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Author

Michael K. Cobb

At the height of a successful career in the computer industry, Michael 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, 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, Michael 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. The model pursued is based on the Del Webb Sun City active senior communities in the U.S. with a focus on serving these consumers in multiple countries and geographies in the region.

In August of 2000, ECI Development purchased 3.5 miles of Pacific Beachfront property due west of Managua, Nicaragua. This master planned community hosts world class infrastructure, a golf course, homes and condominium units. In February of 2006, the ECI Development group acquired 1100 acres and 3km of coastline in Costa Rica, setting the stage for expansion into this popular market. In 2008, they merged their Belize property with a much larger parcel including pool, tennis courts and fitness center and have begun to develop 200 condominiums units on Ambergris Caye, Belize. Most recently in 2012, ECI Development purchased a position in a new project in Panama adding over 700 acres and another mile of Pacific beach front to their holdings.

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Living Overseas

Day 2 in Santa Cruz

Michael K. Cobb Apr 28, 2017
Our second day in Santa Cruz began slowly with rich coffee and a breakfast of eggs, ham, and toast smeared with loads of blueberry jam. The berries here are incredible and, as you can…
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Living Overseas

From the Andes to Santa Cruz

Michael K. Cobb Apr 28, 2017
After crossing the Andes from Mendoza, Argentina, to Santiago, Chile, on horseback, it was time to settle into some business here in Chile. Carol and I headed south about 3 hours to the…
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Living Overseas

The Steep Climb to Chile

Michael K. Cobb Apr 28, 2017
Once again, an early morning was prescribed for the 7-hour ride over the high ridge and down into the valley for the pick-up near Lake Yeso. Once packed up, we headed up the trail and…
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Living Overseas

Up and Out of the Valley

Michael K. Cobb Apr 28, 2017
The sun is up before 7, but you can’t see it due to the high walls of the canyon. The light is diffuse and the air is crisp until the rays of the sun can warm it up a bit. After a…
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Living Overseas

The Refugio and a Glorious Day in the High Valley

Michael K. Cobb Apr 28, 2017
The Refugio Cruz de la Real is an army outpost manned by a garrison of about 6-8 young men in the summertime only. In the winter, the valley is covered in meters of snow. Interestingly,…
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Living Overseas

Day 2: A Warm Day Turns Cold, Snowy, and Wet

Michael K. Cobb Apr 28, 2017
Thank goodness our trail mate, Eric, had not told us of the previous year’s trip. In fact, Steve had only sent us pictures of the trip 2 years prior, to be sure to lure us into this.…
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Living Overseas

Mike and Carol Hit the Trail

Michael K. Cobb Apr 28, 2017
After a fantastic couple days in the valley and vineyards around and south of Mendoza, Argentina, Carol and I enjoyed our last hot shower for the next 5 days. A quick breakfast…
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Living Overseas

A True “Escape Artist”: Michael Cobb Building a Home Overseas

Michael K. Cobb Apr 28, 2017
Building overseas can be stressful.  Heck, building in the U.S. or Canada can be stressful. They say a marriage that survives a house being built is a good one. So now compound the…
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Investing Offshore

Hunting for Teak in Vietnam

Michael K. Cobb Apr 26, 2017
19 years ago I read an article by Kathie Peddicord, who was running International Living at the time. She was expounding the benefits of reforestation incentives and specifically…
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Living Overseas

Mendoza and the Vineyards

Michael K. Cobb Apr 5, 2017
We arrived at the Mendoza airport less than an hour after takeoff from Santiago. As promised, when we exited the small airport, a driver was waiting to take us to our hotel in downtown…
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Living Overseas

Flying to Chile to Start the Andes Crossing

Michael K. Cobb Apr 5, 2017
Say yes! It all starts when you say yes. Even if you have reservations, say yes. Many wise people have been quoted saying something similar to, “Regret of the things not done far…
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Living Overseas

Is Living Overseas Right for You?

Michael K. Cobb Feb 2, 2017
This is a very serious question that a lot of folks are beginning to ask themselves these days.  Perhaps it is because of the recent economic and/or political uncertainty.  Or perhaps a…
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Living Overseas

Building and Dealing with Contractors – Part 2

Michael K. Cobb Jan 20, 2017
Building a home overseas is an adventure.     It can be a wonderful experience if we plan ahead, stay focused, and admit that we don’t know what we don’t know.   Part one of this…
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Teak and Timber

The Best Place to Hide from Bears is in the Trees

Michael K. Cobb Nov 23, 2016
There is a significant amount of chatter going around about the possibility of U.S. stocks falling into a bear market. According to a CNN Money survey of top investment strategists,…
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Living Overseas

My First Time Getting Surgery in Nicaragua

Michael K. Cobb Feb 11, 2016
After living in Nicaragua for a long time, the chance to test my convictions was at hand. As many of you know, I have been raving about the health care in Nicaragua for more than a…
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Residency and Citizenship

Easy Residency In Panama – Here’s How

Michael K. Cobb Feb 4, 2016
Easy Residency In Panama - Here’s How A great opportunity exists to get permanent residency in a foreign country. The country is Panama and the opportunity is to invest in teak and…
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Offshore Banking

Banking In Nicaragua

Michael K. Cobb Feb 4, 2016
Banking In Nicaragua Many Americans are looking to get some of their money outside of the United States. This only makes sense. Diversity is the name of the game when it comes to…
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Investing Offshore

Why Your Next Investment Should Be in Overseas Real Estate

Michael K. Cobb Jan 17, 2016
Things are generally looking good for the US economy lately. Growth is back, and unemployment is down. The stock markets are finally crawling out of the hole they fell into back in…
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Investing Offshore

Work with an Established Developer and Take All the Hassle out of Building Your Second Home

Michael K. Cobb Dec 30, 2015
So you’re thinking of building a second home overseas. First off, Congratulations! Owning real estate abroad is one of the best investment choices you can make. Now that the celebrating…
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