HGChristie Bahamas Newsletter

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

Issue 2010-03

MARCH 2010

'March' into Spring with HGC!

Dear Valued Readers,

Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary defines the word 'Spring' in many forms including, "an elastic body or device that recovers its original shape when released after being distorted", and so it is as we head into the season of 'Spring' - the real estate market in the Bahamas is still demonstrating its resilience.

Direct flights from Canada to Exuma and increased activity are clear indicators that Bahamian real estate markets are alive and getting healthier every day.

While 2009 suffered from the world's financial fall, 2010 has the potential to yield significant gains and notable movements. As with other real estate markets, much of the draw to The Bahamas for international buyers can be attributed to price reductions in sales prices and stabilized markets. New developments such as our featured property 'Bahama Cay', is a clear indication that confidence is returning for purchasers and developers alike. The market is sure to continue to experience expansion and contraction as the globe recovers its shape from last year's financial distortion but one thing seems to be certain, that opportunities existing today are not hanging around and are requiring 'Springing' into action.

So today, while St. Patrick's day calls for 'green', we are inviting you to enjoy year-round azure seas and emerging opportunities in the Bahamian real estate market. Enjoy!

John Christie
HG Christie Ltd.

Feature:
Bahama Cay, Abaco
Luxury at a great price

Introducing one of Abaco's newest luxury developments, and surprisingly at a very affordable price. Bahama Cay is an exclusive private island development that will include villas with private pools, condos, large stunningly landscaped gardens and breathtaking open sea views. These properties are entirely built to your exclusive specifications.

With more than 80 acres of paradise spread over four lush and pristine private islands, Bahama Cay is surrounded by crystal clear turquoise waters and powder white sandy beaches. Situated in the Sea of Abaco less than 120 miles from the East coast of Florida and only 10 miles North of Little Abaco, Bahama Cay benefits from an ideal location with a selection of incredible coral reefs and wide protected beaches making it the place to be for ultimate relaxation or exiting water sport activities.

The islands' surrounding coral reef make Bahama Cay the top ranked destination for eco-tourism. With crystal-clear waters, white pristine beaches and 100% sustainable energy supply, what more could any eco-enthusiast ask for?

The owners of Bahama Cay, who boast of their island's beauty and natural preservation, took on the project of eliminating its bulky fossil fuel energy dependence and began to develop an energy system comprising an 11MW wind farm, 14MW biodiesel plant, two solar banks and a 3.5MW backup battery. Additional eco features designed for Bahama Cay include waste management and recycling as well as water desalination and conservation of natural rain water.

Bahama Cay offers you a selection of luxury one and two bedroom condominiums, as well as a fully managed villa building service, to your specifications, using only the finest and most distinguished craftsmen. Choose one of many pre-approved plans or submit your own plan. One and two bedroom apartments can also be ordered off plan and finished to your specifications and all properties are offered on a renewable 125 year leasehold. Finance is available and supplied by the vendor.

Exclusively offered with HG Christie. Please contact Neil Aberle at neil@hgchristie.com or (242) 367 5454.

For more information, visit our listing online at AS11347.

Click here to visit Sugar Plum Ref #NS06895

HGChristie Gains New Appraisal Apprentices
Talented Appraiser shares knowledge with Fellow Agents

Meeting the current need of the market, HG Christie introduced three talented apprentice appraisers for better coverage of The Bahamas. Successful in their own right as sales agents for HG Christie, these ambitious agents are well on their way to becoming successful appraisers. A big thank you is extended to Elbert Thompson for sharing his expertise during a two day in-house training. Thanks for Professor Thompson's willingness, HG Christie will now have appraisers in Eleuthera, Grand Bahama and an expanded team in Nassau.

Pictured left to right are: Rhonda Waton; Eleuthera, Elbert Thompson; Nassau, Iola Knowles; Nassau, and Chiara Petrucci; Grand Bahama.

HGC's Featured Agent
Neil Aberle - Abaco Estate Agent

Neil has been Neil Aberle - Abaco Agent

an Estate Agent for HG Christie since 2003, becoming Abaco's Top Producer in 2008. With an entrepreneurial background he has founded Aberland Publications Ltd. (What's On) (1992), Bahamas Out-Island Adventures (2002), and Abaco Sailing Adventures (2010). Neil and his family; wife Rachael and daughters Summer and Jasmin, moved to Hope Town, Abaco in 2005.
With Neil's Real Estate and entrepreneurial background he partnered to launch his first development project called "The Crossing" in Marsh Harbour. Neil brings lots of skills to the HG Christie team including his strong negotiation skills, an experienced 'island guide' and boat captain allowing him to share with clients the beautiful islands he calls home.
Having lived in Nassau, Eleuthera and now Abaco, Neil offers a vast knowledge of life in the Out-Islands. Aside from real estate, Neil always enjoys a good day of surfing, sailing and playing his guitar. His email is: neil@hgchristie.com.

'Area 83' Does It Again
HGC Agent Elbert Thompson, Named Governor

In a recent Toast Master's District 47 Executive Council meeting held in Ft. Myers, Florida, HG Christie's Agent and Appraiser, Elbert Thompson, was named the Area Governor of the 2nd Quarter for District 47.

Elbert has captured this esteemed honor after 13 distinguished years with Toastmasters International and has competed and won several contests throughout the years. Rising as a leader during his affiliation with this well-regarded organization that is dedicated to enhancing communication and leadership skills, Elbert also served as a club president. His stellar performance within the Toastmaster's organization has now yielded wider recognition with this prestigious award for a district that stretches across the Bahamas and South Florida, from Key West to Tampa. This represents approximately 5,000 members and 42 areas.

HG Christie salutes Elbert in this outstanding accomplishment. During his professional career Elbert has maximized his speaking talents, knowledge and exceptional training skills in many venues. One of Mr. Thompson's most memorable posts in the Bahamas where his exceptional skills could be witnessed was as a news anchor and reporter with the national television and radio station, ZNS.

When congratulated he remarked, "I was truly shocked and humbled by the honours when my name was called and I thank all of the Area 83 clubs, their executive officers, members and Area 83 Council members as their work and cooperation has made this all possible. GO AREA 83!!!!"

HG Christie is proud to have Elbert Thompson as a valued member of our team. Elbert shines not only at Toastmasters but professionally as well. A respected appraiser, a Top Producing Agent and recently a proficient company trainer. Congratulations again, "GO ELBERT! Shine on!"

First Bahamas Marathon is a Great Success!

HG Christie's 'Ripped Chix' Competes in The Bahamas Marathon

This inaugural event was held on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2010, in beautiful Nassau, Bahamas. Attracting international and local participants, including our own HGC Ripped Chix, this event was deemed a huge success. The 26 mile course began at Fort Montagu with a 6AM start. 400 plus runners began their trek at this historic site, progressed over the Paradise Island Bridges, along Nassau's stunning waterfront to the upscale locale of Old Fort Bay and circled back to Arawak Cay for the finish. Entrants were able to run the full Marathon or a ½ Marathon.

When asked her impressions of the Bahamas Marathon, Ripped Chix team member, and HG Christie Grand Bahama Agent, Allison Lafrenier had this to say: "The race was amazing. The scenery in Nassau is stunning and we were so impressed with all aspects of this event. We are all looking forward to participating again next year. Well Done Bahamas!"

Pictured from left to right: Laurie Tuchel, Allison Lafrenier; HGC Agent in Grand Bahama, Lisa de Lusignan, Christine Bonaventura, Tara Doherty

While The Bahamas Marathon brought runners from many countries, a local Grand Bahamian, Delroy Boothe, took the honors of 'First Place' with an extraordinary time of 2:59.

With an impressive 7th place win in the women's division of the half marathon, was our own Ripped Chix, Lisa de Lusignan. 'Way to go Lisa!' HG Christie salutes you and your fantastic team mates. At HG Christie we are all proud of our 'Ripped Chix' and look forward to sharing future events and successes with this phenomenal group of women.

Our Blog:
Horizons

Keep up with our HGC Real Estate Blog

To visit and for more information visit us at our blog - Horizons .

Upcoming Events:

Don't Miss These Exciting Events!

Mar 20 - Saturday
Ride for Hope Fun Raising Bike Ride - Eleuthera
Ride for Hope invites all to participate in its annual charitable bike-a-thon to raise money for cancer patient care, treatment, early detection and Bahamas-based cancer research. 377 riders are registered for the this year's ride. There are many participating sponsors including Odyssey Aviation, Bahamas Hot Mix, Tropical Shipping, Bahamas Ferries, Bahamas Air and more. Be there to watch and support the riders! It's one of the most fun outings of the year and as an added bonus you can explore beautiful Eleuthera. Begins and ends in Governor's Harbour. For more info visit: www.rideforhopebahamas.com

Mar 26 - Friday
The Bahamas Humane Society's Flower Power Party - Nassau
The Bahamas Humane Society celebrates the draw of their 2010 Travel Bonanza Raffle with a flower power party, 7pm at Sheraton Nassau Beach Ballroom. Music of the 60's and 70's by DJ Vince Ritchie. Dress code: hippie. Cost: $50. Contact Rebecca Armbrister, T: 323-5138 or 433-2735

Mar 27 - Saturday
Atlantis Live: Sara Bareilles
The Atlantis Live series presents Grammy-nominated singer Sara Bareilles in a unique and intimate concert setting, 9:30pm in the Atlantis Theatre. See www.Atlantis.com or call: 363-3000.

Mar 27 - Saturday
Art Splash - Green Turtle Cay, Abaco
Come for art, wine tasting and fun at The Green Turtle Cay Club. Abaco artists come together to raise money for the Abaco Cancer Society. A variety of art including jewelry, photography, watercolours, straw work, sculptures, turned wooden art, and much, much more. For more information visit: www.abacoislandartists.com

Mar 28 - Sunday
22nd Annual Bahamas Bridal Show: "Live Your Dreams"
The Bahamas Bridal Show presents its 22nd annual showcase entitled "Live Your Dreams", 12pm at Wyndham Nassau Resort. The show features a live fashion show, 50 wedding exhibitors and a chance to win $30,000 in gifts and prizes. Tickets: $30 and $40, available at Furniture Plus and Buttons Bridal & Formal Wear. Register at www.buttonsformalwear.com. T: 327-8896.

Apr 3 - Saturday
Atlantis Live: Emily Osment
The Atlantis Live series continues with actress and singer Emily Osment, famous for her roles in Spy Kids, The Haunting Hour, and Hannah Montana. Watch and listen as she performs her pop hits, including "I Don't Think About it", "If I Didn't Have You", "Once Upon a Dream" and "All the Way Up". Show stars 8:30pm at the Atlantis Theatre. See www.Atlantis.com

Apr 17 - Saturday
Atlantis Live: Kris Allen
The Atlantis Live series presents Kris Allen, winner of American Idol, season 8, as he entertains his guests with songs from his hit album, including the single "Live Like We're Dying." 9:30pm in the Grand Ballroom. See www.Atlantis.com or call 363-3000.

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
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
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) 946-5425 sales@hgchristie.com