|
|
Greetings from Los Congos!
Los Congos Update Rain, rain and more rain! This year's "green" season has seen more rainfall at Laguna de Apoyo than even during Hurricane Mitch in '98. This is actually a very good thing. Water levels in the laguna are at a 10 year high and hopefully this increased precipitation will mean an end to the previous 8 year drought. As with most rain events in Nicaragua it never seems to rain for extended periods of time - a few hours here, an hour there and mainly at night - so you still do get your daily dose of sunshine! Unfortunately heavy rains also bring some negative impacts including increased work delays, a handful of minor erosion issues and even an occurrence of flash flooding, which took out a section of road. All in all this year's "green" season has been good for us and for Nicaragua. Nicaragua as a whole is still suffering from a slump in real estate sales. Our team and several other experts are attributing this to the "Ortega Factor" and also the current real estate and consumer confidence crisis in the USA. We are beginning to see the "Ortega Factor" wear off and the world seems to be seeing this as well. Recently our friend Daniel approved and signed the IMF (Intl Monetary Fund) aid package and the European Union has approved a $300+ million aid package. Both packages are in place to improve infrastructure, education, health and several other areas key to Nicaragua's growth. In addition cooperating with the various entities to approve these aid packages sends a crystal clear message to the world on the direction of the new administration. Often with Daniel, what is said and what is actually done are totally different things and this is now becoming clear. Remember that he has the right to say whatever he wants but his actions are what is important and his actions have been positive. He has publicly expressed that foreign investment is welcome and secure and is the key to Nicaragua's future, we believe this for a fact and nothing has told us otherwise - and remember we live here everyday so we live it first hand. As for the US situation, we are not sure how long this will play out but it has certainly put some possible buyers into a situation where they cannot securely make purchases, in Nicaragua or elsewhere. The circumstances in the US may also soon create an opposite, more positive effect on Nicaragua, where those who invest in real estate will start seeking other locations to invest while riding out the decline in the local North American market. Time will tell but we are expecting a much better high season this year than last, reservations and showings are already on the rise and as we begin the season's marketing push these figures will increase. With this said please keep in mind that appreciation in Nicaragua is still climbing even though sales have slowed, there have been no "fire sales" or liquidations, investing in Nicaragua is still a very solid and secure course of action. This fact has been echoed by many large investment firms around the world and many of these groups are making significant investments within Nicaragua. Within Los Congos itself we are almost at a stand-still as far as construction and further infrastructure goes. We are still awaiting our final approvals from MARENA (the environmental arm of the government). As many of you know our company policies are strict about having all permissions in hand before work is started and we are sticking to this policy. We have to do the right thing at all times and lately this means waiting. As frustrating as it is for us (and for our owners) in the end it will make an even greater impact on our project because everything was done in a legal and forthright manner, which is extremely important when creating anything with integrity. MARENA has assured us, on many occasions, that we will be granted our full permissions but they have repeatedly missed required deadlines to provide information and formal resolutions in this matter. We are not the only ones suffering at the hands of MARENA, dozens of other developers are in the same boat awaiting their permits. We feel the change in administration has left MARENA short of qualified technicians to review the materials and they are understaffed as well. This places a heavy burden on them to deliver in a timely fashion. I am not defending their actions but it does at least lend some sort of explanation to the situation. We are certain we have more than fulfilled all technical and legal requirements for our permits so we will continue the waiting game. This is frustrating for us as we have wanted to begin construction for over a year now. Patience prevails and we will keep moving forward on a daily basis in this and all matters. In the mean time we continue our planning and maintenance with a crew of nearly 50 men. Thousands of trees and plants have been placed throughout Los Congos. Many of the organic orchard areas have plants nearly head high (I am 6 feet tall) and just a few months ago these were seedlings. Some of these trees will bear fruit next season and others will begin the following season. Our team continues to explore and map the trails and hidden valleys within Los Congos and several very attractive locations have been found including several waterfalls and serene pools. We will be working closely with the Boy Scouts in the coming "dry" season to begin the establishment of new hiking trails and the improvement of the existing ones to reach all areas of the massive Los Congos property. Exciting! So with the heavy rains, MARENA permit delays and political comments this may seem at first read like a negative newsletter, but it is not. Nicaragua has undergone some changes over the past 10 months and most have been for the positive. The main change concerns the administration which can be blamed to some degree for our delays but other more positive changes have also occurred, some of these include: many road improvements - as I write the road from Granada to Los Congos is getting re-built, the electricity issues seem to be nearly resolved with much fewer outages and economically Nicaragua is growing and showing strong signs of stability. This is all very good news and we feel the future will bring more. This has been a tough year for us, I have to admit, but it has also been a very good one. We expect an excellent future for Nicaragua and especially Los Congos. Nothing worthwhile is ever easy and a development project of this size that is based so thoroughly in conservation and preservation would have faced challenges no matter where it was located. We had expected an easier path to begin "heavy" construction within our project but we have been forced to face delays and we will keep moving ahead with a positive attitude and outlook. In the end the result will be more than worth the wait, so for now we will deal with the frustration and do our best work on a daily basis. We have created an excellent lifestyle and investment model here in Nicaragua and each day it is getting better and more valuable, despite our delays and challenges, and for this we keep a smile on our faces! I look forward to writing to you in the coming months but in the mean time please keep spreading the good word about Nicaragua and Los Congos and stay in touch, we love to hear from you. Those of you planning a visit in the future can feel free to contact our staff to assist you, we would be more than happy. Take care. J. Finch - Laguna, SA - Developer of Los Congos
Ownership & Investment OpportunitiesLaguna Vistas - Los Congos' Latest Offering - Spectacular Views & Easy Laguna Access
The Laguna Vistas section is the first phase of lots to be released in the area of Los Congos named "San Primo". This western section of the property offers great sunrises and consistent year round breezes. Several natural springs are located very close to this section of the property and this brings in all kinds of wildlife including many exotic birds, large green iguanas and everyone's favorite - Congos (Howler Monkeys). These animals can be witnessed year round. In addition a newly established organic fruit orchard sits within a 5 minute stroll from any of these incredible lots. Investing in Los Congos is an excellent value and a secure purchase. This is an early-in opportunity to buy into Phase 1 of a newly established development, which has been deemed by some government agencies as the most important tourism based project within Nicaragua. Quality property on Laguna de Apoyo is extremely rare, this is your opportunity to purchase something this is in high demand and inventory is dwindling. Contact Us to arrange a showing or to make your reservation deposit. Photos, location maps and surveys are available upon request. As an added incentive Owner Financing may be available on select lots to qualified purchasers - ask your representative about this option. Contact Us for more information, to arrange a showing or to reserve your property: Email >>> sales@loscongos.com US & Canada Dial Phone >>> 1.804.915.9630 - rings in Nicaragua US Toll Free Phone >>> 1.800.959.6422 - from US only, rings in Nicaragua International Phone >>> 011.505.552.3405 Web Site >>> www.loscongos.com * For your convenience we can now arrange Los Congos purchase closings within the USA, ask one of our representatives for more information.
Help Improve a Child's Future - Proyecto LagunaProyecto Laguna is only US $1350.00 short to meet this year's goal - They Need Your Help!
Proyecto Laguna operates in a unique manner - they do not simply "hand out" these items. They teach parent groups and teachers how to generate monies to assist in these needs and Proyecto Laguna supplements the shortages through donations from organizations from around the globe but mainly from individuals like you. They "hire" women and men from Diria to oversee the processes from the beginning and they carry it out themselves with the assistance of the professional volunteers from Proyecto Laguna. This process includes every detail from identifying needs, initial local fund raising, obtaining quotes for the manufacture or purchase of the necessary items, purchasing of materials, contracting of labor, quality checks and finally the distribution of the items. This empowers the parent and teacher groups to rely on themselves in the future by obtaining the skills required to carry out the tasks to fulfill the needs on their own. Shoes are required for a child to attend school but they also can aid in the prevention of disease by protecting the feet in rural, and often unsanitary, areas. As many families within the programs can barely afford to eat, shoes are often a difficult item to justify purchasing. Proyecto Laguna hires local cobblers (yes they still exist!) to make the shoes for the children. This not only provides quality shoes for the children it also creates desperately needed jobs for residents of Diria and boosts self-esteem to the children and families involved. We are asking that you help Proyecto Laguna to achieve this goal - the children need these shoes and you can help provide them. Make your donation by visiting the Proyecto Laguna web site below or simply click on the provided "DONATE NOW" link below. You can also contact Proyecto Laguna directly to see other ways you can assist in helping to improve the conditions and lives of these great children. The smiles on their faces are priceless and their love keeps us going, even though each day is a challenge. Life is difficult enough on it's own, now imagine life on less than US $60 per month per family - let's give these children a fighting chance for a better future by keeping them healthy and in school! Find out more details or make a donation by visiting the Proyecto Laguna web site: Web Site >>> www.proyectolaguna.com Contact Proyecto Laguna directly via email: Email >>> info@proyectolaguna.com
Flora & Fauna at Los Congos & Laguna de Apoyo
November Flora & Fauna Update This month's update comes at what is expected to be the end of the "green" season. This year we have seen well above normal levels of rain. This is great news for our natural residents. Laguna levels are very high, the ground has plenty of water for the plants and trees and this builds healthy forests. The resident families of Congos (Howler Monkeys) are thriving and sightings occur daily, we are expecting many new arrivals in these families in the coming birth months. Since we have stopped the hunting within the property all species of animals are on the rise including large green iguanas, armadillos, porcupines, agoutis and small cats, all of which were often targets of local hunters. We are currently working with local MARENA approved reptile breeders to formulate a plan to boost the numbers of 2 additional species of iguanas, which used to thrive within Laguna de Apoyo but are now very rare. In addition these approved breeders are conducting studies to determine the numbers of local tortoises and other reptiles, whose numbers may have also declined in recent years, with the hopes of improving their status.
Nicaragua Links
|
We have recently released a new section of laguna view properties that is called "Laguna Vistas". As the name implies these lots offer incredible, wide, sweeping views of Laguna de Apoyo and the surrounding forests. This section offers direct access off of the main all-weather road and is positioned in an area that captures nice breezes all year long. Accessing the beach and laguna from these lots is simple via road or trail system. Each building lot contains nice trees and this section in bounded on all sides by private nature preserve including several trailheads. There are only 6 of these lots available and they will be snatched up quickly so act now! These gorgeous building lots average 1/2 acre in size and begin at $89,900
Many of you are well aware of the progress Proyecto Laguna is making within the town of Diria. The team has worked diligently over the past year defining the most critical problems facing the children in regards to school attendance. The major concerns are the very basic supplies including footwear, uniforms and school supplies. Proyecto Laguna has met most of these requirements for the coming school year - all except the footwear. They need to raise an additional US $1350.00 by December 1 to reach the goal.
We have many inquiries from owners and future investors about the state of the natural setting within Los Congos and Laguna de Apoyo. Each month we will give brief updates on plant and animal sightings, current conditions as well as updates on programs dedicated to the support of the natural residents of our special place in Nicaragua.
|
|