What Not to Expect When Looking for Real Estate in Nicaragua

Dear International Living Reader,

Each week visitors arrive in Nicaragua--and to IL's Local Office in Granada--expecting to be met with all the conveniences of home. They expect that grocery stores will stay open late at night, that they'll find 24-hour services, and that a simple phone call will arrange all the details of a new life here in a flash.

If your time in Nicaragua is valuable and you want to do something specific--such as see real estate--then planning first is absolutely essential. I can't stress this enough.

After all, despite ongoing efforts, Nicaragua is still a Third-World country. Bureaucracy and lack of computer or electronic systems make for a potentially frustrating experience if you're accustomed to the efficiency of First-World living. Most transactions here are done manually, from writing receipts to certain banking services.

Shopping for real estate is different here than at home, too. Onsite sales offices at real estate developments are uncommon--as are English-speaking sales staff. In fact, you might not even find so much as a sign on the road telling you where to find the development you're trying to visit. And even if you do find your way, you may be turned away at the gate by a guard with a rifle who doesn't understand that you just want to take a look. If you get past the guard, there won't be brochures handed out as you enter, nor any price lists or other printed information.

If you are serious about shopping for Nicaraguan real estate, you'll need some help. But be careful who you turn to: real estate agents exist here by the hundreds, but they aren't regulated or licensed.

What should you do to get around these obstacles? That, dear reader, is why we're here. What are you looking for? Our office can help you consider the options after you've answered that question. We can put you in direct contact with developers in this country, according to your specific circumstances and interests. We can even help with hotel reservations and transportation arrangements.

But, again, we need a little warning...and time to help you plan.

And we'd like to ask your understanding.

Nicaragua has about 14 national holidays a year, each one usually stretching into a four-day weekend. On these days, everything--except certain coastal resorts and restaurants--closes. Hotels and guesthouses are usually full. Show up during one of these holidays without plans and without reservations, and you'll be disappointed. Also note that weekends are sacred here. Forget about getting anything done from 5 p.m. on Friday until 9 a.m. on Monday.

All that said, the situation is improving. For example, there are now big service stations, such as Esso and Texaco, where you can get fast food or fuel until late at night, as well as larger grocery stores in the cities. Shopping malls now stay open until 8 p.m.

Traveler's checks are rarely accepted. In rural areas, credit cards are useless. And if you're lucky enough to find an ATM--they're popping up in scattered locations--you may also find it has no money or no power...

Don't be discouraged by these words of caution. Nicaragua is beautiful. We love it here. But we've learned to adjust our expectations. We'd love to help you do the same.

Gail Geerling
For International Living in Nicaragua
E-mail: Nicaragua@Internationalliving.com

P.S. If you're the fiercely independent sort who'd really rather go it alone...get in touch with us anyway. We're not trying to limit your experience...rather to help you maximize it. We'd be happy to help you plan a do-it-yourself drive around the country at your leisure. The key word here is "plan"...