March 2016 Newsletter
Welcome to the March 2016 RE/MAX Real Estate Newsletter!
It has been an active month since my last publication, and there are just a few more weeks of what is referred to here as the high season. High season impacts the entire island, and this is the time of year we see large quantities of visitors from land, air, and sea. Most visitors are hoping to escape the winter weather of our northern neighbors.
During high season, we have an influx of traffic and showings and do a large amount of business. However, it won’t be long before business will decrease until the end of the summer. This is the time when serious customers, those considering the Bay Islands as their next big investment for preretirement, retirement, investment, seasonal or vacation living are likely to visit.
Energy on the Island
The island has changed a great deal over the years and with each passing year the Bay Islands have more to offer. The power supply (local electrical grid) has improved greatly with large investments in infrastructure. This ensures a steady supply of dependable energy. The island is also in the process of diversification and efficiency with wind, air, and now a natural gas generator is being ordered with installation not that far behind.
http://www.hondurasnews.com/reco-orders-28-mw-wartsila-propane-power-plant-for-roatan-honduras/
Medical Facility Update
The new hospital/clinic and 24 hour emergency care facility is in the process of furnishing their new location. It seems that the reality of healthcare on the island is edging nearer. This would eliminate the boat or plane ride off the island to the mainland for those in need of medical attention.
CEMESA Hospital should be up and running in a short time. CEMESA is arguably the top or if not the top, one of the top health care provider in the country. I have had three surgeries there and all three happened professionally and at a far less cost than could have possibly been achieved in the Untied States.
Air Travel to Roatan
When I moved to the island, Roatan was serviced by one airline and that airline only flew to the island once a week.
Now United, Delta, American, seasonal charters from Canada and Europe, and small carriers such as Easy Fly from Ft. Lauderdale, all provide air service to the island. In addition, Spirit Airlines flies to the mainland and from there travelers can grab a puddle jumper to either Roatan or Utila.
Plus, there are rumors that Southwest will be heading to Roatan in 2017.
Cayman Air flies from Miami to LaCeiba, which is 40 miles across the water from us and for the adventurous in nature, Easy Fly also has a direct flight from the island to Cuba.
Island Ferry
With a ferry now available from Roatan to Utila and a day ferry on Saturdays (leaving in the morning from Roatan and return in the evening), people are given a far easier way of traveling to our neighboring island where of course, we have a couple of great RE/MAX Agents, Mark Smith and Julie Shigetomi.
http://utilarealestateagent.com
&
http://realestateinutila.com/index.html
Are you going to Utila to shop for property? Do not settle for anyone else! Mark and Julie are pros. If you are considering Utila as your island option, you may also wish to visit BayIslandsMLS.com which has a much higher percentage of Utila options on it than the Roatan based
In a recent article, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the future of this country seems to be looking brighter every day.
http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/topstory-IMF-concludes-visit-to-Honduras-29418.html
Accolades and Perks of Living on Roatan
• Noted by Islands Magazine and International Living Magazine as one of the top, if not the top, island in the world to retire to.
• Mainly English speaking.
• Friendly island people.
• Lower crime and murder rates than most popular retirement locations including Belize, Panama, Bahamas, and Virgin Islands.
• International flights from several large hubs in the U.S. and Canada directly to Roatan
• Quality medical care, tropical climate, reasonable price points on properties in all price ranges.
What are you waiting for?
Do you have an IRA or a 401(K)?
If you have a financial advisor or an IRA or 401(K) administrator, it is unlikely that he or she would let you know that your IRA and/or your 401(K) is actually yours. In most instances, you can use these funds in a self-directed IRA to purchase property anywhere you wish, including here.
Why would your advisor keep this a secret? Easy, they no longer control your funds, you do!
Are you happy with the returns you are and have been getting the last few years? Blue chips not performing? Commodities like oil or metals been disappointing? Is this an intriguing thought that you would like additional information on? Let’s talk. larry@roatan-realtor.com
Do you know we have multiple websites?
I know most of you are familiar with our roatan-realestate.com site, but do you know about our sister sites which have different looks and different information?
Our roatanbayisland.com site has information for cruise ship passengers. In addition, an overview of our Discovery and Investment Tours can be found at roatan-realtor.com which is my personal Agent site.
If you are a property owner on the island, there may come a day in which you wish to sell. In that instance, if you are working with us, you have triple the online coverage and more visibility than any other real estate company on the market. Our top ranked sites have tens of thousands of page views each month.
Our full service company has all you need to feel comfortable with your future purchase or with the property you have right now. Services include property management and comparative market analysis for sellers.
Here at RE/MAX Bay Islands or RE/MAX Western Sunsets, we provide top of the line service. As your Realtors, we help guide you to top professionals. We are your advocates, your advisors, your representatives, and we provide you with the assistance you need to make the best decision.
We do not sell anyone anything, but we do our best to educate and provide you with information so you make an informed decision.
New on the Island
Mid-island French Harbor in Mega Plaza is a long overdue for a dry cleaning business. Although most wardrobes on the island consist of shorts, T-shirts, and sandals, there are times when we need dry cleaning. Therefore, a new dry cleaner is a welcome addition to the community.
Also in Mega Plaza, is a new Travel Agency & Property Management Service. Tourist Attractions & Services (TAS) includes hotel packages, airline tickets, cruises, and adventure tours. All services are both nationwide and international representing Despegar.com in Honduras, and also providing access to all hotels around the world. We can quote any destinations worldwide.
Add island-wide property management in a buffet option style, which allows you to determine how much you want to pay based on the service you wish to receive. Innovative, reasonable, and professional. Drop me an email, and I will put you in touch with them.
Restaurants
On the restaurant scene, there are a couple of great new options. The Bambu located on the second floor of the Coral Stone Plaza in Sandy Bay is operated by a chef and serves a variety of culinary options with new and exotic flavors. They open at 5 pm.
Also, on the second floor of the Hyde Plaza (where ACE Hardware in French Harbor is) a new breakfast/lunch, pastries/coffee shop called Gilei’s recently opened. Although this restaurant is new, there always seems to be a crowd at Gilei’s.
Lastly, there is a new surveillance solutions company on the island called ADELANTE.
With headquarters near Parrot Tree, they have island-wide service. Contact Joe Peterkin at 3389-1407 or email joe.peterkin@crewonward.com or visit Adelanteenterprisessa.com
Now, let me introduce you to some new listings and good deals.
One million less than the original listed price! Great home or a boutique high end B & B
https://www.roatan-realestate.com/idx/Luxury-Hm-French-Cay-Rd-Villa-Shanti-Roatan-mls_13-225
Two great little home sites with spectacular views, walk to the beach, golf course and close to everything you could want, including the new Hospital, mall, dentist, restaurants,………..
https://www.roatan-realestate.com/idx/lot-60-only-49K-Coral-View-Estates-Roatan-mls_16-141
2br/2ba West End condo. Vacation, int it out, live in it. Close to all the amenities of West end-
https://www.roatan-realestate.com/idx/10-A-West-End-Village-2br-2ba-179K-Sunset-Villas-Roatan-mls_16-138
Utila homesite – bargain!
https://www.roatan-realestate.com/idx/At-the-base-of-Pumpkin-Hill-Breezy-homesite-100-x-100-ft-Utila-mls_16-94
French Cay Home Site Low Priced Bargain!
https://www.roatan-realestate.com/idx/French-Cay-Gentle-Slope-Home-Site-Roatan-mls_16-93
Price Reduction on Fixer Upper from $89K – $59K
https://www.roatan-realestate.com/idx/French-Cay-Fixer-Upper-Home-Roatan-mls_15-426
Beachfront House, Milton Point Lot 3
https://www.roatan-realestate.com/idx/Milton-Point-Lot-3-Beachfront-Home-Roatan-mls_16-76
Sunset Villa Condo 10A –West End
https://www.roatan-realestate.com/idx/10-A-West-End-Village-2br-2ba-179K-Sunset-Villas-Roatan-mls_16-138
Full Acre of Beachfront –
https://www.roatan-realestate.com/idx/Corozal-Hottest-Sparrow-Hottest-Sparrow-Beach-Front-Roatan-mls_16-145
Beachfront Home. Quality built only $299K
https://www.roatan-realestate.com/idx/Beach-Front-Sandy-Bay-Dolphin-Reef-House-Roatan-mls_16-144
You can see for miles and miles and miles, (and walk to the nicest beach in Central America
https://www.roatan-realestate.com/idx/Turrets-T-25-Beautiful-Caribbean-Views-Roatan-mls_16-46Finding us is easy no matter where you look.
Here are some MLS links for your convenience.
Going Mobil? We have you covered – http://portal.flexmls.com/BayIslandsRealEstate
MLS Link- http://link.flexmls.com/oq9ggfooh53,2 Hundreds of properties
New MLS with a focus on Utila – BayislandsMLS.com
Let us help you find the perfect piece of paradise for you.
Thanks for reading – Larry
Doug Miles photo
