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Real Estate Review
 Everything You Need to Know About Real Estate in the Bahamas
Issue 2008-03   JULY 2008
July 2008 at HGChristie

This month's feature article is all about a great new property in Abaco we are excited about - The Crossing in Marsh Harbour. This community has a lot to offer, including great rental potential!
 
Our July market analysis on the mini-boom of the luxury sector is a helpful look at the recent local market trends - always a must read.
We also want to bring everyone up to speed on the happenings here at HGChristie, including the announcement of our Top Producers for 2007 - congratulations honourees!  And we also want you to know about all the moving and shaking we've been doing, so don't miss our article below on our relocation in Exuma.
 
And for a sneak peek at a topic from our blog, Horizons, see the bottom article on how the cost of fuel is impacting yacht travel in the Bahamas.
 
We hope you enjoy all the great info on real estate that we've included as we strive to become the resource for all your real estate needs.

Johnsig

 
 
 
 

John Christie
H.G. Christie Ltd. CGE logo
Feature:
Tropical Waterfront Living
The Crossing Gives the True Abaco Lifestyle a Modern Twist

Crossing Illustration w Logo

With views of the Sea of Abaco and the surrounding cays, this new waterfront community has the best of both worlds - true Abaco living, just moments from the relaxed and friendly settlements, and all the first class amenities of living a modern city life.
 
Neil Aberle, Estate Agent at H.G. Christie Ltd, said, "What we have to offer here is unique - a location overlooking Crossing Beach, with fantastic views, a full suite of amenities, a private beach, 120' dock with protected slips as well as day docking, and all of it being new construction."
 
At The Crossing, there are two styles of reasonably priced units available, a comfortable 2 bedroom, 2 ½ bathroom apartment at 920 sq. ft. (see listing AS10904), and a spacious 3 bedroom, 3 ½ bathroom two-storey penthouse at 1,612 sq. ft. (see listing AS10576.) All units feature such luxury details as granite countertops, designer tiles, and custom solid wood cabinetry. The environmentally conscious will also be happy with the energy-efficient, water-saving appliances installed throughout, and the environmentally friendly waste treatment facility. 
 
View from PorchesTo beat the tropical heat, the condominiums all have central air conditioning as well as fans in every room. They also feature covered porches on 2 sides, to better enjoy the views of the crystalline sea and lush tropical landscaping, as well as a whirlpool jet bath on the porches of the ocean view penthouse units. All units are high-speed internet and cable ready, and penthouse units are available with a deeded 30' dock slip included.
 
Each unit comes with its own parking space but there are also 12 additional spaces available for visitor use. Other amenities include: a gazebo and BBQ station, a day dock, sea wall, and easy access to beautiful Crossing Beach and nearby public docking.
 
With such high demand in the area for short term vacation rentals, this property also offers an excellent opportunity for rental potential.  Compared to the rest of the Bahamas, Abaco has an extended rental season, so owners can easily rent 15-20+ weeks per year and still enjoy, for themselves, all this fabulous property has to offer.
 
Great Rental Opportunities!An exclusive gated community, The Crossing consists of only 12 condominiums total, 4 of which have already been sold. Owners and guests alike can also rest assured that the private neighborhood is safe and secure with quality construction, an electrical gate, a surrounding wall, and a back-up generator. So owners can be truly carefree to enjoy themselves, there is also an on-site handyman/gardener to care for the property and address maintenance needs.
 

Those seeking a quiet retreat can enjoy the sheltered swimming pool and sun deck or the private beach, while those looking for more adventure can enjoy the world-class fishing, diving and cruising, or hop on the ferries (only a minute away) to explore Hope Town or Man-O-War Cay where they will find nearby restaurants, nightlife and shopping.
 
The Crossing truly has something for everyone and all of it close at hand.
Market Analysis:
Mini-Boom in Luxury Sales
US Dollar Responsible for Surge in Sales
 
Over the last sixth months, the Bahamas has seen a mini-boom in luxury sales. Record prices have been achieved in areas such as Old Fort Bay and The Ocean Club, and even re-sales at the Ocean Club have exceeded what was sold there in the same period last year.  
 
In addition, new luxury developments such as the Ritz Carlton Abaco, Bakers Bay, The Residences at Atlantis, and The Riviera in Exuma, are all reporting solid sales this year. Albany has closed out its very successful founders program and is now launching their regular sales program, also beginning construction on phase one of their villas, as well as on the golf course and the re-routing of the road. 
 
In our opinion, the primary reason for this is the weak US Dollar. Many Bahamian properties across the board have delighted buyers from Europe where strong currencies have enabled them to purchase the home of their dreams at a greatly discounted price due to the currency differences.  Indeed, many astute European investors are still actively searching for great investment properties throughout the Bahamas.
 
The fact that British and European buyers are taking advantage of the low US dollar is no surprise but the interesting side of the low US dollar is that wealthy Americans are buying luxury property here as a hedge against inflation, preferring not to keep their assets in cash but instead invested in a safe international market with strong upside potential that is not directly involved with the woes of the US property situation.
 
We expect this trend to continue for the Bahamian luxury market into the foreseeable future. 
HGC Update:
HGChristie Rewards Top Producers of 2007
Top Producer Estate Agents Awarded with All-Expense Paid Trip to Prestigious Christie's Great Estates Conference
 
 HGC Agents at Conference
(from left to right: Elbert Thompson, Cara Christie, Donna Jones, and Wendy Rowe)
We are pleased to announce that six of our premier real estate agents were recently awarded with a trip to the prestigious Christie's Great Estates Conference held at the world-renowned Christie's Auction House in Rockefeller Center, in New York City, New York. Attendance at this selective event is open only to its exclusive affiliates, of which H.G. Christie Ltd. is the sole affiliate for the Bahamas.
 
These agents have set themselves apart through their professionalism, hard work and dedication, which results in outstanding fiscal accomplishments. Invited to attend this year's Christie's Great Estates conference, with all expenses paid, were the
 
2007 Top Producer honourees:  
Kathleen Albury of Abaco 
Rhonda Waton of Eleuthera
Wendy Rowe of Exuma
Donna Jones of Grand Bahama
Vicky Andrews and Samara Albury of New Providence
 
"We are extremely proud of our Top Producers who are continuing to set the benchmark of achievement," said John Christie, Vice President, "these high-caliber agents perform at optimum levels, are tremendously driven, and represent the lofty standards that H.G. Christie Ltd. and Christie's Great Estates represent." 
 
In addition to the trip to New York City, this group of agents was also presented with a selection of other gifts at an awards luncheon held in their honour at the Lyford Cay Club on June 14, 2008, in Nassau, Bahamas.
HGChristie Update:  
Location! Location! Location!
HGChristie Relocates its Exuma Office

New Exuma Location 

We are pleased to announce our recent relocation of our Exuma office to the great new building shown above! As space was limited in our old location, and left no room for growth, we decided it was time for a change.
 
Our new building provides us with ample space for this full service Exuma branch which includes agents for both sales and rentals, an appraisals department, and a property management department. It also gives us great visibility from the main road - making us easier for you to find.
 
On another note: keep a look out for an update on our Freeport relocation - coming soon!
 
See our locations directory below for the contact information of these great HGChristie offices near you! 
Our Blog:
Horizons
 
Cost of Fuel Curtailing Extensive Yacht Travel in The Bahamas
On the 4th of July weekend, Cat Cay, south of Bimini, Bahamas,  had never seen so many customers.  The Marina was overflowing where usually it might only be 50% full.  Historically Cat Cay and Bimini would be a stop over on the way to more extensive travels throughout the Bahamas but due to the high cost of fuel, boaters are content to end their travels in the Bimini Chain,  just  50 miles from Miami.

To see the full text and for more information on this and other topics visit us at our blog - Horizons.

Horizons

HGChristie Office Directory
 
NASSAU Head Office:
Millar's Court
P.O. Box N-8164 
Nassau, Bahamas
Phone:  (242) 322-1041
Fax:      (242) 326-5642
sales@hgchristie.com
 
ABACO 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Abaco Main Office:
P.O. Box AB-20777
Marsh Harbour
Abaco, Bahamas
Phone:  (242) 367-4608
Fax:      (242) 367-5452
abaco@hgchristie.com

Hope Town/Elbow Cay
Abaco, Bahamas
Phone: (242) 366-0700
abaco@hgchristie.com

Great Guana Cay
Abaco, Bahamas
Phone: (242) 365-5454
guana@hgchristie.com



ELEUTHERA Eleuthera Main Office:
P.O. Box EL-25
Governor's Harbour
Phone: (242) 332-3404-5
Fax:     (242) 332-3406

Governor's Harbour
Eleuthera, Bahamas
Phone/Fax:  (242) 332-2503
eleuthera@hgchristie.com

Windermere Island
Eleuthera, Bahamas
Phone: (242) 334-2298
Fax:     (242) 334-2818
windermere@hgchristie.com

Harbour Island
Eleuthera, Bahamas
Phone: (242) 333-3375/6
Fax:     (242) 333-3374

harbourisland@hgchristie.com
 

EXUMA
Arches at Palm Beach Grand Legacy Club 
P.O. Box EX-29178
George Town, Exuma, Bahamas
Phone/Fax:  (242) 336-2274
exuma@hgchristie.com
 
GRAND BAHAMA
 
P.O. Box F-42498/#360
Freeport, Grand Bahama
Phone:  (242) 351-8501
Fax:      (242) 351-7491
grandbahama@hgchristie.com

 
TURKS & CAICOS

P.O. Box 264
Providenciales
Turks & Caicos Islands

Phone: ( 649)-231-2110
Fax:      (649) 342-1522

sales@hgchristie.com

In This Issue
FEATURE - The Crossing
July Market Analysis
Top Producers Go To NYC
HGC Office Relocates
Sneak Peek at our Blog
Quick Links
Feature Listings

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Ocean Club Showpiece

Paradise Island
XS10901
XS10901
Kayu Maya - A Work Of Art
 Staniel Cay, Exuma
XS10886
XS10886

Exclusive Beachfront
Staniel Cay, Exuma
ES10951
ES10951

Choice Hotel Resort
Eleuthera
ES10848
ES10848
Sky Beach Club
Eleuthera
NS06402
NS06402

Beachfront Luxury
New Providence
 JS00080
JS00080
Relaxing Beachfront Residence
Paradise Island
XS10905
XS10905
Exquisite Waterfront Residences
Great Exuma
TS10581
TS10581

Villa Pasha
Green Turtle Cay, Abaco
AS11006
AS11006

Idyllic Canalfront Living
Abaco

PS10700
PS10700

Amazing Island Home

Elbow Cay, Abaco
AS10916
AS10916
Beautiful Private Island
Bonefish Cay, Abaco
JS00058
JS00058
Charming Elegant Home
Paradise Island
PS10649
PS10649
Hillside Home
Elbow Cay, Abaco
PS10661
PS10661

Hilltop Lot With Ocean Views
Elbow Cay, Abaco

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Ocean Club Residences

Paradise Island
NS06478  Turn-Key Townhome With SUV
New Providence
NS06534
NS06534

Pure Possibility Near Ritz Carlton
 Rose Island
EX90 
EX90
Serene Hilltop Lot
Great Exuma
ES10908
ES10908
Shell Beach House
Eleuthera
NS06638
NS06638
Sandyport Lot With Dock
New Providence
NS06563
NS06563
Sea To Sea

Rose Island
NS06568
NS06568
Beachfront and Canal!

New Providence
N06471
NS06471

Charming Canalfront Townhouse
New Providence

MS10563
MS10563
Boaters Paradise

South Bimini

NS06678 
NS06678
Luxury Tropical Condo

New Providence

DS10585
DS10585
Beachfront Villa With Rental Potential

Andros

NS06626
NS06626
Escape To Vista Bella

New Providence

NS06618
NS06618
Heart of Cable Beach

New Providence