As we sit in the tropics we all watch the happenings in North America and remember our lives there over a decade ago, our hearts go out to those who are battling the extreme weather challenges so many millions have had this week, some still are having, in the northeast. I wish you were here enjoying the warm breezes and aqua water views. We wish you all well and hope you are planning your visit to our little island paradise right now.
I wish to mention a couple of RE/MAX items in this newsletter before I get into the regular real estate news. I believe both of these announcements are very noteworthy.
First our West Bay Mall office for RE/MAX is now open. At this time Agent ‘Montreal’ Bob Sirios, (bi-lingual French), is our Agent there and he will be happy to help you out and answer any questions you may have. Many who visit the island visit West Bay so this new location should be a convenient spot for all. We of course still are at our Mt. Pleasant main office also.
Utila – For those of you who have ‘wondered’ about Utila, but had little information on it, you will now have great access to information for our sister island Utila. Just 9 miles off the coast of Roatan’s west shore sits the island of Utila. RE/MAX will be the first International, (or national for that matter), franchise with representation on that island. Our new RE/MAX Agent will be starting officially on January 1st but I am sure if you have any questions about Utila or properties available there he will be happy to answer your questions. Utila is more remote than Roatan but that maybe just what you are looking for.
Real estate review, new listings and properties of note-
For the first time in several years the real estate market here on the island has created a unique market for investing. Land values have dropped significantly from the peaks of 2007. (as much as 70+% in some instances), creating an ideal opportunity for real estate investors to build assets and wealth through appreciation and in some instances, cash flow.
For years when prices were going up each year, I regretted not buying more property than what we had, thinking that I had missed the boat so to speak. I personally have reacted by purchasing two properties here in the past year+. That said I am amazed at some of the price points here and now and what bargains they are.
We now have home sites in nice areas in the $30 to $40 thousand dollar range with
desirable water front lots and prime spectacular view locations that have sold for as little as $100K. These are properties that would have sold for over a hundred thousand to up to a quarter million just a few years ago.
I talked with a builder a few days ago who said he can build nice, (not luxury) homes for
between $75 and $85 per square foot. If you do the math here you can have a 2-3 bedroom 1200 to 1500 square foot home on a nice home site for between $90,000 & $127,500. If you add the land cost into the scenario you are looking at very reasonable investment for a home on a Caribbean island.
There are parcels of all sizes at great values. Buying land now on the island is nothing but very smart.
This past week RE/MAX listed a larger property with over 1200 feet of waterfront (31.97 acres) for only $14,500 an acre.
For those who wish a little ‘space in your life, here are two beautiful and spacious (2.48 ac & 3 acre parcels). Both of these options have spectacular ocean views. Either spot a small investor could buy as a land bank investment and subdivide into nice home sites if they wished. Nice spots, warm breezes, great views, ………..
For those of you who know the island you may very well know about ‘Lawson Rock’. ‘LR’ is a high end planned community with beaches, pools and a great convenient location. The below link is one of the truly beautiful view sites on the island. 180º of
aqua and deep sea blues all from a nice spot in a great community with concrete paved roads , and pleasant breezes. A Outstanding Lawson Rock home site
Are you in ‘Google Plus’? If you are we have a nice video here – you can join me into your Google circle and stay in touch if that is your preference.
Or the ‘youtube’ version is here
This is a nice budget condo that can give you your retirement place on the island without the beach price. Near French Harbor………..
This is a great home that is close to West Bay on a BEAUTIFUL lush property , not in a planned community and just was reduced by $50,000 U.S.
A new listing in Turtle Crossing 2br/2ba home with great views and a short walk to the beach!
This is a GREAT view lot in Lighthouse Estates with visual of West Bay and the mountains of the mainland all in one place. Concrete roads, underground utilities.
Mid island , nice home, great views, good price.
This link is the RE/MAX section of the new MLS Magazine. It is not out in print yet but here you get it first! –
The arrival of December means the year is winding down, yet it is also the beginning of a busy time for many of us who celebrate special holidays over the coming weeks.
For me, December is not only a time for celebration, but also a time of reflection and appreciation. I am particularly grateful to my clients for the support they have shown me in the past, and I look forward to helping you with all your future real estate needs.
In the meantime, I hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas and a Very Happy & Healthy New Years!
New this month on on the ‘ROATAN DAILY’
-Island Posh Boutique moves to West Bay Mall!
-Honduran Tourism on the Rise
-‘Traveling Troubador’
-Iconic Roatan Restaurant re-opens
-Do you know Roatan Geography?
-RE/MAX Agent Wendy McLaughlin’s Dolphin Day (nice video)
-American Airlines expands Service to Roatan, again.
-Tips for Cheap Airfare
Use the search bar do look up almost any subject you wish to research.
Best to all – Larry
