Thinking of buying property in Belize? You might want to think again. In a fiery video that’s rapidly making waves, one expat-turned-investigator is sounding the alarm on what he calls the âWild Westâ of Central American real estate and heâs not holding back.
After a full year of boots-on-the-ground research, this buyer says he skipped the realtors entirely and purchased from a local builder. Why? Because what he uncovered could give even the savviest investor second thoughts.
âThereâs a lot of scam. Thereâs a lot of corruption,â he says bluntly in the now-viral clip. âEveryone’s trying to become a millionaire on a sale – or a purchase.â
No Licenses, No Rules?
One of the most jaw-dropping revelations: in Belize, real estate agents donât need a license. âAll they have to do is show up and say, âHey, I want a work visa, and Iâm going to go sell real estate,ââ @WhereToNexxt warns. Even big-name franchises like RE/MAX arenât immune from scrutiny.
Despite their global reputation, he claims RE/MAX agents in Belize operate without the regulatory safeguards buyers might expect back home. âYou would think that going with a big-name company like RE/MAX means you’re safe,â he says. âThatâs absolutely not the case.â
The $80,000 Price Jump
The bombshell comes midway through the video, when the host reveals a specific property he viewed years ago originally listed for $95,000 is now being prepped by RE/MAX Placencia to hit the market at a staggering $170,000+.
Yet, the exact same home is still listed by another firm for just $115,000.
âYouâre going to tell me that Vita has this home listed for $115,000, and RE/MAX is getting ready to list it for $175,000?â he asks. âThatâs crazy.â
He describes the property as an unfinished, off-grid house with no power or water, sitting on five acres, raising serious questions about the price hike.
Allegations Against RE/MAX
@WhereToNexxt doesnât stop at overpricing. He claims RE/MAX Placencia has been linked to multiple fraudulent land deals, including instances where properties were sold that âshouldnât have been sold,â and even cases where land was allegedly taken from sick individuals.
âThey are unethical,â he says flatly. âThey rip people off.â
Although he makes clear this is his personal opinion, his frustration is palpable. He says itâs especially painful to watch foreigners taking advantage of other foreigners.
How to Protect Yourself
The video ends with a powerful call to action: do your research. He recommends buyers consult international lawyers, deal with locals, and even use tools like the Wayback Machine to verify past listings and pricing history on real estate websites.
âItâs your money. Hopefully, you donât want to lose it.â
Final Word
@WhereToNexxt isnât alone in his concerns. With Belizeâs real estate market largely unregulated and driven by cash deals, he warns that unsuspecting buyers are at serious risk.
âBe informed. Be smart. Research everything and everyone.â
Why You Need a Local Expert in Belize: The Real Estate Secret That Could Save You Thousands
The above video make one thing crystal clear – this market plays by its own rules. Or, more accurately, a complete lack of them.
Unlike in the U.S., Canada, or Europe, Belize has no regulations stopping a single agent from representing both the buyer and the seller in a transaction. That means the listing agent you’re talking to may also be “working for” the seller – a clear conflict of interest by international standards, but totally legal here.
Don’t Cut Corners – It Won’t Save You
Many buyers assume that dealing directly with the listing agent will âsave money.â But hereâs the truth Belize veterans know: the seller pays the commission, not you. So trying to go it alone, or cutting out the buyerâs agent, doesn’t reduce your costs, it just reduces your protection.
And if that listing agent is padding prices, hiding flood zones, or conveniently omitting a lack of title;Â you wonât know until itâs too late.
Local Knowledge is Everything
A truly local agent – one who lives in the area, knows the land, and isnât just here to flip properties for foreigners, can help you avoid common traps like:
- Flood-prone land dressed up as waterfront property
- Unfinished structures listed at luxury prices
- Fake titles or disputed ownership
- “Road access” that disappears in rainy season
- Inflated pricing where the same property is listed by multiple companies for wildly different amounts
Pro Tip: Do Not Use the Listing Agent
Insiders agree: the golden rule in Belize is never use the agent who listed the property as your sole representative. Theyâre there to get the best deal for the seller – NOT YOU. Without a buyerâs advocate, you could end up paying tens of thousands more than necessary, or worse; buying a property thatâs legally entangled or physically unlivable.
In the end, Belize can still be a dream destination. But without a local guide in your corner, it can quickly turn into a nightmare you paid for in full â and in cash.