HGChristie's Bahamas Real Estate Review Newsletter

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

Issue 2008-07

DECEMBER 2008

December 2008 at HGChristie

Dear Reader,
As this year is coming to a close, we are pleased to bring you more information about our company and our country. Enjoy!

As I mentioned in last month's newsletter, we have two publications in which we are the exclusive Bahamian real estate companies to advertise: Christie's Great Estates and Residence International. If you'd like to take a look you can follow these links and enjoy digital versions that you can read online for free!

We hope you have a wonderful holiday season and a great new year!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM ALL OF US AT
H.G. CHRISTIE!

Johnsig

John Christie
H.G. Christie Ltd. CGE logo

Market Report:

The State of the Economy and the Real Estate Market

The global economic situation has had many on edge here in the Bahamas, waiting to see what the repercussions will be for us.

In real estate, things have slowed somewhat, as people become more conservative for the time being. In our opinion, the coming months will hold an average decrease in "real" prices by about 10% but we have also noticed a peak in interest from the super-luxury sector as wealthy Americans seek alternative investments. This is a reaction to concerns about U.S. President-Elect Barack Obama's potential tax policies.

It seems that predictions for the U.S. economy show a worsening of the downturn in the coming year. We can only be thankful, in the Bahamas, that we have not seen as extreme of a downturn as the United States has.

As the holiday season is generally a time to reflect upon the past year, we should evaluate what we can do to best serve our own finances as well as the Bahamian economy as a whole, and begin to prepare for the challenges we may face in 2009.

If you would like more information on any of these market insights, please contact John Christie by email at: john@hgchristie.com or by telephone at: (242) 322-1041.

Feature:

The Balmoral

Exciting New Development Taking Shape In Western New Providence

Located in western New Providence, The Balmoral is within easy reach of all the Cable Beach amenities. Shopping, dining, and nightlife are all nearby, and within the community itself are some great extras that will make it difficult for you to ever leave.

This upscale, gated community is perched on the hilltop of Prospect Ridge with townhomes branching outward from the showpiece clubhouse.

Ideal for professionals, this community has great proximity to downtown Nassau and is exclusive and secure as well as being ecologically conscious and appreciative of its natural surroundings.

These townhomes feature 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms and are 2,000 sq. ft. in total. A large master suite sits on the ground level and extends expansive views of Nassau and the sparkling, turquoise Bahamian waters. Colonial styling and spacious, private backyards make these units truly beautiful and unique. (See listing no. NS06748)

The developers have created a wonderful mix of housing with this community also offering some comfortably-sized single-family lots

(see listing no. NS06747) in addition to its charming townhomes.

All properties on these lushly landscaped 43 acres will feature underground utilities, curbed roads, and guest parking. Community residents will also enjoy luxury amenities such as a community swimming pool, mailbox delivery service, and a concierge service.

Residents can also take advantage of the optional membership at The Balmoral Club, a lovely, revitalized mansion now set within manicured gardens. Within the Club, there is the elegant Members Lounge, Cafe Balmoral and bar, as well as an adults' swimming pool, gym, and a boardroom for executive meetings. Game rooms feature entertainment for adults, like billiards, or for children, the Children's Activities Room.

There is also an exciting feature that no other community has - The Mark Knowles Tennis Centre, use of which is included in Balmoral Club memberships. This world-renowned, and the Bahamas' own, tennis star will have a facility with 3 tennis courts, a separate clubhouse, a Pro Shop, and a cafe for enjoying refreshments after a quick game.

As part of its ecological awareness, The Balmoral has kept many of the gorgeous, mature, native trees - developing and building the property around them, making this community a singularly soothing and picturesque place to live.

HGC Update:
HGChristie.com To Receive New Look For The New Year!
Exciting New Features To Be Added

H.G. Christie Ltd. will soon be launching their newly updated website features. Aiming for ease of use and using some cutting edge resources, this will take the H.G. Christie website to the next level. These exciting new features are sure to make searching for real estate in The Bahamas easier than ever before.

Keep your eyes on www.HGChristie.com so you don't miss all the new things coming!

HGC Update:
Freeport Office Relocates

Come See The Great New Location!

H.G. Christie is pleased to announce the recent relocation of their Freeport, Grand Bahama office to:

The Mall Drive

(Opposite the International Bazaar)

Freeport, Grand Bahama

As a real estate company, H.G. Christie realized that this space answered the "location, location, location" demand that is so important.

Situated on the Main Highway, across from the International Bazaar and on the corner of one of the busiest round-abouts in Freeport, this new location provides visibility and accessibility. Increased traffic into this offices was noticed by all its staff by the second day in the new space.

The former Silvano's ice cream parlour has been converted into a functional and modern office space accented by plantation design elements and a glassed-in conference room with warm island furnishings.

H.G. Christie Ltd. in Grand Bahama now provides an image that corresponds with the level of fine real estate service that is synonymous with the reputation of H.G. Christie Ltd. and Christie's Great Estates around the world.

HGC Update:
H.G. Christie's Holds First Annual Staff Conference

Declared A Huge Success By Attendees

H.G. Christie Ltd. recently held their First Annual Staff Conference under the theme, TEAM - Together Everyone Achieves More, with huge success. The staff of all H.G. Christie offices in The Bahamas were brought together for a two-day event to educate and inspire all attendees.

The conference was held at the newly opened Atlantis Convention Centre, and the focus for the day was to increase the efficiency of the company as a whole and was designed to support team development.

John Christie, Vice President of H.G. Christie Ltd., welcomed staff and presenters and emphasized that the purpose of the conference was to "help us broaden our knowledge together." In his address Mr. Christie went on to discuss the challenges emerging with market declines on Wall Street and the global ramifications, stating, "with this economic setting as a back drop for this forum, there is no better time for us to be sharpening our skills and coming together as one large company..." He went on to say, "historically in economic downturns people naturally turn to companies who they perceive have the ability to weather storms...who have the knowledge and expertise to guide them through the tough times. This is called the 'flight to quality.' HG Christie, as you know, is one of, if not the standard bearer for quality real estate services in the Bahamas."

Guest speaker, Elbert Thompson, a sales agent for H.G. Christie Nassau, gave an exciting presentation on the importance of a good working relationship between staff and agents, as well as providing some good guidelines for creating a "moment of magic" for the client where a company can "exceed expectations and provide that WOW factor."

H.G. Christie's 1st Annual Staff Conference was declared a resounding success as attendees departed more informed, inspired and better bonded with their peers. Peter Drudge, compliance Staff Conference 2008

officer for H.G. Christie, commented that this was an excellent "opportunity to forge this bond that will help us perform at our best as a collective...to keep this great legacy growing."

Plans are already underway for next year's H.G. Christie Annual Staff Conference.

HGC Update:
Agent Receives CIPS Designation

Elbert Thompson Formally Receives His CIPS Designation Pin At Recent Event in Orlando, Florida

Rentals In Abaco

Marsh Harbour Marsh Harbour

5 bedroom 4 bedroom
$4,000/week $3,800/week

Marsh Harbour Marsh Harbour
4 bedroom 4 bedroom
$3,000/week $3,000/week

Rentals In New Providence

NR00829                                 NR00989
Sandyport                                          Sandyport
2 bedroom                                    2 bedroom
$3,500/month                 $3,500/month

Upcoming Events:

Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational

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

Our Blog:

Horizons

Theme for the New Year: Cooperation

As the U.S. has finally admitted to being in a recession, and some predictions for 2009 remain glum, a rash of meetings, conferences, and seminars are being held to address the concerns for our own region.
The "Group of 20" or G20, recently met at their own summit, and in statements released by them, "this problem did not develop overnight, and it will not be solved overnight. No single nation will be able to fix this...but with continued cooperation and determination, it will be solved..."

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-20106 Marsh Harbour Abaco, Bahamas Phone: (242) 367-5454 Fax: (242) 367-5452 abaco@hgchristie.com Hope Town/Elbow Cay Abaco, Bahamas Phone: (242) 366-0700 Fax: (242) 366-0701 hopetown@hgchristie.com Great Guana Cay Abaco, Bahamas Phone: (242) 365-5454 guana@hgchristie.com
ELEUTHERA	Eleuthera Main Office: P.O. Box EL-25148 Governor's Harbour Eleuthera, Bahamas Phone: (242) 332-3404/5 Fax: (242) 332-3406 eleuthera@hgchristie.com Windermere Island Eleuthera, Bahamas Phone: (242) 334-2298 Fax: (242) 334-2818 windermere@hgchristie.com
EXUMA	P.O. Box EX-29122 George Town, Exuma, Bahamas Phone: (242) 336-2274 Fax: (242) 336-2272 exuma@hgchristie.com
GRAND BAHAMA	P.O. Box F-42498/#360 The Mall Drive (Opposite International Bazaar) 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