Question 1

What is Cortez Estates?

Accepted Answer

Cortez Estates is a coastal community in Escamequita, Nicaragua, offering 26 generously sized ocean-view lots that are fully permitted and actively being built.

Question 2

How large are the lots?

Accepted Answer

The lots range from half an acre to over two acres, providing ample space for homes and gardens while maintaining ocean views framed by the forest.

Question 3

What amenities are available?

Accepted Answer

Cortez Estates features gated entry, engineered gravel roads, and designated wildlife corridors to preserve the natural environment.

Question 4

How far is Cortez Estates from San Juan del Sur?

Accepted Answer

Cortez Estates is just 5 minutes from Escamequita and 10–15 minutes from San Juan del Sur, allowing easy access to the surf town without the density.

Question 5

Who are the partners behind Cortez Estates?

Accepted Answer

Cortez Estates was founded by six partners, three Nicaraguan and three Canadian, who share a commitment to financial opportunity and community development in Nicaragua.

Question 6

How is the community organized and governed?

Accepted Answer

Cortez Estates is organized as the Cortez Estates Community, guided by a registered Master Agreement of Conditions and Restrictions. Buena Vista S.A. manages the community — common areas, infrastructure, and community standards — until a majority of lots are sold. After that threshold, responsibilities shift to a Community Board of Directors elected by lot owners. Every property owner automatically becomes a member of the Community and is subject to the Master Agreement.

Question 7

What is the starting price for the lots?

Accepted Answer

Lots at Cortez Estates start at US$59,000.

Question 8

What is included in the purchase price?

Accepted Answer

The list price includes items that are often extra elsewhere in Nicaragua: a survey of your lot prepared in your name, the cadastral certificate (certificado catastral) confirming boundaries, seller-side legal documentation including boundary verification and municipal certificates, preparation of the title deed (escritura pública) for your lawyer's review, and water and electricity service to your property line — normally within 60 days of closing — with meters ready to connect when you build. There are no additional seller-side legal or documentation costs beyond the list price.

Question 9

Are there any hidden costs?

Accepted Answer

No. Seller-side closing and documentation are included in the list price. Buyers cover only their own independent legal counsel, Public Registry registration fees, buyer-side notary fees, and powers of attorney or translation services if needed.

Question 10

Is financing available?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Cortez Estates offers developer financing directly: a minimum of 50% down at signing, terms of 1, 2, or 3 years, and interest typically between 5–8% per year. The title is transferred to you once the balance is fully paid.

Question 11

What ongoing costs should I expect after purchase?

Accepted Answer

Owners are responsible for annual municipal property tax, electricity and water billed by usage, and maintenance of their own lot and home. In addition, an Annual Community Fee covers shared infrastructure and services such as roads, the gate, and community systems — currently about US$1,800 per lot per year (roughly US$150 per month) during the developer-managed phase. After the transition to owner governance, the elected Community Board sets and manages the annual fee.

Question 12

Can I rent out my home?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Owners may rent their homes for both long-term and vacation stays. Any future community rules around rentals are set within the Master Agreement and, after the transition, by the owner-elected Community Board.

Question 13

Are there building rules or restrictions?

Accepted Answer

Cortez Estates is governed by a Master Agreement of Conditions and Restrictions that sets community standards. Specific building guidelines — setbacks, height, materials, and similar — are contained in the Master Agreement and lot-specific covenants. We recommend your lawyer reviews these documents during due diligence.

Question 14

Is Cortez Estates legally approved and permitted?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Cortez Estates has received full environmental approval from MARENA, Nicaragua's environmental regulator, and development approval from the PGJ (Attorney General's Office), in addition to the registered surveys and titles prepared for every lot.

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