Coldwell Banker Islands Blog

Like any other life changing experience, buying a home for the first time can seem like an incredible challenge. However, once first-time homebuyers are able to organize their priorities, conduct some useful research and interact with a trusted real estate agent, confusion can quickly turn into excitement. Keeping in mind some of the basic tips outlined below can help pave the way to a successful first-time home buying experience.

1. Prior to researching the real estate market and hunting for mortgages, you will need to analyze your family’s goals and priorities. Take some time to reflect and determine if it is the right time to purchase your first home. You may also want to ask yourself where you want to be in the next few years and consider how purchasing a home for the first time fits into your family’s long-term goals.

2. Once you determine you are ready to purchase your first home, you may want to research the details of the home buying process. Though you may not understand everything you read, any insight you gain will help you avoid unwanted headaches further along in the process.

3. The next important step in the home buying process may seem obvious but is often overlooked during the excitement of purchasing a first home. Very simply, as a first-time home buyer, you need to determine what you can afford. Too often, first-time home buyers underestimate or simply miscalculate the costs of owning a home. Before searching for your first home, ask yourself if your income is both adequate and reliable enough to afford mortgage payments.

4. There are also upfront costs to consider when buying a home. Though the amount required to cover a down payment and possible closing costs will vary, there are usually some out of pocket expenses to incur when closing on your first home. Being prepared for these expenses, as well as any unexpected costs that occur after you have moved in will help your transition into home ownership.

5. After determining what your family can comfortably afford, you should start shopping around ^ for both homes and mortgages. By this time, you should have a good idea of what types of amenities you are looking for in a first home and what neighborhoods best match your family’s needs. As your search advances, you may want to attend some open houses in your neighborhoods of interest. Even if you don’t find the perfect home right away, being active in the market will give you a better chance of finding the best fit for your family.

6. While looking at homes, you may also want to see what types of mortgages are available to your family. If you are able to determine what rates you qualify for and estimate your mortgage payment before actively bidding on a home, you can narrow down your price range and make a confident offer when the time comes.

Like any other life changing experience, buying a home for the first time can seem like an incredible challenge. However, once first-time homebuyers are able to organize their priorities, conduct some useful research and interact with a trusted real estate agent, confusion can quickly turn into excitement. Keeping in mind some of the basic tips outlined below can help pave the way to a successful first-time home buying experience.

1. Prior to researching the real estate market and hunting for mortgages, you will need to analyze your family’s goals and priorities. Take some time to reflect and determine if it is the right time to purchase your first home. You may also want to ask yourself where you want to be in the next few years and consider how purchasing a home for the first time fits into your family’s long-term goals.

2. Once you determine you are ready to purchase your first home, you may want to research the details of the home buying process. Though you may not understand everything you read, any insight you gain will help you avoid unwanted headaches further along in the process.

3. The next important step in the home buying process may seem obvious but is often overlooked during the excitement of purchasing a first home. Very simply, as a first-time home buyer, you need to determine what you can afford. Too often, first-time home buyers underestimate or simply miscalculate the costs of owning a home. Before searching for your first home, ask yourself if your income is both adequate and reliable enough to afford mortgage payments.

4. There are also upfront costs to consider when buying a home. Though the amount required to cover a down payment and possible closing costs will vary, there are usually some out of pocket expenses to incur when closing on your first home. Being prepared for these expenses, as well as any unexpected costs that occur after you have moved in will help your transition into home ownership.

5. After determining what your family can comfortably afford, you should start shopping around – for both homes and mortgages. By this time, you should have a good idea of what types of amenities you are looking for in a first home and what neighborhoods best match your family’s needs. As your search advances, you may want to attend some open houses in your neighborhoods of interest. Even if you don’t find the perfect home right away, being active in the market will give you a better chance of finding the best fit for your family.

6. While looking at homes, you may also want to see what types of mortgages are available to your family. If you are able to determine what rates you qualify for and estimate your mortgage payment before actively bidding on a home, you can narrow down your price range and make a confident offer when the time comes.

Like any other life changing experience, buying a home for the first time can seem like an incredible challenge. However, once first-time homebuyers are able to organize their priorities, conduct some useful research and interact with a trusted real estate agent, confusion can quickly turn into excitement. Keeping in mind some of the basic tips outlined below can help pave the way to a successful first-time home buying experience.

1. Prior to researching the real estate market and hunting for mortgages, you will need to analyze your family’s goals and priorities. Take some time to reflect and determine if it is the right time to purchase your first home. You may also want to ask yourself where you want to be in the next few years and consider how purchasing a home for the first time fits into your family’s long-term goals.

2. Once you determine you are ready to purchase your first home, you may want to research the details of the home buying process. Though you may not understand everything you read, any insight you gain will help you avoid unwanted headaches further along in the process.

3. The next important step in the home buying process may seem obvious but is often overlooked during the excitement of purchasing a first home. Very simply, as a first-time home buyer, you need to determine what you can afford. Too often, first-time home buyers underestimate or simply miscalculate the costs of owning a home. Before searching for your first home, ask yourself if your income is both adequate and reliable enough to afford mortgage payments.

4. There are also upfront costs to consider when buying a home. Though the amount required to cover a down payment and possible closing costs will vary, there are usually some out of pocket expenses to incur when closing on your first home. Being prepared for these expenses, as well as any unexpected costs that occur after you have moved in will help your transition into home ownership.

5. After determining what your family can comfortably afford, you should start shopping around – for both homes and mortgages. By this time, you should have a good idea of what types of amenities you are looking for in a first home and what neighborhoods best match your family’s needs. As your search advances, you may want to attend some open houses in your neighborhoods of interest. Even if you don’t find the perfect home right away, being active in the market will give you a better chance of finding the best fit for your family.

6. While looking at homes, you may also want to see what types of mortgages are available to your family. If you are able to determine what rates you qualify for and estimate your mortgage payment before actively bidding on a home, you can narrow down your price range and make a confident offer when the time comes.

Like any other life changing experience, buying a home for the first time can seem like an incredible challenge. However, once first-time homebuyers are able to organize their priorities, conduct some useful research and interact with a trusted real estate agent, confusion can quickly turn into excitement. Keeping in mind some of the basic tips outlined below can help pave the way to a successful first-time home buying experience.

1. Prior to researching the real estate market and hunting for mortgages, you will need to analyze your family’s goals and priorities. Take some time to reflect and determine if it is the right time to purchase your first home. You may also want to ask yourself where you want to be in the next few years and consider how purchasing a home for the first time fits into your family’s long-term goals.

2. Once you determine you are ready to purchase your first home, you may want to research the details of the home buying process. Though you may not understand everything you read, any insight you gain will help you avoid unwanted headaches further along in the process.

3. The next important step in the home buying process may seem obvious but is often overlooked during the excitement of purchasing a first home. Very simply, as a first-time home buyer, you need to determine what you can afford. Too often, first-time home buyers underestimate or simply miscalculate the costs of owning a home. Before searching for your first home, ask yourself if your income is both adequate and reliable enough to afford mortgage payments.

4. There are also upfront costs to consider when buying a home. Though the amount required to cover a down payment and possible closing costs will vary, there are usually some out of pocket expenses to incur when closing on your first home. Being prepared for these expenses, as well as any unexpected costs that occur after you have moved in will help your transition into home ownership.

5. After determining what your family can comfortably afford, you should start shopping around – for both homes and mortgages. By this time, you should have a good idea of what types of amenities you are looking for in a first home and what neighborhoods best match your family’s needs. As your search advances, you may want to attend some open houses in your neighborhoods of interest. Even if you don’t find the perfect home right away, being active in the market will give you a better chance of finding the best fit for your family.

6. While looking at homes, you may also want to see what types of mortgages are available to your family. If you are able to determine what rates you qualify for and estimate your mortgage payment before actively bidding on a home, you can narrow down your price range and make a confident offer when the time comes.

We wrote Monday of a new listing called Tingalayo, which is a beautiful and very rhythmic Caribbean word. We asked the seller why he named his property Tingalayo, and the origin of the word. He said he wanted something old that represented the origins of life in the Caribbean, but had no idea where the word came from.

We couldn’t find out either, but here is the well-known nursery rhyme:

Tingalayo

Written By: Unknown
Copyright Unknown

Tingalayo, run my little donkey run
Tingalayo, run my little donkey run
My donkey walk, my donkey talk
My donkey eat with a knife and fork
My donkey walk, my donkey talk
My donkey eat with a knife and fork

Tingalayo, run my little donkey run
Tingalayo, run my little donkey run
My donkey eat, my donkey sleep
Don’t get too close to his hind feet
My donkey eat, my donkey sleep
Don’t get too close to his hind feet

Tingalayo, run my little donkey run
Tingalayo, run my little donkey run
Tingalayo, run my little donkey run
Tingalayo, run my little donkey run

Like any other life changing experience, buying a home for the first time can seem like an incredible challenge. However, once first-time homebuyers are able to organize their priorities, conduct some useful research and interact with a trusted real estate agent, confusion can quickly turn into excitement. Keeping in mind some of the basic tips outlined below can help pave the way to a successful first-time home buying experience.

1. Prior to researching the real estate market and hunting for mortgages, you will need to analyze your family’s goals and priorities. Take some time to reflect and determine if it is the right time to purchase your first home. You may also want to ask yourself where you want to be in the next few years and consider how purchasing a home for the first time fits into your family’s long-term goals.

2. Once you determine you are ready to purchase your first home, you may want to research the details of the home buying process. Though you may not understand everything you read, any insight you gain will help you avoid unwanted headaches further along in the process.

3. The next important step in the home buying process may seem obvious but is often overlooked during the excitement of purchasing a first home. Very simply, as a first-time home buyer, you need to determine what you can afford. Too often, first-time home buyers underestimate or simply miscalculate the costs of owning a home. Before searching for your first home, ask yourself if your income is both adequate and reliable enough to afford mortgage payments.

4. There are also upfront costs to consider when buying a home. Though the amount required to cover a down payment and possible closing costs will vary, there are usually some out of pocket expenses to incur when closing on your first home. Being prepared for these expenses, as well as any unexpected costs that occur after you have moved in will help your transition into home ownership.

5. After determining what your family can comfortably afford, you should start shopping around – for both homes and mortgages. By this time, you should have a good idea of what types of amenities you are looking for in a first home and what neighborhoods best match your family’s needs. As your search advances, you may want to attend some open houses in your neighborhoods of interest. Even if you don’t find the perfect home right away, being active in the market will give you a better chance of finding the best fit for your family.

6. While looking at homes, you may also want to see what types of mortgages are available to your family. If you are able to determine what rates you qualify for and estimate your mortgage payment before actively bidding on a home, you can narrow down your price range and make a confident offer when the time comes.

Like any other life changing experience, buying a home for the first time can seem like an incredible challenge. However, once first-time homebuyers are able to organize their priorities, conduct some useful research and interact with a trusted real estate agent, confusion can quickly turn into excitement. Keeping in mind some of the basic tips outlined below can help pave the way to a successful first-time home buying experience.

1. Prior to researching the real estate market and hunting for mortgages, you will need to analyze your family’s goals and priorities. Take some time to reflect and determine if it is the right time to purchase your first home. You may also want to ask yourself where you want to be in the next few years and consider how purchasing a home for the first time fits into your family’s long-term goals.

2. Once you determine you are ready to purchase your first home, you may want to research the details of the home buying process. Though you may not understand everything you read, any insight you gain will help you avoid unwanted headaches further along in the process.

3. The next important step in the home buying process may seem obvious but is often overlooked during the excitement of purchasing a first home. Very simply, as a first-time home buyer, you need to determine what you can afford. Too often, first-time home buyers underestimate or simply miscalculate the costs of owning a home. Before searching for your first home, ask yourself if your income is both adequate and reliable enough to afford mortgage payments.

4. There are also upfront costs to consider when buying a home. Though the amount required to cover a down payment and possible closing costs will vary, there are usually some out of pocket expenses to incur when closing on your first home. Being prepared for these expenses, as well as any unexpected costs that occur after you have moved in will help your transition into home ownership.

5. After determining what your family can comfortably afford, you should start shopping around – for both homes and mortgages. By this time, you should have a good idea of what types of amenities you are looking for in a first home and what neighborhoods best match your family’s needs. As your search advances, you may want to attend some open houses in your neighborhoods of interest. Even if you don’t find the perfect home right away, being active in the market will give you a better chance of finding the best fit for your family.

6. While looking at homes, you may also want to see what types of mortgages are available to your family. If you are able to determine what rates you qualify for and estimate your mortgage payment before actively bidding on a home, you can narrow down your price range and make a confident offer when the time comes.

Like any other life changing experience, buying a home for the first time can seem like an incredible challenge. However, once first-time homebuyers are able to organize their priorities, conduct some useful research and interact with a trusted real estate agent, confusion can quickly turn into excitement. Keeping in mind some of the basic tips outlined below can help pave the way to a successful first-time home buying experience.

1. Prior to researching the real estate market and hunting for mortgages, you will need to analyze your family’s goals and priorities. Take some time to reflect and determine if it is the right time to purchase your first home. You may also want to ask yourself where you want to be in the next few years and consider how purchasing a home for the first time fits into your family’s long-term goals.

2. Once you determine you are ready to purchase your first home, you may want to research the details of the home buying process. Though you may not understand everything you read, any insight you gain will help you avoid unwanted headaches further along in the process.

3. The next important step in the home buying process may seem obvious but is often overlooked during the excitement of purchasing a first home. Very simply, as a first-time home buyer, you need to determine what you can afford. Too often, first-time home buyers underestimate or simply miscalculate the costs of owning a home. Before searching for your first home, ask yourself if your income is both adequate and reliable enough to afford mortgage payments.

4. There are also upfront costs to consider when buying a home. Though the amount required to cover a down payment and possible closing costs will vary, there are usually some out of pocket expenses to incur when closing on your first home. Being prepared for these expenses, as well as any unexpected costs that occur after you have moved in will help your transition into home ownership.

5. After determining what your family can comfortably afford, you should start shopping around – for both homes and mortgages. By this time, you should have a good idea of what types of amenities you are looking for in a first home and what neighborhoods best match your family’s needs. As your search advances, you may want to attend some open houses in your neighborhoods of interest. Even if you don’t find the perfect home right away, being active in the market will give you a better chance of finding the best fit for your family.

6. While looking at homes, you may also want to see what types of mortgages are available to your family. If you are able to determine what rates you qualify for and estimate your mortgage payment before actively bidding on a home, you can narrow down your price range and make a confident offer when the time comes.

Collins House, a truly magnificent piece of Bahamas real estate, is to get a much needed facelift and will become a museum.
The 78-year-old former Collins mansion is located on six acres on Shirley Street in the heart of Nassau.
Centreville House was the home of Ralph Collins, a leading merchant and Member of Parliament. He died in 1946.
It was surrounded by huge tracts of real estate and much of this land today makes up the Centreville residential and business community.
Some of us at Coldwell Banker Lightbourn Realty have fond memories of the old homestead. It was the home of St. Andrew’s School between 1950 and 1971 and this is where we received our early education.
This was no ordinary school house. With 35,000 square feet, it was vast. The hall had a beautiful wooden floor and was massive, the grounds huge and there were all sort of corridors and alcoves for hide n’ seek.
Collins House was acquired by the government. It is occupied by the Ministry of Education and The Antiquities, Monuments and Museums Corporation.
Built in 1931, Collins House replaced an earlier wooden home that was destroyed by the terrible Hurricane of 1929, as it is known.
Collins was an American who came to the Bahamas in 1905. His businesses interests were varied - the sponge trade, the liquor business, handicraft distributor and Bahamas real estate development.
He also was a major shareholder in the Montagu Beach Hotel (site of the Flipper series, but now demolished) and was at the forefront of the dredging of Nassau Harbour.
The restoration project will fall under the Antiquities, Monuments and Museums Corporation (AMMC).
We’re delighted that the groundwork has been laid to breathe life into this wonderful old home.

CIB (Cayman Islands Brewery) has announced that Caybrew will become one of the first manufactured products in the Cayman Islands to be exported to the United States.

Only 2 years after the beer was introduced in the Caymans,
Allen Chu Fook, General Manager, is optimistic the beer can compete with other international brews. Caybrew recently when it received a gold medal at the Monde Selection Awards 2008.

As reported by Cayman News Service, "Caybrew’s foray into international markets will not only see it act as an ambassador for the destination, but it demonstrates what Cayman manufactures can achieve. Dax Basdeo from the Cayman Islands Investment Bureau, which has supported and worked closely with the brewery since it opened, says this shows what can be achieved with hard work, professional and commercial expertise and, of course, a quality product."

The first bottles on US shelves should appear by May 1, with the help fo Florida distributors.