Coldwell Banker Islands Blog

Recycle the coins you bring back from the islands, by donating them to the UNICEF Change for Good program. American Airlines, a large presence in the travel plans of visitors to the Caribbean islands, donated $1.2 Million for UNICEF in 2009.

American Airlines has been participating in the program since 1994. Last year, travelers donated $1.2 million in U.S. and foreign currency, the most ever for American.

The money is collected on select international flights and at Admirals Clubs and Flagship Lounges. Donations received in January and February are earmarked to provide assistance to Haitian children.

“American Airlines and its participation in the Change for Good program is invaluable to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF for its ability to bring both funding and attention to UNICEF’s work,” said Caryl Stern, president and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF.

“A little change goes a long way. We are so thankful for the generosity of American Airlines customers and the dedication of the committed American Airlines employee volunteers who choose to help improve children’s lives,” Stern said.

Change for Good is an innovative partnership between UNICEF and the international airline industry. Established in 1987, it is one of UNICEF’s best-known and longest-running partnerships. Currently more than 10 international airlines support the Change for Good program.

Thanks to the generous support of customers and participating airlines, Change for Good has generated over $90 million that UNICEF has used to provide a healthier, happier future for millions of children.

Send your unused foreign currency today to UNICEF. If you are unable to donate your foreign currency on an American Airlines flight or at an Admirals Club or Flagship Lounge, you can still support Change for Good by sending your gift to the following address:

U.S. Fund for UNICEF
ATTN: Change for Good Program
125 Maiden Lane
New York, NY 10038

The BVI aren’t as easy to get to as, for instance, Antigua. The main airport can’t accommodate large planes, so it filters out the mass-market tourists. This is part of the lure of BVI. Unlike most other Caribbean-island nations, which are almost totally reliant on tourism, the BVI chooses not to court cruise-ship and package holidaymakers (who spend less per head anyway), and instead welcome guests who arrive on yachts and small private planes.

Politically stable, with a trusted reputation as an offshore banking haven, the BVI can afford to be elite. According to a Financial Times report from 2007, “The BVI is one of the wealthiest corners of the planet, and its inhabitants on average are better off than those of the UK.”

There are about 60 islands in the British Virgin Islands chain, which create breathtaking scenery. Sail between the islands and you will find private hidden caves, beaches, snorkelling and diving spots.

The self-confidence in BVI extends to the way property is bought and sold. Before a foreigner - a “non-belonger,” in local-speak - can buy property, it has to be offered at the agreed price to local “belongers.” Prices have held fast throughout the global downturn, largely due to the permanent lack of supply, which means that prices start big and get even bigger.

Some examples include

Nanny Cay, Tortola: 32 waterfront townhomes with a mooring at each for a small boat, on a private waterway, with the option of keeping a larger yacht in the full marina. Prices start at $650,000 for the freehold of a two-bedroom semi-detached house with sea views, and there’s an optional rental program.

Virgin Gorda: more laid back than Tortola, which is the hub of business and politics. Under development, Oil Nut Bay, on an extremely private peninsula nearby accessible only by sea or by air, has three types of property, all for sale freehold: estate lots of between one and 10 acres, priced from $2 million to $25 million upon which buyers build their own property; beach villas with four to six bedrooms, each with private pool and intimate spaces, from $7.95 million; and ridge villas situated on the top of the peninsula with outstanding views of the Atlantic and the Caribbean, from $5.25 million.

Also on Virgin Gorda is Rosewood’s Little Dix Bay, a luxury retreat, which is developing a very select number of private villas in the hills above the resort. These two- and three-bedroom villas will have open-plan living spaces and vaulted ceilings with timber framing and spectacular views, as well as private pools. Owners will have access to all the facilities in the hotel, including the wonderful beach, and there’s an optional rental program. Prices start at $2.25 million.

Our Coldwell Banker agents can provide sales and resort information for any of these properties. Use our expertise and professionalism to find out more about investing in British Virgin Islands real estate.

Mikaya is quite simply the right house at the right price, with a spacious open plan lounge/kitchen/dining area, 3 bedrooms, large shady terraces and a pool. Two bedrooms and bathrooms are on the upper level and the third, again with ensuite bathroom is on the lower level, next to the pool. The views out over North Sound are nothing short of spectacular. Asking $1,600,000.

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

According to a recent survey by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC among its network of real estate professionals, in the last 12 months, 37% of sales professionals surveyed noted an increase in home buyers looking for homes that can accommodate more than one generation of their family. In addition, almost 70% of Coldwell Banker sales agents believe that economic conditions may cause greater demand for multi-generational homes in their market during the next year.

The Coldwell Banker respondents cited financial drivers as the No. 1 reason why home buyers or sellers are moving into a house with other generations of their family (39%). Twenty-nine percent said that health care issues are the primary reason, and 6% cited a strong family bond as the main factor.

Sellers with “mother in-law suites” or additional spaces that could accommodate a family interested in a multi-generational living arrangement should highlight this aspect of the home. Whether it’s a garage apartment or refurbished basement, this separate space can help one home stand apart from the others on its block.

Buyers must be clear about their exact needs. Some families may just want an extra bedroom or two for family members, while others require areas with a separate kitchen, entrance, handicap accessibility or even a larger garage for additional cars. Desired location may also be influenced by proximity to local hospitals, senior centers or other important activities to family members.

Extended families purchasing a home together should consider signing a written contract outlining everything from finances to chores and childcare. Each family should assess their situation individually and find a plan that works best for them.

Check with our Coldwell Banker Island Affiliates for advice and resources if you want to purchase or sell a home that might be suited for more than one generation.

Scrub Island, BVI’s newest luxury resort on 230 acres of unspoiled tropical land on a private island, is offering a six-day Caribbean vacation with the Living Abundantly package. This includes participation in a hands-on health and wellness program developed with Gene Smart Wellness.

With Living Abundantly, you’ll interact with from Floyd “Ski” Chilton, Ph.D., one of the true pioneers in the study of the relationship between the foods we eat, the way we exercise, our genes and our health.

The Living Abundantly package includes: five nights and six days in a deluxe ocean-view room; gourmet breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, with a focus on delicious and nutritious cuisine; a complete pre-trip Gene Smart Health Assessment, including a survey of diet, exercise, health and quality of life measures, as well as a comprehensive blood profile measuring omega-3, cholesterol, insulin, etc.; up to three one-on-one personal coaching sessions with Dr. Chilton; and much more.

Gene SmartTM Wellness (GSW) is a preventative healthcare company that utilizes the latest understanding of the relation between diet and exercise, our genes and our health to empower individuals to take control of their health in order to live life abundantly.

Scrub Island offers luxurious guest rooms, a full-service marina, gourmet restaurants, an opulent spa, as well as a myriad of activities and services. Scrub Island is the first luxury development to open in the British Virgin Islands in more than 15 years.

(resource: Elite Traveler.com)

This weekend is the promised Kite Jam hosted by Richard Branson, a kite boarding festival with top kite boarders from around the world who will challenge the big winds, big waves, and one another.

The event starts Saturday, Feb. 27, with a VIP party and fashion show sponsored by Billabong. On Sunday, boats will begin shuttling guests and competitors to Necker Island, Branson’s luxurious, no expense spared, private playground. That island will serve as the base of operations for the week, with contests and other events taking place there and on several surrounding islands.

The actual competitions get underway on Monday, March 1, with daily races and freestyle events lasting throughout the week, culminating with a pro rider showdown on Friday, March 5. In addition to the various competitions, there will be regular kite clinics, with instruction, plus awards ceremonies, luncheons, and parties.

Prices for the week-long event begin at $25,400 for a single room in the Necker Island Great House and run as high as $28,350 for the Master Suite, with several other options in between. The prices are all inclusive, granting access to all the events, meals, and drinks.

You’ve decided to sell. Look at your home through the eyes of a prospective buyer and be honest with yourself: what needs to be cleaned, painted, repaired and tossed out or given away? If you were buying this home what would you want to see? Your goal is to make your home look good, maximize space and attract as many buyers as possible.

The first and most important thing you want to do in preparing your house for market is to make sure it has good curb appeal. Curb appeal is simply the first impression a prospective buyer gets when driving by the house.

It has been said that up to 80% of the decision to buy a house is made before even entering the home, so it doesn’t matter how great your house looks inside if buyers won’t go through the front door. You could have the greatest floor plan, and the greatest decor, but if your house is unsightly from the outside, a lot of people will never ring the bell.

So by all means start on the outside of the house and use common sense. Keep the lawn mowed and watered, trim the shrubs, make sure there isn’t any peeling paint, and keep weeds out of the flower beds. Put some color in the landscaping and plant some flowers.

Make sure there aren’t any unsightly vehicles in the driveway. If you have an older car that looks its age, park it down the road or at a friend’s house. Keep the yard clean and pristine. When you can look at the outside of your house from the street and it looks better than it ever has, it is time to move to the inside of the house.

Here’s a checklist:
- Water, mow, weed, & edge lawn regularly.
- Trim hedges,prune trees, and tend to flowerbeds regularly.
- Mend cracks in walkways, driveway, walls, foundation, and patios.
- Patch up or repaint doors and windows with peeling paint.
- Clean and align gutters.
- Repair and replace loose or damaged roof shingles.
- Repair and repaint loose siding and caulking.
- Keep your garage door closed.
- Move old cars elsewhere while the house is on the market.
- Be sure your front door area has a warm, “Welcome” feeling.

Inside you want to make things look as open and bright as possible. Keep all the blinds and curtains open and the windows clean. If a room feels or looks cluttered, move some of your extra furniture into a storage space or a friend’s house. Remember, you’ll be moving anyway, so start sorting and have that garage sale.

Keep the inside of your house smelling good. Any senses you can stimulate when someone enters your house will help create emotional attachment to the home. Don’t overdo the aroma therapy, but make the house smell pleasant - no stale cooking odors, no pet odors, no diapers.

Keep everything as clean as you can. Give the impression that you take care of your property and care about your home. You want your house to look, feel and smell it’s best. Make those repairs you’ve put off so doors work well and the plumbing doesn’t drip. Purchase a couple of ceiling fans or small room fans to keep it cooler for showings.

Are you ready for Buyers:
- Repaint walls or replace carpets with neutral colors.
- Fix all cracks, leaks and signs of dampness in the attic.
- Fix all cracks, holes or damage to plaster, wallboard, wallpaper, paint, and tiles.
- Replace broken or cracked windowpanes, moldings, and other woodwork.
- Repair leaky faucets and showerheads.
- Clean and remove clutter to make your house appear bigger and brighter.
- Rent storage to keep the garage and attic clear.
- Remove excess or very large furniture.
- Hire a professional cleaning service once every few weeks while the house is on the market.
- Remove as many items from kitchen counters, closets, and attics to make your house seem more spacious.
- Make your kitchen and bathroom look as bright and fresh as possible.
- Use your nicer guest towels in the bathrooms.
- Hang up fresh curtains.
- Install new cabinet knobs.
- Make sure kitchen and bathroom are clean and odor free.
- Replace burned out light bulbs.
- Open drapes and blinds.
- Don’t let pets wander around the house during showings.
- Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink or laundry in the washer or dryer.
- Make the beds.
- Put on soothing music.

Remember that people make emotional decisions. We justify with logic what we decide with emotions. Keep your mind open, try for a warm and bright interior, have great curb appeal, and you will be on the right path to preparing your house for the market. Our Coldwell Banker agents can answer any questions you have about getting ready for a sale, and advise you on the best timing for the highest price.

Admittedly and unashamedly a little on the funky side, this 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, ½ acre property situated on Windy Hill overlooking Spanish Town is oozing with personality and will appeal to nature/art lovers. Not every tropical cottage can boast its very own Balinese Rice Barn in the garden with views of the Caribbean Sea, perfect for afternoon siestas! The large Great Room features cathedral ceilings, bar, ceiling fans, dining area; furnished with teak and bamboo furniture from Bali; handicrafts, antiques, and rugs from around the world. Asking $650,000 for Tree Tops.

Visit our Coldwell Banker Listing Page for complete details and photos of this remarkable home.

BVIs’ business community, tourism executives, government officials, international friends and supporters have announced the first annual BVI Go Green Festival, the first large-scale festival in the BVI dedicated entirely to the promotion and education of eco-conscious development and services in the Caribbean.

Organized by Green Technology and Ideas BVI, the BVI Go Green Festival is set to take place from Thursday, June 24 to Saturday, June 26, 2010. Other important supporters include The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board, Conservation and Fisheries Department, Andria Mitsakos Public Relations (AMPR), Rosewood Little Dix Bay, Lime, Deloitte, Kiss & Company, and OBMI.

The main objectives of the Go Green Festival are to:

* Educate the BVI and the Caribbean Region about taking care of our planet
* Utilize the festival as a call to action and showcase avenues to take action while having fun
* Position the BVI as a regional leader in environmental issues
* Expand global awareness of the BVI

Read more about the festival events at BVINews.

Shopping for a new home is an emotional experience. It is, however, also a business transaction, and must be treated as such.

Three of the most devastating things that can go wrong are:
• Paying too much
• Losing a dream home to another buyer
• Buying the wrong home

When you have a systematic plan before you shop, you’ll be sure to avoid these costly errors. Here are some tips on making the most of your home purchase:

Get the information you need
What price do you offer a seller? Is the seller’s asking price too high? Is it a deal? Your own research is important, as is the assistance of a Realtor. A professional Coldwell Banker Realtor can offer an unbiased opinion on the value of a home, based on many factors and a great deal of information. Without knowledge of the market, your offer could be too much. Or worse, you could miss out on a great buying opportunity. Hire the right person and trust that person to represent your interests.

Buy YOUR home
What do you need and want in a home? Sounds simple, but clearly identifying your needs and bringing an objective view to home shopping leaves you in a much better position. How much space do you really need? Too small and you may feel like you live in constant clutter. Too big and maintenance may become too daunting. Outline all of your priorities, and work on finding not just a great home, but a great home for you.

Check the title
Before you sign any document, be sure the property you are considering is free of all encumbrances. As a part of his or her services, a Coldwell Banker Realtor can supply you with a copy of the title to ensure there are no liens, debts, undisclosed owners, leases or easements against the title.

Update the survey
Before the purchase is completed, an updated survey is essential. This report will indicate boundaries and structural changes (additions to the house, a new swimming pool, neighbor’s new fence which is extending a boundary line, etc.), and will guarantee that you are indeed getting what you pay for.

Minimize the unexpected
For $300 - $500, a professional inspector will conduct a thorough inspection of the home. His/her expertise can mean the difference between uncovering major flaws before or after you own a home. Make the final contract subject to the report’s findings.

Get pre-approved
It only takes a few days to get financing pre-approval. When you are shopping for a home, this gives you more power. A seller is more likely to consider an offer from a serious buyer.

Remember additional costs
Besides the funds for the purchase of a home, you’ll need funds for items such as loan fees, insurance, legal fees, surveys, inspections, etc.

Take a deep breath
Before you sign, ensure that all documentation clearly reflects your understanding and conditions of the transaction. Has anything been forgotten? Don’t rush. You could lose money, financing, or even the sale if you attempt to push things through too hastily.