ARTICLES AND RESOURCES
Read expert articles by Dan Merriam sharing his insights on entrepreneurship, real estate investing, investment migration, and living and investing internationally.
How Nikki Beach Antigua Will Transform Jolly Beach
Over the past few years living in the Caribbean, I've seen a lot of development projects start with big promises, only to fizzle out due to a mix of financing issues, legal disputes, natural disasters, and economic crises. Whether it was real estate developers unable to secure funding, or setbacks from hurricanes, it's been tough to watch many of these projects fail to take off. For those of us invested in the Antigua real estate market, it’s felt like we've been waiting for the right moment—a tipping point that could spark lasting change. But I believe the Nikki Beach Antigua Resort and Branded Residences is different
Why I Joined Sotheby’s International Realty in the Caribbean
When I first relocated to the Caribbean, I seriously considered starting my own independent real estate brand or purchasing a franchise. After evaluating my options, it became obvious that Sotheby’s International Realty was the strongest player in the Caribbean. In some markets, their lead over competitors was significant. From my conversations, it was clear that Sotheby’s Caribbean real estate agents had unmatched local knowledge and professionalism.
The Biggest Ponzi Schemes in the Caribbean
In my years of living and investing in the Caribbean, I've encountered stories of fraud and deception that are almost too wild to believe. Coming from a country like Canada, where these situations are rare, and the real estate and financial services sectors are tightly regulated, it’s taken time to understand why these schemes have been successful. We all appreciate that the allure of high returns can often cloud our judgment. This often leads individuals and investor groups to make bad decisions and take uncalculated risks. In this article, I explore the biggest Ponzi schemes in the Caribbean and the impact that they have had on the reputation and economic success of the region.
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship: Why I Donated Over US $140,000
Exploring the tropical paradise of Antigua and Barbuda is a dream for many. But what if I told you that dream could extend beyond a holiday? In this article, I will share why, in 2020, I decided to move to the Caribbean to take advantage of the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program. I’ll share the challenges I faced, the lessons I learned, and why as a savvy real estate investor, I still donated US $140,000+ to the Antigua and Barbuda government vs. the real estate investment route.
Caribbean Real Estate Investment: What My First Transaction Taught Me
The appeal of Caribbean real estate investment, with its tropical weather, perfect sandy beaches and vibrant culture, is undeniable. Drawing from my experiences in Canada, where I honed my skills in real estate asset management and investment, I embarked on a new journey in this tropical paradise. This article, "Caribbean Real Estate Investment: What My First Transaction Taught Me," is a deep dive into the lessons, challenges, and triumphs of my initial foray into this unique market.
Why I Left Canada to Live and Invest in the Caribbean
In 2011, I started investing in real estate in downtown Hamilton, an up-and-coming city near Toronto, Canada. When I first started, I knew nothing about construction, property management, or investing, but I quickly learned. Once my portfolio required me to be less hands-on, I started working remotely and travelling the world and focusing on growing my real estate portfolio internationally. I quickly realized that I wanted to live a life of global freedom. After exploring over 50+ countries in Europe, Asia, and Latin America, in 2020, I saw a big opportunity in the Caribbean region.