Here’s an interesting take on the Nicaragua real estate scene: a housing development that has tried to go totally “green,” from solar energy to planted roofs, wind power generators, and more. It’s a start, and a no brainer when you consider how sunny Nicaragua really is. Check out the new “Balcones De Majagual” which has just begun selling its “Off Grid” properties outside of (where else?), San Juan del Sur.

Your ability to buy property in Nicaragua is directly related to your ability to tolerate and withstand some gut-wrenching anxiety attacks. Every major news outlet is shouting &quot"Nicaragua is the next Costa Rica! but clearly there is more to the story than just that, and living in Nicaragua you will learn to live with some risks - financial, political, and other - to which you are not exposed elsewhere.

Have a look at Moon Living Abroad in Nicaragua for some strategies for coping, and more information about how to minimize your exposure to risk in a volatile Nicaraguan market.

Nuwire investor has just published an article dealing specifically with how to mitigate risk while investing in Nicaragua. We cover a lot of the same material in our book, but here is an exerpt from an article very much worth reading:

The organization said in a statement that many countries "are making noble attempts to preserve their natural assets, create a user-friendly infrastructure, and build an economy where their citizens share the benefits of tourist revenue. By bringing our commerce to such places we encourage their efforts, and inspire neighboring countries to support these values as well."

Here's a sign Nicaragua is slowly joining the ranks of countries where travelers go looking for comfort and fancy treatment, not just a bargain. Nicaragua is now included in the listings of Luxury Latin America, a service that tracks luxury hotels throughout the region, reviews rum and cigars, and generally points the well-to-do towards quality resorts.

In both Moon: Nicaragua and Moon Living Abroad in Nicaragua we have consistently emphasized that getting involved in your community is a great way to experience Nicaragua in a way that casual travel can't do. That goes doubly for expats and long-termers, who will be richly rewarded if they reach out to the community that welcomes them. Here's a great example of someone who has done just that. From the Loveland Reporter Herald:

Jane Mirandette is giving power to the people of Nicaragua — one book at a time. In the past seven years, the Lovelander has established the first lending library in the country, created a traveling reading program to schools and helped found 25 more libraries around Central America. And she’s done it all purely through her drive to help others.