Real Estate Review Everything You Need to Know About Real Estate in the Bahamas |
| Issue 2009-01 |
JANUARY 2009
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January 2009 at HGChristie
I hope everyone has had a wonderful holiday and enjoyed all the festivities of the season. We are looking forward to 2009 and we hope to keep you interested and engaged in all the Real Estate Review has to offer in the coming year!
This month's feature property is a beautiful, exclusive private island community, Children's Bay Cay, Exuma. It's truly something special.
We also have a few updates on the company and some photos of our relocated office in Grand Bahama. Also, you won't want to miss our short article on Things To Know, which hopes to educate you on some new things happening in Bahamian Real Estate Stamp Tax - definitely not to be missed!
Additionally, we have a few features from our agents, one on John Christie and another from Elbert Thompson, who did an interesting radio piece entitled "The Real Estate Tip". We've also included information on our Property Management services, great for those of you who may be second home or vacation home owners. As a reminder: there are two publications in which we are the exclusive Bahamian real estate companies to advertise: Christie's Great Estates and Residence International. Follow these links to 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.

John Christie H.G. Christie Ltd.  |
| Feature:
Children's Bay Cay
Private Island Living - Without A Care!
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Luxurious private island living is made easy on this stunning private cay of more than 167 acres, just north of Great Exuma. Enjoy this secret Caribbean hideaway and lose yourself in high-end amenities and spectacular views. This idyllic island has been sub-divided into 14 beachfront o  r pristine waterfront parcels with lot sizes ranging from 5.5 to 16 acres. Excellent elevations on these lots allow for gorgeous vistas from almost every angle, making every homesite an ideal one. Plans are available for remarkable, one-of-a-kind, sophisticated island residences that will blend in perfectly with the tropical setting. (See listing no. XS10941.) Owners, if they prefer, are at liberty to use their own architect to create a custom home design, and the Children's Bay Cay Management Group will assume all exclusive construction responsibilities.  Children's Bay Cay is a luxe, modern getaway community placing an emphasis on catering to your specific needs in an unparalleled atmosphere. A full-time concierge and maintenance service will be available to secure the property and attend to the owners' every needs, thereby providing all the benefits of private island living without the hassle, worry, and expense of owning and maintaining an entire private island. Complete services are provided to all of the parcels, which includes power and fresh water. Residents will also appreciate use of the private marina so yachting in this beautiful environment is made even more carefree. Children's Bay Cay has also been approved under the Hotel Encouragement Act and can offer many of the tax benefits under this Act to the lot/villa owners including savings on duty-free construction materials and long-term property tax relief. All lots offered with rights of perpetuity. Children's Bay Cay is part of the Exuma Cays, for years a favoured retreat of the rich and famous and a showcase for some of the most stunning land and seascapes in The Bahamas. Superb fishing, diving, and bird-watching are among the recreational activities enhancing this relaxed island lifestyle. Comprising some 365 cays and islands that stretch more than 120 miles, the Exumas Cays are situated in the center of The Bahamas, yet remain largely undisturbed. The area is celebrated for its incomparable sportfishing and sailing and is the location of many boating competitions and sailing regattas.  The Cays enjoy an average year-round temperature of 78 degrees, and residents and visitors alike are dazzled by the profusion of pristine sandy beaches and sparkling clear blue waters. This exciting new development is the perfect way to finally make your private island dreams a reality. |
What's New in Real Estate in 2009?
Good News for First Time Buyers! |
Here's a quick rundown on one of the newest pieces of legislation that could have an effect on you and your upcoming or recent real estate purchases.
Effective July 2008, first time buyers are exempt from paying Stamp Tax on homes or condos valued up to $500,000. This is an increase from the previous exemption which only covered properties valued up to $250,000. This exemption will remain in effect for 5 years (until 2013).
First time buyers of homes valued up to $500,000 purchased after July 2008 will also be exempt from paying Property Tax for 5 years. |
| HGC Update:
Unique Homes Recognizes John Christie
International Real Estate Magazine Names Christie as a "Luxury Property Specialist"
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John Christie of H.G. Christie Ltd. has been named among the top luxury specialists in The Bahamas by Unique Homes, the magazine of luxury real estate. As a recipient of this honour, he is featured in the 'Luxury Property Specialist' section of the December - January issue, available on newsstands now.
"John's presence in this directory is a reflection of his proven reputation for excellence in the marketing and listing of premier properties," H.G. Christie Ltd. said in a statement.
Unique Homes is recognized as the preeminent publication for promoting upscale real estate, reaching prospects that can buy and sell in 50 U.S. states and more than 80 countries worldwide.
See the digital edition of Unique Homes online.
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| Get More with HGChristie...
Our Range of Services also Includes a Property Concierge Department!
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Our expert property concierge team can help you make the most from your rental property and save you time. We are committed to maximizing your income and also work hard to minimize the cost of repairs and maintenance by using our extensive network of contractors.
10 Reasons Why You Should Use Our Property Concierge Services
- Personalized Home & Owner's Manual
- Efficient Expense Payments & Property Maintenance
- Vigilant Bi-weekly & Monthly Home Inspections
- Accurate Monthly Financial Reports
- Reliable Hurricane Preparedness
- Clear & Concise Lease Preparation & Renewals
- Proven International Marketing
- Hassle-free Tenant Check In/Check Out
- Timely Payments to Landlords
- Precise Inventory Control
For more information on our Property Concierge service in Nassau and the Family Islands, call (242) 322-1041 or email concierge@hgchristie.com. |
HGC Update:
The New Grand Bahama Location!
Check Out our Beautiful New Office!
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Real Estate Audio
The Real Estate Tip by Elbert Thompson
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Here's a great piece of audio done by one of our agents, Elbert Thompson, which aired on local radio. Click here to listen.
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Rentals In Abaco
4 bedroom 3 bedroom
$4,100/week $3,500/week
3 bedroom 3 bedroom
$3,150/week $2,900/week
Reduced Rate
Limited Time Only! |
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| Our Blog:
Horizons
Realize Your Home Buying Dream
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Cara Christie, our own Rentals Manager, was quoted in the local
newspaper (Nassau Guardian) in regards to what to expect when you begin
the home buying process and how to make it easier for yourself.
Cara's tips were as follows:
- "Despite what everyone is saying, [this year] will be a great year
to purchase a new home - especially if it's your first home. The
government has really made it a lot easier for first time homeowners to
buy a home and keep it. It's just a matter of putting yourself in the
position to take advantage of that." Here, she's referring to the increase in the stamp tax exemption for first time homebuyers to $500,000 (from $250,000) which will save you the additional 10% of the value of your home.
- "Before you start looking for a home the first thing you need to do is go to the bank and find out how much money you can qualify for, so that you [don't] start looking at homes that are above your price range."
To see the full text and for more information on this and other topics visit us at our blog - Horizons.
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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 |
Abaco Main Office: P.O. Box AB-20777 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
abaco@hgchristie.com |
| ELEUTHERA |
Eleuthera Main Office: P.O. Box EL-25148 Governor's Harbour Phone: (242) 332-3404 Fax: (242) 332-3406 eleuthera@hgchristie.com
Windermere Island Eleuthera, Bahamas Phone: (242) 334-2298 Fax: (242) 334-2818 windermere@hgchristie.com
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| EXUMA
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P.O. Box EX-29178 George Town, Exuma, Bahamas Phone: (242) 336-2274 Fax: (242) 336-2272 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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Large Estate Property
Abaco |
 JS00084
Jewel in Paradise
Paradise Island |
 NS06723
Western Medical Centre
New Providence |
 JS00098 Ocean & Resort Views
Paradise Island |
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Idyllic Private Island
San Salvador |
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XS10941 Private Island Dreams
Exuma |
 JS00023 Opportunity at Ocean Club
Paradise Island |
 GB1509 Home in Gated Community Grand Bahama
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 JS00097 Harbour Front Views
Paradise Island
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 BS10575
Beachfront Escape
Berry Islands |
 VS10572
Peaceful Beachfront Lot
Rum Cay
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 ES11019 Luxury Resort Condo
Eleuthera |
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 ES11020 Hilltop Villa with Breathtaking Views
Eleuthera
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 NS06768 Brand New Sandyport Condos
New Providence
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Casual Island Elegance Grand Bahama
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 PS10659
Lot in Waterfront Community
Abaco |
 NS06724
Unique TriplexNew Providence |
Lovely Waterfront Townhouse
New Providence
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 XS10939
Single Family Sea View Property
Exuma |
BS10574
Elevated Waterfront Lot
Berry Islands
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EX90Serene Hilltop Property
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 NS06544
South Ocean Duplex LotNew Providence |
 AS11061 Wonderful Wooded Lot
Abaco |
 XS10956 Exuma View Property Exuma |
 NS06748 Highland Townhouses at Balmoral New Providence
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 XS10962 Commercial Lot with Sea View Possibilities
Exuma | |
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