Down Mexico and Way More

For those adventurous and deal-seeking snowbirds, here are 10 money tips to keep in mind.

With rising home prices in the U.S. Sunbelt and our ever-shrinking loonie, Canadian snowbirds are expanding their migratory reach, seeking sunny places to land in the Caribbean and central America. They’re not only finding warm weather, beautiful beaches and interesting cultures but attractive property deals and a more affordable cost of living. For those adventurous and deal-seeking snowbirds, here are 10 money tips to keep in mind.

Where we’re buying In 2014, Canadians invested an estimated $5.2 billion in vacation properties stateside, with the majority buying in Florida (41 per cent), Arizona (16 per cent), Hawaii and California (seven per cent each) and Nevada (six per cent). While that’s still a lot, it represents the lowest amount we’ve spent on U.S. properties since 2009 and another year in which buyers from China purchased more U.S. real estate than Canadians.

Budget for the lower loonie

Why have U.S. sales slowed? In a recent survey, 65 per cent said the weak dollar had a “moderate to significant” impact on their decision not to buy. To illustrate this point: on Jan. 1, 2013, the Canadian dollar was at par with the U.S. greenback. At press time, it was worth $0.75. So, a $200,000 vacation condo in Arizona would cost you over $67,000 more this year than it would have two years ago.

Save when shopping

When visiting foreign destinations, save your shopping receipts (airport slips, travel documents, etc.) in order to claim a sales tax refund on departure. If you’re one of the two million Canadians who travel to Mexico each year, can receive an 8.9 per cent sales tax refund on the total amount spent while on vacation. Companies like MoneyBack Mexico (www.moneyback.mx) will process your refund and apply it right to your credit card.

Go where age is an advantage

Some countries entice snowbirds to stay permanently by offering special visas. Panama, for example, allows retirees to apply for a special visa that gives them discounts on hydro, electricity, medical services, dental and eye exams, public transportation and recreation activities. Similarly, Belize offers ex-pats (55 and over) a Qualified Retired Persons visa, which exempts them from income, state and import taxes and grants them a 25 per cent reduction on property taxes.

Bank like home

Be patient

In poorer countries, the infrastructure (roads, hydro, electrical grid, Internet service) isn’t close to the level we’re accustomed to at home. But as more snowbirds arrive and purchase property, says Sharry Sampson, policy analyst for the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, government and private companies are investing more to improve infrastructure. She notes that a new highway connecting Belize City to the tourist areas has recently been completed and that the country now has three modern privately run hospitals.

Beware the hidden costs

Snowbirds are lured to Central America because of their very low property tax rates. However, some countries will nail you with expensive (and hidden) closing charges, land transfer taxes, legal fees, stamp duties, etc. Make sure you get your real estate agent to spell out all costs before you buy.