Coldwell Banker Islands Blog

“British Virgin Islands Tourist Board and the BVI Charitable Fund welcomed international tastemakers, seasoned gourmands, travelers and media from throughout the world including Brazil, Czech Republic, France, Germany, India, Italy, Korea, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Slovakia, Spain, United Kingdom and the United States of America to the 2009 Virgin Islands Winemakers Dinners series from July 15 through 19, 2009; more than $100,000 USD was raised from the July series for the BVI Charitable Fund.

“The gourmet lunches and dinners were held at a collection of exclusive BVI villas on four islands and featured flavorful cuisine and wine, helmed by the expertise of some of the world’s celebrated chefs and winemakers. Over 1,000 people in total attended the four dinners, seven luncheons and the VIP Reception, which featured 78 separate courses of food, and 87 different wines that were paired with these courses.

“Ajit Mathew George, co-chair of the BVI Charitable Fund and Managing Director of Nail Bay Resort reported that even though the economic climate was very challenging, the first part of the 2009 Winemakers Dinners attracted 29% more sponsorship revenue than all of the 2008 Winemakers Dinners. He added that the July series of the Winemakers Dinners was completely sold out in advance with a long waiting list for each dinner and lunch.

“The second part of the 2009 Winemakers Dinners series will be held from December 3rd to the 6th with an opening reception at the Pirates Bight on Norman Island on December 2nd followed by the dinners on Virgin Gorda and Tortola, including Baraka Point at Nail Bay, Virgin Gorda on December 3; Frenchmans Lookout, Tortola on December 4; Paradisi, Virgin Gorda on December 5; and the Golden Pavilion Villa, Tortola on December 6.”

Source and more details: CaribbeanNetNews

Completely recently renovated very attractive fully air,older home in prestigous Malmok area. Close to the famous Tierra del Sol 18 hole champion ship golf course and community. With in 5 minutes walking distance and, 2 minutes by car to the beach. 6 bedrooms/6 baths, single level. Asking $550,000.

Read more details and see photos on our Coldwell Banker listing page.

The process leading up to making an offer on a home can be a daunting. After you’ve found the right property, you will still need to assess various factors that can impact both the details of your offer and the seller’s willingness to work with you. After you have been prequalified for a loan, and are ready to make an offer on a home, start by getting some information about the seller and their motivation. Ask these directly when you tour the home, or make sure your Coldwell Banker agent gets you the answers. Here are some probing questions:

1. Why are you selling?

In some sense, what you are really asking is, “How motivated are you to sell your home?” Assessing the type of answer you receive to this question will help you and your Realtor structure a potential offer. For instance, if the homeowner has already purchased another property or the family is trying to relocate, you might be dealing with a flexible seller.

2. How much did you pay for your home?

If you don’t want to ask this directly, have your Coldwell Banker agent find out through the tax records. This might seem like privileged information, such statistics are actually public record. Generally speaking, the seller who purchased their home for a low price and built up equity in the property over several years may be more flexible when approached with offers. On the other hand, homeowners who haven’t seen such an increase in their home’s value might be more reluctant to lower their asking price.

After gaining an understanding of how the seller might treat a potential offer, you may want to ask questions about the upkeep of the home and the amenities of the surrounding neighborhood.

3. What types of repairs have been done recently?

If you have specific concerns, like pest treatment or a new roof, be sure and convey these to your Realtor. Homeowners will always be happy to tell you about upgrades that have been made to the home, but you may want to pay attention to what isn’t mentioned. It is important to ask because you will be able to tell if a kitchen or bathroom was remodeled after viewing the home or consulting the disclosure document, but you might miss some smaller issues that could impact the details of your offer.

To further protect yourself against surprise renovation costs in a new home, you may want to verify the age and working condition of all major appliances. If possible, check the service records of important appliances (furnaces, water heaters, etc.) as these often serve as markers of a home’s overall upkeep. You can also try securing a monthly estimate of utility costs; these statistics will not only help you estimate future costs but could potentially highlight unhealthy energy consumption within the home’s infrastructure.

4. What can you tell me about the neighborhood?

Allow the seller to tell you the good and the bad. By asking the seller for their overall impressions of the neighborhood, you will probably learn things about the area that a more specific question might not have yielded. Follow up the seller’s initial response with questions that are important to you and your family. Based on your needs, you could ask questions like the following: Is there any new construction planned in the neighborhood? What are your thoughts about the nearest schools? Are any businesses or schools scheduled to close? How would you describe the neighbors?

The research you conduct with your Coldwell Banker agent prior to making an offer is one of the best ways to ensure that your family finds the right home for the right price. As you approach the offer stage, remember that you are not alone and can work closely with your Coldwell Banker Realtor to learn as much as possible about the property and the details of the buying process. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you have questions or concerns about a potential offer. Though the process of making an offer on a property may seem stressful, your diligence will pay off when you finally find a house to call home.

The process leading up to making an offer on a home can be a daunting. After you’ve found the right property, you will still need to assess various factors that can impact both the details of your offer and the seller’s willingness to work with you. After you have been prequalified for a loan, and are ready to make an offer on a home, start by getting some information about the seller and their motivation. Ask these directly when you tour the home, or make sure your Coldwell Banker agent gets you the answers. Here are some probing questions:

1. Why are you selling?

In some sense, what you are really asking is, “How motivated are you to sell your home?” Assessing the type of answer you receive to this question will help you and your Realtor structure a potential offer. For instance, if the homeowner has already purchased another property or the family is trying to relocate, you might be dealing with a flexible seller.

2. How much did you pay for your home?

If you don’t want to ask this directly, have your Coldwell Banker agent find out through the tax records. This might seem like privileged information, such statistics are actually public record. Generally speaking, the seller who purchased their home for a low price and built up equity in the property over several years may be more flexible when approached with offers. On the other hand, homeowners who haven’t seen such an increase in their home’s value might be more reluctant to lower their asking price.

After gaining an understanding of how the seller might treat a potential offer, you may want to ask questions about the upkeep of the home and the amenities of the surrounding neighborhood.

3. What types of repairs have been done recently?

If you have specific concerns, like pest treatment or a new roof, be sure and convey these to your Realtor. Homeowners will always be happy to tell you about upgrades that have been made to the home, but you may want to pay attention to what isn’t mentioned. It is important to ask because you will be able to tell if a kitchen or bathroom was remodeled after viewing the home or consulting the disclosure document, but you might miss some smaller issues that could impact the details of your offer.

To further protect yourself against surprise renovation costs in a new home, you may want to verify the age and working condition of all major appliances. If possible, check the service records of important appliances (furnaces, water heaters, etc.) as these often serve as markers of a home’s overall upkeep. You can also try securing a monthly estimate of utility costs; these statistics will not only help you estimate future costs but could potentially highlight unhealthy energy consumption within the home’s infrastructure.

4. What can you tell me about the neighborhood?

Allow the seller to tell you the good and the bad. By asking the seller for their overall impressions of the neighborhood, you will probably learn things about the area that a more specific question might not have yielded. Follow up the seller’s initial response with questions that are important to you and your family. Based on your needs, you could ask questions like the following: Is there any new construction planned in the neighborhood? What are your thoughts about the nearest schools? Are any businesses or schools scheduled to close? How would you describe the neighbors?

The research you conduct with your Coldwell Banker agent prior to making an offer is one of the best ways to ensure that your family finds the right home for the right price. As you approach the offer stage, remember that you are not alone and can work closely with your Coldwell Banker Realtor to learn as much as possible about the property and the details of the buying process. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you have questions or concerns about a potential offer. Though the process of making an offer on a property may seem stressful, your diligence will pay off when you finally find a house to call home.

Taste Of Grand Bahama Blog Visit the new Taste Of Grand Bahama Blog by clicking the link. Taste Of Grand Bahama is a blog written by both Lyndah Wells (Editor), James Sarles and other Guest bloggers. We write about events and simple pleasures of living life here in the idylic island of Grand Bahama. We try to provide honest and informative information on things to do here,unbiased reviews about restaurants to visit- we blog about events taking place here and really about how to make Grand Bahama a home away from home. We look forward to your feedback.

The process leading up to making an offer on a home can be a daunting. After you’ve found the right property, you will still need to assess various factors that can impact both the details of your offer and the seller’s willingness to work with you. After you have been prequalified for a loan, and are ready to make an offer on a home, start by getting some information about the seller and their motivation. Ask these directly when you tour the home, or make sure your Coldwell Banker agent gets you the answers. Here are some probing questions:

1. Why are you selling?

In some sense, what you are really asking is, “How motivated are you to sell your home?” Assessing the type of answer you receive to this question will help you and your Realtor structure a potential offer. For instance, if the homeowner has already purchased another property or the family is trying to relocate, you might be dealing with a flexible seller.

2. How much did you pay for your home?

If you don’t want to ask this directly, have your Coldwell Banker agent find out through the tax records. This might seem like privileged information, such statistics are actually public record. Generally speaking, the seller who purchased their home for a low price and built up equity in the property over several years may be more flexible when approached with offers. On the other hand, homeowners who haven’t seen such an increase in their home’s value might be more reluctant to lower their asking price.

After gaining an understanding of how the seller might treat a potential offer, you may want to ask questions about the upkeep of the home and the amenities of the surrounding neighborhood.

3. What types of repairs have been done recently?

If you have specific concerns, like pest treatment or a new roof, be sure and convey these to your Realtor. Homeowners will always be happy to tell you about upgrades that have been made to the home, but you may want to pay attention to what isn’t mentioned. It is important to ask because you will be able to tell if a kitchen or bathroom was remodeled after viewing the home or consulting the disclosure document, but you might miss some smaller issues that could impact the details of your offer.

To further protect yourself against surprise renovation costs in a new home, you may want to verify the age and working condition of all major appliances. If possible, check the service records of important appliances (furnaces, water heaters, etc.) as these often serve as markers of a home’s overall upkeep. You can also try securing a monthly estimate of utility costs; these statistics will not only help you estimate future costs but could potentially highlight unhealthy energy consumption within the home’s infrastructure.

4. What can you tell me about the neighborhood?

Allow the seller to tell you the good and the bad. By asking the seller for their overall impressions of the neighborhood, you will probably learn things about the area that a more specific question might not have yielded. Follow up the seller’s initial response with questions that are important to you and your family. Based on your needs, you could ask questions like the following: Is there any new construction planned in the neighborhood? What are your thoughts about the nearest schools? Are any businesses or schools scheduled to close? How would you describe the neighbors?

The research you conduct with your Coldwell Banker agent prior to making an offer is one of the best ways to ensure that your family finds the right home for the right price. As you approach the offer stage, remember that you are not alone and can work closely with your Coldwell Banker Realtor to learn as much as possible about the property and the details of the buying process. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you have questions or concerns about a potential offer. Though the process of making an offer on a property may seem stressful, your diligence will pay off when you finally find a house to call home.

JetBlue Airways is pleased to announce “The But Wait, There’s More!” ten day sale for fall travel to more than 56 destinations in the carrier’s network, with fares starting as low as $29. With fares just $29 between Fort Lauderdale and Nassau, Bahamas, travelers can save big on fall travel. Customers must book travel online at www.jetblue.com by Wednesday, August 5, 2009.

For instance,

New York JFK to/from Nassau - ONLY $99
Boston, MA to/from Nassau - ONLY $99
Orlando, FL to/from Nassau - ONLY $49

There are many specials to other Caribbean destinations you could visit and include the Bahamas in the itinerary. Fares require up to a 14-day advance purchase. Fare sales are one way. Certain restrictions and blackout dates apply (a). Travel must take place between September 8, 2009 and December 16, 2009. Travel must be completed by December 16, 2009.

About Jet Blue Airways(from their press release)

New York-based JetBlue Airways has created a new airline category based on value, service and style. Known for its award-winning service and free TV as much as its low fares, JetBlue is now pleased to offer customers Lots of Legroom and super-spacious Even More Legroom seats.

JetBlue introduced complimentary in-flight e-mail and instant messaging services on aircraft “BetaBlue,” a first among U.S. domestic airlines.

JetBlue is also America’s first and only airline to offer its own Customer Bill of Rights, with meaningful and specific compensation for customers inconvenienced by service disruptions within JetBlue’s control.

JetBlue currently serves 56 cities with 650 daily flights. New service to Baltimore begins on September 9. The airline also intends to commence service to Barbados (October 1); Saint Lucia (October 26); and Kingston, Jamaica (October 30).

See you in the Bahamas!

(resource: PrNewsWire)

The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) announced the project to construct a new bridge, to carry the Grand Bahama Highway over the Lucayan Waterway.

Director of the Port Group of Companies Sir Jack Hayward said the new four-lane, concrete bridge will connect East and West Grand Bahama across the Grand Bahama Highway. The bridge would also be able to accommodate a more weight than the old Casuarina Bridge, and create job opportunities for some 40-50 persons.

In addition to the new bridge, Mr. Hayward said that there is an investor who is interested in developing the Dover Sound area with the construction of a hotel, marina and restaurant. He noted, however, that the investor will not pursue this endeavor unless a bridge is constructed connecting the highway.

As reported in The Bahama Journal, “Graham Torode, President and CEO of the Grand Bahama Development Company noted that this key piece of infrastructure on the island would give Grand Bahama a tremendous advantage in terms of attracting investment to the island.

“‘This bridge is going to be a substantial piece in that jigsaw,” he said. “Not only will it connect the two sides of the island…but it will also open up further investment on the eastern side of the Grand Lucayan Waterway, where over the next twenty or thirty years, we believe that this is where the majority of investment is going to be,” Mr. Torode said.’”

As more homebuyers and real estate agents use the internet to research properties, first impressions are more important than ever. Before scheduling appointments or visiting open houses, homebuyers and their agents will often drive by homes for sale and make assessments based on the exterior. More often than not, if a homebuyer doesn’t like the outside of a home, they won’t care to see the inside. Yet, it is possible to dramatically alter the appearance of your home with a few simple tasks. As you prepare to list your home, consider implementing some of the tips mentioned here to maximize your property’s curb appeal.

Before you begin making repairs to the exterior of your home, you may want to analyze your home from a distance. Look at your home from the outside and try to pinpoint the best and worst qualities of the property. As you walk towards your home, try to make note of both your first impressions and any elements that stand out. When looking at your home from the exterior, you may also want to compare its appearance to other homes in the neighborhood. This holds true for both single family and condos. While you may feel as if you know the details of your home intimately, this step can help you think like a potential buyer and assist you in maximizing the curb appeal.

When it is time to get to work, you should approach the exterior of your home in the same way you would a bedroom or kitchen. Just as you wouldn’t want a prospective home buyer to see dirty dishes in your sink, you want to make sure the front of your home is as attractive as possible. While the chores associated with maximizing curb appeal will differ from home to home, the following are the most common and effective methods of enticing potential buyers indoors for a closer look:

^Paint ^ Perhaps the most effective of all pre-sale repairs, a simple coat of paint to the exterior, doors, windows, and trim can make your home appear well cared for and in good condition. When painting the exterior of the home, you may also want to consider if new door knobs and other hardware could boost the appearance of your home. If you don’t replace any of the metal on the exterior of your home, polishing brass hardware and cleaning or painting iron fences can also give your home a fresh look.

^Lawn ^ There are a number of landscaping tricks that may improve the curb appeal of your home. First, the lawn should be mowed, raked and edged. Next, try to thoroughly weed all planter boxes, trim larger plants and include some extra flowers near the front of the house. If any large trees hang over your home or obscure the view from the street, you may want to cut away some large branches. You may also want to consider investing some extra money into landscaping by hiring professionals to make your front yard as attractive as possible.

^Windows and Gutters ^ Much like the fresh paint applied to the exterior, taking time to clean the windows can certainly change the appearance of your home. Likewise, try to keep your rain gutters free of leaves and debris as you never know where a potential homebuyer might look.

^Driveway ^ If you have an old, cracked driveway, hiring a professional to reseal the surface can add to your home’s curb appeal. If the driveway rests in direct sight in front of the home, this step can become even more important. If you have off-street parking without a carport or garage, make sure the area is clean and tidy (see Lawn above).

^Lighting ^ As potential homebuyers could drive by your property at any time, you want to make sure your home is inviting at night. By installing outside lighting - even a front porch light ^ you will dramatically boost your home’s 24/7 curb appeal. If you anticipate potential homebuyers coming onto the property after dark, calm lighting that lines the driveway and path to the front door can put your visitors at ease.

^Pressure Clean ^ This process can be applied to both the exterior of the home and the driveway. Just one treatment can eliminate years of dirt, mold and mildew from your property.

If you need to improve the curb appeal of your home before putting it up for sale, the best tool could be your ability to think like a buyer. By repairing or minimizing your property’s flaws and drawing attention to key selling points, you may be surprised by the responses you receive from potential homebuyers. Contact your local Coldwell Banker agent for specific suggestions on how to Improve Curb Appeal to Sell Your Home.

Pelican Bay resort at Lucayahas launched a new look and logo, “Meet Happy” to show the hotel’s new focus on experiences for meetings, weddings, and guest stays rather than just a place to vacation.

According to general manager, Magnus Alnebeck, this perspective was necessary as more and more persons began staying at the hotel for a predetermined purpose rather than vacation. “Increasingly Grand Bahama is becoming more of a destination where we have so much more visitors as opposed to tourists who come for vacation.

“It makes every sense for the resort to embrace this situation and reposition itself to cater to this market,” Alnebeck said.

The resort has embarked on a multi-million dollar project to enhance the experience of guests. By 2010 the Canal House, a five-storey, 30,680 square foot building at the entrance of the property, will be completed and house meeting rooms and conference spaces for events, while continuing to offer vacation experiences to their guests. Alnebeck wants “Every business person to know that Pelican Bay is the hotel of choice when visiting Grand Bahama Island.”

Read more at Freeport.NassauGuardian.net.