Real Estate Review
Everything You Need to Know About Real Estate in the Bahamas |
"The more things change, the more things stay the same."
-French Proverb by French novelist Alphonse Karr (1808-90)
Dear Valued Readers, We are pleased to present to you our June edition of The Real Estate Review.While the recovery news ebbs and flows, we are called upon to press forward. It would seem that the real estate market is mirroring this process. We are witnessing lulls intermittent with frenzied interest in Bahamian property within very short cycles. While the pressing news in the Caribbean and other island nations is the Gulf Oil spill, we are able to report that the Bahamas has not experienced any effects yet. There is a palatable angst in our northern Islands and for our neighbors experiencing this devastating travesty; they are our fellow coastal community. While models and studies indicate that the Bahamas has the Gulf Stream working to its advantage and should not be affected by this mishap, we are standing in vigil for a timely and effective solution. The 'dog days' of summer are the perfect time to pause and reflect. In our banner heading you will see a picture of Sir Harold George Christie and the first HG Christie Nassau office. When I think of the vision and the faith that propelled HG at a time when the future and results of real estate were unknown, I am fortified. When my father, Peter Christie was asked what he felt about the current economic challenges, he shrugged and said "... I've seen it before". Now for realtor investors, sellers and purchasers it is time to retain what was wisdom and learn from the missteps while employing newly gained knowledge, tools and insights. We invite you to share in the exciting opportunities in the Bahamian market including Abaco's Bahama Cay, Exuma's stunning Cave Cay, Green Turtle Cay's Leeward Yacht Club, Nassau's Balmoral, Paradise Island's Ocean Club Estates and much, much more. Click on this link to read my blog about our recent 'aqua caravan' to Bahama Cay - a must see.
Read on, and enjoy!
Sincerely,
HG Christie Ltd.
 dd Read our Online Edition! |
Feature: Cave CayA Cay of Perfection Very rarely does an island like Cave Cay become available. Stunning natural beauty, a protected and private deep-water harbour and marina, floating cement dock system with 35 dock slips and a 2,800 ft. private airstrip to make this cay, the absolute perfect private island.
Located
in the heart of the Exuma chain of islands, and near to famed Musha Cay, Cave Cay is one
of the most beautiful spots in the world. Totally self sufficient
with water and power supplied by diesel generators. Solar energy
can easily be made available for the eco-friendly buyer. The island is available "as is"
featuring unspoiled powder white beaches, lush tropical vegetation, elevations of up to 40 ft.
which capture breathtaking views of the pristine turquoise waters of the Exumas.
Perched atop one of the highest points on the island, the luxurious main house is move-in ready and enjoys 360-degree views and top-of-the-line appointments. 38 buildings totaling 70,000 sq. ft. include a 3-story houseboat with a marina shop on the first level and a 2-story residence overhead, plus staff and maintenance buildings. A large clubhouse and restaurant, shower and bathroom facilities, and three guest houses with hotel rooms and suites are still under construction.
 Approved as a full-fledged commercial operation with approvals for a marina, hotel with an unlimited number of rooms, and clubhouse, this island paradise can be fully completed and operational in 6 months with a full construction crew, or converted for private use as a club or family compound. The owners have thought of everything - all building materials and heavy equipment are included such as tractors, rollers, graders, trucks, golf carts, boats, full and back-up generating systems, machine shops, back-up supplies of all working parts for easy repairs, along with a great team of 6 employees that are intimately familiar with the island. A 118 ft. landing craft and a dredger round off this sales offering.
Exclusively offered with HG Christie. Please contact John Christie at john@hgchristie.com or (242) 322 1041.
For more information, visit our listing online at XS11103.
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HGChristie News Update
Stamp Tax Increases
In May the Prime Minister of The Bahamas, The Hon. Hubert Ingraham announced that the various rates of Stamp Tax on realty transactions will be increased by 2 percentage points. This change will take effect on July 1st, 2010.
The new increase will not impact the continuation of exempting first time homeowners from the payment of Stamp Tax on a dwelling home or property for the construction of a dwelling home valued up to $500,000. but is across the board for all other other real estate transactions. Sales priced between $0 to $20,000, the rate goes from 2 percent to 4 percent; $20,000 to $50,000, it goes to 6 percent; $50,000 to $100,000, it goes to 8 percent; $100,000 to $250,000, it goes to 10 percent; and from $250,000 and up, it goes to 12 percent.
President of the Bahamas Real Estate Association (BREA) Patricia Birch, said "Of course it's going to make some things more expensive, but it's a very small percentage increase," she said. "And the two percent will be split between the seller and buyer, so it's just one percent for either side." Birch went on to say, "But I see the things the government is doing, they are still giving encouragement in real estate for first time home buyers and they are still giving encouragement for the downtown areas." To sum it up, she said she didn't think the changes coming down in the budget would seriously affect the Bahamas real estate community. |
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HGC's Featured Agent
Kathleen Albury Awarded Prestigious CRS Designation
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H.G. Christie Ltd., is proud to announce the recent accomplishment of Kathleen Albury, a Realtor/Broker/Appraiser with their Marsh Harbour, Abaco office. Ms. Albury was recently awarded the prestigious Certified Residential Specialist Designation (CRS) by the Council of Residential Specialists, the largest not-for-profit affiliate of the National Association of Realtors®.This distinguished award is obtained by Realtors who meet stringent criteria including the completion of several advanced Realtor courses and who have demonstrated professional expertise in the field of residential real estate. Fewer than 40,000 Realtors® in the US have earned the CRS credential and out of the hundreds of licensed realtors only 36 have achieved this honor. Kathleen Albury shares this honor with her fellow CRS team associates at HG Christie including: Elbert Thompson, Donna Laing-Jones and Cara Christie. Home buyers and sellers can be assured that CRS Designees subscribe to the strict Realtors® 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. While the title is long: Kathleen M. Albury, CRS, B.R.I., e-PRO, it allows clients an awareness that this is a successful Broker/Appraiser who can provide them with exceptional service. Kathleen's 11 year experience in real estate includes sales of luxury estates, private Islands, development properties, as well as, developed and undeveloped parcels of land. HG Christie congratulates Ms. Kathleen Albury on her CRS designation and supports her continued personal efforts in advancing her real estate career. Her numerous achievements include a listing in the Who's Who in International Real Estate, International membership of the National Association of Realtors, and continued personal efforts and achievements of various accolades and awards throughout the Real Estate Industry. For more information visit: CRS.com and to contact Kathleen: (242) 367 5454 or kathleen@hgchristie.com |
25 North Rocks On
Mr. John Christie Performs
Mr. John Christie, Vice President and Estate Agent at HG Christie performed in his band, 25 North, at Old Fort Bay, Nassau for a US Memorial Day weekend event. There was a great turn out with almost 300 people. Mr. Christie started with acoustic by performing his own songs then went on to play the drums for the rest of the evening.
It was a night of great fun, lots of dancing and a blast was had by all. The highlight of the evening was 25 North's take on Led Zeppelin's '"Whole Lotta Love". Visit them on Facebook - 25 North. Rock on Mr. Christie!
Photo Courtesy of Ben Jamieson |
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| Our Blog: Horizons
Keep up with our HGC Real Estate Blog
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To visit and for more information visit us at our blog - Horizons.
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Upcoming Events:
Don't Miss these exciting events! June 27 - Sunday10th Annual Duke of Edinburgh Cup Golf TournamentKerzner International presents the 10th annual Duke of Edinburgh Cup Golf Tournament, beginning 8am at the One and Only Ocean Club Golf Course. Donation: $2,500/four-man team. Tee sponsorship: $1,000. Proceeds in aid of Governor-General's Youth Award. T: 326-1760. E: ggya@coralwave.com June 28 - July 23Barracuda's Swim Club's "Learn to Swim" Summer ClassesThe Barracuda Swim Club of Nassau holds its four-week "Learn to Swim" summer classes at the Queen's College pool. Sessions: 1:30pm-2:10pm; 2:15pm-2:55pm and 3pm-3:40pm. Cost: $250/four weeks; $150/two weeks. Register: www.barracudaswimming.org July 3 - SaturdayBahamas Red Cross Charity Golf TournamentThe Bahamas Red Cross hosts a two-person scramble charity golf tournament, 8am at Cable Beach Golf Course. Prizes include round trip tickets to Las Vegas, Freeport and Treasure Cay. Cost: $150/per player. T: 393-7729 or 323-7370. E: bcwats@yahoo.com July 4 - SundayAmerican Independence DayCelebrations all over the Bahamas for America's Independence Day. Fireworks at various locations throughout the weekend. Check local listings for more details. July 4 - July 11Caribbean Christian Dance Network's "Explosion of the Arts"The Caribbean Christian Dance Network presents an "Explosion of the Arts", a celebration of 25 years of liturgical dance, featuring Total Praise Dance Troupe from Paris, France. See www.cc-dn.org  July 9 - FridayBahamas National Trust Silent Auction & Art ExhibitionHeld at Abaco Beach Resort in Marsh Harbour, Abaco. Proceeds to benefit Abaco's National Parks. July 10 - SaturdayBahamas Independence DayMonday, July 12th holiday observed. Happy 37th Year of Independence Bahamas! Check local listings for festivities and firework displays.  July 12 - July 29Bahamas Writers Summer Institute 2010 WorkshopsThe Bahamas Writers Summer Institute presents its 2010 workshops in fiction, creative non-fiction, poetry, play writing and screenwriting that entails 36 hours of study, faculty readings and discussions, a master class in fiction by renowned Jamaican writer, Olive Senior. Cost: $400. T: 325-0341. E: bahawsi@yahoo.com July 17 - SaturdayAtlantis LIVE: Katy PerryThe Atlantis Live Series presents Katy Perry, two-time Grammy nominated artists and one of the most talked about pop acts of the last two years. Here's your chance to see her bring her energetic live show to Atlantis, 9:30pm in The Grand Ballroom. See www.Atlantis.com August 28 - SaturdayKayak for Cancer Fundraiser A group will paddle from Ship Channel Cay, Exuma, to Glenmore Beach on New Providence to benefit the Cancer Society in the name of the Monty Higgs Kayak Fund. October 1 - October 11Shakespeare in Paradise The popular festival returns for a second year. November 4 - November 6Islands of the World Fashion Week Third year of this glamorous event highlights established designers and gives exposure to newcomers in the design industry. |
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Contact Us Today!
HG Christie 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 Green Turtle Cay
Abaco, Bahamas
Phone: 242 365 4191
Fax: 242 365 4174
greenturtlecay@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)
| | TURKS & CAICOS |
P.O. Box 264
Providenciales
Turks & Caicos Islands
Phone: (649) 231-2110
Fax: (649) 946-5425
sales@hgchristie.com |
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