5 Star Review
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Editorial Book Review:
By Ricardo Law
When I picked up How to Buy Your Home Overseas: And Get It Right The First Time! by Michael K. Cobb, I expected a basic how-to guide, but what I got was an eye-opening, thorough exploration of everything that goes into purchasing property abroad. The author's extensive understanding of overseas real estate is evident in each chapter, and I had the impression that a reliable mentor was helping me every step of the way. What I appreciated most about Cobb was that it went beyond the simple processes of buying real estate and explored the cultural, financial, and legal nuances that might make or break a foreign transaction. The teachings were approachable and remembered because of the very powerful real-life examples and case studies that demonstrated the successes and failures that others have encountered.
The book doesn’t overwhelm with jargon, which is a big plus. Instead, it’s written in a way that feels conversational yet professional. Cobb has a talent for simplifying difficult subjects into easily understood, doable guidance, such as comprehending regional real estate rules or navigating international banking systems. The part about assessing locations—not only the property itself, but also the neighborhood, the infrastructure, and the investment's long-term viability—was particularly noteworthy to me. I learned how to view real estate holistically rather than as a one-time acquisition thanks to this method.
What truly set this book apart, though, was the emphasis on avoiding costly mistakes. Cobb shares plenty of cautionary tales—some humorous, others sobering—but all incredibly useful. It’s clear he wants readers to succeed and avoid the traps that often catch first-time international buyers off guard. He even touches on the emotional side of the process, like managing expectations and adapting to a new way of life, which added depth to the practical guidance.
By the time I was done, I had more faith than I had ever imagined in my ability to purchase real estate abroad. How to Buy Your Home Overseas is a masterclass in international real estate, not just a book. This book gives you all the skills you need to accomplish it correctly the first time, whether your desire is to invest, build a vacation property, or find a retirement hideaway. For anyone wishing to take the thrilling leap into international homeownership, it is a must-read.
About the Author
Michael K. Cobb
At the height of a successful 12-year career in the computer industry, Mr. Cobb left to pursue more pioneering opportunities in the emerging real estate markets of Central America. In 1996, he and his business partner formed a company, Exotic Caye International, to provide loans to North Americans purchasing properties in Belize, Honduras, Costa Rica and throughout the region. As the need for capital outstripped the supply, the mortgage company was converted to an international bank under the jurisdiction of Belize. As Caye International Bank Limited, it continues to provide mortgage services, but has expanded its services to encompass the full realm of financial products.
With a strong focus on consumer need, Mr. Cobb accurately predicted the growing need for high quality, residential product for North American Baby Boomer retirees in the region. He led the group into real estate development and created a holding company called ECI Development for several properties including a resort on Ambergris Caye, Belize.
Mike Cobb speaks at dozens of international conferences annually about offshore real estate finance, development, and ownership. He was consultant to The Oxford Club, hosted a weekly radio program, contributes regularly to overseas publications, sits on the board of several international companies, gives counsel to various real estate projects throughout Central America, serves on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Realtors (NAR), and presents at numerous national and international conferences around the world annually. From 2002 through 2016, Mike, his wife Carol, and 2 daughters, Amanda and Emily made their home in Central America.
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