Today we looked at houses in earnest.

Well first I made bud get me some mocha. Gotta try the cocoa goods after all.

We actually looked a combination of lots and houses as most of San Juan is still undeveloped.  Lots with a view ranged from $80K to $230K depending on the size and quality of view and were usually between 500m and 1000m in size.  Since many of the roads are not yet paved and are steep dirt roads, “15 minutes away from town” isn’t that far from the map, and prices of lots drops off very steeply after that.  Once you buy a lot, you can then contract someone to build the lots for you, although it requires a lot of hands on supervision.  Depending on the quality of the house you can expect to pay between $60-$100/sq ft of house.  To buy a house, it looks like prices run at closer to $220-$250/sq ft.

Here’s an empty lot up in Paradise Bay, which is a development adjacent to San Juan.

And a house with a view.  I liked that view.  My bud and I wanted that view.  We tried to buy it, in fact, but Nicaragua houses are based on cash not financing.  I’d like to think I’m a balla bear but we’re not that baller, sadly.  Do not touch my bear bin Nicholas!!!

Another house across the bay.  This is in the Pacific Marlin Malibu development.  Houses were $550K but completely turn key.  They were pretty nice but all built way too close to one another.  I wanted a place that could be a bear retreat.

The next day we went out again to look at more lots.  This is actually the driverway of our realtor’s house. He hooked himself up with a sweet house and sweet view.  This is what I want to do I am totally going to do.

And yet another lot – on the top of the mountains!  You really need a 4WD car to get around.  Even paved roads are incredibly steep.  Good thing I can fly.

At the end of the trip, we got a good sense of options.  I want that view from that house!!!

Some other interesting things we found out about houses in San Juan and Nicaragua in general – because there is so much outdoor living, outdoor spaces are included as part of the square foot listed.  Also because the infrastructure isn’t fully developed, most houses are on septic tanks.  As Nicaragua is still a developing country, many of the houses come with caretaker units, which allows you to hire live-ins to help you with your house and property.  The average salary starts at $250 a month, but you actually pay 13 months as there is one month of vacation.  I definitely want a live in caretaker to serve me cocoa at my paw beckon.  Currently my bud doesn’t respond when I ask for cocoa.  I wonder if I could find a caretaker that would game with me too.  My bud’s been a little inconsistent for that.

Bud, you’re on notice.