Coldwell Banker Islands Blog

If a picture’s worth a thousand words, in real estate it’s potentially worth thousands of dollars.

Most Bahamas real estate agents aren’t professional photographers, but they understand that better photos grab more attention, and ultimately, a higher selling price.

Many agents know how to take good pictures. They know the best photos are taken not with “point and click” cameras, but with SLR (single-lens-reflex) cameras.

Your Bahamas real estate agent should have an SLR camera. While it costs more than your average point-and-click shooter, a recent U.S. study found that listings with high quality photos sold for anywhere between $934 and $116,076 more than their average listing photo counterparts.

If your agent doesn’t have an SLR camera, consider hiring a professional photographer who specialises in real estate pictures. There are a number of outstanding photographers in the Bahamas and your BREA agent will be able to recommend one.

Professionals will avoid objects or clutter in their photographs, such as chain link fencing and cars, that will detract from the listing.

They’ll subtlety frame homes with a green or flowering branch and stage interior shots by de-cluttering, letting in as much natural light as possible and adding a few special touches, such as a bowl of fruit or a vase of flowers.

They know the tricks of the trade ^ after all, it’s their business.

Even though better photos attract more online attention, only a minority of listings make use of the superior technology. Obviously, high-end listings stand to reap the greatest benefits, so if you’ve got an upscale home, why would you skimp on such an important facet of marketing it?

However, there is a caveat: the U.S. study found that homes listed under $300,000 didn’t see any real difference in sales price with the finer photos, so realistic and competitive pricing is the most effective marketing tool in those cases.

Amanyara, the luxury hideaway of Amanresorts, in the remote untouched Northwest end of Providenciales, has opened an on-site Nature Discovery Center, with a full-time naturalist in residence, Lindsay Mensen.

Mensen, who has been working for the past 4 years in the Turks & Caicos Islands studying the flora and fauna, will organize activities to showcase the island’s natural wonders. For younger guests, there will be daily programs co-hosted by teachers from the American Museum of Natural History’s Science and Nature department. These will include research expeditions, nature-themed yoga classes, beach walks, scavenger hunts, and turtle nesting site conservation, all focused on learning more about the islands’ indigenous land, sea and sky creatures.

For adults, there will be a morning Eco Hike to learn about the geology of Providenciales, the dry tropical forest, medicinal uses of native plants, and the birds, reptiles, and bugs of the islands. The center will also offer marine adventures, with kayaking, snorkeling and diving.

The evenings will present stargaizig and a nature documentary film or guest speaker, which could be any of these highly-regarded biologists: Dr. Glenn Gerber of the San Diego Zoo, Founder of the Caribbean Wildlife Foundation; Dr. Graham Reynolds, Philosophy in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; Dr. Peter Richardson, Marine Conservation Society and The Turtle Project; and Brian Naqqi Manco, Department of Environmental and Coastal Resources, Turks & Caicos Islands.

The resort derives its name from aman, the Sanskrit word for ‘peace’, and yara, the word for ‘place’ in the language of the Arawak Amerindians, one of the region’s first indigenous peoples. It enjoys a pristine location well removed from much of the development on the eastern side of the island. Visit AmanResorts.com to learn more about the Nature Discovery Center at Amanyara.

Pink Lily Cancer Care Client s Support Coordinator, Tracy Parris, hopes supporters from all walks of life and ages will support the Nevis TrisTar 111 Pink Lily 5K Walk-Run March 30, 5 PM, from Hunkins Drive by the water front to Four Seasons and back. Entry fees include T-shirt and refreshments. Adults’s registration fee is $25.00 while children under the age of 12 registration fee is $15.00.

Pink Lily was founded by British-born Lea Parris-Cambridge after her and her mother’s own personal experiences with breast cancer. Pink Lily was founded and launched in Nevis, February, 2008.

Funds from the run will help support cancer patients, offer free mammograms, and meet general costs. Additional funds are needed to screen another 100 women and for the charity’s operational costs.

Pink Lily cancer care Nevis is a non-profit charitable organization and relies on volunteer help, donations from the public, community fund raising efforts, patrons, sponsorship and funding to provide its service free to clients and the general public. To register for the run, call 869-664-3729 or 869-669-9310.

Yacht Club Costa Smeralda and Victor International have opened the new Yacht Club, Costa Smeralda Marina (YCCS Marina), in North Sound, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands.

From their press release, “The ideal home base for cruising theCaribbean, the YCCS Marina VG is setting a new standard in the BVI with the highest level of services & amenities offered. The Yacht Club building is on schedule for completion and is making significant progress, slated to officially open in December 2011.

“The YCCS Marina was designed by ATM and built by Bellingham Marine and Meridian Marine of the BVI. It offers 38 slips for yachts up to 100 meters in length and draught of 9 meters and has easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, as well as the magnificent islands and anchorages of the Virgin Islands and the Leeward and Windward Isles. The YCCS Marina has been developed in partnership with Victor International, a Michigan and BVI based company, to the highest standards of design and construction.

“For more than 40 years, the renowned YCCS has been one of the leading Yacht Clubs in the Mediterranean with its home base in Porto Cervo, Sardinia, Italy. Following the expressed wishes of the Club’s Members for access to quality facilities and services on both sides of the Atlantic, YCCS decided to expand. The location of the new YCCS VG, on a private peninsula on the eastern tip of Virgin Gorda in the protected waters of the North Sound, was chosen based on a number of important attributes. Besides the natural beauty and fame as a sailors paradise, the safe and friendly environment of the region was a key factor.”

(image from Wikipedia and KineticNews.com)

Every year, sea turtles return to their natal beach in Aruba to nest between the months of March and September. Four species of sea turtles nest on Aruba: leatherback, loggerhead, green, and hawksbill. One of their favorites is Eagle Beach, at the Bucuti & Tara Beach Resorts.

As reported by Aruba.com, “This is always a very rewarding time of year for Bucuti because it’s a validation that efforts to conserve the island’s sea turtle population have created a safe haven for this globally endangered species. Bucuti supports local community eco-efforts such as TurtugAruba, a local foundation that protects sea turtles.

“All species of sea turtles are endangered and need protection especially during nesting season. It is estimated that only 1 in 1000 hatchlings survives to maturity making it imperative that tourists and locals alike do their part to prevent the interruption of the egg laying and egg hatching process on the island’s beaches. Every year, the foundation conducts two seminars at the resort to educate both staff and guests. The first educational seminar takes place on the first day of turtle nesting season and the second seminar is held on Earth Day.”

Some more turtle details from TurtugAruba:
Sea Turtles use the earth’s magnetic field to guide them on their long journeys at sea.
Sea Turtles do not nest every year, but rather every 2-5 years.
The Leatherback Sea Turtles of Aruba lay about 115 eggs a clutch.
The Leatherback female will nest 6 - 8 times a season.

Report ANY Aruba turtle activity to the 24-hour hotline, 592-9393.

Good news, Bimini home owners!

As of June, visitors and second home owners will be able to travel to beautiful Bimini in the Bahamas by ferry.

So if you want to head to the fishing capital of the Bahamas for an action packed weekend or to look at homes for sale, like this boater’s dream that’s just been reduced by $100,000, you’re in for a treat.

Forget the airport hassle. Your holiday will start the moment you set foot on the 450-passenger ferry.

Operated by Balearia Ferry Group of Spain, the ferry will move passengers between the Port of Miami and Bimini six times a week in only an hour and a half.

An hour and a half gliding across the Gulf Stream and into the beautiful Bahamas sea. Yes!

According to The Miami Herald, info about bookings and a final start date is still pending.

The announcement coincides with news that the Bimini Bay Resort & Marina will open a beach club this year under the new management team of RockResorts.

The Colorado-based hotel company also announced a hotel and spa will open at Bimini Bay in 2014.

This is an ideal time to invest in Bimini real estate

As home buyers move into the spring buying season, Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC has launched a new marketing campaign emphasizing the importance of a skilled real estate agent who can help buyers and sellers through the process of homeownership.

“Our consumer research shows us that home buyers want protection against making a wrong decision, whether it be financial or in choosing the right home,” said Michael Fischer, chief marketing officer, Coldwell Banker Real Estate. “We understand that for most, a home represents the biggest investment of their lives. Our campaign illustrates how people can empower themselves with information online. And no matter how daunting the process may seem, a trustworthy real estate agent can give them the confidence and guidance to make the right move.”

Fischer added, “It comes down to a simple equation; trusted agents, plus the right tools, equals smarter decisions.”

Call or visit our Coldwell Banker office to interview our agents. You’ll find them knowledgeable, experienced, and concerned about helping you achieve your real estate goals.

As home buyers move into the spring buying season, Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC has launched a new marketing campaign emphasizing the importance of a skilled real estate agent who can help buyers and sellers through the process of homeownership.

“Our consumer research shows us that home buyers want protection against making a wrong decision, whether it be financial or in choosing the right home,” said Michael Fischer, chief marketing officer, Coldwell Banker Real Estate. “We understand that for most, a home represents the biggest investment of their lives. Our campaign illustrates how people can empower themselves with information online. And no matter how daunting the process may seem, a trustworthy real estate agent can give them the confidence and guidance to make the right move.”

Fischer added, “It comes down to a simple equation; trusted agents, plus the right tools, equals smarter decisions.”

Call or visit our Coldwell Banker office to interview our agents. You’ll find them knowledgeable, experienced, and concerned about helping you achieve your real estate goals.

As home buyers move into the spring buying season, Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC has launched a new marketing campaign emphasizing the importance of a skilled real estate agent who can help buyers and sellers through the process of homeownership.

“Our consumer research shows us that home buyers want protection against making a wrong decision, whether it be financial or in choosing the right home,” said Michael Fischer, chief marketing officer, Coldwell Banker Real Estate. “We understand that for most, a home represents the biggest investment of their lives. Our campaign illustrates how people can empower themselves with information online. And no matter how daunting the process may seem, a trustworthy real estate agent can give them the confidence and guidance to make the right move.”

Fischer added, “It comes down to a simple equation; trusted agents, plus the right tools, equals smarter decisions.”

Call or visit our Coldwell Banker office to interview our agents. You’ll find them knowledgeable, experienced, and concerned about helping you achieve your real estate goals.

As home buyers move into the spring buying season, Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC has launched a new marketing campaign emphasizing the importance of a skilled real estate agent who can help buyers and sellers through the process of homeownership.

“Our consumer research shows us that home buyers want protection against making a wrong decision, whether it be financial or in choosing the right home,” said Michael Fischer, chief marketing officer, Coldwell Banker Real Estate. “We understand that for most, a home represents the biggest investment of their lives. Our campaign illustrates how people can empower themselves with information online. And no matter how daunting the process may seem, a trustworthy real estate agent can give them the confidence and guidance to make the right move.”

Fischer added, “It comes down to a simple equation; trusted agents, plus the right tools, equals smarter decisions.”

Call or visit our Coldwell Banker office to interview our agents. You’ll find them knowledgeable, experienced, and concerned about helping you achieve your real estate goals.