Coldwell Banker Islands Blog

The former U.S. Navy submarine rescue ship USS Kittiwake will become the latest addition to the Cayman Islands artificial reef program. After 7 years of planning, the Cayman Islands Tourism Association confirms the sinking of the 251 feet (77 meter) long ship will be July 27, 2010. Divers can visit the wreck two days later, after it settles on the seafloor.

The ship will arrive in the Cayman Islands on July 20, and the sinking follow a week of events. Unique artifacts and tickets to be among the first divers or snorkelers to visit the wreck will be auctioned off on July 24 during a gala dinner. For the last time, the Kittiwake can be visited topside on July 26 from 9 am to 2 pm before the planned sinking on July 27 (10 am to 2 pm). Professional divers working at dive stores in the Cayman Islands will have a chance to get a guided tour of the former submarine rescue ship later on July 28.

Since the wreck will be operated as a private park managed by the Cayman Islands Tourism Association, divers are required to pay an entry fee of $10 per dive. The fee for snorkelers will be $5, and all boats visiting the site will need a special license.

Learn more about the Kittiwake at the official website.

(resource - Global-Aventures.us)

Tinson Pen-based Airways International - operators of Jamaica Air Shuttle - will start service to Cayman Brack July 2. For years, the Cayman Islands have been part of the Jamaican flight plan, with carriers such as Cayman Airways and Air Jamaica servicing the route. Cayman Brac has not had direct air service until now.

What normally took a full day of travel through other destinations will now take 35 minutes from Kingston, on one of the three Beech 99 turbo prop airliners in the Jamaica Air Shuttle fleet.

The airline allows 50 lbs of luggage free, with an option to pay for overweight.

Visit Jamaica Air Shuttle for flight information.

For $1,000, residents of the Cayman Islands have the chance to not only help get the country’s fledgling film industry but to be Zombies as well. The next movie about to be made in Cayman has a scary theme. Filming for Zombie Driftwood, a low budget b-movie set in the well-known North Side bar, starts shooting this month, and there is still time for would-be investors to get in on the act — literally.

The film makers are in need of both cash and zombies and have opted to tie the two together. 500 shares in the company are currently being offered to the wider public, which will include, among a number of things, the chance to feature as a zombie in the movie. Investors can also hope for a return on their money too, as there are lucrative opportunities with this genre of film in the DVD market.

Despite being about zombies, the film will be a very Caymanian affair with local production services being provided by film maker Beth Henning’s Caymana Production Services and the lead roles have gone to Cayman’s home grown actors, including Rita Estevanovich, Brian Braggs and Peter Costa with some of the islands’ unique characters also making cameo appearances.

As explained by CaymanNewsService, “With the local film business still in its infancy, Zombie Driftwood will provide a great boost to the industry and also showcase the diverse potential the islands have for providing cinematic backdrops. Given that zombies are more commonly found in places considerably less attractive than beautiful, sun-kissed Caribbean islands, the exotic location will provide an added attraction for zombie movie fans the world over and introduce Cayman to a completely new audience.”

For information visit ZombieDriftwood.com.

It is with great pleasure that we announce the addition of Puerto Rico to the growing family of Coldwell Banker Island Affiliates.

Puerto Rico has long been the gateway and hub for many of the Islands in our region. As some of you may know, Coldwell Banker Isla del Coqui is one of the largest and most successful real estate companies in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Coldwell Banker Isla de Coqui has had a terrific track record for over 20 years and has been the top producing brokerage in their marketplace, with 7 offices and approximately 226 sales associates.

Coldwell Banker Island Affiliates Managing Director Jim Reed said, “With the addition of Puerto Rico to our region, Coldwell Banker Island Affiliates now boasts 51 offices and over 500 sales associates throughout the Island countries of the Atlantic & Caribbean. We are excited about the growth and the potential synergies that Coldwell Banker Isla de Coqui brings to our group. We are proud to welcome Puerto Rico to Coldwell Banker Island Affiliates.”

Coldwell Banker Island Affiliates is the Coldwell Banker Master Franchisor for the Caribbean and Atlantic Island region. For further information on Coldwell Banker Island Affiliates, please contact the Managing Director, Mr. Jim Reed, at (561) 691-8130 or email jireed@mindspring.com.

About Coldwell Banker®
Since 1906, the Coldwell Banker® organization has been a premier full-service real estate provider. In 2009, Franchise Times magazine’s prestigious Top 200 issue ranked the Coldwell Banker system number one in real estate for the ninth straight year and number eight among all franchisors. The Coldwell Banker System has approximately 3,200 residential real estate offices and more than 110,000 sales associates in 41 countries and territories around the world. The Coldwell Banker System is a leader in the industry in residential and commercial real estate, and in niche markets such as resort, new home and luxury properties through its Coldwell Banker Previews International® division. It is a pioneer in consumer services with its Coldwell Banker Concierge® Service Program and award-winning Web site, www.coldwellbanker.com. Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, the world’s largest real estate franchisor. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. Each office is independently owned and operated.

There are plenty of details to take care of before you introduce your home to the public ready to sell. Here are a few suggestions on how present your property as the best it can be from the day it hits the market.

1. Have a pre-sale home inspection. Be proactive by arranging for a pre-sale home inspection. An inspector will be able to give you a good indication of the trouble areas that will stand out to potential buyers, and you’ll be able to make repairs before open houses begin.

2. Organize and clean. Pare down clutter and pack up your least-used items, such as large blenders and other kitchen tools, out-of-season clothes, toys, and exercise equipment. Store items off-site or in boxes neatly arranged in the garage or basement. Clean the windows, carpets, walls, lighting fixtures, and baseboards to make the house shine.

3. Get replacement estimates. Do you have big-ticket items that are worn our or will need to be replaced soon, such your roof or carpeting? Get estimates on how much it would cost to replace them, even if you don’t plan to do it yourself. The figures will help buyers determine if they can afford the home, and will be handy when negotiations begin.

4. Find your warranties. Gather up the warranties, guarantees, and user manuals for the furnace, washer and dryer, dishwasher, and any other items that will remain with the house.

5. Spruce up the curb appeal. Pretend you’re a buyer and stand outside of your home. As you approach the front door, what is your impression of the property? Do the lawn and bushes look neatly manicured? Is the address clearly visible? Are pretty flowers or plants framing the entrance? Is the walkway free from cracks and impediments? You can do this with a condo entrance as well. Be objective.

Call our Coldwell Banker office with your questions, and ask for a thorough market analysis before you set a price.

Coral Stone Club, the exclusive vacation rental resort on Grand Cayman, has launched a summer promotion. The luxury beachfront resort is offering a Sixth Night Free (every unit includes three bedrooms and three bathrooms, plus a full kitchen, living, dining and patio area) and a transfer from the airport to the property upon arrival (one transfer per unit booking). Eligible bookings must be fully paid for, with travel completed by December 17, 2010.

Coral Stone Club’s signature “barefoot luxury” living offers the best beach on Seven Mile Beach and exceptional access to facilities, such as a supermarket and liquor store across the street plus short distance to 18 restaurants and 3 spas. The property has two BBQ’s and hot tubs, a fitness center and tennis court on-site. Each unit includes free local calls and free Wi-Fi, so guests save more than $850 on the free night and transfer. Rates begin at $695 per night and all vacation rentals include three bedrooms, each with attached bath.

Buying real estate, especially in what may be a foreign country, can seem pretty overwhelming. Here are some guideless to help you through the process.

1. Research before you look. Decide what features you most want to have in a home, what neighborhoods you prefer, and how much you’d be willing to spend each month for housing.

2. Be realistic. It’s OK to be picky, but don’t be unrealistic with your expectations. There’s no such thing as a perfect home. Use your list of priorities as a guide to evaluate each property.

3. Get your finances in order. Review your credit report and be sure you have enough money to cover your down payment and closing costs. Then, talk to a lender and get prequalified for a mortgage. This will save you the heartache later of falling in love with a house you can’t afford.

4. Don’t ask too many people for opinions. It will drive you crazy. Select one or two people to turn to if you feel you need a second opinion, but be ready to make the final decision on your own.

5. Decide your moving timeline. Will this be a 2nd home? A vacation home with others? A retirement property to rent for a few years before you move? All of these factors will help you determine your timeframe and may affect the type of loan you choose.

6. Think long term. Are you looking for a starter house with plans to move up in a few years, or do you hope to stay in this home for a longer period? Will it be a rental or income property? This decision may dictate what type of home you’ll buy as well as the type of mortgage terms that will best suit you.

7. Insist on a home inspection. If possible, get a warranty from the seller to cover defects for one year.

8. Get help from a Coldwell Banker agent. Hire a real estate professional who specializes in buyer representation.

Stop by our Coldwell Banker office or email us to talk about your buying opportunities and what you need to get started.

The Queen’s Birthday is a public holiday in Cayman Islands, celebrated this year June 14.

HRH Queen Elizabeth II is not only the Queen of the UK but also the Head of the Commonwealth and is thus the Head of State in many other nations, including Cayman Islands, nearly all of whom celebrate her status in some form or other.

One of the ways is to celebrate her birthday, either on the date of her birth, or through an “official birthday.”

HRH Queen Elizabeth II was actually born on April 21, 1926, in London, the daughter of Prince Albert, Duke of York and The Duchess of York, the former Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon. Her father became King George VI in December 1936 upon the abdication of his elder brother, King Edward VIII.

Queen Elizabeth II succeeded to the throne on the death of her father on February 6, 1952 and is the fourth-longest reigning living Monarch in the world.

Beautiful bluff edge parcel on .45 acre. Homesite fill is waiting for building. Great access in Cotton Tree Bay, so close to stores and airport. Dimensions 130X131. Elevation 24′. Asking $152,500.

Visit our Coldwell Banker Listing page for more photos.

Hurricane season starts June 1st and lasts through to the end of November. For 2010, the National Hurricane Center has predicted an “active” storm season with as many as 23 named tropical storms. 8-14 of those storms could develop into hurricanes; of those, 3-7 hurricanes may be a category 3 or higher.

Have a survival kit and disaster plan ready. Here are some suggestions and tips:

*Bottled water - one gallon per person for 72 hours
*Flashlights with extra batteries - candles can pose a serious fire hazard should there be propane or gas leaks in the area
*Supply of nonperishable food items - protein bars, canned goods (don’t forget a can opener!), dried or prepackaged energy food
*Medicine - 30-day supply stored in plastic waterproof containers, clearly marked and kept in a zip-lock bag
*Eyeglasses
*Proper footwear and protective clothing for post-hurricane
*Portable radio and extra batteries
*Important documents - drivers license, passport, notes of allergies, important contact numbers, insurance documents, extra cash, ATM and bank/credit cards
*Generator - ensure it is filled with propane/gas and in good working order
*Insurance coverage for yourself and family, home, boat and vehicles - ensure it’s current and up to date. Make a note of contact information, should you need to make a claim or contact your provider in case of injury
*Know how to shut off electricity, gas and water if so advised by authorities
*Action or Evacuation Plan - hotel, friend’s home or shelter, evacuation plan if residing on an island or coastal areas that are remote or vulnerable to storm surge
*Let friends and family know how to contact you and where you plan to be, forward land lines to cell phones
*Text message rather than voice mail; uses less battery time and communication is faster
*Cell phone and charger, car charger, extra batteries
*Care and plan for your Pet’s safety - food, water, medicine, bowls, plastic bags, collar with your name and contact info, extra leash, pet crate for transporting, name and number of vet and copies of vaccinations, photo, favorite toy or blanket
*Secure hurricane shutters or board your home securely, move all outside items to basement or inside storage. Flying debris and items can cause tremendous damage to your home, vehicles and neighborhood.
*Car, keep gas tank full - especially important if you live in a remote place or on an island where supplies may be limited or cut-off after a storm
*Know where to get information on storm conditions - local radio station, tv station, website or through the internet on your cell phone
*Secure your boat - consider turning off the EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) if your boat is docked, secured and unoccupied. When boats with this system start to sink or capsize, a signal via a satellite is sent to the nearest emergency satellite call center. These centers need to maintain clear and unjammed communication lines for satellite phones and emergency personnel during a hurricane.

The National Hurricane Center released the following names for 2010 hurricanes…

Alex
Bonnie
Colin
Danielle
Earl
Fiona
Gaston
Hermine
Igor
Julia
Karl
Lisa
Matthew
Nicole
Otto
Paula
Richard
Shary
Tomas
Virginie
Walter

What is a storm surge? For those residents living on the coast or in the islands a storm surge is something we are always concerned about. Storm surge is water that’s pushed toward the shore by winds swirling around the storm. Recent hurricanes have produced storm surges in the neighborhood of 15 feet, combined with winds in excess of 75 miles per hour. This can be very dangerous. Water weighs approximately 1700 pounds per cubic yard - extended pounding by frequent waves can demolish structures not specifically designed to withstand these forces.

Please be prepared and have a plan, and review it on a yearly basis. If you are an absentee homeowner, arrange for someone to secure the premises in your absence, a neighbor, friend, or property management company.

For more information on how to prepare for a hurricane please visit the National Hurricane Centers website: www.nhc.noaa.gov

Information provided courtesy of Coldwell Banker Real Estate Turks & Caicos