House-Hunting as Vacation

As the second-home market in Latin America has emerged, so has a cottage industry of tour operators eager to attract foreign buyers seeking vacation retreats and investment properties.  Part vacation, part real estate boot camp, the following agencies provide potential home buyers through the legal and financial particulars of overseas ownership:

- Tropical Pathways runs tours to Panama, Dominican Republic, Mexico and Honduras;

- International Living leads tours in Panama, Costa Rica and Nicaragua

- Simply San Miguel offers some 15 different vacation options for visitors to San Miguel de Allende in the Sierra Madres of Central Mexico, including a Real Estate Curios Tour

Topics addressed on the six-night trip - which costs $1,285 (double occupancy) with hotels, local transporatation and some meals - include health care and home insurance.  Tourgoers also meet architects and designers who can advise on how to comply with the local community's architectural guidelines.