Coldwell Banker Islands Blog

Simple and inexpensive updates can add appeal to your home and help catch the eye of prospective buyers. Check with your Coldwell Banker realtor for more ideas, but consider one or more of these to spruce up your home for sale.

*Colors - Use welcoming colors. Paint trim, eaves, and shutters a warm brown and brighten the front door with a deep blue or another soft color.

*Benches - Place wrought iron or wood benches beside the door or under trees in the front yard, to give the idea of welcome and comfort.

*Lighted path - Use energy-efficient solar lights to lead visitors to the front door and illuminate the entry after dark. Also use shrubs and colorful plants along the walkway to the front.

*Wall lanterns - Use lanterns on each side of the front door to welcome buyers. A dark doorway is not inviting.

*Clean the yard and front porch - don’t let clutter and trash spoil that first impression given a buyer.

These ideas should get you thinking of inexpensive quick fixes you can do to your property to make it look more inviting and get those buyers inside.

Simple and inexpensive updates can add appeal to your home and help catch the eye of prospective buyers. Check with your Coldwell Banker realtor for more ideas, but consider one or more of these to spruce up your home for sale.

*Colors - Use welcoming colors. Paint trim, eaves, and shutters a warm brown and brighten the front door with a deep blue or another soft color.

*Benches - Place wrought iron or wood benches beside the door or under trees in the front yard, to give the idea of welcome and comfort.

*Lighted path - Use energy-efficient solar lights to lead visitors to the front door and illuminate the entry after dark. Also use shrubs and colorful plants along the walkway to the front.

*Wall lanterns - Use lanterns on each side of the front door to welcome buyers. A dark doorway is not inviting.

*Clean the yard and front porch - don’t let clutter and trash spoil that first impression given a buyer.

These ideas should get you thinking of inexpensive quick fixes you can do to your property to make it look more inviting and get those buyers inside.

Beachfront land for sale on Providenciales. We have two lots available, the one shown for $599,000 for 0.83 acres, and another for 0.91 acres at $525,000. Within Seaside Estates, with paved roads and under ground utilities, you’ll find choice beachfront lots. There is a protective convenant and this estate is well positioned near proposed resort development in North Caicos. Cheapest lots on the market in this location.

Visit our Coldwell Banker Listing page for more photos and information.

The Basseterre Valley Aquifer is a prime water resource of St Kitts, and now there is a management plan in place to protect the area. The project is being funded by the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) through collaboration with Integrating Watershed and Coastal Area Management (IWCM).

The plan is expected to transform some 525 acres of land, bounded by Olivees Mountain to the southwest, Canada Hills to the northeast and Conaree Hills to the east, into a national park. Most of the area is located between the Kim Collins Highway, Frigate Bay Road and the Conaree Hills.

Project Manager Ian Liburd said he is optimistic that the project would rehabilitate and manage the Basseterre Valley as a protection measure for the underlying aquifer. He anticipates the project would serve as an example for the management of protected areas and would guide water resource management on the island.

Phase One of the project involves a scientific assessment of the area and Phase Two involves converting the area into a national park. Plans for the area, as prepared by Aukerman, Haas and Associates, consist of walking and bike trails, a demonstration water feature, fairgrounds and exhibits, a football field and parking.

The site plan also includes a 100×100 yard botanical plaza, visitor centre and amphitheatre with a central water foundation and spray park, providing spacious, open areas and shaded seating. An observation deck and tea house and restaurant are expected to finish the feature of the St. Kitts National Capitol Park.

Read more on SKNVibes.com.

Richard Branson’s 1st BVI Kite Jam on Necker Island was attended by international kiteboarders and pro athletes from around the world. Held Feb. 28-March 5, the unique event gained authentication as Billabong, a leading international surfwear apparel brand, confirmed their involvement as the presenting sponsor for next year´s event. Billabong BVI Kite Jam 2011 will take place February 26 - March 5.

The highlights of the week included an unforgettable downwinder to Pomato Point on Anegada followed by a BBQ lunch at Cow Wreck Beach and an afternoon of freestyle action on Wednesday, March 3. Pro boarders Kristin Boese, Tom Court, Chris Burke and others carved up the waters along side Sir Richard Branson and participating kite jammers. Other activities took place off of Bitter End Yacht Club´s North Beach where pros and amateurs grinded on sliders and water obstacles on a sand spit in the Eustasia Sound. And Finally, BVI Kite Jam closed with an over the top party on a remote beach on Mosquito Island, complete with an award ceremony, fire dancers, and a DJ.

At the opening party, the BVI Kite Jam Team presented $5,000 checks to charity partners Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR) and Tortola´s Kids And The Sea (KATS).

“Sailors for the Sea” also gave the event a Clean Regatta Certification, an eco-friendly stamp of approval, in conjunction with Sunsail´s participation and use of their new Sunsail 394 catamarans.

BVI Kite Jam is a unique annual kiteboarding event bringing together pros and amateurs with visual competitions, demonstrations, technique clinics and festivities taking place in key locations throughout the British Virgin Islands. The event aims to bring attention to the kiteboarding community as well as BVI as a Mecca for kiteboarding because of its ideal wind and water conditions. For more information and to register for Billabong BVI Kite Jam 2011, visit www.bvikitejam.com.

(photo credit BVI Kite Jam)

(resource: BVIPlatinum.com)

When you receive an offer to purchase your Bahamas home, you are likely to focus on the price. You might be ecstatic over a full price offer, but you should be aware how “subject to financing” clauses could affect the likelihood of success in your real estate transaction.
Some purchasers may ask for a “subject to financing” clause. While the vendor obviously wants to make the sale, there can be pitfalls to this in the Bahamas as elsewhere.
If you commit to a “subject to” financing clause, your Bahamas property will be taken off the market for a specified timeframe. In the meantime, other prospects who would have viewed your property will now look elsewhere and perhaps find something else.
There’s a real chance the person who you contracted with won’t be approved by the bank and you’ll have to start the sales process all over.
By then, you lose the excitement generated when a Bahamas home first goes on the market.
Another sticky contingency is when a purchaser states that they must sell their home before they can finalise the purchase of yours. If you agree to this, there has to be a realistic time limit, so the purchaser doesn’t tie up your listing.
It’s wise to respond with a “kick-out” clause that allows you to keep your home on the market while the purchaser promotes theirs, offering them a 72-hour period to fulfill the contract if you should receive another offer in the interim.
These two examples are just the tip of the iceberg, so sit and discuss each line of the offer with your Bahamas Real Estate Association agent before making your decision.

TIP OF THE WEEK: If your property is priced RIGHT when it goes on the market you should find a qualified buyer in short order. This should avoid a “subject to” clause. PRICE IT RIGHT WHEN YOU LIST IT!!!!!!

When you receive an offer to purchase your Bahamas home, you are likely to focus on the price. You might be ecstatic over a full price offer, but you should be aware how “subject to financing” clauses could affect the likelihood of success in your real estate transaction.
Some purchasers may ask for a “subject to financing” clause. While the vendor obviously wants to make the sale, there can be pitfalls to this in the Bahamas as elsewhere.
If you commit to a “subject to” financing clause, your Bahamas property will be taken off the market for a specified timeframe. In the meantime, other prospects who would have viewed your property will now look elsewhere and perhaps find something else.
There’s a real chance the person who you contracted with won’t be approved by the bank and you’ll have to start the sales process all over.
By then, you lose the excitement generated when a Bahamas home first goes on the market.
Another sticky contingency is when a purchaser states that they must sell their home before they can finalise the purchase of yours. If you agree to this, there has to be a realistic time limit, so the purchaser doesn’t tie up your listing.
It’s wise to respond with a “kick-out” clause that allows you to keep your home on the market while the purchaser promotes theirs, offering them a 72-hour period to fulfill the contract if you should receive another offer in the interim.
These two examples are just the tip of the iceberg, so sit and discuss each line of the offer with your Bahamas Real Estate Association agent before making your decision.

TIP OF THE WEEK: If your property is priced RIGHT when it goes on the market you should find a qualified buyer in short order. This should avoid a “subject to” clause. PRICE IT RIGHT WHEN YOU LIST IT!!!!!!

When you receive an offer to purchase your Bahamas home, you are likely to focus on the price. You might be ecstatic over a full price offer, but you should be aware how “subject to financing” clauses could affect the likelihood of success in your real estate transaction.
Some purchasers may ask for a “subject to financing” clause. While the vendor obviously wants to make the sale, there can be pitfalls to this in the Bahamas as elsewhere.
If you commit to a “subject to” financing clause, your Bahamas property will be taken off the market for a specified timeframe. In the meantime, other prospects who would have viewed your property will now look elsewhere and perhaps find something else.
There’s a real chance the person who you contracted with won’t be approved by the bank and you’ll have to start the sales process all over.
By then, you lose the excitement generated when a Bahamas home first goes on the market.
Another sticky contingency is when a purchaser states that they must sell their home before they can finalise the purchase of yours. If you agree to this, there has to be a realistic time limit, so the purchaser doesn’t tie up your listing.
It’s wise to respond with a “kick-out” clause that allows you to keep your home on the market while the purchaser promotes theirs, offering them a 72-hour period to fulfill the contract if you should receive another offer in the interim.
These two examples are just the tip of the iceberg, so sit and discuss each line of the offer with your Bahamas Real Estate Association agent before making your decision.

TIP OF THE WEEK: If your property is priced RIGHT when it goes on the market you should find a qualified buyer in short order. This should avoid a “subject to” clause. PRICE IT RIGHT WHEN YOU LIST IT!!!!!!

The Cotton Tree, Caymans’ first boutique cottage hotel, is offering guests up to 2 complimentary nights for stays May-October, 2010. Whether time is spent biking to Barker’s National Park, bird-watching, taking art or culinary classes, enjoying oceanfront spa treatments, or relaxing poolside, guests receive their sixth and twelfth night free at the luxury hideaway which is located on the northernmost point of Grand Cayman, just ten minutes from the famed Seven Mile Beach.

Cotton Tree offers 4 1,600 SF 2-bedroom cottages on the beach, which are fully equipped homes. A media library of books, music and DVDs; breakfast items (a selection of coffees and teas, juices, eggs, cereal and yogurt) pre-stocked in the cottages; WIFI and local calls; fresh fruit; bicycle rentals; Wii and roundtrip airport transfers are also included. Individual cottages are $650/night + tax.

Amenities include a freshwater swimming pool, fitness center and yoga and spa pavilions nestled among seagrape trees, perfect for a sunset massage. A personal chef can whip up gourmet meals accompanied by wines chosen by a sommelier, or Cotton Tree is a quick drive or walk to Grand Cayman’s best restaurants. Additionally, hotel services such as a reception/concierge, bellhop, housekeeping and turndown on request are also featured.

Located only 80 minutes by air from Miami, The Sands at Grace Bay feels like a world away. The perfect beach, spectacular views, spacious and beautifully appointed suites, The Sands at Grace Bay is the quintessential combination of seclusion and sophistication.

Within a Caribbean Plantation-style setting, The Sands at Grace Bay comprises 118 suites in six, three-story buildings embraced by lush tropical landscaping. The location of our resort is spectacular - on the shore of the famous Grace Bay Beach with more than 12 miles of white power sand and dazzling transparent turquoise waters.

In addition to providing a vacation home on one of the world’s most desirable beaches, savvy investors will appreciate the revenue generated through our resort rental program. Enjoy a Caribbean getaway with your children, grandchildren or friends in a safe and friendly environment without sacrificing your long-term financial goals.

Find out more on our Sands at Grace Bay Coldwell Banker information page.