We spoke with Mark Leonard from Pittsburg, California. Mark is a real estate broker who has lived in Belize for over 20 years! In this Chat with an Expat, he tells us more about Cerros Sands, an off-the-grid community in Corozal with amazing views, channel access, and beachfront property. Read on to find out if this could be your next home!
Wrobel & Co: Thank you, Mark, for chatting with us today. Here we go! First thing that people like to ask us Belize expats is, when did you move to Belize and why did you choose to move here?
Mark Leonard: Came down in 2001 to look at a project called the Balam Jungle in Corozal. This was a massive undertaking of 95K acres. After seeing Belize, that’s all it took. I knew Belize was for me! That project did not pan out, so I looked for other options for investors.
Corozal is the spot, near Chetumal and protected from storms. Cerros Peninsula is the Best Spot!
W & C: You were a real estate broker and planning commissioner in the US. Where exactly? What made you decide to bring your expertise to Belize?
Mark: Pittsburg, California. In the US you have to fight to get projects approved. Belize is beautiful, the people great, the weather awesome and life is so much simpler.
W & C: Did you come up with the idea of creating Cerros Sands?
Mark: Belize has a lot to offer. But many spots have allowed too much development and do not have proper planning. There are other projects out this way, this one just took on the name Cerros Sands.
Investors want certain restrictions in place to protect property values. I simply drew them up for what is The Community of Cerros Sands and folks began buying and subdividing with the Restrictions. The Restrictions or Protective Covenants also involve proper building restrictions and codes. I am focused more on the construction of homes here at Cerros and Cerros Sands.
W & C: Why did you choose Corozal as the location for it?
Mark: Location, Location, Location … that can’t be stressed enough. Protection from storms, a pristine peninsula, close to a major city, Chetumal, with an airport and excellent medical care, Mayan Temples nearby. Very Private!
W & C: What type of properties can people find in Cerros Sands?
Mark: Numerous brokers are working in this area with residential and commercial parcels available. Single-family homes are available as well.
W & C: Cerros Sands has a disc golf course – can you tell our readers what this sport is?
Mark: Disc Golf is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, Belize has grown to 6 courses now making it one of the top destinations for players from around the world.
It’s played like golf rules but using a disc or frisbee to ultimately land in an elevated target.
My son has been made the country coordinator by the Professional Disc Golf Association and runs events around the country bringing more and more players to each event.
Disc Golf offers divisions to play within your skill level from beginner to pro and has age-protected divisions. One of the most popular is the Amateur 50 years + division which is growing with expats and locals.
W & C: Are there other things you would like to highlight about Cerros Sands?
Mark: We are 100% off grid, no need to worry about a power outage like the on-grid communities and we are well protected from storm surges. If we need something it’s a phone call away.
W & C: Why would you recommend people moving to Belize?
Mark: Close to the US. English Speaking. Largest Reef in the Northern Hemisphere. Eco-friendly. English Common Law. The list goes on.
W & C: your life in Belize in 3 words.
Mark: Simply the Best!
W & C: Favourite animal in Belize?
Mark: The Cats! Jaguars and Panthers!
W & C: What’s your favourite thing to eat and drink in Belize?
Mark: Ceviche, Watermelon Juice and Cold Belikin Beer
W & C: Top two favourite places in Belize?
Mark: Cerros and Caye Caulker.
W & C: You hold dual citizenship with the United States and Belize. What are the benefits of this for you?
Mark: Frankly, the ability to vote and travel easier to local countries, especially Mexico with a Border Pass.
W & C: Do you recommend hiring a lawyer for real estate ventures in Belize?
In many cases, yes.
W & C: Can you elaborate on your interactions with Wrobel & Co., and more specifically, our Managing Partner, Ryan Wrobel?
Mark: I have known Ryan for many years now, he came highly recommended!
W & C: Where can people go to learn more about you and what you do?
Mark: Just ask!
Website: www.cerrossands.com
Facebook: Cerros Sands
Instagram: Cerros Sands
Interested in retiring or relocating to Belize as Mark did? Contact Wrobel & Co, Attorneys-at-Law, and we’ll get you started on your Belize retirement or relocation journey today.
To learn more about retirement in Belize, visit our Belize Retirement FAQ page here.
This information was provided as a courtesy of Wrobel & Co. Attorneys-at-law. It is intended to inform, not to advise. No one should try to interpret or apply any law without the assistance of legal counsel. Please click here for the full disclaimer.
