2014 November Newsletter
Thanks to everyone who responded to last month’s survey. It was extremely helpful in determining how we can best meet your real estate needs.
The Bay Islands
One of the questions on the survey had to do with if Bay Islands was a place you have decided on, or if you are looking at other options also.
I want to share some of my thoughts about buying elsewhere. As we get to know each other, you will learn I am an all-cards-on-the-table type of person. Real estate is a profession I take very seriously, and I do not try to sell you a dream, but instead, help keep you very reality based. (although dreams are also often fulfilled).
People who are real estate location “shopping” do not always compare apples to apples. If you are comparing this island to other islands, then you are right on the mark. If you are comparing this island to places like Belize, Costa Rica, Panama, or Ecuador, then you are not. It would be like comparing U.S. Virgin Islands to Florida, (or any island versus a landmass). If you are comparing Roatan or Utila to other Caribbean Islands, again you are right on the mark.
All can make arguments for any given place there is no doubt. Islands in themselves have the allure, have the mystery and they have the ALL important island breezes for a tropical location. By that I mean, islands are small masses of land surrounded by water. That controls the temperature on the land of the island. When you go to the tropical region anywhere in the world in the summer IT IS HOT! Now check out an island in that same tropical region and what you get breezes the same temperature as the water masses that surround it! 80 -85º +/-. Not bad. People live on islands for that very reason. It is the very reason the ‘masses’ that have their homes in Miami often head to the Florida Keys when summer hits.
In this market, we compare favorably to all islands, world wide, in regards to like properties to like properties cost wise. In addition, we have been picked previously by Islands.com, as the #1 island to retire to and are normally in the top 20 places in the world location wise. Watch for the Islands.com print version upcoming (Jan/Feb -2015), as we will also be featured there.
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The question about RE/MAX Bay Islands- Estab 1995:
I am thrilled that so many respondents have such a great deal of faith in RE/MAX. We proudly own two franchises in one of the the top real estate franchises in the world. In our part of the world, we are always striving to be better tomorrow as both Brokers and Agents, than we were yesterday.
For the few of you that said they were undecided and to the two of you that said you previously had a bad experience with a RE/MAX, all I can say is first, I am sorry that happened to you and also that each RE/MAX Franchise is ‘Independently Owned and Operated’ and not all individual companies are operated to the same level as another, maybe even one right down the street by the same name.
We are the only real estate company in the Bay Islands that has Agents that have the additional education and accreditation of Certified International Property Specialist, International Real Estate Specialist, Second Home & Resort Specialist and Accredited Commercial Professional.
At this time, we also have Agents in training as Accredited Buyers Representatives and Certified Investor Agent Specialists. No other company on the islands (or in this country) can offer that much expertise and the longevity of their Agents.
Remember, not all real estate companies are the same. RE/MAX Bay Islands & RE/MAX Western Sunsets – We are as RE/MAX says are, ‘Above the Crowd’.
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Bay Islands Discovery & Investment Tours
I was excited by the number of you who expressed interest in being a part of the Discovery & Investment Tours this upcoming year.
If you are undecided here are questions to consider:
Do you wish to buy now while prices are very affordable? Do you hope to buy before the majority of Baby Boomers are scrambling the globe looking for their warm weather haven? Are taxes a consideration for you? Are you looking for that perfect retirement or vacation location? Are you looking for that condo or home that will flow positive in cash? Pay it’s own way in regard to expenses after the purchase?
If you have considered any of the above, than the Bay Islands Discovery & Investment Tour is for you. This is a unique opportunity to save tens of thousands of dollars!
Get your all your questions answered all at once.
Come and spend a week, or more, with us on Roatan and learn all about what’s involved in purchasing a vacation home, a building site, land, an income-producing property, a retirement home or an investment piece of paradise.
In three days, we will share all the ‘need-to-know’ information for buying property overseas. We will even cover the questions you didn’t know you needed to ask!
We’ll spend Day One discussing legal issues, insurance, title, communications, building, and much more. Participants will have one- on-one access with local experts including attorneys, both Honduran and U.S., Tax Experts, both Honduran and U.S, insurance guidance, retirement & relocation guidance, residency options, and our own staff of experts always nearby.
You couldn’t accumulate all this experience on your own without spending a lot of time here, not to mention expense.
In addition, we will introduce you to the people you need to know and the services you will need to uncomplicate your life and give you ideas on how-to finance your purchase.
For example: Did you know you can use your IRA/SEP to purchase an investment property?
Not only will we share these answers with you, but you’ll receive our considerable experience in the real estate business to help you find just the right property for your needs.
This seminar and tour is not to be missed. And there’s no risk to you, only benefit. We will refund your fee when you buy property here, if it’s during the tour or within six months of the tour. There is nothing to lose.
If you would like information regarding this opportunity, drop me an email. We do not have all the details worked out yet in that some of what we offer will depend on how many will participate. In order to give you the individual attention you deserve, twenty people is our absolute maximum. NOTE – The tour fee covers airport transport, lunches when we are ‘on tour’ of the island, meeting rooms, a sunset cruise, and some of our experts invited expenses. It will not include the actual hotel or air travel, though we will be negotiating the best rates available for hotel stays.
The large majority of people that have shown interest in the tours, asked the tour to be held in March or April. At this time, we have scheduled one tour the week of March 2nd and the second tour the week of April 13th. We hope to see you on one of those weeks so you can join other like minded people and enjoy the islands.
Here are this months new listings, hot deals and properties of note.
Charming 2 bedroom 2 bath island style home surrounded by trees. Located in a quiet subdivision close to everything. https://www.roatan-realestate.com/listing/listing-325-2-bedroom-2-bath-island/
If you are considering building a home, then maybe this partially constructed home would be the ideal thing if you are looking for a little project. https://www.roatan-realestate.com/listing/listing-328-lot—13–partially/
Caribbean views from this cool hillside home site in the tropics. All this property needs is your dream home. Private water, road, and electricity available https://www.roatan-realestate.com/listing/listing-223-0-12-acres–johnson-bight/
Price reduction and seller is open to financing. Nicely finished two story home in quiet neighborhood. Conveniently located just minutes from all French Harbor stores, amenities and golf course
https://www.roatan-realestate.com/listing/listing-280-4-br/ba/
Imagine yourself relaxing on your deck, watching the ocean waves crash on the iron shore below while feeling a fresh cool breeze and smelling the salty air. This newly constructed, two level home was built by one of the best builders on Roatan
https://www.roatan-realestate.com/listing/listing-327-breezy–waterfront-home-west/
BEACHFRONT- Did you ever want your own little getaway in paradise? This great little out of the way spot has it all. A small community of homes that has a swim lagoon, a place to park a small sports fishing boat or even a cabin or sail boat. ONLY $129,000 U.S.
https://www.roatan-realestate.com/listing/listing-273-a-few-steps-from-the-ocean/
Fully furnished, 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom Beachfront home with infinity edge pool built into 2nd floor ocean-side covered porch. Solid vacation rental history – Seller declares $28,000 vacation rental income in 2013.
https://www.roatan-realestate.com/listing/listing-333-casa-verde-beach-house/
Off the grid’ living, boat access only, Only a few houses are located in the vicinity – nearest house is some 200 yards away. Community dock is some 480 ft away, or maybe build your own private dock.
https://www.roatan-realestate.com/listing/listing-335-0-35-acre–sandy-beachfront/
These lots are priced to go. After the first two lots are sold, the price will increase to $29K for the remaining lots. Eight to choose from. https://www.roatan-realestate.com/listing/listing-345-residential-bargain-lot8—23k/
890 feet of prime white sandy beachfront, iron shore and hatching turtles. Vegetation in back, sand and waves in front with the road direct to the property. https://www.roatan-realestate.com/listing/listing-313-pumpkin-hill-beach/
Thanks to all and I hope that you are both not too cold wherever you are now, (it seems the older we get , the colder it gets and the earlier each year) . We really do not believe in ‘winter’ here.
A little news and help items………………..Starting December 18th United Airlines will be provided DAILY service to the island of Roatan.
Best time of the week to buy tickets…………https://www.yahoo.com/travel/when-to-buy-the-cheapest-airline-tickets-100852370072.html
A love affair with an island………….
http://internationalliving.com/2014/11/a-love-affair-with-the-honduran-island-of-roatan/
Moving here? Need Medical Insurance? Try these guys ‘Best Doctors’ – Miami Office 866-902-7775 http://www.bestdoctors.com/what-we-do/insurance
Medical Information –Care-Doctors English speaking-
https://www.roatan-realestate.com/medical-care-considerations/
Security- https://www.roatan-realestate.com/roatan-remax-newsletter-securitysafetycrime/
I also have a ‘vacation rental’ I would like to mention for the upcoming season, (weekly) that is a true beachfront unit. 3br/3ba , pool and short walk to shops, diving, restaurants. Check it out here – http://www.vrbo.com/3611169ha
