Coldwell Banker Islands Blog

With the hurricane season well underway here in the Caribbean, a few thoughts at preventative care and 1st-line reaction seem timely.

Homeowners should begin their disaster preparations by developing a plan. A good plan includes not only an emergency preparedness kit, with important papers, food and water, and extra blankets and flashlights, but also a well-thought out plan for how family members will evacuate and communicate-making sure that everyone in the family is familiar with the plan and knows what to do and where to go in case of an emergency.

Homeowners who live in high-risk areas should have a “go-bag” ready in case they need to leave quickly; including a change of clothing, insurance policy and agent contact information, and toiletries as well as money, an evacuation route and a place to stay. If you rent your property, it is only common sense and considerate to leave a hurricane preparedness information packet for your guests.

It’s smart to catalog all of your possessions using a digital camcorder or camera and move expensive items to a higher location such as a second floor or attic. This is also true if you are an absentee owner and leave your own possessions in an empty or rental property.

Make sure your home is properly insured against natural disasters, since many plans don’t cover earthquakes, hurricanes and floods-especially in high risk areas-and consider supplemental disaster insurance policies that cover losses from specific catastrophes that traditional policies don’t cover. Homeowners should first review their existing policy to determine what’s covered since supplemental plans can cost a few hundred dollars to several thousand each year depending on the type of disaster and the home’s location, size and type, and then determine their area’s disaster risk. If you are a condo owner, then be sure you know what the association policy covers and what is left to you.

In the event of a hurricane, reinforce doors and windows against strong winds. Hurricane film is an inexpensive, clear plastic film that keeps glass shards from becoming dangerous missiles and can be left in place year-round, however it can’t prevent heavy winds from blowing in the entire window frame. Another less expensive alternative is plywood; its downside is that it’s temporary and is often put up at the last minute when a hurricane is approaching. An easier but more expensive alternative is roll-up or accordion-style storm shutters that are permanently attached to a house. The most expensive option may be high-impact windows, made of two panes of tempered glass separated by a plastic film. They are always in place and since they look like standard windows, they don’t affect a home’s appearance. Many homes in the Caribbean do have hurricane shutters. Know what you have available.

Preventative maintenance can also lessen property damage. Leaky roofs and foundation cracks can let water into a home more readily and weaken the structure, so it’s important to make repairs quickly. It’s also good to clear gutters and drains, invest in a battery-powered sump pump, and prevent sewage backup by installing a check valve, which allows waste to only flow one way. It’s also smart to catalog all of your possessions using a digital camcorder or camera and move expensive items to a higher location such as a second floor or attic.

If flood waters do make their way into a home, be proactive within the first 24 hours. Before entering the home, check for any visible structural damage. Turn off all water and electrical sources, even if the power isn’t currently operational. Before making repairs or removing any water, fully document the damage by taking photos or video and notify your insurer as soon as possible. Wear waders or waterproof boots and rubber gloves because water could be contaminated by sewage or household chemicals. After the insurer has approved removing the water, use a sump pump or wet vac, open doors and windows, and remove wet contents, including carpeting and bedding, to mitigate mold damage.

For more information, visit www.houselogic.com.

(resource: RISMedia.com)

This residential project brings luxury living to a new level. Within the walls of the residence, 78 comfortable apartments, 65 interconnected villas, and 10 detached villas will be built. The buildings in the park vary greatly in layout, which also applies to the houses. You can choose from no less than twenty-four different types of houses. The combination of the beautiful Italian architecture and the Aruban palm trees creates a pleasant mediterranean atmosphere in the park. Features include pools, restaurant, and fitness center. Prices for apartments start at US$. 314,045 and for homes prices start at 348,315.

Visit our Coldwell Banker Listing page for more photos.

This fantastic and spacious lot of 849 m2 (9,150 sq ft) is located in the quiet neighbordhood of Wayaca Residence. Only a short distance to the airport, 5 minutes to downtown and beach. There are three 5-foot walls built on the property and the lot is already cleared of debris. Don’t miss this opportunity to build the home of your dreams in a nice residential area. Asking price $80,000.

Visit our Coldwell Banker Listing page for more photos.

e360’s latest 2nd Home Trend Report, conducted this past June/July, shows positive signs for the Coldwell Banker Island Affiliates, throughout the Caribbean. The report surveyed existing second home buyers on preferences for timing, attributes, location, and pricing of an additional second home purchase.

Of those 45% indicating that they are in the market for a second home, Mexico was the top international destination with more than half of the total interest. More impressively, of the remaining 54% who indicated that now would not be a good time to buy, 79% indicated that they would be likely or very likely to purchase in the next 2 years.

As consistent with current market trends, lifestyle and vacation attributes are the leading motivator at 46%. Investment purposes showed 41%. Second home purchases for the purpose of retirement ranked 3rd at just over 11%.

The desire for a second home geared for vacation purposes is not a surprising finding. E360’s Global Research Analyst, Chad Martin, said “This is a consistent trend with the preferred attributes of the buyer being water views and proximity to water or mountain activities.” Lake and ocean views combined for an overwhelming majority of the preferred attributes surveyed with mountain views coming second.

Martin added that while spa and medical facilities have exhibited recent high growth rate forecasts in recent studies, respondents did not translate that growth into the highest motivation for second home purchases. Green-based second homes also did not show the highest appeal, nor has golf amenities translated into sales.

The appeal of being close to the water with an ocean view should help keep our beautiful Caribbean Island as an attractive 2nd home location in the next few years. Contact a Coldwell Banker agent with any questions you have on investing in our real estate.

Aruba ended Bangor’s run at the Senior League World Series, riding the five-hit pitching of Shawn Duinkerk to an 8-1 win over the Maine District 3 representatives in the world championship game before 3,000 fans at Mansfield Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Duinkerk, a 6-foot-3, 200-pound righthander, struck out five batters and walked just two during an economical 78-pitch performance. He was the better pitcher, his pitch count kept down by a five-pitch third inning and a four-pitch fourth that helped him stay well under the Senior League single-game limit of 95 pitches.

Aruba, 5-1 in tournament play, broke the game open with five runs in the top of the seventh, the rally highlighted by a two-run double to left by Juan Carlos Moncio and a two-run homer to left by Chadwick Tromp.

When Bangor got runners aboard, the Aruba defense played flawlessly and turned three double plays, the last one to end the game after Hartley had hit a one-out single in the bottom of the seventh.

The title was the first at the Senior League level for Aruba, which like Bangor was part of the tournament’s 2009 field.

Read inning-by-inning plays at BangorDailyNews.com.

Congratulations to all the players on the Aruba team!

Aruba ended Bangor’s run at the Senior League World Series, riding the five-hit pitching of Shawn Duinkerk to an 8-1 win over the Maine District 3 representatives in the world championship game before 3,000 fans at Mansfield Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Duinkerk, a 6-foot-3, 200-pound righthander, struck out five batters and walked just two during an economical 78-pitch performance. He was the better pitcher, his pitch count kept down by a five-pitch third inning and a four-pitch fourth that helped him stay well under the Senior League single-game limit of 95 pitches.

Aruba, 5-1 in tournament play, broke the game open with five runs in the top of the seventh, the rally highlighted by a two-run double to left by Juan Carlos Moncio and a two-run homer to left by Chadwick Tromp.

When Bangor got runners aboard, the Aruba defense played flawlessly and turned three double plays, the last one to end the game after Hartley had hit a one-out single in the bottom of the seventh.

The title was the first at the Senior League level for Aruba, which like Bangor was part of the tournament’s 2009 field.

Read inning-by-inning plays at BangorDailyNews.com.

Congratulations to all the players on the Aruba team!

Built in an upscale area, this home offers 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, gourmet kitchen, and master suite. The outside area includes a shady veranda and features a dream outdoor kitchen. The kidney-shaped pool is surrounded by a beautiful flat stone deck and paths throughout the landscaped, award-winning garden. Fully air conditioned, furnished, irrigation system, Bose sound system, security system, and detached apartment. Asking $699,000.

Visit our Coldwell Banker Listing page for more photos and details.

Pros and Cons of Going Condo

Condominiums and townhouses offer an affordable option to single-family homes in many markets, and they’re ideal for those who appreciate a maintenance-free lifestyle. But before you buy, make sure you do your legwork. These are some of the important elements to consider:

^ Storage. Some condos have storage lockers, but usually there are no attics or basements to hold extra belongings.

^ Outdoor space. Yards and outdoor areas are usually smaller in condos, so if you like to garden or entertain outdoors, this may not be a good fit. However, if you dread yard work, this may be the perfect option for you.

^ Amenities. Many condo properties have swimming pools, fitness centers, and other facilities that would be very expensive in a single-family home.

^ Maintenance. Many condos have onsite maintenance personnel to care for common areas, do repairs in your unit, and let in workers when you’re not home - good news if you like to travel.

^ Security. Keyed entries and even security personnel are common in many condos. You’re also closer to other people in case of an emergency.

^ Reserve funds and association fees. Although fees generally help pay for amenities and provide savings for future repairs, you will have to pay the fees decided by the condo board, whether or not you’re interested in the amenity.

^ Resale. The ease of selling your unit may be dependent on what else is for sale in your building, since units are usually fairly similar.

^ Condo rules. Although you have a vote, the rules of the condo association can affect your ability to use your property. For example, some condos prohibit home-based businesses. Others prohibit pets, or don’t allow owners to rent out their units. Read the covenants, restrictions, and bylaws of the condo carefully before you make an offer.

^ Neighbors. You’re much closer to your neighbors in a condo or town home. If possible, try to meet your closest prospective neighbors.

Check with our Coldwell Banker Agents with your specific questions on any condo purchase.

This fantastic hacienda-style two-level home, located at the golf club, has a beautiful landscaped and tiled courtyard. There are 6 bedrooms and 6 1/2 bathrooms. The villa includes an indoor waterfall wall in the living room, formal dinning room and gallery kitchen with breakfast nook. Also included are study, maid’s quarters. 5 of the bedrooms and den are on the golf course level. Every window on the second floor gives spectacular views of Tierra del Sol. The second floor features the master suite and enormous bathroom. From the terrace you overlook golf, ocean and garden. For outdoor entertainment the garden offers an infinity pool with Jacuzzi and a free standing gazebo including a BBQ area. Asking $3,996,000.

Visit our Coldwell Banker Listing page for more information and photos.

The intimate Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa located on Aruba’s widest beach at Eagle Beach is organizing a yoga vacation from October 16-23, 2010. Manchebo is home of the exotic outdoor Caribbean-Balinese Spa del Sol, where guests can enjoy a variety of spa treatments.

Professional Yoga instructor from Costa Rica, Monika Ramos Tapia will again be hosting this Yoga Vacation Week. The Aruba Yoga Vacation Package includes an ocean view room with private balcony or patio, welcome wine & cheese party, two yoga & health classes per day, guided tour at Aruba’s famous Arikok National Park, island jeep tour, daily healthy breakfast including a fresh fruit smoothie, two a-la-carte lunches per stay, two a-la-carte dinners per stay and airport ^ hotel transfer.

For more information about this holiday or for reservations visit Manchebo’s website, or call the resort toll-free at 1-888-673-8036.