Real Estate Review Everything You Need to Know About Real Estate in the Bahamas
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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.

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

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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
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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
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| 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
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| EXUMA
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P.O. Box EX-29178 George Town, Exuma, Bahamas Phone/Fax: (242) 336-2274 exuma@hgchristie.com |
| GRAND BAHAMA
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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 | |
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JS00057 Ocean Club Showpiece
Paradise Island |
 XS10901 Kayu Maya - A Work Of Art
Staniel Cay, Exuma |
 XS10886 Exclusive Beachfront
Staniel Cay, Exuma |
 ES10951 Choice Hotel Resort
Eleuthera |
 ES10848 Sky Beach Club
Eleuthera |
 NS06402 Beachfront Luxury
New Providence |
 JS00080 Relaxing Beachfront Residence Paradise Island |
 XS10905 Exquisite Waterfront Residences
Great Exuma |
 TS10581 Villa Pasha
Green Turtle Cay, Abaco |
 AS11006 Idyllic Canalfront Living
Abaco |
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 PS10700 Amazing Island Home
Elbow Cay, Abaco |
 AS10916 Beautiful Private Island
Bonefish Cay, Abaco |
 JS00058 Charming Elegant Home
Paradise Island |
 PS10649 Hillside Home
Elbow Cay, Abaco |
 PS10661 Hilltop Lot With Ocean Views
Elbow Cay, Abaco |
Ocean Club Residences Paradise Island |
Turn-Key Townhome With SUV
New Providence |
 NS06534 Pure Possibility Near Ritz Carlton
Rose Island |
EX90
Serene Hilltop Lot
Great Exuma |
 ES10908 Shell Beach House
Eleuthera |
NS06638Sandyport Lot With Dock
New Providence |
 NS06563 Sea To Sea Rose Island |
 NS06568 Beachfront and Canal! New Providence |
 NS06471 Charming Canalfront Townhouse New Providence |
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 MS10563 Boaters Paradise
South Bimini |
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NS06678 Luxury Tropical Condo
New Providence |
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 DS10585 Beachfront Villa With Rental Potential
Andros |
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 NS06626 Escape To Vista Bella
New Providence |
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 NS06618 Heart of Cable Beach
New Providence | |
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