Coldwell Banker Islands Blog

Who would have predicted an active Bahamas real estate market in the face of a global recession?

The Bahamas second home market’s been hot with buyers snapping up prime real estate in the Bahamas islands of Exuma and Harbour Island.

In fact, August and September have been exceptionally strong months for our Bahamas real estate listings.

We’ve closed on a significant number of prime properties in Exuma, including the gorgeous Jericho House, La Bella Vita (yes, life is beautiful) and the Peace and Plenty Bonefish Lodge, nestled in a storybook setting of natural beauty.

There are still some great investment opportunities on popular Exuma, including the Coconut Cove Hotel

Harbour Island, the playground for the rich and famous, has been particularly active, with closings at the amazing Sans Souci, Orange Tree, The Harbour Lounge and the showpiece home.
Dunesbridge Dunesbridge 3 mile Pink Sand Beach (where the sand is really pink).

With prices adjusted to more realistic levels, savvy investors are feelin’ hot for Bahamas real estate.

Who would have predicted an active Bahamas real estate market in the face of a global recession?

The Bahamas second home market’s been hot with buyers snapping up prime real estate in the Bahamas islands of Exuma and Harbour Island.

In fact, August and September have been exceptionally strong months for our Bahamas real estate listings.

We’ve closed on a significant number of prime properties in Exuma, including the gorgeous Jericho House, La Bella Vita (yes, life is beautiful) and the Peace and Plenty Bonefish Lodge, nestled in a storybook setting of natural beauty.

There are still some great investment opportunities on popular Exuma, including the Coconut Cove Hotel

Harbour Island, the playground for the rich and famous, has been particularly active, with closings at the amazing Sans Souci, Orange Tree, The Harbour Lounge and the showpiece home.
Dunesbridge Dunesbridge 3 mile Pink Sand Beach (where the sand is really pink).

With prices adjusted to more realistic levels, savvy investors are feelin’ hot for Bahamas real estate.

This 13.91 acre parcel is located adjacent to the world famous Nisbet Plantation Inn. It boasts 618 feet of waterfront with white sand beaches.

Price:$4,800,000

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A DREAM COME TRUE VILLA is a luxurious 6,500 square foot 5 bedroom, 6 bath vacation waterfront home on an exceptionally private estate blessed with breathtaking views of Virgin Gorda’s Savannah and Pond Bays and the Sir Francis Drake Channel in the BVI.

Price:$3,500,000

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This custom-built home has been designed to meet Caribbean living; one of the finest luxury homes currently available in the Caribbean. Set in a very quiet and private residential area Bakval near the best beaches of the Caribbean.

Price:$1,200,000

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Read more about this listing Liassidi is a beautifully appointed canal front family home in Old Fort Bay. It represents Bahamas real estaeat its finest. With 5,750 square feet under roof this spacious home has 5 bedrooms and 5 half baths, a study, a family room with breakfast nook, a living room and dining room combination with bar, a covered verandah with roll down shutters and electric screens, and a pool with water feature. Check out this special piece of Bahamas real estate.

Price:$3,995,000

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The SKABA Final Four is set, and former Champions Fig Tree are on top of the heap as they ended the regular season as the “top dawgs” in SKABA and therefore, are the number 1 seeded team heading into the final four playoffs which begins on Sunday 18th at Basketball City.
Joining Fig Tree in the Final Four, will be Ghaut Bucs, Horsfords, Ghetto Roots and last years Champions Rams Hitters. Ghaut Bucs had an exceptional season, and can be easily characterized as the most improved team for the season. While Ghetto Roots and Hitters have both maintained their status as 2 of the elite teams in SKABA. Notably absent from this years final four are St.Pauls Tuff Knots and last years finalists the Cotton Ground Rebels.
The Playoffs tips off on Sunday 18th, with the Number 1 seeded Fig Tree playing Number 4 seeded Hitters in Game 1, and in Game 2 number 3 seeded Ghetto Roots will be playing number 2 seeded Ghaut Bucs. Both games will be the first games of 2 best of 3 series to determine who will face off in the finals.
President Romel Tobias commented ” I think the decision to take games to the rural areas paid huge dividends for us, as we are in the middle of September, and despite the many rained out games that had to be re-scheduled, sometimes 2 and 3 times over, we are able to begin the playoffs in mid-september. This is something which we have not seen for some time, as over the last few years, we have seen the finals began as late as the first week in November. Last year it began in the last week in October and even with rain delays, we expect that the entire season will be done before the 3rd week in October.

Source:www.sknvibes.com

After competing in the world’s largest beauty pageant, Miss Universe,Miss BVI 2010, Sheroma Hodge is exhilarated and determined to share what she’s learned from this eye-opening experience, especially with young women who aspire to become Miss BVI.
“The level of pageantry at Miss Universe is above any that I have seen and I think it’s important to use my experience to help raise the bar for pageants in the BVI,” Hodge stated. Showing very little signs of exhaustion after traveling 19 hours, Hodge stepped off the plane at Terrence B. Lettsome airport looking cool and casual.
When asked about her experience in Sao Paolo, Brazil,she said, “It was amazing! It was like traveling around the world and meeting people of many different cultures,” noting the new relationships made with fellow contestants Miss Australia, Miss Canada, Miss Turkey, Miss USA and Miss Bahamas.
Hodge’s positive outlook followed her onto the Miss Universe stage. When it came time to walk in front of the worldwide audience the beauty queen remained calm and confident throughout the two-hour event while supporting the other women. She even made her own predictions.
“I was rooting for Miss Angola, I am happy that she won. Miss Angola is a very humble person and I know she will execute her reign in the best way possible,” she said. Miss Hodge also thanked the Festival & Fairs Committee for keeping the public abreast of her activities throughout Brazil, and for sharing information and photos with the media to whom she expresses gratitude for carrying her stories.

Source:bvinews.com

The Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino recently held the 2nd quarter celebration with a Mexican flair. With everybody dressed in ponchos, sombreros, dancing and singing to the mariachi. It was a colorful evening, where more than fifty associates were recognized for their outstanding performance.
Kevin Schwab, Vice President and General Manager started the evening by congratulating all nominees.
The first recipient of the Supervisor of the 2nd Quarter, was Michael Kelly from the Engineering Department. Michael has been recognized for his outstanding dedication to the engineering department. He has show tremendous leadership initiatives over the last few months, and he has constantly shown a great sense of urgency in responding to emergencies. He goes above and beyond his normal duties.
The second recipient of the Supervisor of the 2nd Quarter was Roberto MacDonald from the Recreation Department at MVCI. Roberto has stepped up to the plate in absence of a manager, and has shown the drive to engage his staff. He has driven the Guest Satisfaction Scores in his area and has show great commitment to his own development.
The first recipient of the Manager of the 2nd Quarter, was Juliana Hernandez from the Grounds Department. Juliana has been recognized for her true leadership and ownership. She has taken initiative to cross train and enhance her knowledge with in the engineering department. Her Guest Satisfaction Scores have been above 90%. She consistently goes beyond the call of duty.
The executive team would like to congratulate all the nominees and winners of the 2nd quarter.

Source:www.aruba.com

Inspectors are involved in a growing number of Bahamas real estate transactions, but their role is often misunderstood. There are some important points you should think about before ordering an inspection on a property you want to purchase.

Remember that a home inspection is not a witch-hunt! It’s not a tool for finding flaws to allow you to renegotiate your Bahamas real estate offer. An inspection is an educational exercise that allows buyers and sellers to better understand the home’s condition. An inspection can alleviate the buyer’s anxiety while also providing a basis for repair suggestions.

Don’t think that you won’t need an inspection for new construction! Nobody wants any surprises when purchasing an older home, but imagine what could happen in a brand new one that hasn’t even been lived in? If you’re considering the purchase of a home under construction, ask about “phase inspections,” which are completed at various stages in construction, for your peace of mind.

Finally, don’t assume that inspections are exclusively the responsibility of the buyer. Many sellers have benefited from pre-listing inspections that identify potential problems before the home is listed and the defects are discovered. Both sides can use the inspection to make smart decisions and feel more confident about the transaction. If you’re still uncertain, contact your local Bahamas Real Estate Association professional with your questions.