In a survey of real estate CFOs and senior comptrollers conducted by the Chicago-based financial advisory firm Grant Thornton LLP, only 12 percent said their company will increase hiring in the next six months and nearly two-thirds, 63 percent, plan to reduce bonuses.

Real Estate companies are also reducing health care benefits, 401k benefits, and stock options. Real estate firms are trimming the fat, even while the real estate market continues to show signs of improvement. Real Estate companies, according to the survey conducted by Grat Thornton LLP are most concerned about the cost of employee benefits.

While the Chicago Real Estate market is improving, these numbers illustrate an extreme contradiction in the real estate industry. While real estate companies remain optimistic about the future of their industry, cost cutting measures reflect a distinct pessimism in their own industry.

Is the real estate industry in a true recovery mode, or is a second micro-bubble emerging. As of right now, it is not clear, but there definitely a discrepancy between internal practices of real estate firms and gauges of the real estate market. Speculation surrounding real estate is always apparent. But is it beneficial when the speculation directly opposes the actions of Real Estate firms and brokerages?

So what can we learn from this contradiction? Is the market over-valued?  Is a secondary bubble forming after we slowly emerge out of the recession? Whatever the case, it is clear that the real estate market may still be over-valued, as firms still continue to cut costs, while the real estate market continues to improve.

Belize is lined with the most amazing beaches as well as private islands with perfect weather and views. Even though the real estate markets in America change drastically this is the case for some areas of the world. Investing in Belize allows you to avoid many of the same general hassles that are involved in American real estate investing.

Everyone loves to purchase real estate near the ocean, but Belize offers great properties that are more inland and include ranches, citrus groves, and raw land for either residential or commercial property. When you invest in real estate that is more inland you will be assured much better waste management and accessibility to utilities.

Those who want to invest in property in Belize that is near the water and sand that is so popular than you will want to check out the Hopkins/Sittee Point or Sarteneja which are located on the southern coast. However you will want to stay away from the Placencia Peninsula. The area has been known to have a market that is on its way down which is not somewhere you would want to invest your time and money.

One of the most popular and expensive areas to live is Ambergris Caye. The Remote Cayes have more than two hundred private islands to offer for investors to purchase. Keep in mind that there is always the chance of hurricanes so keep the proper insurance.

Hurricanes are actually one of the main disadvantages to the real estate investing market in Belize. Residents from the area will tell you that it isn’t the wind that causes as much damage as the six foot talk tidal surges which totally devastate local properties and businesses. The costs of reconstruction is fairly inexpensive but you need to make sure that you hire the most qualified supervisors that live in the area and can pay the workers for you.