean Sea more times than I can count. There are numerous locations on my international real estate beat that touch this vast sea…Mexico…Belize…Nicaragua. And I’ve found some incredible real estate deals in these places. But for lots of people, the idea of living on a Caribbean Island is… Read more

When looking at Spain for real estate investment, my focus has been on the southern coast and the area around the Costa del Sol. But, when it comes to a pure lifestyle angle, the cities of Spain have so much to offer…and are some of the most vibrant spots in Europe. Balmy summer evenings spent… Read more

Cancún, Mexico…Cartagena, Colombia…Jacó, Costa Rica…there are certain beach destinations that get all the attention—and a good portion of visitors to their respective countries. Tourism boards focus on these places. The travel magazines highlight them regularly. And, as a result, development follows…often pushing prices up across the board. But as with anything, when you head off… Read more

It’s been years since I’ve had to suffer through a cold winter. I spend the season in my ocean-view condo in Los Cabos. I much prefer the warm sun on my face and crunch of sand underfoot as I stroll on the beach…to a bitter chill and snow-sodden boots. I’m not a snowbird, per se… Read more

Watching the sea can be mesmerizing and exert a calming influence. The waves come in…then recede. Boats trail a foamy wake across the horizon. If you are oriented correctly, sunset every evening is a celebration as the sky is painted a hundred shades of amber, saffron, and vermillion. Or, sunrise becomes the way you greet… Read more

There are 572 million Spanish speakers in the world, of which 477 million are native speakers. Spanish has the second-most native speakers in the world, after Mandarin, and it’s one of the most studied languages. It’s no surprise it’s so common. Centuries of conquest and colonization spread the language throughout the Americas and beyond—even to… Read more