H O R I Z O N S

I was pondering for a moment how popular the Bahamas is as a destination.  No matter where I travel folks I speak with have heard of the Bahamas.  People are still often amazed that people ‘live’ there.

Recently while attending a small town 4^thof July parade in Vermont, there was an artist exhibit set up inside of a barn.  While I marveled at the glorious folk art and vibrant rooster paintings, I glimpsed a vista that was familiar – Harbour Island and other areas of Eleuthera.  The artist was a local in Vermont, but had a second home in Eleuthera.  She was very enamored with the Island, and having been there many times, I fully understand.

Recently Eleuthera has garnered significant press around the globe and in particular in the Pacific Northwest of the United States for the capture of the ‘Barefoot Bandit’, Colton Harris Moore.  Having eluded the US authorities for so long Colton’s errant behavior ended with a dramatic capture by Bahamian Police in the same Harbour Island the artist had captured on canvas.

In the minds of many the Barefoot Bandit is a Northwest ‘folk hero’ not unlike the artist I met.  People marvel at the ingenuity of a young man with a seemingly kind heart as people admired my gifted East coast acquaintance.

Colton was kid who, like so many criminals, had strikes against him before he could walk. His habit for breaking into vacation homes began at 13 largely because they had what he didn’t; cupboards full of food, plentiful toys, neat electronics, a sense of prosperity and security. Like Goldilocks, he’d linger inside, watching TV and eating the food. He hoarded many of the items he stole in a tent behind his mother’s property. He was nonviolent, hated drugs, loved dogs, and adored by one of the social workers who tried to help him. He was about as far from a cold-hearted crook as one could get while still being a criminal with a determination to fly.

I ponder what drew the self taught pilot, Colton, to our shores, of course there is the obvious, easy proximity and outside of US jurisdiction, but could there be a subconscious motive to head to land steeped in pirate folklore? A cosmic pull per se?  Or is it as simple as, if you have to head somewhere, why not go where it is warm and gorgeous….

You know there is a local group in the Bahamas that has a song that says something along the line of…

Even the Good Lord takes a holiday – That’s way He created the Bahamas

Below are some links to listings in Eleuthera for you to have a look at: http://hgchristie.com/index.php/details/index/Id/14820

http://hgchristie.com/index.php/details/index/Id/21186

http://hgchristie.com/index.php/details/index/Id/20723

I also have a FANTASTIC opportunity to own approx 20 ACRES of prime land for a GREAT DEAL – motivated seller !! http://hgchristie.com/index.php/details/index/Id/18280 – Call today about that one – 242-357-7572

You don’t have to be an artist or a bandit to succumb to the lure of Eleuthera, to visit or have ownership in the Bahamas – remember that even the Good Lord is seeking a great place to get away – that’s why he created the Bahamas…

Perhaps you should check it out too.

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Recently, I had an opportunity to participate in an HG Christie ‘Aqua’ Caravan. A ‘caravan’ is traditionally an opportunity for agents to gather as a group and familiarize themselves with listings. This allows the agent in-depth insights and knowledge. Transportation for this caravan was via boat and so we dubbed it ‘Aqua – Caravan’.

This knowledge gathering trip was conducted in the Abacos. So, I flew in that morning from Nassau, along with another agent from our Nassau office, Penny, and we met up with the Abaco team, lead by Neil, and ’set sail’. Well, we got in the speedboat and headed out.

Giving up chunks of time like this is challenging for agents, as our business demands responsiveness, but our we had a phenomenal trip to the Bahama Cays. The boat ride from Foxtown, (on Little Abaco Island) was a quick 15 minutes. This is great to know for access, but I could have stayed in the boat longer; it was a beautiful day. When we arrived we were promptly instructed to set our watches back one hour to “Bahama Cay Time”. This is the pace and ‘time zone’ that Bahama Cays will run on.

I felt my spirit go ‘ahhhhhhhh’ and tension slip away as I stepped on the sand. We were removed, but not too far. We were away from civilization, but not in an uncivilized way.

The charming and well thought out construction is well underway and nearing completion. The first building and docks are almost complete. We took a tour and really got a good look around. The construction is very solid with impact resistant windows and hardy plank. This is typical ‘time and weather tested’ island construction. The spaces are large and designed for optimum island living. These dwellings will represent a very good deal for the initial buyers.

Another highlight was a great lunch on Mile Cay which had a gentle river like current running through the cut. ‘Ahhhhhhhh’ and ‘Yummmmmm’

The setting is ‘island ideal’ and the development will be as green as possible. The developers will incorporate solar power uses as much as possible and utilize generators to run the AC’s where needed. With a nod to authentic island living, there will only be air-conditioning only in the bedrooms. The other living areas will rely on the cooling Abaco breezes – the ‘Trade winds’.

There will only be golf cart paths on the island and the landscaping will remain very natural. Island amenities will include a gas dock and restaurant. These will be open to the public and are sure to be a popular destinations with boaters who wish to top on gas, get a bite to eat or buy ice and supplies.

Within this development there are 4 cays all together. Bahama Cay, Mile cay and two others (check the listing/Neil). All of these cays have good beaches and nice elevations. One of these islands will feature only one home and it will be rented out to one family or group at a time with to provide that ultimate private island get away.

In a world that seems to be ‘off kilter’ and spinning too fast sometimes – this setting is picture perfect and will make a wonderful place to get away from it all. Don’t think that this sounds boring, because while you are ‘de-stressing’ if you choose to there will be much to enjoy with great water sports, fishing and diving on the nearby reefs.

You really have to see this to fully appreciate it. Marsh Harbour and Treasure Cay have international airport and is a short plane ride from Florida.

Hop on over – a ‘time forgotten’ awaits you with all of today’s conveniences.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1LpZvM_EKo

At the Crossing you can enjoy luxurious, tropical waterfront living. These brand new condominiums offer panoramic sea views for the opportunity to escape from the hectic pace of life; while the ideal location allows easy access to the heart of town. No expense has been spared in the contrauction – all units are complete with designer tile and hardwood floors, custom kitchen and vanity cabinets, solid surface countertops and stainless steel appliances.

Ferries to the nearby cays are just a 1 minute walk from this private gated development.

Come home to paradise at The Crossing Waterfront Condominiums, Marsh Harbour, Abaco, Bahamas. Visit the website at www.TheCrossingAbaco.com.

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“I could tell you my adventures – beginning from this morning,’ said Alice a little timidly: ‘but it’s no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then.”

The statement above, made by Alice to the Mock Turtle and Gryphon, perfectly sums up today’s real estate market. Tim Burton’s recent movie ‘Alice in Wonderland’ has been sharing the news spotlight recently with the real estate market with opinions and reviews being liberally disseminated. However, as Alice points out, there is no use looking back to the real estate market of yesterday. Today we find ourselves in a different real estate market, a new reality.

Without dispute it could be said that we are all ‘different’ than we were prior to the economic downturn. As in marking our calendars BC or AD, this period of time will remain a financial reference that affected individuals in varying degrees; from merely needing to put off plans for later to devastation, the adjustments are palatable. It is safe to say that no matter the impact experienced, we are all emerging more cautious in our financial matters and real estate purchases.

While Lewis Carroll’s character is a fictional one, the disorientation experienced by Alice has even led to the coining of a real neurological condition which affects human perception called the, “Alice in Wonderland Syndrome”, also known as “Todd’s Syndrome”. Suffers may experience size distortion or other sensory abnormalities. The same could be said of the past real estate market, now referred to as a ‘bubble’ by many analysts. The real estate market of our ‘short term’ memory, like Alice, grew to a disproportionate size and then shrunk to miniscule proportions. Similarly to our analogous heroine, the current real estate market seems to be returning to its normal size.

As we emerge a bit breathless from our battle with the ‘economic dragon’, like Alice, we seem to be emerging wiser and empowered to explore our options. So shake the dust off from our recent economic skirmish and set out to explore opportunities on the horizons.

I have included a few links for your exploration below:

http://hgchristie.com/index.php/details/index/Id/19573

http://hgchristie.com/index.php/details/index/Id/18389

Contributions from Dwayne Wallas of HG Christie Abaco
Influenced by Tara-Nicolle Nelson author of “The Savvy Woman’s Homebuying Handbook”

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Real estate investors are back, say the National Association of REALTORS® and other market observers. Investors made more than 17 percent of home purchases in January, with 26 percent of all sales transacted in cash. “We bottomed out in 2008, and in late 2009, prices stabilized and investors have returned,” says Mark Fleming, chief economist at research firm First American CoreLogic. “It’s a different type of investor going after foreclosed properties and expecting to hold on for longer time frames.” These buyers believe that the only direction housing values can go is up, because it costs more to build than it does to buy. Leonard Baron, a real estate professor at San Diego State University, says. “It’s because prices have dropped so much and rents really haven’t. The deals were unbelievable.”

Source: USA Today, Stephanie Armour (03/22/2010)

Image by BlogMama via Flickr

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In a recent Toast Master’s District 47 Executive Council meeting held in Ft. Myers, Florida, HG Christie’s Agent and Appraiser, Elbert Thompson            , was named the Area Governor of the 2nd Quarter for District 47. 

Elbert has captured this esteemed honor after 13 distinguished years with Toastmasters International and has competed and won several contests throughout the years.  Rising as a leader during his affiliation with this well-regarded organization that is dedicated to enhancing communication and leadership skills, Elbert also served as a club president.  His stellar performance within the Toastmaster’s organization has now yielded wider recognition  with this prestigious award for a district that stretches across the Bahamas and South Florida, from Key West to Tampa. This represents approximately 5,000 members and 42 areas.

HG Christie salutes Elbert in this outstanding accomplishment.  During his professional career Elbert has maximized his speaking talents, knowledge and exceptional training skills in many venues.  One of Mr. Thompson’s most memorable posts in the Bahamas where his exceptional skills could be witnessed was as a news anchor and reporter with the national televisionand radio station,  ZNS.

When congratulated he remarked, “I was truly shocked and humbled by the honours when my name was called and I thank all of the Area 83 clubs, their executive officers, members and Area 83 Council members as their work and cooperation has made this all possible.  GO AREA 83!!!!”

HG Christie is proud to have Elbert Thompson             as a valued member of our team.  Elbert shines not only at Toastmasters but professionally as well.  A respected appraiser, a Top Producing Agent and recently a proficient company trainer.  So “GO ELBERT!  Shine on!”

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Thawing in the warmth of the Bahamian Sunshine nearly 100 Air Canada passengers disembarked the inaugural international direct flight into George Town, Exuma on Sunday.

After just a few short hours, commuters sporting gleeful expressions headed off to play at the new Sandals Emerald Bay resort ready to soak up the gorgeous Exuma seaside. 

The island of Exuma is welcoming and grateful for these direct flights and views this as just the beginning of an even greater increase to international arrivals to Exuma. Executives with Air Canada have said that they are ’booked to capacity for the rest of the month for their flights into Exuma’.

“We are so proud to be here,” said Sandal’s Chief Executive OfficerAdam Stewart. “We are here today and are committed to the people of Exuma.

The executive was present yesterday for the day’s festivities, along with a host of other island officials.
Raymond Francis, executive director of the Out Islands Promotions Board, noted that the inaugural flight came at a time when most big airlines were considering cutting routes to boost cost efficiency – that’s proof, he said, for what’s in store for Exuma in the near future.

“It goes to show that Air Canada and Sandals are confident in Exuma’s tourism growth,” he said. “We are confident this direct service will boost tourism demand [and] we hope this will entice . . . and provide much needed direct service from Toronto.”

The Air Canada flight will operate one day a week servicing the Toronto to George Town routes.

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Potential home buyers who delay have a lot to lose.

First-time home buyer and move-up tax credits worth $8,000 and $6,500, respectively, expire April 30. Buyers who qualify get a dollar-for-dollar reduction in taxes or a cash payment if they don’t pay enough taxes to cover the credit.

Other factors that should spur buyers:

Low mortgage rates. If the Federal Reserve stops buying mortgage-backed securities at the end of March, 30-year rates will almost certainly rise to more than 6 percent.

Rising prices. About 30 percent of markets are already experiencing price increases. Prices are falling in 12 percent of markets, says Fiserv (but that only helps if you want to live there).

Source: Money Magazine, Beth Braverman (03/02/2010)

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The Mortgage Bankers Association is seeing signs that the foreclosure crisis is ending.

“The continued and sizable drop in the 30-day delinquency rate is a concrete sign that the end may be in sight,” says Jay Brinkmann, MBA’s chief economist, in a published statement.

Brinkmann said that normally there is a large spike in short-term mortgage delinquencies at the end of the year because of high heating bills and holiday expenditures. This year, there was not only no spike, but the 30-day delinquency rate actually fell from 3.79 percent to 3.63 percent.

Thirty-day delinquencies have historically been a leading indicator of serious delinquencies and foreclosures, Brinkmann said.

“[This] gives us growing confidence that the size of the problem now is about as bad as it will get,” he said.

Source: Mortgage Bankers Association (02/19/2010)