We built our house in Nicaragua

[@madhuhadas15370]

Wow, it seems like you found a great contractor. The house looks well built. Welcome to Nicaragua.

[@LivingInNicaragua]

@@madhuhadas15370 Thank you!

[@tanyasalah1258]

This is so helpful and inspiring! Congrats on building a beautiful home of your dreams in Nica! Well done! 👏🏻

[@Cousin_Burly]

@tanyasalah I agree. I think we should move there and not tell Laura and Jim. Just show up in their pool one day.

[@nicamestizo56]

I love it. Thanks for sharing. Greetings from a Nicaraguan living in California for 45 years.

[@argentinaluna839]

Not the choice I would like to live. If someone from the regime like your place they will find any excuse to steal it and there are not law you can go to complain.

[@luisaragon9926]

Please verify electrical grounding especially pool and bathroom. Mexico / Nicaragua... substandard pool electrical ,bath your house is beautiful ! And love had courage to build. Welcome to Nicaragua!

[@Lesseodollboy]

Your House It's so pretty❤

[@LivingInNicaragua]

Thank you!

[@Jimmy-je6sb]

Congratulations for n your new home it looks beautiful !!! We are from New York & we built our house in Granada. Did you built in san Juan del sur ?

[@LivingInNicaragua]

Congratulations on your home in Granada. We are in Rancho Santana.

[@heidinilsen8906]

Sharing your experience takes a lot of the mystery out of such a potentially daunting project. Thank you!! Great video.

[@LeeAndrist-j4s]

What a great and informative video! I’ve been visiting Nicaragua since 2015, and will be looking at land early next year around SJDS to have a house built on. If you’re in the area, i’d love if I could meet you and your husband to gain some further insight from your experience!

[@margaritacoto9391]

No doubt the super star of this beautiful story is your beautiful doggy. ❤❤❤lots of love to the three of you! from a Salvadorean living in New York 😘

[@LivingInNicaragua]

Thank you!

[@mynicaraguaproperties4034]

Welcome to Nicaragua the best country in Central America, enjoy the fresh air and the kind people 😀

[@LivingInNicaragua]

Thank you! You are so right...the people are so kind!

[@CarlosPrats-fn6fo]

Hi Laura, could you please explain, if you would be so kind, if either you or your husband consider yourselves gentrifiers? We're facing a LOT of issues with locals here in Costa Rica being displaced by "expats", who buy land, destroy our forests, and build obscene villas which consume massive amounts of fresh water, an already scarce resource in the Guanacaste province ...I just found your video and it's pretty sad to see that Nicaragua might be facing the same issues.

[@bryandaves1005]

As an American living in Nica who owns property, I grapple with this every day. I am fully aware of the hypocrisy of me being a gringo and hoping that Nicaragua doesn’t end up like Costa Rica. There are relatively few expats living here and there isn’t an issue with displacement of Nicas on the horizon, but I’m certainly aware of the possibility of it becoming a real problem in a few decades. Nicas, for the most part, love expats and welcome us into their communities. I find myself spending way more time among Nicas than expats. It certainly helps that I made the effort to learn Spanish, respect their customs and am very much interested in their lives. I employ two Nicas with full time salaries and pay them far above the minimum wage while limiting their hours to around 20 per week. I volunteer my time and money in their communities and they are very thankful for that. My family has been welcomed with open arms and we are extremely grateful to have been able to assimilate so easily. At the same time, I know that it’s entirely possible that I may be the tip of the spear of gentrification or neocolonialism and it is something that is always at the forefront of my mind and always colors my actions. I know that not every gringo shares my mindset and I worry that KZbin videos like these might be an advertisement for people who want to make Nicaragua an extension of the place they came from rather than allowing the country and the people to change them for the better. Nicaragua deserves to be shown in a good light and yet it can be a double edged sword. I just ask that anyone who comes to this country to live, to remember why they left their country and not try to mold their environment and instead, allow this beautiful country and its people to change you. I’m not in any way passing judgement on Laura. She seems like a nice lady and she has a lovely home. I understand that people will make content about their own lives and I don’t fault her for that. I just worry that we will overrun this beautiful country someday and attempt to change what makes it so special. Once again, I realize my hypocrisy and understand any judgement I might receive from others.

[@LivingInNicaragua]

It is always on my mind. I don't really see locals being displaced by expats, in our area, as of now. We make a real effort to utilize the local services as much as possible, patronize local businesses, pay well when we hire help and volunteer at various opportunities. Growth and change is inevitable around the world. Trying our best to be good humans.

[@007guantanamo]

C'mon people, some of you are really overreacting, there's not gentrification from american buildings their homes in beautiful SJDS, people really don't have a clue of rhe mansions that local Nicaraguans had built around that area, that being said Nicaraguans are pretty much accustomed of those great developments around SJDS, its not like the locals never seen wealthy Nicaraguans that by any standart own tremendous mansions all over SJDS, so leave the americans that want to build something beautiful alone, keep posting Laura and don't feel bad for those ridiculous coments.

[@victoriallanes6830]

Felicidades x tan bonita y hermosa casa. Sueño cumplido. 🎉

[@LivingInNicaragua]

Gracias!

[@charlielima9855]

Maybe you should learn to speak Spanish...???

[@LivingInNicaragua]

@@charlielima9855 yes working on it😃👍🏼

[@edmundoporras3821]

Congratulations! Beautiful peace of heaven. Would you please share the builder you used for your gorgeous home. Thank you in advance for your help.

[@LivingInNicaragua]

Sure! It's Horizon Group Nicaragua www.nicaraguarealestatehorizon.com/

[@DanielAburto-xo3vf]

How much cost to built the house I have land in masachapa at the pacific of Nicaragua

[@LivingInNicaragua]

We paid about $115 per square foot. It's possible to pay less and a lot more😜

[@terraGaliciaXXIV]

@@LivingInNicaraguaMay I ask what your lot dimensions are and what price you paid for that?

[@LivingInNicaragua]

@@terraGaliciaXXIV the lit is 1.25 acres. We paid $35,000. We are also in a gated community.

[@terraGaliciaXXIV]

@@LivingInNicaragua is there any financing available for Europeans or North Americans? That’s quite a price considering I can buy in southern France, Spain, Italy, or Portugal

[@LivingInNicaragua]

@@terraGaliciaXXIV I don't know but will ask when I interview my real estate friend

[@914Porsche209]

Can you tell me more about having your dog with you in Nica. How's his/her life down there? Did you fence in your property? I feel the only thing holding us back to moving there is our dog.

[@LivingInNicaragua]

@@914Porsche209 she's doing great! We don't have a fence. Fortunately, she is not a roamer and definitely an indoor dog. She gets walked in the morning, is quite content to be inside during the hot part of the day, then gets more exercise in the evening. Lots of people bring their dogs. Do you have a particular concern?

[@Dadlbjm]

Congratulations on building your dream home in Nicaragua. Does it make sense to build a beautiful home in an unstable political country? The reason for my questions is because, I do want to build or purchase land down there as well and I keep asking myself the same question.

[@LivingInNicaragua]

Thank you! This is an important question only you can answer for yourself. It's important to be comfortable with your decision knowing what possibilities exist.

[@MartaSmith-m7w]

Lots of great tips. Thank you for sharing .

[@lowlightguy6606]

How much was the grand total to finish it?

[@LivingInNicaragua]

approx $350k

[@joelbenveniste3385]

Amazing place!! Great video! So happy for you both.

[@LivingInNicaragua]

Thank you!

[@haroldzamora3596]

I like your taste, very nice house.

[@LivingInNicaragua]

Thank you!

[@edwardrodriguezvado7393]

Love it. absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

[@fredsnit5699]

It is HOT. Like 90 EVERY DAY. At 70% + humidity. That is brutal. How do you live in that heat?

[@LivingInNicaragua]

Some days I wonder if I can..lol...fortunately it's only about 2 months of the year that are really uncomfortable. Also, we live on a hill in the trees with a nice breeze.

[@kentoskentos8428]

Awesomeness, inspirational. Thanks for sharing.

[@terraGaliciaXXIV]

Are mortgages available for Europeans or North Americans wanting to build?

[@LivingInNicaragua]

Great question. The development we built in...Rancho Santana...does offer financing.

[@rola4721]

Can you tell me here or in video the cost of the design. Architect and engineers.

[@LivingInNicaragua]

@@rola4721 good question. The design cost was $1 per square foot. I don't remember the breakdown for engineering and permits but It was all around $3000

[@rola4721]

@LivingInNicaragua great thank so much for the information. Do you have a POC?

[@henrysteppel2031]

Wow,what a awesome home 👍👍

[@florfuentes6461]

So beautiful, congratulations!

[@holgermessner851]

Hello from Panama. Short question for all Americans. As a German, I translate English in my head. If someone says in English: WE DID BUILT. If you hire a company, isn’t that wrong to say we did build our house? I had already big discussions in Germany 35 years ago with some of my neighbors. They never touched a shovel or materials of their construction with their own hands. On the other side, you had a handful of us who actually did build our houses. Every single BBQ or wine fest we got together. And yes. We “handy guys” always joked about our “fancy” neighbors. “The only hard work you guys did was signing the paperwork with your contractors!” 😂. Looking at your pictures, I did see one issue I had, looking in Panama at constructions, they did the same. I was told in the municipal office from the civil engineer that most workers can’t get the corners right. That’s why they let space on each corner. Later they put wood boards on it and fill it with concrete. They do the same, constructing the walls. Every 3-4 meters a space. Wood boards and filling it with concrete. Inside walls are not properly connected to the outside walls like it should. In the end, you see cracks right where the walls and concrete columns are. Everywhere in Panama. - I did build my walls and foundation like in Germany. Foundation stripes, all piping in the ground and a 6 inch concrete slab on top. On top of that slab came my walls. In Latin America, they just make foundation stripes and start the outside walls on top of the stripes. Then they dig out the ground for the inside walls. Foundation stripes and “glue” the inside walls to the outside walls. After the walls are done, they pour 2 inches of concrete in every room on top of the dirt. - When the building inspector did check on my construction, they had only one complaint. “You using a lot of concrete.” The inspector came only one time. And yes. I had locals coming to see my construction. They asked if I could build their house. Because I am a retired old guy, I refused. I like to enjoy my house and the time I have left. I’m not starting a construction company. And no. Construction is not my trade. But I really know how to do it. 😊 $120 a sqft??? WOW. You guys are millionaires! That’s $1,080 a m2!! Seriously. There we go. The sky is the limit. Sorry. That just shocked me.

[@RoxanaCastro-u9d]

I love this video, because my husband and me, planning to build in El Salvador and we don’t know where to start. Thank you

[@LivingInNicaragua]

I'm so glad you found it to be helpful!

[@CarlosPrats-fn6fo]

well,you could start by staying put. As a citizen of the wealthy/developed global north you have the moral responsibility to help developing countries by visiting, paying for services, and then leaving. You know, being the good ol' average tourist. If you buy land, whether you want it or not, you gentrify. 😥

[@BadCompany214]

@@CarlosPrats-fn6fo”Moral responsibility”?! GTFOOH.

[@uchihadabba699]

@@BadCompany214lol!

[@byrondelgado5521]

Lovely video, you have a beautiful house. Thank you for the information.

[@Johnfitnes1]

your house its gorgeous

[@SonicCruz]

🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽 awesome.

[@Cousin_Burly]

Rosie!!❤🐾

[@rolandodiaz6992]

In Nicaragua there was a Communist revolution in 1979 many land owners were Confiscated and up to date about 45% of old owners haven't been paid any Compensation from government, many lawsuits are still on courts.

[@elphinstoneloggingfocus8219]

Interesting point. Have thought about this myself. Are you saying that foreign house owners are exposing themselves to possible future confiscation of their houses? Like the Sandinista Party will pick the houses the like and give the poor surrounding peoples a choice of houses to take over and gain title to? No guarantee that history won't repeat itself in other words. The Sandinista are opposed to USA intervention, but why are they letting so many Americans buy their land and invest in these high-end houses? Do these foreigners have any ethical doubt that by building high-end houses that local Nicas could never afford that they are setting up a class struggle that may eventually back-fire on these investments? This home owner waxes on about big decisions like what tile color they want, while the average Nica is wondering how they might put food on their for this kids. Just seems slightly out of order. No doubt they must be happy with the finished product. But, at what cost to social dis-regulation.

[@Mrgenius18-h4c]

You have to wipe your mouth first before you speak. I know Nicaragua because your country was founded in a genocide against real Americans. In Nicaragua, the medical system is free... and many gringos come to Nicaragua to attend to their medical needs.

[@Mrgenius18-h4c]

Don't believe everything that comes out on Fox News or CNN. The American press manipulates information to keep the population of the United States deceived and it seems that you are one of the millions who live in a bubble believing that the world is only the US.

[@yamilflores2381]

Somozhits Will never get anything just to let you know and come visit our beautiful country

[@miguelpalma8389]

And your point is? Don't move to Nicaragua because of the communist? When was the last time you walked around Leon and San Juan del Sur? A significant number of foteigners are enjoying the peace and security of Nicaragua. However, do keep in mind that it is a thirld world country.

[@flaviomoreno2849]

That house cost at least $400.000 in Nicaragua

[@LivingInNicaragua]

I imagine it would now as prices have risen across the board.

[@CarlosPrats-fn6fo]

Here in Costa Rica it could easily go for 800 k to a million $ depending on the area, the contempt of the locals is free though :)

[@GoochGooch-cc7sj]

That is because they got ripped off by an American contractor. You can build a house like that for less than 100k. You can buy a small basic house in middle class Nicaraguan community for $15k

[@crazysnowlalala]

What was to total cost and a break down if you don't mind sharing please

[@LivingInNicaragua]

Total for house was +/- $350k. I want to say design was about $3k Engineering/permits maybe $3k

[@crazysnowlalala]

@@LivingInNicaragua thank you!

[@danlopezR]

Can you say how much you spent for the whole thing?

[@LivingInNicaragua]

Approx $350k in total

[@yositlsilva5101]

what a beautiful house. Felicidades!

[@LivingInNicaragua]

Gracias!

[@Plusultra18]

You are so beautiful. I love you.

[@LivingInNicaragua]

You are so kind

[@HermanFickewirth]

How bad are the mosquitoes? There is an outbreak of Dengue fever in El Salvador right now. The Govt. there is airspraying to control it.

[@LivingInNicaragua]

@@HermanFickewirth they were really bad in June😜

[@Liliethsaravia-nu7wp]

👍

[@JaySJay]

Beautiful place. Congratulations!! I am thinking of retiring abroad and like to do a lot of research and one thing that I would try to avoid is moving to a dictatorship country. How did you get over that fear?

[@LivingInNicaragua]

@@JaySJay I totally understand and it does live in the back of our minds...things can change at anytime. For that reason we haven't put "all our eggs in one basket" and have a plan b and c. In addition to your research I recommend spending a good amount of time in multiple places before committing to anywhere.

[@Mrgenius18-h4c]

I am working with a guy from California and he thinks than Nicaragua is a Great place to visit or live ...

[@GaryMountain]

Who is your California Friend? I was born in San Francisco and lived all over the entire state as I owned 12 California Homes and 3 in Nevada all at one time. I live in Nueva Guinea, Nicaragua, and am retired living here and I develop land and sell land lots for construction. And I love my life in California.

[@jportoulmos]

Amazing, a dream come true. A nicaraguan

[@robertshannon4547]

Did I miss how much this cost 💲 you??

[@LivingInNicaragua]

It was approx $350k in total

[@robertshannon4547]

@@LivingInNicaragua thanks for your reply

[@cliasta9614]

How do I get in touch with you. Planning to visit there. How much to build something like that over there.

[@LivingInNicaragua]

There is a wide range depending on what is important to you. We paid approximately $115 USD per square foot.

[@cliasta9614]

@@LivingInNicaragua thanks if I come there do you provide Airbnb? I would be interested for me and my husband. I showed him your video he loved your home. Beautiful. We are in Canada.

[@LivingInNicaragua]

We live in our house full time so it's not for rent but I can recommend some others

[@cliasta9614]

@@LivingInNicaragua ok not problem please do I appreciate and keep making videos.

[@LivingInNicaragua]

@@cliasta9614 here is a rental that I highly recommend in our area. airbnb.com/h/la-sombra-fantastic-location-ranchosantana-nicaragua

[@Bellamarie22]

House tour please💕

[@hugoosoy8853]

Hi who was your builder or contractor and how much it cost it in total? thank you

[@LivingInNicaragua]

Horizon Group NIcaragua built our house. It was approximately $115 per square foot.

[@PolarBearPredator]

@@LivingInNicaragua Great video I love your Doggie lol so cute! I'm wondering aren't you not worried about the government seizing property? I was considering Nicaragua but I'm worried about expropriation by the government. Thanks

[@Eclectic8]

Thanks. I may use that info someday. Right now, my apologies for posing an off topic question. No worries if you don't have time to respond. How are you with noise there? You're lovely residence looks fairly secluded. So I'm talking about to the extent you're in the town or city. My needs are fairly simple and as a child and young adult I lived in some other countries (incl in Latin America). Nevertheless, noise levels are my biggest concern re moving from my small city in Northern CA.

[@LivingInNicaragua]

Noise is not a problem in our little area as we are not in a busy town. Closer to more activity would have more noise but there is a lot of space to find a nice quiet spot :)

[@Eclectic8]

@@LivingInNicaragua Thanks!

[@adrienluccisano637]

Hi thanks for your video. Who was the builder ?

[@LivingInNicaragua]

@@adrienluccisano637 Horizon Group Nicaragua

[@adrienluccisano637]

@@LivingInNicaragua thanks a lot!

[@bertfern]

@@LivingInNicaragua Any phone number to contact them, can not find them in the usual platforms, Facebook, instagram etc.

[@LivingInNicaragua]

@@bertfern www.nicaraguarealestatehorizon.com/

[@kleliaalvarenga2122]

Welcome.

[@theflightoficarus]

we just moved from Nicaragua, Madares beach area back in May. Fantastic place, absolutely beautiful. But we had issues with our contractor, so we didn't have a choice but to sell and move out of the country. Lost many many thousands of dollars. Glad yours went well, ours was a nightmare. Be careful who you hire if moving to Madares area.

[@LivingInNicaragua]

I'm so sorry you had that experience. You are so right that it is important to spend the time digging for info and getting the references.

[@theflightoficarus]

@@LivingInNicaragua thank you. Yes please do your research when choosing a contractor

[@salvadorenorockerocanada7431]

Well, how much was it in total??