HGChristie's Bahamas Real Estate Review Newsletter

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

Issue 2008-06

NOVEMBER 2008

November 2008 at HGChristie

This month has been a busy one at HGChristie. A beautiful showpiece home in Old Fort Bay has come onto the market - don't miss reading about it in our Feature Article. Our agents have also been improving themselves, a value we actively encourage - see the articles below. There are also some notable events coming up which we are sponsoring in varying ways, we've included the details in case any interest you. The entire country has also been watching and waiting as America names its new President Elect - Barack Obama. For our take on what may be in store for the Bahamas, check out our blog (see an excerpt below.)

Also, you may be interested in taking a look at two publications in which we are the exclusive Bahamian real estate companies to advertise: Christie's Great Estates and Residence International. Follow these links and enjoy digital versions that you can read online or on-the-go!

We hope you enjoy all the great information we've included as we strive to become the resource for all of your real estate needs.

Johnsig

John Christie
H.G. Christie Ltd. CGE logo

Feature:

Enticing Beachfront Treasure

Old Bahamian Charm and Modern Pleasures Abound in Old Fort Bay

NS06697

In the quiet and exclusive gated community of Old Fort Bay, this luxurious beachfront home lets you enjoy island living in a grand style.

At 7,000 sq. ft. with 5 bedrooms, and 5.5 baths, on an elevated position on a 1.5 acre property, this home provides all the breathing room you could ever need, plus unparalleled privacy and seclusion. This home (listing no. NS06697) has 225 feet of frontage on the island's best beach giving owners tremendous views throughout and the ability to walk out the back door and dip their toes in the warm Bahamian waters.

The main living room features soaring ceilings that open onto a second storey balcony, but there is also a separate media room that provides a more intimate entertainment space. The gourmet kitchen features a charming breakfast nook for informal dining, but a formal dining space is only steps away. Even the most discerning eyes will appreciate the exquisite finishes, including hardwood and marble floors, domed ceilings, custom-made solid wood doors with stainless steel inlays, walnut cabinetry, granite countertops, and top-of-the-line brands such as a SubZero and Dacor appliances. The master suite takes you to the next level of comfort and features his & hers bathrooms. AS10886 - under contract

This graceful estate also has a second floor study with mahogany-lined walls and shelving and windows that provide breathtaking panoramic views. The covered patio is an entire outdoor living area to take advantage of the tropical climate and beautiful setting.

Additionally, this home has live-in maid's quarters, his & hers offices, lush landscaping, and a pristine swimming pool and deck. For the ultimate in convenience, dock your yacht directly across from the home at the included canal front lot, or walk the oversized beach that sits in your own backyard.

Entering Old Fort Bay, you can tell that it was created for living in grand old fashion while enjoying the outdoor lifestyle of the Caribbean. With 24-hour security, you can walk your dog, drive your golf cart to visit neighbours, and keep your boat securely behind your home, all without a care. The centrepiece of this community is the Old Fort Club, a repurposed fort that was once home to the world-exploring Cutting family in the 1920s. Here you can absorb the romantic history while reading a newspaper, or partaking in modern gourmet dining. For the jet-set, the International Airport is only 10 minutes away, and for those with children, a world-class education is available at the nearby Lyford Cay School. Nassau offers shops, nightlife, casinos, and a historic centre, all only 25 minutes away but a quiet you can also simply enjoy privileged ease and peaceful relaxation within Old Fort Bay.

Dine at an 18th century fort, and then retire to your 21st century media room - this home provides all the spirit of the old Caribbean lifestyle with the amenities of a modern home for modern times.

NS06697 Beach

HGC Update:

HGChristie Expands Knowledge Base as Agents Gain New Designations

Elbert Thompson and Donna Laing-Jones Aim for Excellence

Donna Laing-Jones Elbert Thompson

Two of our H.G. Christie agents have recently received new designations from the National Association of REALTORSŽ.

Elbert Thompson, a broker and appraiser with H.G. Christie Ltd., recently completed the Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) courses which fulfil one of the educational requirements of the CIPS designation. This program was sponsored by The Bahamas Real Estate Association and was held in Nassau, Bahamas, where Mr. Thompson completed 6 CIPS courses of which the topics ranged from Investment and Financial Analysis, to Asia/Pacific and International Real Estate. These topics included special problems in international transactions, cultural and historical elements of the client's region, and marketing properties and services.

Agent Donna Laing-Jones, of our Grand Bahama office, has been awarded the prestigious Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Designation by the Council of Residential Specialists, the largest not-for-profit affiliate of the National Association of Realtors. Realtors who receive the CRS Designation have completed advanced courses and have demonstrated professional expertise in the field of residential real estate. Home buyers and sellers can be assured that CRS Designees subscribe to the strict realtor code of ethics, have access to the latest technology and are specialists in helping clients maximize profits and minimize costs when buying or selling a home.

We are proud to congratulate both Elbert Thompson and Donna Laing-Jones on their great accomplishments. As H.G. Christie highly values continuing education and self-improvement, providing encouragement and financial support for any and all of our agents in similar endeavours, we are pleased to see the successful fulfilment of both designations.

H.G. Christie Turks & Caicos Affiliate Gains New Appointment

Titus de Boer New Head of Sales & Marketing for Ambergris Cay

We would like to extend our hearty congratulations to our Turks & Caicos representative, Titus de Boer! As of November 1st, 2008, Titus will be heading the Sales & Marketing Division for the Turks & Caicos Sporting Club at Ambergris Cay, as well as continuing in his role of partner and managing director of Lucayan Realty Ltd.
Peter Pollak, President of DPS Sporting Club Development Company said, "Titus is a perfect addition to our Turks & Caicos Sporting Club team as his experience and connections to the Turks & Caicos and European communities are vast. Titus brings a wealth of knowledge, depth of experience, and almost 20 years of strong business transactions in TCI. We couldn't be more excited for him to join our team."

De Boer's recent successes have included selling more than 40 units with Royal Reef (totaling more than $32 million) and a $4 million sale in the TCI but he has achieved much more in the course of his career. A man of many talents and responsibilities, Titus has served as the President of the Providenciales Chamber of Commerce for 7 years, represented the German Embassy in the islands since 1991, and helped with the opening of The Palms Resort in 2004. He has also worked as Vice President of Marketing for a North Caicos company, and in 2007 alone he co-founded Lucayan Realty Limited, as well as being invested as Germany's first Honorary Consul to the Turks & Caicos.

Titus has sure been busy, but we are proud of his acheivements and all of his hard work. Congratulations again Titus!

John Christie Attends Christie's Great Estates Global Annual Conference
The Leading International Affiilate Network Focuses on Cross-Border Marketing, Best Business Strategies, and Cutting-Edge Technology

H.G. Christie Vice President John Christie recently joined other international luxury real estate specialists at the Christie's Great Estates Global Annual Conference held in Southampton, Bermuda. The conference, entitled "Leadership Strategies for Changing Markets," was attended by representatives from more than 20 countries, of which, Mr. Christie was the exclusive Christie's Great Estates representative from The Bahamas.

Ileana van der Linde, co-author of the World Wealth Report which is sponsored by Capgemini and Merrill Lynch, delivered the keynote address. For 12 years, the World Wealth Report has been the definitive source in tracking global shifts of wealth concentration, predicting new pockets of emerging wealth, and isolating where the truly wealthy choose to invest and spend.

The meeting agenda included expert presentations on techniques for building an international client base, proven business strategies to prepare for a changing market, and internet marketing solutions to take full advantage of the rapidly evolving on-line technologies. Mitsubishi Real Estate Services Co., Ltd. was also introduced as the first Asian brokerage in the Christie's Great Estates global network.

"The 2008 conference was a rich source of important market information and was an invaluable opportunity for us to strengthen cross-border relationships within the Christie's Great Estates network," says John Christie. "The exchange of ideas was invigorating. It provided a competitive edge to further strengthen our company's position in our local market."

Upcoming Events:

St. Andrew's School 60th Anniversary Jubilee Celebration

Date: November 29, 2008
Venue: The Crown Ballroom, Atlantis, Paradise Island
For information email kristin.stevens@st-andrews.com or call (242) 324-2621 ext. 222

5th Annual Bahamas International Film Festival

Date: December 4-11, 2008

Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational

Date: January 21-25, 2009
Host Resort: Atlantis, Paradise Island
Venue: Ocean Club Golf Course

Our Blog:

Horizons

What will the future hold for the Bahamas now that Obama has been elected?

This is a poignant question for the Bahamas. November 4th was historic with the election of the first black president of The United States. There was a good deal of celebration here, as in the rest of the world but what does the election of Obama mean to The Bahamas?

Before the election there was a mixture of elation and fear in the general population. People were ecstatic at the mere thought of his election, while at the same time being worried over his proposed stance on clamping down on offshore tax havens. One of the pillars of our economy is the offshore banking sector with over 400 private banks located in our country. If Obama were to pressure the banks or take a hands-off approach and let the European countries pressure the Bahamas on it's tax policy the results for The Bahamas would not be good. Time will tell us how his policies will unfold.

On a brighter note, for Real Estate here in The Bahamas we have seen an upswing in buyers for our Mega Properties priced at over $10,000,000. They are mainly wealthy Americans that are looking to buy offshore before the Obama administration takes office. We have also seen other US sellers anxious to sell before the Capital Gains Tax gets increased.

As more Obama Policies are released we'll comment on their possible effects on the Bahamas.

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