RE/MAX Roatan/Utila Real Estate -July 2015
ISLAND NEWS- Roatan Electric Company (RECO)~ A decrease in living expenses Obtaining electricity here (or on any island) can be expensive. Normally, electricity is generated by diesel fuel and when oil hits that $100/barrel price point, it can get pricey to run air conditioning. Electricity prices on some Caribbean Islands can even climb as high as 50¢/KWH. Although Roatan has never hit that price point, electricity is not cheap. Of course, breezes from the southeast normally keep this small landmass comfortable even if temperatures get high. These breezes keep temperatures so comfortable that people from Arizona, Texas, Mississippi and other places with notoriously high temperatures come to the Bay Islands to “cool off” during the oppressive summer heat. Although the island is beautiful and has many desirable attributes, (Islands Magazine called it the #1 island in the world to retire on), people are concerned with living expenses. Starting in November, Roatan Electric Companty (RECO) has announced plans to use both wind power generation and high-efficiency natural gas power plants. RECO predicts these two steps will help decrease the overall expense of obtaining electricity on the island.
New Roatan Public Hospital ~ A major impact on health care on the island Although the Municipal of Roatan acquired land for a new medical facility in between Coxen Hole and French Harbor (Dixon Cove), the challenge of obtaining funding for the project proved to be a difficult. However, it seems that issue may finally be resolved with a $2 million dollar donation by U.S. Businessman, Kelsey Warren, owner of the local electric company. Kelsey, a proponent of the island of Roatan for several years, has made the donation to build the facility with the architectural design for the complex completed by the University of Texas.
The building of this facility, along with the eventual completion of the new CEMESA Facility in French Harbor, should make a major impact on the overall health care available in the Bay Islands.
Ace Hardware ~ Your helpful hardware store All of us have a little DYI in us, and we all need a place to go for household items, fishing gear, or that missing nut or bolt. Several years ago, the ACE Hardware store on the island fell on hard times, and closed their doors. Well, the doors are back open! The shelves are full, and the store looks good.
Need an oil change? A new alternative for car care has appeared on Roatan, BIP (Bay Islands Petroleum) has been a gas station and convenience store just west of the community of Las Fuertes for about three years. Now, the adjoining plaza has the BIP Auto Care. I went there a couple of days ago, and they were efficient, professional, and reasonably priced.
FACEBOOK ~Helpful links You may find Roatan Buy & Sell a handy spot for buying or selling used items on the island. https://www.facebook.com/groups/654746304552534/?notif_t=group_r2j_approved
And while you are on FACEBOOK, please take a minute and like our Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/RoatanRemax?ref=settings
ISLAND EVENTS –
5th annual Rotary Golf Tournament, Saturday, August 1st Are you a golfer? The Bay Islands have always attracted adventurous souls who love the beach, world-class fishing, snorkeling and diving on the second largest coral reef, and now, the Bay Islands have tapped into the world of golf. If you golf, check out the Hall of Fame designer, Pete Dye, course. The Rotary Club of Bay Islands will hold its 5th annual Rotary Golf Tournament on Saturday, August 1st. Fifty percent of the proceeds from this event will go to the Roatan Public Hospital.
This will be a great day of fun on one of the nicest golf course in Central America. With both aqua and deep blue views of the Caribbean from 11 out of 18 holes, this golf course even has a challenging island hole just like the one the PGA TPC course has in Ponte Vedra Beach. Even if you are not a pro, there is no reason not to experience this course!
More details about the golf event can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/events/459404120904628/
or contact Edda at 9939-1321 or eddaborjas@yahoo.com
Taste of West Bay, July 19, 2015 (yes, very soon!) Plan a day in West Bay. This annual event is a blast with fantastic food samplings from the area restaurants.
The 16th Roatan International Fishing Tournament, September 11th to 14th 2015. For additional details on this event you can go to this link http://roatanfishingtournament.com
NEW MLS ~ Focused on Utila Many of you are aware of our MLS (Multiple Listing Service) on Roatan where the majority of the listings are on Roatan. http://link.flexmls.com/oq9ggfooh53,2 We have now set up a new MLS that has more focus on Utila. The little island of Utila draws a lot of attention, and although there are some Roatan listings, it has a much higher percentage of total Utila properties. Peek here for those who are looking for something a bit smaller, more remote, and yes, even a bit more laid back. Details found here: http://bayislandsmls.com
REAL ESTATE There is no doubt that the real estate bubble of 2008 and financial hardship it caused, hit the Bay Islands. Those same, substantial price decreases, hung out much longer than a lot of markets in the United States. However, it now seems that residential properties went up 2013 vs 2014 (a meager 1.7%) and vacant properties which took a nosedive to over 70% of their top market prices, went up last year (a little over 20% though that 70% downturn) still left us with many bargains to be had. Right now, at about 50% less than the market high. Buy now retire later.
Here in the Bay Islands, we have seen an influx of Buyers with a different agenda. They are buying properties for the purpose of relocation versus buying for investment. I noticed this trend a bit, but the reality of it is that we are a pretty small market, low volume and differ completely from markets in the United States or Canada. So I marked it up to coincidence. Now, that doesn’t seem to be the case. For example, in a recent poll, thirty-five percent of the people polled would consider leaving the U.S. and that number jumps substantially to 55% with the millennium generation.
Although full-time island life may not be for everyone, the article below, states it seems to be a fast growing trend for many from the U.S. This trend has extended from the usual 50’s and older crowd to people who are in their 30’s & 40’s . Of course that still leaves 65% of you that wish to be travel here seasonally, retire here, or look for a way to get out of the cold.
Article – Americans considering leaving the US: http://rt.com/usa/271144-americans-considering-leaving-us/
DISCOVERY AND INVESTMENT TOURS Have you planned a trip to get out of the cold next year?
If you are considering a purchase on the Bay Islands, consider our upcoming Discovery & Investment Tour. Get out of the cold, enjoy the aqua blue, clear waters, and learn everything you need to know about purchasing property here from experts (people who specialize in accounting, law, and insurance). Buying here, living here, or investing here is a very large decision. Get all the information you can, to make the best decision that you can. The best way to do that is our Tour!
If this tour interests you, write me and we can talk, or you can read more about the tour here: Discovery and Investment Tours: https://www.roatan-realestate.com/remax-bay-islands-utila-roatan-may-2015/
Overall, the future of the Bay Islands is looking brighter than ever for sensible and sustained growth.
Ocean View Home Site near Havana Beach
https://www.roatan-realestate.com/idx/Site-Sunset-Ridge-0-12-Ocean-View-Home-Roatan-mls_15-269
Lot 93 Lawson Rock Home Site
https://www.roatan-realestate.com/idx/Lawson-Rock-Lot-93-Prestigious-Location-Roatan-mls_15-228
Camp Bay Beach Lot
https://www.roatan-realestate.com/idx/Lot-3-Camp-Bay-Beach-Roatan-mls_15-159
Island Style Home + Guest House
Newly Built 2 Bedroom 2 Bath Modern Design Home
$30,000.00 Price reduction on Beachfront Home-
https://www.roatan-realestate.com/idx/West-End-Mangrove-Bight-Serenity-Beach-Roatan-mls_15-39
Best Buy in Utila at $249,000 – Immaculately maintained, as new condition, fully furnished, 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom, 2,400 square feet, single family home situated 150 feet (approx) from the ocean shoreline and beach of Paradise Cove in a quiet residential area. Great views from 3rd level terrace. 15 Solar Panels minimize monthly electric bills to $20-$50 per month. All USA quality build. Annual property taxes a meager $79. Honduras Corporation available with the Sale. https://www.roatan-realestate.com/idx/Utila-mls_15-158/
Condo/Hotel Unit – West Bay Beach – visit/vacation/get out o the cold…..enjoy- https://www.roatan-realestate.com/idx/222-White-sand-beach-Corp-Trans-SAVE-Roatan-mls_15-220
Beachfront Condo – 3br/3ba -Residential – Great spot to rent to cover your expenses and retire in later. Get it now! https://www.roatan-realestate.com/idx/Villa-del-Playa-399K-3br-BEACHFRNT-Roatan-mls_14-27
R U a Developer? This over 300 feet of beach may be your perfect spot!
https://www.roatan-realestate.com/idx/Main-Rd-Sandy-Bay-Heron-Lake-Roatan-mls_15-191
Luxury Oceanfront Homes? You bet, we have them! Try one of these!
https://www.roatan-realestate.com/idx/59-Lighthouse-waterfront-luxury-Casa-del-Sol-Roatan-mls_15-182
or
https://www.roatan-realestate.com/idx/Parrot-Tree-Plantation-Marina-Point-Home-Roatan-mls_15-120
or
https://www.roatan-realestate.com/idx/Luxury-Hm-French-Cay-Rd-Villa-Shanti-Roatan-mls_13-225
Smart Phone or IPad ? Here is your portable MLS link-
http://mymobile.flexmls.com/BayIslandsRealEstate
Roatan MLS Laptop or Desktop?
http://link.flexmls.com/oq9ggfooh53,2
Thanks for reading…………….I hope it is helpful to all.
Larry
Subscription Reminder: You’re Subscribed to: RE/MAX Newsletter using the address: remaxbi@gmail.com
From: remaxbi@gmail.com