Coldwell Banker Islands Blog

NEW YORK CITY – Travel Agent sat down with Vernice Walkine, director general of The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Wednesday and learned that the destination will be cutting taxes on airline tickets.

Beginning in July, one-way tickets to Grand Bahama Island from New York will cost $99 and roundtrip tickets from Fort Lauderdale and Orlando will cost $99. To put that in perspective, the taxes alone for a flight from New York to The Bahamas currently come out to $142, Walkine says. “With the economy being the focus of the industry now, we had to come up with a way for people to fly for less,” Walkine told us. “We knew if we can do that, if we could reduce airfare costs, then we will be the number one off-shore destination for American travelers.”

Obviously, The Bahamas cannot waive the taxes implemented by New York. But the Bahamas waived its own taxes after tourism officials convinced the government that it would make the destination more money in the long run. “If more people are flying here, then more people are staying at the hotels, shopping at the markets, eating at the restaurants,” Walkine says.

Walkine says the July flights to Grand Bahama Island will be a trial run and, if all goes well, they will begin cutting the taxes on flights to other regions of The Bahamas. And if that goes well? “If this is a success,” Walkine says, “this will be permanent.”

Visit www.thebahamas.com

In May, we wrote about the Pine Forest and Blackland Coppice of Grand Bahama. Actually, there are 6 ecosystems found here:

Pine Forest
Blackland Coppice
Rocky Coppice
Mangrove Swamp
Whiteland Coppice
Beach/Shoreline

The Rocky Coppice is a transitional zone between the Mangrove Swamp and the Pine Forest and is frequently flooded at high tide. It is distinguished by limestone outcrops and an abundance of Ming trees, which the locals call “prickly trees.” Their tiered branches are reminiscent of Asian bonsai trees. Also common in this zone are mahogany and red cedar trees.

One the most fascinating ecological zones in The Bahamas, the Mangrove swamp is an environment where land and sea systems interweave. The huge, gnarly-rooted Red Mangrove trees grow in brackish water, secreting salt through their leaves. There are three kinds of mangrove species in the Bahamas: Red Mangroves, Black Mangroves and White Mangroves. The Red Mangroves collect sediment, a process that actually extends the land over time. This zone also has orchids and ferns.

Check back for a later post on the last 2 systems. You’ll agree Grand Bahama has tremendous diversity and appeal. Hope to see you soon!

(resource: Geographica.com)

Five international biologists of Simon Fraser University just released a study with the following conclusion, “Climate change is eating coral-reef fish out of house and home in the Caribbean. Its role in flattening coral reefs is reducing the region’s biodiversity and increasing its susceptibility to coastal erosion and flooding” in the paper, Flattening of Caribbean coral reefs: region-wide declines in architectural complexity.

Dr. Isabelle Côté explains, “What we call structurally complex reefs are a bit like Swiss cheese: they are full of holes.” She says climate change has completely flattened the Caribbean’s most complex coral reefs over the last 40 years.

“These nooks and crannies, both on the surface and inside the reef framework, are used by a great variety of reef fish and invertebrates, for shelter, to hide breeding nests, and for foraging.”

The researchers have discovered that increased coral bleaching, as a result of human-induced climate change, has wiped out complex coral reefs. The lead on the project noted, “We thought bleached corals’ dead skeletons continue to shelter reef inhabitants and shield coastlines from storms and hurricanes. Our team has shown that the dead skeletons are collapsing as fast as the reefs are dying…

“This disturbing trend, combined with ongoing exploitation of various marine species, will speed up the decline of coral reef-dependent marine life and threaten the existence of nearby marine-life-eating coastal communities. These communities will also be more vulnerable to flooding.”

The authors have also reported a decline in coral reef fish in the same Caribbean regions, linking the 2 trends: declining complexity and reef fish abundance.

Links to learn more about our Caribbean coral reefs and their protection:

http://insciences.org/articles.php?tag=Coral%20Reefs

http://insciences.org/articles.php?tag=Climate

http://insciences.org/articles.php?tag=Marine%20Biology

(source: InSciences Organization)

US President Obama chose a California music executive, Nicole Avant, to be ambassador to the Bahamas. Ms. Avant raised at least $500,000 for Mr. Obama, according to the Center for Responsive Politics; both also made personal donations to the campaigns of Mr. Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Ms. Avant serves as Vice President of Interior Music and Avant Garde Music Publishing. A business woman, philanthropist and activist, she has been recognized for her tireless efforts to mobilize the younger generation towards greater charitable and political involvement. She has worked as an academic counselor at The Neighborhood Academic Initiative, a USC mentorship program for high school students.

Ms. Avant serves as a board member for the Bogart Pediatric Cancer Research Program, the Center for American Progress and Best Buddies, and was named one of the American Cancer Society Next Generation Leaders in 2007.

(resource: Diplopundit)

On June 10, Bahamas National Trust and the Grand Bahama Artists Assn. will present an evening on the theme, “Can Grand Bahama Go Green?” at the Rand Nature Centre. Local businesses, artists, and volunteers are working together toward environmental responsibility.

Several businesses, including Bellevue, Kelly’s, Ink Refill Station, Dolly Madison, and Paint Fair will have green products on display. Presto Recycling will give out information on their recycling services.

The evening starts at 6 PM, and then Karin Sanchez, chairperson of the Grand Bahama Branch of the Bahamas National Trust, will outline the environmental efforts currently underway and environmental initiatives undertaken by the Grand Bahama Port Authority.

See you there?

The long-term land use implications posed by population growth, urbanization, aging, and migration are examined in Global Demographics 2009: Shaping Real Estate’s Future, a new publication from the Urban Land Institute.

This year’s edition of the report, which will be published annually, discusses trends in the United States and the rest of the Americas; and it places a special emphasis on Europe and Africa (including the Middle East). Themes for this year include labor force, education, and productivity; personal income, purchasing power, and poverty; and retailing.

Rachelle Levitt, Executive Vice President for ULI’s Global Information Group and publisher of ULI’s publications, states, “This book reaffirms that population and demographic shifts will continue to place enormous pressure on urban areas around the globe. How cities are developed, how they welcome new residents, how they accommodate all income groups, and how they use energy and natural resources are all crucial elements of urban sustainability.”

The report’s conclusion is that demographics are the foundation of real estate decision-making.

For more information on the report, and highlights from Global Demographics 2009, read the full article at RisMedia.

Hurricane season starts June 1st and lasts through to the end of November. In 2009 the National Hurricane Center has predicted an “average” storm season, 12 named storms, 6 hurricanes, two of which 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 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 plus note 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 Pets 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 neighbourhood
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 2009 hurricanes…

Ana
Bill
Claudette
Danny
Erika
Fred
Grace
Henri
Ida
Joaquin
Kate
Larry
Mindy
Nicholas
Odette
Peter
Rose
Sam
Teresa
Victor
Wanda

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 neighbourhood 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, review it on a yearly basis. If you are an absentee homeowner arrange for someone to secure the premises in your absence, neighbour, friend, property management company.

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

55 miles south of Florida, the Westin Grand Bahama Island Our Lucaya Resort sits on 7.5 acres of sandy beach. Our 740 guest rooms and suites are fashioned with our signature Heavenly Bed and Heavenly Bath and hug the pristine beaches and turquoise ocean. Bask throughout the day in the sun, and revive your senses in the evening’s cool Caribbean air while dining in our ocean-view restaurants.

749 beautiful guest rooms and suites - most with ocean views-feature the Westin Heavenly Bed and Heavenly Bath; 14 restaurants and cafés serve numerous delicious options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Create the ultimate romantic atmosphere, ideal for honeymooners or couples who just want to feel like it’s their honeymoon.

With three pools, two golf courses, tennis, sandy beach, and the Isle of Capri Casino, The Westin Grand Bahama Island Our Lucaya Resort offers a complete vacation package. If all the play wears you out, reinvigorate yourself in the Senses Spa and Fitness Center. Our Kids Club offers a variety of fun and exciting activities to keep our younger guests entertained, too!

The hotel is currently offering 3 nights starting at $579 when departing from St. Louis. Other departure cities are available. Valid for travel July 8 - August 25, during mid-week travel. Blackout dates during holidays. Please call at 888-269-1777.

Prices are per person, double occupancy. Prices are capacity controlled and are subject to availability at the time of booking. Some dates the prices will be slightly higher. Government and security fees of approximately $255 and PFC of $25 are not included.

This week, BahamaIslandInfo ran an article about 2nd home buyers in the Bahamas, basically saying the government is supporting them and developments to attract this market segment. The introduce a new company, Barefoot Locations, which helps coordinate rentals, deals with utilities and maintenance, makes arrangements for repairs and monitoring, and general property management services for non-resident owners.

“People come to the Bahamas to live, to vacation, to retire and to invest. Some are leaving behind tax regimes and others are looking for new investment opportunities. The Bahamas offers a warm climate, a stable government, most technical standards of North America (e.g. electrical), and is in convenient close proximity to millions of people.

“Kerzner spent over $200 million to build nearly 500 vacation homes on Paradise Island targeting second-home buyers. Ginn Sur Mer is intended to attract thousands of second home buyers to its 2,000 acre site in Western Grand Bahama. Abaco boasts hundreds of homes owned by second home expatriates.

“Our government recognises the importance of second home buyers, even creating an investment incentive offering residency to anyone investing half a million dollars into a home in the Bahamas…

“Many second home buyers have a few challenges to meet when they own a home or condo in the Bahamas. Their property (and vehicles and/or boats) need to be checked regularly. Maintenance needs to be carried out. Tenants need attention. Utility and maintenance bills need paying and checking. And when they are returning to the island for their short- or long-term visits they often need help stocking the cupboards and reactivating services that may have been dormant in their absence.”

So Barefoot Locations was re-launched. Read about their services and the importance of 2nd home buyers on BahamaIslandsInfo.

Remodeling a home starts with a dream. A gourmet kitchen! Skylights! A gigantic walk-in closet! But, the dream may turn into a nightmare if you don’t plan ahead. Buying a home will arguably become your most important financial investment, as well as a major emotional investment. And, remodeling that home can make it better suited to your lifestyle and increase the house value. However, the remodeling process can seem overwhelming at times. If you’re buying a home that you plan to remodel, here are some issues to consider.

1) It’s always important to make home improvements to satisfy your needs and desires, not just to raise the house value. After all, you’re the one who will be living in the home and enjoying the improvements. However, if you’re making improvements in order to increase the resale value of the house, be careful not to overdo it. It is possible to add too much house value in relation to the other homes in your area, and can be difficult to recover these improvement costs when you sell the home. Also, some expensive choices, like particular fixtures or flooring, may actually make your home more difficult to sell. Talk with your Coldwell Banker® real estate professional about your remodel plans before putting on your work gloves.

2) While the specifics of the home you are buying will determine your remodel plans, certain improvement projects have historically provided high ROI’s, or Return On Investments. According to Remodeling Magazine, improving the quality of a kitchen — whether upgrading appliances, changing the layout, counters and cabinetry, or simply painting and swapping out drawer pulls — provides the highest ROI of any remodel project. Also, remodeling or adding a bathroom is a proven way to increase house value.

3) Before you purchase a house with the intention of remodeling and raising the home value, be sure to investigate the zoning restrictions and environmental regulations. Many older homes come with zoning restrictions, including pre-determined setbacks from property lines, limits on roof height, etc. If the home is on a municipal historic register, regulations will likely be even more stringent in order to preserve the house’s historic character. If the home you are buying is in an environmentally sensitive area — adjacent to wetlands or protected open space, for example — or contains a significant natural resource, additional regulations may limit your remodel plans. Such regulations can impede on house size, paving, grading soil, cutting down trees and removing native plants.

4) Your real estate agent can help you determine zoning and environmental regulations and determine if you have the correct permits to begin any home improvement project. In most parts of the world, a legal permit is required before you make structural changes to your home. The building permit and associated inspections and approvals can provide assurance that the remodeling project meets local building codes and safety regulations. If you live in a historic district this process may also provide assurance that exterior changes to your home are in keeping with neighborhood guidelines.

5) Lastly, before buying a home that requires a remodel, be aware that some problems simply can’t be fixed. Whether the desired improvement is prohibited by local regulations, or can’t be undertaken with your budget or timeframe, it’s important to recognize the limitations of your home’s potential.

Contact our experienced Coldwell Banker agents to discuss your plans.