Coldwell Banker Islands Blog

Thinking about a dream wedding in the Bahamas?
Then Martha Stewart may have the answer for you!
As of January, 2010, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. (MS) will offer custom-designed destination weddings at any of the luxury Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts in the Bahamas and Caribbean under the Martha Stewart Weddings label.
Guests may book their dream wedding at the beautiful Sandals Royal Bahamia in Nassau Bahamas. Sandals also is scheduled to re-open Emerald Bay in Exuma Bahamas in January 2010.
Emerald Bay, which sits on the most beautiful piece of Bahamas real estate with a gorgeous powder white sand beach, was previously operated by Four Seasons.
Stewart, founder of MSLO, said consumers have turned
to the Martha Stewart Weddings magazine for inspiration and advice relating to every aspect of their day for years.
Services range from covering the ceremony and reception
decor to bridal bouquets and centerpieces to wedding cakes and favors.
“Now, we are delighted to be offering our unique ideas and beautiful
designs to a wide range of consumers who wish to celebrate their special
day at a Sandals or Beaches resort,” Stewart said.
Here’s something to chew on.
According to new research from Martha Stewart Weddings and The Futures
Company (formerly Yankelovich), destination weddings are on the increase big time.
Thirty one percent of brides age 21-30 plan to have a destination wedding. Previously, the statistic was thought to be 10 percent to 20 percent of all weddings.
Martha Stewart Weddings at Sandals Resorts will be available in five themes with a la
carte items or “extras” - such as personalised cake toppers, welcome gifts and candy buffets - available for couples to make
their weddings unforgettable.
In November 2009, Martha Stewart Weddings magazine will publish its very first destination weddings special issue magazine.
MSLO also plans to introduce a variety of craft programmes and camps at Sandals Beach resorts in 2010.
Guests will be taught crafting skills and techniques by trained experts using
Martha Stewart Crafts products.

The homebuying process can seem complicated, but if you take things step-by-step, you will soon be holding the keys to your own home.

Nine steps to buying a home
1. Figure out how much you can afford
2. Know your rights
3. Shop for a loan
4. Learn about homebuying programs
5. Shop for a home
6. Make an offer
7. Get a home inspection
8. Shop for homeowners insurance
9. Sign papers

Step 1: Figure out how much you can afford
What you can afford depends on your income, credit rating, current monthly expenses, downpayment and the interest rate. Online calculators can help, but it is best to visit a lender to find out for sure. A housing counselor or your Coldwell Banker agent can help you figure out how to manage and pay off your debt, and start saving for a downpayment.

Step 2: Know your rights
Check with your Coldwell Banker agent for the laws applicable to buying real estate. Be informed about the total cost of your loan including the interest rate, points and other fees. Ask questions about charges and loan terms that you do not understand.

Step 3: Shop for a loan
Save money by doing your homework. Talk to several lenders, compare costs and interest rates, negotiate to get a better deal. Consider getting pre-approved for a loan.

Step 4: Learn about homebuying programs
Ask your Coldwell Banker agent about special programs to help you into home ownership.

Step 5: Shop for a home
Know your needs and wants. Check on extra fees, like homeowner association dues or assessments.

Step 6: Make an offer
Discuss the process with your Coldwell Banker real estate agent. If the seller counters your offer, you may need to negotiate until you both agree to the terms of the sale.

Step 7: Get a home inspection
Make your offer contingent on a home inspection. An inspection will tell you about the condition of the home, and can help you avoid buying a home that needs major repairs.

Step 8: Shop for homeowners insurance
Lenders require that you have homeowners insurance. Be sure to shop around.

Step 9: Sign papers
You’re finally ready to go to “settlement” or “closing.” Be sure to read everything before you sign, and ask questions of your Coldwell Banker Realtor or the real estate attorney if you don’t understand.

The demolition of a church stemming from a fraudulent land sale has moved the Bahamas Real Estate Association to sound a warning to investors.
William Wong, president of the Association, has urged property buyers to make sure they have “clear and good land titles” when purchasing real estate.
Wong’s remarks came after Canaan Baptist Church was demolished after losing a court ownership battle with Arawak Homes, a Bahamas property developer.
“It is really up to the buyer to make sure that they do the due
diligence, making sure that their lawyer does all the proper checking
before they pay for a piece of property. That is one of the fundamentals
in buying real estate - knowing that you are buying a piece of property
that has a good title and the person who is selling it has a right to
sell it,” Wong told The Nassau Guardian.
Canaan Baptist Church pastor Rev Eugene Bastian said he bought
the property from a local company in 1999 for $30,000. But a
September 1 court judgment found that Arawak Homes rightfully owned the
Charles Saunders Highway property.
Arawak Homes demolished the church as a result of the ruling.
Our advice at Coldwell Banker Lightbourn Realty is simple. When purchasing property, use a licensed Bahamas Real Estate Association agent or broker. And make sure you deal with a reputable lawyer.
We have a large number of reputable real estate professionals and lawyers in the Bahamas who are happy to serve you.

The recent Discover magazine features an article titled, “Cosmic Collision,” and begins, “Relaxing on an idyllic beach on Grand Cayman, a young physicist at UC Santa Cruz decided to organize a conference to address the theoretical problem of universes crashing into each other.” Seems an unlikely venue for heavy theoretical physics, but Grand Cayman appeals to all visitors who want to relax on an island tropical paradise.

Grand Cayman is the largest of the 3 Cayman Islands, with no lakes or rivers, so the sea is crystal clear. Restaurants, shopping, nightlife, and resorts combine to offer something for every traveler. The blue iguana roams the streets along with crabs and tourists. George Town, the capital, with an economy based mainly on tourism, offers duty free shopping and great eating places. Try local delicacies like rum cake, pepper jelly, and conch friters.

Entertainment options include the “best beach in the Caribbean,” 7-Mile Beach. Boatswain’s Beach showcases a turle farm, crocodiles, and native Cayman Parrots. Stingray City is named after tame creatures who like to snuggle with divers and want the squid sold to visitors for stingray food. If you want to dive, try the west bay. The north end has Rum Point, and the east side - less populated - has more deserted beaches.

Grand Cayman appeals to travellers looking for relaxation or an atmosphere that encourages intellectual stimulation. Come see for yourself, and stop by our Coldwell Banker office to discuss our great 2009 real estate opportunities.

(resource: Examiner.com. Photo from their blog.)

The Turks & Caicos Sun recently ran a disturbing article, about the serious threat posed by the lionfish in our waters. They state, “Most marine life in the Turks and Caicos waters could be wiped out in three to five years due to the rapid reproduction of the lionfish – a disastrous predator which feeds on other marine life in and around reefs.

“The Department Environment and Coastal Resource (DECR) said there could be millions of lionfish in Turks and Caicos Islands waters, and if left unattended could eat every ounce of marine life from our reef and later traverse into shallower waters where it could feed on the baby conchs and lobsters.

“Wesley Clerveaux, Director for the DECR, said the carnivores have already been spotted in 400 feet waters, noting it was a sign that they have started to migrate into shallow waters where they could be caught via line-fishing. He said such scenario was an in indication that the lion fish had annihilated previous feeding spots and were now searching for new location.”

He warned that this is an effort where everyone needs to come on board, inclusive of Government as well as the private sector, since very soon the situation could be rendered critical. “This will affect everyone that has a linkage. Whether you eat fish, whether you take out tourists for snorkeling, whether you drive the taxi from the airport, whether you work for Government, this is import to you, because as long as it affects tourism it affects you,” Clerveaux said.

Lionfish, also called turkey fish, dragon fish and scorpion fish, are said to be native to the reefs and rocky crevices of the Indo-Pacific, although they’ve found their way to warm ocean habitats worldwide. The venom of the lionfish, delivered via an array of up to 18 needle-like dorsal fins, is purely defensive. It relies on camouflage and lightning-fast reflexes to capture prey. The largest of lionfish can grow to about 15 inches (0.4 meters) in length, but the average is closer to 1 foot (0.3 meters).

The Sun article ends on a very serious and depressing note, “When Hurricane Andrew hit Florida in 1992, it washed six lionfish out of an aquarium and into the open water. Since then, they’ve spread like a virus. Researchers say there could be millions now. If left unchecked scientists fear the invaders may eat through every last inch of the Atlantic coast.”

(resource: SunTCI)

Silver Reef St. Kitts Resort expects to have six units completed by the end of September and 12 additional units finished by November. Construction Director Sebastian Mottram said that six more units are to be completed by December and 12 more by March 2010, subject to sales.

Silver Reef St. Kitts, when completed, will offer 62 villas and apartments on 4.5 acres of land in Frigate Bay, located in lush gardens on the edge of the Royal St. Kitts Golf Course. The complex enjoys spectacular views of both the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

“We came to St. Kitts three years ago, purchased the land from private persons and sought financing from an investment group in the United Kingdom. We will have 62 residential units, which satisfies the rental market. The units are sold freehold as investment products and will satisfy up to 200 people as full time guests,” Mottram said. The project includes commercial space and owners and guests will have full use of the resort’s beautiful sub-tropical gardens and its freeform and infinity edge swimming pools. When completed, the US$30 million property will be operated by a local Caribbean resort management group.

(resource: ZIZOnline)

Minister for Finance, Premier Ralph T. O’Neal announced last week that, based on a revenue projection exercise just completed, a shortfall in revenue of 5% is expected when compared to the revenue projections made for the budget of 2009. But, Premier O’Neal said that despite the fallout of the economy, residents have maintained proper living standards.

He explained, “Though the economy has been predictably worse than in recent years, the government of the Virgin Islands has thus far been able to maintain the standard of living of its citizens at enviable levels, and intends to continue to strive to keep it this way.” He tried to assure that the Virgin Islands is not steep in financial problems as seen in other British Overseas Territories.

Giving further projections, Premier O’Neal noted that the ten year projection indicates that with current plans for development there will be a “noticeable, though not alarming decrease” in the Territory’s cash balances during the next two years, that is expected to rebound by the year 2012.

The Premier said that while he will not go as far as to indicate the exact amounts of the cash balances government currently have, he can state unequivocally that as of the end of last week the government of the British Virgin Islands had enough cash in its accounts to carry them through 90 days of operations at the present expenditure levels as stipulated in our financial principles and guidelines.

For more details, visit BVI Platinum News.

A recent blog by a Canadian tired of the wet cool summer they’ve has ranked Aruba one of the top 3 destinations in the Caribbean, along with Belize and Curacao.

The Sudbury Northern Life Staff writes,

“Try Aruba -

A Dutch island off the coast of Venezuela, Aruba offers great weather, friendly people, strong breezes for kiteboarding and windsurfing and the unique opportunity to visit Charlie’s Bar. Established in 1941 in San Nicholas to serve the workers on the passing cargo ships, Charlie’s is not only the home of great casual seafood and a seemingly endless flow of booze but is also a museum of sorts. It houses what just might be the world’s largest collection of kitsch and touristy junk ^ you have to see it to believe it. From bottle openers, to Royal Canadian Mounted Police Badges, to horseshoes, nails, lanterns and more, it’s all there, either pinned to the wall or hanging from the ceiling. Want to make your own mark? Bring a souvenir of your own, stick it up and order a big bowl of shrimp and some of Charlie’s signature hot sauce to go with them.

“Drink at Charlie’s but plan to stay at the Aruba Marriott, one of the largest and most luxurious in the Marriott chain and a great spot for sports enthusiasts. With airy rooms overlooking the beach, complete water sports facilities, a full-on kiteboard/windsurfing school with top notch instructor and equipment, several pools, beach bars, a great spa and more, this hotel offers all the conveniences of home, with a whole lot of luxury thrown in for good measure.”

There are great hotel and airfare specials now too, so plan your trip and visit us in Aruba. Be sure and stop by our Coldwell Banker office to talk about the real estate opportunities available right now.

The Bahamas has a new U.S. ambassador.
She is Nicole Avant, the 13th American Ambassador to the Bahamas and second woman to hold the post.
Ms. Avant was sworn in as the 13th U.S. Ambassador to the Commonwealth of the Bahamas by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
In her swearing in remarks, Ms Avante noted the geographic proximity between the Bahamas and the United States. She said both countries are committed to democratic ideals, the rule of law and strategic interests that cover regional security, economic and social progress, energy security and stewardship of the environment.
Describing the ties between both countries as excellent, Ms. Avant sees her mission of keeping it that way.
She said the Bahamas plays a critical role in helping to monitor and protect our third border.
A prime example is the 25-year-old Operation Bahamas Turks and Caicos ^ known as OPBAT. The joint effort has reduced the flow of drugs to U.S. shores and is the first of its kind.
Ms. Avant is the daughter of entertainment industry legend Clarence Avant and philanthropist, Jacqueline Avant.

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Enjoy a weekend of free literary events at Camana Bay’s second annual Children’s Book Festival in Grand Cayman. Families interested in attending the festival on November 28-29, featuring a full line-up of international and local authors, can book special packages from Camana Bay’s partner hotels.

Local traditions are a big part of the festival, especially oral storytelling. Traditional Caymanian “Gimistory” performers will tell folk tales passed down from generation to generation.

In between stories, kids can take part in a range of activities and crafts outdoors on The Paseo, the town’s pedestrian-only main street. A giant sandpit and games entertain young tots, while their older siblings take in bracelet-making, sidewalk chalking, hopscotch, a water balloon toss, drumming classes and traditional kite making workshops.

All proceeds from the side stalls situated throughout the festival will go directly to the Cayman Islands Cystic Fibrosis Trust, which aims to raise awareness of the disease and aid sufferers in the Cayman Islands, provide testing for future parents and training for local doctors, and promote research for a cure.

As reported by the Examiner, here are some family packages available:

Ritz-Carlton: Reconnect Package, starting at $349 per night
· No minimum booking requirements
· Thanksgiving dinner in any of the resort’s five restaurants, $100 daily resort credit
· To book, call (800) 5428680

Caribbean Club: Thanksgiving Seven Mile Beach Getaway, $1,620
· Three nights accommodation in a Deluxe Two Bedroom Suite for up to two adults and two children under 15 years old
· Includes Thanksgiving dinner at Luca for two adults and two children under 15 years old, internet access, all hotel taxes and service charges
· To book, dial (800) 941-1126

Sunshine Suites: Thanksgiving Sunshine Getaway, $638
· Three nights accommodation in a Deluxe Room for up to two adults and two children under 15 years old
· Includes Thanksgiving dinner for two adults & two children under 15 years old, daily continental breakfast, wireless internet access, and all hotel taxes and service charges
· To book, call (877) 786-1110

Camana Bay has a new $400 Million waterfront Town Centre, complete with shops, restaurants, movie theater, and music events. Plan ahead to enjoy the Book Festival headlined by Fancy Nancy series illustrator Robin Glasser.