Coldwell Banker Islands Blog

The first lionfish to be caught in BVI waters was landed this past week, off the western shore of Anegada.

Biologists fear that the lionfish — a non-native species with a voracious appetite for other fish and with no known predators in the Caribbean — will wreak havoc on the local marine ecosystem.

The BVI government received an $30,000 grant from the U.K.’s Joint Nature Conservation Committee earlier this year to raise awareness of the threat posed by the species and to control its spread.

To report a lionfish sighting in the British Virgin Islands, call (284) 494-5681.

A modern designed apartment complex accomodating 96 appartments of which 72 single and 24 double in a beautifully landscaped community on 11660 m2/125507 sqft of land. A well-designed pool with a full equipped bar/restaurant and ample parking facilty compliments this gorgeous facility. The tiki huts accomodating the Pam Pam bar/restaurant give a pleasant ambiance to the property. 5 minutes away from the sandy beaches of Aruba and easily accesible. Supermakets, other restaurants and entertainment are availably closeby. Asking $5,618,000 US.

Visit our Coldwell Banker Listing page for more photos.

First time Bahamas real estate buyers are often excited to find a good deal, but afraid of overextending themselves.
They may be confused by all the conflicting reports about the Bahamas real estate market. Well, that might describe any or all buyers right now, but those making their very first purchase may feel elevated levels of all these emotions. It helps to have someone offer you some guidance.

Don’t be afraid to make your move now, regardless of what you’ve been hearing about the Bahamas real estate market. With affordability so high, you’ll find a flurry of activity out there, so you’re not alone in making the right decision to begin your home or vacant property search.

Just try not to exercise excessive caution, or you may suffer what has been termed “paralysis by analysis.” Your Bahamas Real Estate Association (BREA) representative will present you with all the facts and figures you need, and help you to interpret the data so that you can make a sound choice.

Now is not the time to vacillate. Vacant subdivision properties are plentiful in the Bahamas so the choice is excellent. There are a goodly number of home sellers who have become realistic about the value of their real estate as determined by the market. It is time to go for it and take advantage of the bargains that are out there. Those of us in Nassau should remember there are some very good opportunities in the Out Islands, including real estate in Abaco, Exuma, Eleuthera, Long island and elsewhere.

Cayman Airways has just launched a Two for the Price of One special. If you book a round-trip Cayman Airways flight before June 12, you will receive an additional free round-trip ticket and a fourth night of accommodations free on a three-night stay. This is a limited time offer, valid for travel from May 5 ^ June 16. With non-stop service from New York, Tampa, and Miami, a special destination waits for you a short flight away.

Details:
*Two for the Price of One ^ Purchase one round-trip flight, get one free.

*Fourth Night Free ^ Book three nights at participating accommodations*, and get the fourth night free.

*Participating accommodations include:

Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort
Lacovia Condominiums
The Grand Caymanian Resort
The Reef Resort
The Westin Casuarina Resort & Spa

Cayman Islands offers you spectacular recreational opportunities, world-renowned diving, and outstanding service. Spend some time here in our paradise located only 480 miles south of Miami.

The government of St Kitts and Nevis is committed to reducing public debt, erasing deficits, and achieving economic stability over the short to medium term. These were the goals spelled out by Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas during a presentation to the Cabinet.

Minister of Information, Sen. the Hon. Nigel Carty said that although small and large economies around the world have been hard hit by the current economic crisis, the Federation’s economy will return to growth in the medium term, and macroeconomic stability will be bolstered, particularly assisted by the implementation of several initiatives.

As explained by Minister of Information Nigel Carty, these include, “Tax reform, through the implementation of the value-added tax by November of this year; corporatisation of the Electricity Department with a view to increasing operational efficiency and responding more effectively to the fluctuating price of fuel on the world market; aggressive pursuit of our debt management strategy through the Debt Management Unit at the Ministry of Finance with EU support for an experienced consultant and reduction in expenditure on personal emoluments by reducing the public sector size through natural attrition and generally freezing salary increases for the time being.”

He also stated that the Cabinet will ensure a more effective application of the government’s policy of assisting businesses and spurring investment through the extension of tax concessions.

(resource: Office of the Prime Minister)

The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board recently opened a new BVI VIP Club Lounge at Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, another tangible benefit for BVI VIP Club members. Launched in 2009, the BVI VIP Club was designed to reward repeat visitors to the BVI.

As explained by Travel Daily News, “BVI stakeholders have long prided themselves on the fact that visitors to their resorts often become like family, coming back year after year and creating longstanding relationships with villa and resort owners. The BVI VIP Club Airport Lounge is a way that the Tourist Board can extend that sense to club members as they arrive in and depart from the destination.”

Here’s a new listing, a condominium located in Las Palmas, in the prestiguous Tierra Del Sol Gated Golf community. This Palmetto-styled condo is a One Story Courtyard Villa within a two-story building. There are two buildings side by side. There is an open living/dining/kitchen area and a nice covered terrace. The primary master suite offers abundant closet space and a luxurious master bathroom. The second bedroom is also a suite with its own private bathroom. 143m2/1534 sqft. Asking $475,000 US.

Visit our Coldwell Banker Listing page for more photos.

These questions will help you decide whether you’re ready for a home that’s larger or in a more desirable location. If you answer yes to most of the questions, it’s a sign that you may be ready to move.

1. Have you built substantial equity in your current home? Look at your annual mortgage statement or call your lender to find out. Usually, you don’t build up much equity in the first few years of your mortgage, as monthly payments are mostly interest, but if you’ve owned your home for five or more years, and/or placed a significant amount down, you may have unrealized (in a tax sense) gains.

2. Has your income or financial situation improved? If you’re making more money, you may be able to afford higher mortgage payments and cover the costs of moving.

3. Have you outgrown your neighborhood? The neighborhood you pick for your first home might not be the same neighborhood you want to settle down in for good as you raise a family. For example, you may have realized that you’d like to be closer to your job, or live in a better school district.

4. Are there reasons why you can’t remodel or add on? Sometimes you can create a bigger home by adding a new room or building up. But if your property isn’t large enough, your housing regulations don’t allow it, or you’re simply not interested in remodeling, then moving to a bigger home may be your best option.

5. Are you comfortable moving in the current housing market? If your market is hot, your home may sell quickly and for top dollar, but the home you buy also will be more expensive. If your market is slow, finding a buyer may take longer, but you’ll have more selection and better pricing as you seek your new home. Every community and country is different. Check with a Coldwell Banker agent for local real estate market trends.

6. Are interest rates attractive? A low rate not only helps you buy a larger home, but also makes it easier to find a buyer.

Stop by our Coldwell Banker office and find out what your property is worth. That’s the best way to start planning for a move.

These questions will help you decide whether you’re ready for a home that’s larger or in a more desirable location. If you answer yes to most of the questions, it’s a sign that you may be ready to move.

1. Have you built substantial equity in your current home? Look at your annual mortgage statement or call your lender to find out. Usually, you don’t build up much equity in the first few years of your mortgage, as monthly payments are mostly interest, but if you’ve owned your home for five or more years, and/or placed a significant amount down, you may have unrealized (in a tax sense) gains.

2. Has your income or financial situation improved? If you’re making more money, you may be able to afford higher mortgage payments and cover the costs of moving.

3. Have you outgrown your neighborhood? The neighborhood you pick for your first home might not be the same neighborhood you want to settle down in for good as you raise a family. For example, you may have realized that you’d like to be closer to your job, or live in a better school district.

4. Are there reasons why you can’t remodel or add on? Sometimes you can create a bigger home by adding a new room or building up. But if your property isn’t large enough, your housing regulations don’t allow it, or you’re simply not interested in remodeling, then moving to a bigger home may be your best option.

5. Are you comfortable moving in the current housing market? If your market is hot, your home may sell quickly and for top dollar, but the home you buy also will be more expensive. If your market is slow, finding a buyer may take longer, but you’ll have more selection and better pricing as you seek your new home. Every community and country is different. Check with a Coldwell Banker agent for local real estate market trends.

6. Are interest rates attractive? A low rate not only helps you buy a larger home, but also makes it easier to find a buyer.

Stop by our Coldwell Banker office and find out what your property is worth. That’s the best way to start planning for a move.

These questions will help you decide whether you’re ready for a home that’s larger or in a more desirable location. If you answer yes to most of the questions, it’s a sign that you may be ready to move.

1. Have you built substantial equity in your current home? Look at your annual mortgage statement or call your lender to find out. Usually, you don’t build up much equity in the first few years of your mortgage, as monthly payments are mostly interest, but if you’ve owned your home for five or more years, and/or placed a significant amount down, you may have unrealized (in a tax sense) gains.

2. Has your income or financial situation improved? If you’re making more money, you may be able to afford higher mortgage payments and cover the costs of moving.

3. Have you outgrown your neighborhood? The neighborhood you pick for your first home might not be the same neighborhood you want to settle down in for good as you raise a family. For example, you may have realized that you’d like to be closer to your job, or live in a better school district.

4. Are there reasons why you can’t remodel or add on? Sometimes you can create a bigger home by adding a new room or building up. But if your property isn’t large enough, your housing regulations don’t allow it, or you’re simply not interested in remodeling, then moving to a bigger home may be your best option.

5. Are you comfortable moving in the current housing market? If your market is hot, your home may sell quickly and for top dollar, but the home you buy also will be more expensive. If your market is slow, finding a buyer may take longer, but you’ll have more selection and better pricing as you seek your new home. Every community and country is different. Check with a Coldwell Banker agent for local real estate market trends.

6. Are interest rates attractive? A low rate not only helps you buy a larger home, but also makes it easier to find a buyer.

Stop by our Coldwell Banker office and find out what your property is worth. That’s the best way to start planning for a move.