Fresh from Ecuador: New Investor and Developer

[Thomas Saunders]

I found the site and am looking forward to sharing my experiences and learning alongside my peers here in Ecuador and in the US.

I originally came here in 2006 doing scientific work and couldn't help but say yes to a 14K thatch-roof beach house that I came across while doing some post-work travel with my wife.

That was the moment I became a real estate investor and I've been gaining experience ever since... eventually moving here permanently. I've learned about construction by building 4 homes, attracted investors to start a 52 unit condo project and acted as a buyers and sellers agent for 20+ transactions in a very dynamic marketplace.

Ecuador is a South American country about the size of Nevada sitting on the equator, with its own stretch of Pacific Coastline, a chunk of amazonian rainforest, and a mountainous backbone peppered with volcanoes. It has also been touted lately by International Living as the world's number 1 retirement destination which has heated up the market.

I've taken some hits and had a few wild-west moments here, but overall I must say that I'm enjoying the challenge and looking forward to getting better at it!

Here's to learning from and contributing to these forums. Thanks for having me.