Roatan & Utila News & Real Estate April 2018

-Above the Crowd: About Us 
-Important Information and Links for New Readers 
-Roatan Airport Upgrade 
-Tourism in Honduras 
-Krystal Enger – Welcome! 
-Cruise Ship: Quick Look 
-Road Improvement Project Update 
-Under New Management Restaurant: Por Que No? 
-Medical Insurance & Medicare Coverage 
-Seller’s Wanted 
-Luxury Homes Feature 
-New Listings, Steals, and Deals

REAL ESTATE AUCTION -ONLY TWO DAYS!

Above the Crowd: About Us 
Since I purchased the RE/MAX franchise (RE/MAX Bay Islands), and then purchased a second franchise (RE/MAX Western Sunsets), I have strived to make RE/MAX the premier and preferred real estate company in Honduras. I have done this by hiring great agents and staff. I have also worked to ensure our level of service is second to none. We focus on education and training of new agents, which is not normally done in Honduras. We also encourage all of our agents to expand their knowledge by furthering their education and staying up-to-date on relevant real estate courses.

We pride ourselves in having the only agents in the country who have specific specialties to serve our clients. We belong to a RE/MAX region that includes Central America and the entire Caribbean. This past month at the International RE/MAX convention in Las Vegas, we had the honor of having both the Top Agent in our region, Julie Shigetomi (who operates on the island of Utila realestateinutila@gmail.com) and the Top Franchise Manager in our region, our General Manager, Melaina Matute, (melaina.roatanbi@gmail.com) who is also a licensed agent. I am thankful for both of these women and our entire staff.

We now have agents with additional real estate certifications such as a Certified International Property Specialist, Certified Investment Specialties, Second Home, Luxury Home and Resort Specialists, Accredited Buyers Representatives, I.R.A Investment Specialists, Seller’s Representative, and two agents who are in process of additional specialties. If you want to find out more about me as a broker, you can visit my website at www.roatan-realtor.com. There is also a video on the index page of that site by a RE/MAX Vice President that provides additional information about me.

The bottom line is not all real estate companies are the same, and we hope that in your decision making process, you choose our company and one of our RE/MAX franchises to do business with. We constantly strive to be the best.

Information for Readers 
For those of you who are newer readers, or maybe those who wish additional information to help the decision making process, I want to connect you to some of our most popular links. Things you need to know if you are serious potential Buyers.

Buyer information including FAQ’s 
https://www.roatan-realestate.com/roatan-buyers/

Geography 
The below links are geography videos for both Roatan and Utila. Though small, these islands are very diverse.   You really will want to know where on each island best suits you. Tourism areas, residential, semi-remote?

See where you wish to live or invest: 
Roatan 
https://www.roatan-realestate.com/geography-webinar/

Utila 
https://www.roatan-realestate.com/utila-geography-webinar/

Our Island Multiple Listing Service (MLS): Available to all. 
https://www.roatan-realestate.com/listings/islands-mls/

Video Series 
You may also want to view our “All You Need to Know”video series. Included in the series are members of our extended team of professionals. These people include accountants, attorneys, insurance and medical professionals, and even everyday island residents.

Roatan-RTB Airport

Roatan Airport Upgrade 
Changes are planned to extend the runway and expand the interior of the airport in Roatan. I have been told there will be a second floor put in the building that would facilitate boarding and de-boarding without rolling staircases to the planes. The airport wants to expand to a three million annual capacity and to be able to better handle the growth the island is experiencing. 
https://www.caribjournal.com/2018/03/22/roatans-airport-getting-upgrade/#

white water rafting

Tourism in Honduras 
Honduras is quickly becoming a popular tourism destination. With rain forests, Mayan ruins, beautiful beaches, crystal clear Caribbean waters, and a climate everyone loves, Honduras has much to offer. If you live here or have an extended visit, there really is just SO MUCH to do. You can leave the island in the morning, get picked up in LaCeiba, go white water rafting and be back before dinner! Here is a recent article, which features Honduras from Travel Daily News.

https://www.traveldailynews.com/post/honduras-committed-to-tourism-development-with-addition-of-new-airlines-cruises-and-hotels

Check out our Photo Gallery to get an idea of just a few of the things that can get your ‘adventure’ bug going. https://www.roatan-realestate.com/photo-gallery/

Krstal head shot

-Krystal Enger 
I would like to take a moment to welcome Krys Enger to our RE/MAX TEAM here on Roatan. In her previous life Krys was a “Top Producer” Agent in Denver Colorado. When she arrived. she obtained her Dive Instructor’s Certification and managed various properties include a boutique Hotel operation in West End. After spending 6 years on the island she decided to come back to the love of her life, the real estate industry and has started up where she left off in Colorado. A Top Performer with a focus on customer service and a great level of professionalism. Here expertise focuses on the popular western part of our island. Please visit Krys’ website and read her informative blogs which include monthly market updates of real estate tends here in the Bay Islands.

http://www.roarealestate.com/

Cruise Ship: Quick Look 
Although the below link will lead you to a page that will provide “Things To Do,” when you visit on a cruise ship, I thought I would also let you know that Roatan seems to be a cruise ship tour stop for many investors who are considering our island for retirement or seasonal destination. Those traveling on cruise ships book with the intention of viewing places they are considering for retirement or relocation such as Belize, Panama, and Roatan. Visitors communicate with a REALTOR prior to arrival, and then spend some time becoming familiar with island locations. This is a smart way to spend a week or two. https://www.cruisehive.com/best-things-to-do-in-mahogany-bay-isla-roatan/23421

Island Road Projects 
After a hard winter season, (wet not white), road improvement projects are in a full catchup swing. This winter produced so much rain that intermittent road patchwork could not be completed, and by the time the rainy season ended, there were potholes everywhere. Although it will take some time, the national government has provided an emergency fund for patching, and took it a step further to provide concrete paving for much of the island. Concrete has been pouring in West Bay from Infinity Bay Resort to Henry Morgan and going past the entire West Bay Mall area.

Por Que No? (translation = Why Not?): Under New Management. 
This unique restaurant /deli is located in West End, Roatan. It is owned by a couple from Greece. Por Que No? serves delicious Turkish coffee, a “must taste” Baklava, and the best Tiramisu treats I’ve ever had. The hummus with fresh homemade bread is out of this world. Also, their friendly staff is always there to assist with a smile. Check out Por Que No? on your next visit here. We can meet you there before we visit some island dream properties. Please contact Ana Flores: aflores@realestateroatanforsale.com. Ana is one of our top REALTOR professionals who with her husband Luca, operate Property Management here on Roatan. If you are looking for a place to stay or a property buy, send Ana a note, and she can help you out! Need a place to stay? Check them out here-

http://www.roatanislandpropertymanagement.com/

-Medical Insurance & Medicare Offshore 
I am often asked if U.S. Medical Insurance coverage is available here on the island of Roatan and the answer is yes. That said, to the best of my knowledge only at CEMESA Hospital. In regard to Medicare coverage the answer to that is a maybe. Medicare has a coverage for people traveling outside the U.S. but there are limitations involved. It is called “Passport” coverage and you can go to this link and get a pretty good overview- 
https://www.uhcprovider.com/content/dam/provider/docs/public/health-plans/2017_UnitedHealth_Passport_FAQs.pdf

Sellers Wanted! 
Whether we represent Buyers or Sellers, the privilege is ours! We believe we have the best ‘marketing machine’ in Central America and the Caribbean to broadcast the property you wish to sell. All the companies on Roatan can offer a listing on the MLS but no others offer a print magazine for their company. They also do not have the world- wide reach of RE/MAX with our properties offered on the RE/MAX Regional sites of Central America and the Caribbean nor the RE/MAX International site. RE/MAX is the largest real estate company in the WORLD. We have the exclusive ability of real estate auctions. Add to that the top ranked real estate site on Google when doing a search for roatan real estate (includes Utila) and we believe we offer the best opportunity for any Seller! With 12 Agents actually living from one end of the island to the other, (Including Utila), we have you covered!

If you wish to sell your property your best choice is RE/MAX Bay Islands and RE/MAX Western Sunsets. If you are Selling or have a friend or neighbor that is interested in our service, we would like the opportunity to represent Sellers in this market.

Luxury Home Market 
For those in the Luxury Home Market who may not be familiar with Roatan, please see the LUXURY link below. Roatan may not be on destination lists that many in that market are familiar with, but it should be. With international flights from cities around the world, a world class Pete Dye golf course, shopping, medical facilities, beauty, tranquility, and the second oldest democratic county anywhere south of the U.S. border, you owe it to yourself to take a look at the value available here.

The high-end building Luxury homes in North America can be up to $700/square foot though most Luxury homes in North America fall into the $400/square foot range. On Roatan, you can build a beautiful, quality, U.S. standards home for from $120 to $150/square foot. Do you want real value for your money? See our Luxury Homes selection: 
https://www.roatan-realestate.com/listings/luxury-homes/?pg=1&OrderBy=-ListPrice

New Listings, Steals, and Deals 
REMINDER 
Our first real estate auction/event is upcoming in TWO DAYS! 
Check it out here –
https://www.roatan-realtor.com/auction/

Huge Price Reduction 4.8 acres Waterfront Property! HOT DEAL! 
https://www.roatan-realestate.com/idx/4-8-Acres-275-Waterfront-Roatan-mls_15-349/

3 Bed, 3 Bath Awesome Views! Sandy Bay Hill Top Home! 
https://www.roatan-realestate.com/idx/3-Bed-3-Bath-Awesome-Views-Sandy-Bay-Hill-Top-Home-Roatan-mls_18-169

Casa del Sol A spectacular sunrise for your new life EVERYDAY. This is a must-see property! 
https://www.roatan-realestate.com/idx/Value-Lighthouse-59-Luxury-Home-Roatan-mls_16-535

Newly renovated! 
Two homes for the price of one, great rental income close to West Bay. 
https://www.roatan-realestate.com/idx/West-Bay-rental-market-Your-start-up-homes-to-enter-Roatan-mls_17-181

Are you searching for a good litle business to invest in, and have instant revenue? Well here it is. 
https://www.roatan-realestate.com/idx/West-Bay-Mall-So-Tropic-Gift-Store-Roatan-mls_17-508

Serenity Villa: Just a few steps from the beach. 
This 3 bedroom, 2 Bath Villa is located only 3 minutes walking distance from West Bay Beach, perfect for a Vacation Rental, fully furnish , turn in Key. https://www.roatan-realestate.com/idx/Kai-Linda-Way-Villa-Serenity-Roatan-mls_18-145

Parrot Tree Plantation Luxury Home: Amazing Ocean Front. Private beach & outdoor kitchen are only a couple of amenities this amazing 4 bedroom, 4 bath have to offer. This house is designed by prestigious architects, and this beautiful home will appeal to the exclusive buyer. The attention to detail is remarkable. https://www.roatan-realestate.com/idx/PARROT-TREE-CASA-LA-ISLA-EN-LA-ISLA-307-Roatan-mls_18-122

‘Lost Isles’ – Get Away from it all. This non tourism area of the island home has it all. Remote area with road access, solar power and the perfect place to park your boat. Separate visitors quarters and you can see for ‘miles, and miles, and miles’! https://www.roatan-realestate.com/idx/Calabash-Bight-Road-Lost-Isles-Roatan-mls_18-176

This beachfront lot is an excellent homesite to build your tropical getaway. It provides seclusion, privacy and tranquility. Enjoy Caribbean sea views with Roatans mesmerizing sunsets. Being directly on the beach provides access to snorkeling, scuba diving on Roatan’s coral reef and a great spot for fly-fishing! The lot sits on 0.37 acre with 72′ sand beach frontage. Located towards the north side of the island approximately 10 to 15 minutes to shopping, restaurants, hospital and golf course in French Harbor. Whether you are looking for a beachfront property to build on or just future investment. This could be it. 
https://jorgechavezonroatan.com/idx/Crawfish-Rock-Beachfront-Lot-Roatan-mls_18-138

Enjoy all the 5-star amenities that Lawson Rock has to offer: 24 hour security, highly coveted landscaping, community pools, Dock beach access, and much more. Conveniently located only 10 minutes from the tourist activity of West End Village and only 10 minutes from Roatan’s international airport. 
https://jorgechavezonroatan.com/idx/Lawson-Rock-Sandy-Bay-Premire-Community-Roatan-mls_17-318

This convenient and accessible lot is perfect for those wanting to build a home close to beaches, nightlife, restaurants and dive shops. Fabulous ocean view, Mesmerizing Caribbean sunsets and a constant breeze. Great building lot on a 0.68 acres, gentle sloping hillside. Nearby homesite with electrical pole and water. Nature environment, peace and tranquility. 
https://jorgechavezonroatan.com/idx/Spectacular-Sunsets-Homesite-with-Ocean-View-Roatan-mls_17-198

Value Priced ($150,000), West Bay Home – 
https://www.roatan-realestate.com/idx/West-Bay-Bellamar-1-Roatan-mls_18-81

Beautiful Beach Community, away from the Crowds – 2br/1.5 Ba -$165,000 
https://www.roatan-realestate.com/idx/Unit-A-11-N-Palmetto-Bay-Plantation-Roatan-mls_17-379

UTILA DEALS! 
Pumpkin Hill Beachfront for your 6 senses! For sights, smells, sounds of the ocean, the taste of salty air and the feeling an amazing island vibe. Your brain will be stimulated too when you realize how this lot is a bargain! http://www.julieshigetomi.com/idx/Exceptional-lot-Pumpkin-Hill-Beachfront-Bargain-Utila-mls_17-556/

Scenically Supreme. Experience National Geographic daily. There’s even hatching turtles on this very beach. Come check out this amazing opportunity to live the life instead of just dreaming about it. http://www.julieshigetomi.com/idx/Great-2-bed-2-bath-bonus-bunks-Beachfront-Beauty-Jack-Neal-Utila-mls_18-156/

Living on top of the World where mother nature is the major developer! http://www.julieshigetomi.com/idx/Pumpkin-Hill-North-Shore-The-Hideaway-Rustic-Cabin-Utila-mls_15-41/

Thinking ahead? Many dream of owning their little piece of Paradise. They envision themselves on or near the beach on a tropical island and well they should. Escaping the cold, the snow or sometimes even the oppressive heat of summer with the cooling ocean breezes are nice thoughts to have.

That said not everyone is in the position to buy a beautiful home or condo here in the Bay Islands. Many opt to invest in a great home site. At this point in time prices can range starting at just $6,000! Sure waterfront, beachfront, gorgeous views cost more but sellers here often offer Seller financing and finding your piece of paradise now to build later is a great option to consider. You can even do it with an IRA. With median pricing increasing in the Bay Islands up 8.2% last year it certainly is something to consider. Here are a few I randomly choose to give you an idea of what is out here to look and choose from. In my humble opinion historically land is a great investment and it is sure a lot more fun than owning a stock. Buying a property that you can build on later is not a bad deal. Afraid you will change your mind in that your life circumstances have changed? Hold it for ten years and make some money. 
Not such a bad plan.

Check out some options here – https://link.flexmls.com/1dbk9ruuajrx,2

Want to check out ALL the options in the Bay Islands for vacant land, no problem, click right here – 
https://www.roatan-realestate.com/listings/land/?pg=1&OrderBy=ListPrice

That’s it for this month folks. Thanks for checking out our Newsletter and hope to see you here soon!

Best regards, 
RE/MAX Bay Islands & RE/MAX Western Sunsets