June 2009 Archives

People have different priorities in a retirement community. Some want fresh air and a clean environment, while others focus on the perfect climate and mild weather. Everyone wants a place that is free from natural disasters, whether earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes or floods.

Golfers appreciate being near championship greens, and outdoor enthusiasts are looking for naturally beautiful space for everything from hiking and horseback riding to
camping and nature study.

Affordability is an important issue for many who will be living on a fixed income--reasonably priced land, plenty of home for the dollar, and a low cost of living including favorable tax laws.

Convenience is essential, from access to highways and amenities to close proximity to a major metropolitan area for world-class entertainment and culture.

Second-to-none healthcare means access to highly respected research and teaching hospitals with leading specialists.

Most retirees look for peaceful communities with a serene countryside where neighbors are friendly but lots are spacious, tranquil and private.

In the Sunsites area of Southeast Arizona, you can have all this and more!

The opportunities for outdoor enjoyment and recreation are unrivaled anywhere. Vast landscapes of protected land offers views of forested mountains but also scenic backdrops for every imaginable sport and activity. Sunsites Ranches is the perfect place for equestrians, with its larger ranch-style lots of 2.5 acres that include horse privileges and breathtaking mountain vistas. Imagine a lot the size of two and a half football fields including the end zones! Those who appreciate a warm hometown spirit and amenities will find spacious acre-size view lots near the friendly community of Sunsites, just 20 minutes from Sunsites Ranches. The pace of living is relaxed, the dress is casual, and smiles are sincere.

The Sunsites region is conveniently located along Highway 191, which leads to a "Best Small Towns" award winner, Douglas. Interstate 10 to the west links the growing nearby city of Benson and the international attraction of Kartchner Caverns State Park to Arizona's second largest metropolitan area, Tucson. Just 85 miles to the northwest, Tucson is ideal for weekend fun "in the big city," from performing and visual arts to fine restaurants, exclusive shopping, and famous attractions. Tucson also plays a leading role in Arizona's reputation for outstanding healthcare, home to the Arizona Health Sciences Center affiliated with the renowned University of Arizona Medical School . Retirees love the fact that Arizona has no estate, gift or inheritance taxes and does not tax social security benefits or railroad retirement benefits.

Best of all, beautiful Southeast Arizona enjoys an ideal elevation of 4,300 feet with four distinct and mild seasons of year-round recreational weather and more than 350 days of glorious sunshine each year!

As the owner of Camino Real Land Corporation and as a neighbor, I invite you to come join us. Don't delay. Call or email today for your free information packet or visit and click on www.sunsiteslandrush.com  to look around and start a new chapter in your life at Sunsites Arizona.

Yes, you CAN have it all!

Ricardo Pomar
President & Neighbor

P.S.  Our prices will surprise you!  Our terms are unbeatable!  Come home to Sunsites, you'll love it!

At a workshop recently, during our discussions of today's low interest rates and the likelihood that they won't be with us too much longer, we have also discussed the strong possibility of inflation visiting us soon.  Today's low interest rates are the result of the Federal Reserve printing more money, and putting it into circulation - in this case to purchase 10-year treasuries and mortgage-backed securities. 

However adding more money to the system reduces the value of the dollars already in the system.  It is a simple act of dilution.  Inflation is one result of the dollar losing its value.  This article addresses that probability.

It is easy to understand how a weaker dollar makes purchases of products from abroad more expensive.  And since we import so much, that creates an inflationary atmosphere by itself.  However, a weaker dollar also has a negative effect on purchases within the US.  As the dollar gets weaker, it takes more of them to buy goods and services.  That is inflation.  Items cost more dollars than they used to. 

In real estate, inflation tends to push housing and land prices higher.  So for us, as real estate agents, this is not necessarily bad - initially.  When home prices climb buyers want to jump in, usually heating up the market.  That's good.  However, this same dynamic will also cause interest rates to increase.  That is not so good.

The writing on the wall says take advantage of today's low interest rates for two reasons.  1. They are going to disappear.  2. Prices of homes will likely begin to increase as inflation takes hold.  This is a two-way loss for you buyers - spending more for the same home in both purchase price and increased monthly payments.  Don't wait.  We are in the sweet-spot for buyers right now.

Land and real estate are a hedge against inflation!

Buy land and wait, don't wait to buy land.


Enjoy, and have a great weekend,
Ricardo Pomar

CEO of Camino Real Land Corporation
Developers of Sunsites and Sunsites Ranches

www.sunsiteslandrush.com

Eric Tyson, MBA, is one of the nation's best-selling personal finance book authors and has penned five national bestsellers (he is also the only author to have four of his books simultaneously on BusinessWeek's business book bestseller list).

If you listen to the pundits and experts in the news, you might think it's best to hunker down in 2009 and hold on to your cash. Financial expert Eric Tyson disagrees. Here are a few investment opportunities that he says are ripe for the picking.

Hoboken, NJ (January 2009)--If you're like most folks, you're entering 2009 clutching your wallet, keeping an anxious eye on your stock portfolio, and bracing yourself for the next dose of economic bad news that's surely coming down the pike. Yes, if you believe everything you hear and read, we're heading straight for financial apocalypse. But what if you decided to opt out of the doom & gloom club? What if, instead, you decided to look for treasure hidden amid the ruins? Choose the latter approach in 2009, says financial expert Eric Tyson, and you'll open yourself up to some great investment opportunities.

Keep thinking long-term. If you make investments thinking you are going to see quick returns, you will be disappointed. Where real estate is concerned, the days of buy it, flip it, and sell it quickly for a huge profit are over. What you can do is buy property now--particularly in areas where it's now properly valued and even undervalued--and watch its value accrue over time as the market stabilizes and improves.


Thank you for reading,
Ricardo Pomar     
 
www.sunsiteslandrush.com

Protect yourself and your family, hedge against inflation.  Real Estate and land have always done well during inflationary times.  Inflation is going to affect everyone. Older Americans are going to lose value on their dollar.  Stocks and bonds can disappear, be stolen or mismanaged.  Land sooner or later will ALWAYS increase in value.  Purchasing land today IS a hedge against inflation not only for you, but for your children, your family and THEIR future.  Because of the variety of the land, certain places are just right!  Not too cold, not too hot, but just perfect!  You won't find cold weather, you'll find a wonderful community where people know your name, where you can golf all day, ride a wild horse, bike, take walks or just watch the sunsets, JUST PERFECT.  Sunsites Arizona is located a comfortable 55 minute ride from downtown Tucson.  Close to the big city but far enough to call it country.

What you find in Arizona is low taxes and affordable living.  Living at its best! Come and play with us.

-Ricardo Pomar, Neighbor and Property Owner


Now.....please take the time to read the article below.

www.sunsiteslandrush.com






The incredible shrinking dollar
The greenback has weakened as stocks have rallied on economic recovery hopes. But there are pros and cons to the dollar's decline.

By Paul R. La Monica, CNNMoney.com editor at large
Last Updated: May 21, 2009: 1:44 PM ET

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The U.S. dollar has taken a beating in the past few months even as stocks have soared and investors have come to expect an economic recovery sooner rather than later.
The euro hit a 5-month high against the greenback on Wednesday while the British pound rallied to its highest level against the dollar since November. The dollar has also been weakening against the yen as of late.
It's an interesting phenomenon that, at first blush, might not make sense. The stronger the rally in stocks and the more that people talk about a potential end to the recession, the more ground the dollar...loses against other currencies?
But this does make sense. Despite the many problems facing the U.S. economy, traders had flocked to the dollar because of its relative safety. As bad as the U.S. economy was, it appeared that Europe's was in even worse shape.
Plus, there's the notion that since the U.S. led the rest of the world into this global economic crisis, it was likely that it would also be the first country to emerge from the recession.
Now that there are more signs that this is coming to fruition, investors have embraced stocks again. The dollar is no longer viewed as a place for jittery investors to park cash.
"The dollar is under pressure. As the economic situation in the U.S. seems to be stabilizing, the dollar is losing some of its safe haven demand. It's on weak footing," said Brian Dolan, chief currency strategist for FOREX.com, online currency trading site.
So if the dollar deteriorates further, how will that impact the economy going forward?

The downside of a weaker greenback

The bad news is that a weaker dollar could lead to a continued surge in commodity prices, most notably oil. The weakening greenback has played a small role in leading crude prices back above $60 since oil is traded in dollars.
If oil prices stabilize around this level, it may not necessarily spell an end to economic recovery hopes. But if the dollar dips even more and oil prices skyrocket as a result, that has the potential to hit consumers hard. Nobody wants a return to last summer's record high gas prices of more than $4 a gallon.
"If the dollar were to continue to weaken and energy prices move much higher, it acts like a tax on the consumer," said John Derrick Director of research U.S. Global Investors Inc., money management firm based in San Antonio.
A much weaker dollar would also make the cost of other imported goods more expensive and diminish the buying power of anything purchased abroad. That's also not in the best interest of consumers.

Some benefits from the dollar's decline

But a shrinking dollar is not all bad news. Many big multinational companies based in the U.S. could benefit from further declines in the greenback since it would boost the value of their international sales and profits once translated back to dollars.
While that may seem like nothing more than a mere accounting trick, the importance of improving results for blue chip companies can't be overlooked.
With that in mind, an analyst at Deutsche Bank upgraded shares of McDonald's (MCD, Fortune 500) on Wednesday and cited easing currency pressures, i.e. a weaker dollar, as one of the reasons he's more optimistic about Mickey D's outlook.

Other big multinationals such as Procter & Gamble (PG, Fortune 500), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ, Fortune 500)and Coca-Cola (KO, Fortune 500) have been moving higher as the dollar has weakened and have also been upgraded by analysts.
Let's face it: We need American icons like these companies to bounce back. The only way for the market rally to have legs is for large, well-known firms to get back on solid footing.
Even though it's tempting to say that what happens on Wall Street doesn't affect you on Main Street, nothing could be further from the truth.
An improving stock market should eventually lead to higher levels of consumer confidence and, more importantly consumer spending. What's more, it's no coincidence that major companies issued massive layoffs falling steep plunges in profits and their stock prices. The job losses should abate and companies will start hiring again once their bottom lines improve.
Now of course, a weaker dollar is not a complete panacea for the U.S. economy's woes. Dolan points out that multinationals will probably report some favorable impact from currency fluctuations in the second quarter, but that will be partly offset by the fact that demand abroad is likely to remain weak due to the worldwide economic slump.
Derrick adds that some investors are likely to dismiss any profit gains from a falling dollar as transitory.
Still, there are clearly pros and cons to a weaker dollar. Everybody is hopeful that the U.S. economy is finally close to hitting bottom, and one sign that the recovery could be for real is if investors continue to sell the dollar and embrace riskier assets.
But one unfortunate side effect of a recovery is that the dollar could get dragged down further and spark more worries about inflation down the road.

First Published: May 21, 2009: 1:42 PM ET

 
      
Find this article at:
http://money.cnn.com/2009/05/21/markets/thebuzz/index.htm      
 

Unless you want to live in a small town in the Southeast or move all the way to South or Central America, the American West is one of three top places for those who plan to retire on a fixed income, according to Reece Halpern. And he should know, since Halpern is the founder of GoodTimes.com, the most trafficked Internet magazine for those who are age 50 and older.

Halpern praises Arizona's healthy desert climate with its low humidity and average year-round temperature of 70 F degrees, as cited by the Western Regional Climate Center in Reno, Nev. With the exception of highly developed major metropolitan areas, Arizona offers the benefit of excellent air quality. The abundance of open space and the popularity of single-level ranch-style homes are other advantages that appeal to retirees.

One of the most important considerations for those who are planning their retirement is the tax structure. Arizona wins again: The Arizona Department of Revenue confirms that the state repealed its estate tax and has no gift or inheritance. Best of all, Arizona does not tax social security benefits received under the Title II of the Social Security Act, nor does it tax railroad retirement benefits received from the Railroad Retirement Board under the Railroad Retirement Act.

"We all know that Arizona has remained at the top of the list for vacationers, seasonal residents and retirees for many decades now," says Ricardo Pomar, long-time property owner in the Sunsites region of the state's beautiful southwestern corner. "Today, people are looking for solid ground to put under their feet. They want natural beauty, outstanding recreation, a pristine environment, and a high quality of life that does not come with a high cost of living. Southeast Arizona offers all of that and more."

As the President of the Camino Real Land Corporation, Pomar selected the Sunsites region for his personal investment and his land development business because of the area's unmatched appeal. "It doesn't matter if you are a retiree, a second-home buyer, a telecommuter, an outdoor enthusiast, or have a growing family," he says. "This area simply cannot be outdone for scenic splendor, a four-season climate, an ideal elevation of 4,300 feet, vast acres of national forest and monuments, and first-class recreation including a championship 18-hole golf course. Our Sunsites community offers a growing list of services and amenities including medical and dental professionals, restaurants, banks, hospitality accommodations, schools and churches. Hospitals are just minutes from home, while nearby Tucson offers some of America's leading healthcare specialists. Metropolitan Tucson is also an easy 60-minute drive for upscale shopping, cultural attractions, and world-class entertainment. This is truly the best of all worlds."

"Discover the enchantment of Southeast Arizona for yourself and take advantage of incredible 'young property' savings on acre lots in the Sunsites area or 2.5-acre ranch-style lots at Sunsites Ranches, just 20 minutes away along Highway 191," Pomar says. "Learn more about Sunsites at SunsitesLandRush.com and then come play with us!"

Echoing the opinion of financial experts and economists across the nation, Ricardo Pomar, president of Camino Real Land Corporation, sees the writing on the wall. "The flood of new money that is supposed to prop up a failing economy will bring inflation," he says. "Soaring prices follow a sharp increase in the quantity of money and credit." Inflation may be just a matter of time, but Pomar offers a strategy to prepare for it--or better yet, benefit from it.

With the stock market still in shambles, one of the smartest things you can do is buy quality land today and gain from rising prices tomorrow. Owning well-priced land in a beautiful, desirable place has never made more sense--at a favorable interest rate. Interest rates will be rising along with prices when inflation hits.

Pomar attracts clients to his prime view lots in Southeast Arizona with an offer unheard of in the real estate industry: Zero percent interest.

In fact, Camino Real has been selling prime land in Arizona with the terms of "zero down and zero interest" since 1987. Pomar discovered this natural paradise a few years before the rest of the nation and bought large tracts of premier view lots around the master-planned community of Sunsites. And because Camino Real handles its own financing, Pomar is able to set his own terms and offer clients a win-win situation in land ownership. Even for those that buy on time payments, every penny goes to the principle. Every penny of equity is fully realized. Camino Real also extends the no-questions-money-back guarantee to one full year.

As a Sunsites land owner, Pomar is proud of the custom homes that surround the community today and is able to point out many that his clients have built on land purchased from Camino Real land--on acre lots as large as a football field. These beautiful country homes are just five minutes from the 18-hole championship Shadow Mountain Golf Course, fine restaurants, shopping, and other amenities.

About four years ago, Camino Real had the opportunity to develop a rural "ranch community" just 20 minutes from Sunsites. With spacious 2.5-acre ranch lots that command breathtaking mountain views, Sunsites Ranches nearly sold out before public advertising even began. Imagine lots that are two and a half football fields in size, including the end zones!

People fall in love with Sunsites and Sunsites Ranches for different reasons, but Camino Real does have clients who own property in both areas. Some buyers are ready to move immediately and some intend to build later and retire in Southeast Arizona. Others see a great way to add strength and diversity to their portfolio. Still others appreciate land as the ultimate treasure over time, something they may want to give to their children, grandchildren or other heirs. For Pomar and Camino Real, one of the most satisfying things about selling quality land in one of the nation's fastest growing states is that everyone wins, regardless of their reason for buying.

Camino Real Land Corporation was founded with a belief that America's vanishing rural areas are ideal for those seeking quality acreage at affordable prices. The Sunsites area is known for its pristine air quality, unspoiled national forests and monuments, and a perfect elevation of 4,300 feet for four-season recreation against a scenic backdrop. Both Sunsites and Sunsites Ranches are conveniently located along Highway 191, a corridor that leads to Douglas, an award-winning "Best Small Town." To the west, Interstate 10 links the nearby city of Benson and the international attraction of Kartchner Caverns State Park with Tucson, Arizona's second largest metro area.

Pomar sees the looming reality of inflation as an opportunity for those with vision. "No one likes to spend more for everything during inflationary times," he says. "But at least land owners will know they made a solid financial decision when prices were reasonable, and their equity is increasing. Inflation is going to affect us all. Camino Real has already scheduled 2010 as the time when sales that require time payments will carry interest, so even our long-standing terms will change as we adjust to the new financial world ahead. The focus should be upon doing the right things now."

For more information on Camino Real Land Corporation and Southeast Arizona, visit www.sunsiteslandrush.com.

While the Chicken Little's of the world are running for cover and stuffing bills under their mattress, smart people are busy looking for hidden treasures. That's exactly what financial expert Eric Tyson suggests you do: Open your eyes to great investment opportunities. Tyson is one of the nation's best-selling personal finance book authors and the only one to have four of his books simultaneously on Business Week's business book bestseller list.
Buying real estate is among the solid investments that Tyson suggests. He emphasizes long-term thinking and warns not to look for quick returns. "Buy property now--particularly in areas where it's properly valued...and its value will accrue over time as the market stabilizes and improves."

Tyson is not the only one who believes that smart investors need to do more than "park their cash." Brian Dolan, chief currency strategist for FOREX.com, an online currency trading site, says, "The dollar is under pressure. As the economic situation in the U.S. seems to be stabilizing, the dollar is losing some of its safe haven demand. It's on weak footing." This situation will only worsen as the flood of new money that is being poured into the system to prop up our failing economy is followed by inflation.
Ricardo Pomar, president of Camino Real Land Corporation, offers more than "properly valued" land. His company's prime view lots are nestled in a breathtakingly beautiful corner of Arizona, a national pace-setter for growth and development. Best of all, Camino Real attracts buyers with the terms of zero down, zero interest.
    
Pomar discovered this natural paradise a few years before the rest of the nation and bought large tracts of premier view lots around the master-planned community of Sunsites. Camino Real handles its own financing, so Pomar can set terms that are unheard of in the real estate industry. Even those that purchase land on time payments never pay a cent of interest. Every penny of equity is fully realized, including the increase in value as inflation takes hold. Camino Real also extends the no-questions-money-back guarantee to one full year.

"We want our clients to be absolutely happy and we want them to refer us to their friends and family," says Pomar. "A great many of our lot sales have been through referrals."

Camino Real specializes in acre lots surrounding the master-planned community of Sunsites and 2.5-acre lots at Sunsites Ranches, a rural development just 20 minutes from Sunsites. "For our acre lots, imagine a football field," says Pomar. "Our 2.5-acre ranch lots are the size of two and a half football fields including the end zones--each one with spectacular mountain views."

The Sunsites area in Southeast Arizona stands in a class of its own for pristine air quality, natural beauty, world-class recreation, a perfect climate and ideal elevation, national forestland and monuments, and affordable "young land." Local amenities include the 18-hole championship Shadow Mountain Golf Course, fine restaurants, shopping, and professional services. Both Sunsites and Sunsites Ranches are conveniently located along Highway 191, which leads to Douglas, designated among "100 Best Small Towns." To the west, Interstate 10 links the nearby city of Benson and the international attraction of Kartchner Caverns State Park with Tucson, Arizona's second largest metro area.

"People buy land from us for different reasons," says Pomar. "Some want to build a custom home now and some are planning to retire several years down the road. Others just want to add strength and diversity to their portfolio. Still others appreciate land as the ultimate treasure over time, something they may want to give to their children, grandchildren or other heirs. With the uncertainty of the stock market and looming inflation, our quality parcels of view land and our unbelievable terms create a win-win situation for every client!"

For more information on Camino Real Land Corporation and Southeast Arizona, visit www.sunsiteslandrush.com.