Christmas on the Beach

I know that it is all over but the photos that friends are sending round are fun so thought I would share them.Now, before you get envious of us all on the beach on Christmas Day, I have to confess some of them were saying " It's not Christmas without snow and sitting in front of a log fire!"

I know they are mad but as they say "the grass is always greener".

Our children usually arrive for the holidays from USA and UK and we revert to being like house sparrows,flying around feeding them every couple of hours, trying to please them all knowing their trip is short. Our friends invite us to go and play out and we politely decline and say we have to be Ma and Pa to offspring who expect it.

Well this year they did not come over and I was a lost soul.; no gifts to hurriedly buy and wrap ensuring everyone has same value and same number, no baking,no freezer filled with goodies that I could miraculously and effortlessly pull out after a day out on the boat.

I felt disorientated but friends in a similar position said they would have breakfast with us and then hit the beach with champagne.

I felt better!

The day was fun with so many good friends turning up on Grace bay Beach, to share the sun, sand and fun ( and champers)

The evening was a great success with good friends, inviting us to a wonderful dinner with great company followed by Secret Silly Santa.

Now those who know Turks and Caicos, appreciate how difficult it is to get gifts. I foolishly picked the biggest out of the sack and found myself with a beige,embroidered padded toilet seat!!

I can see readers trying to picture this one...

Anyhow,we had a lot of laughs and at least it's practical!I am not one to be ungrateful!

New Years Eve was a hit, again on the beach with champagne and mince pies., turning up after 10 p.m after we had all been to different eateries. Year after year we do this as a tradition and I am always impressed with hundreds of people, all ages,different nationalities, in all stages of merriment but there is never any bad behaviour, language or drunkeness ( we hide that last bit well).

So now we are back to the grindstone.

As Anchor Realty opened a new satellite office on the beach, you'll appreciate it wasn't difficult coming to work.

Surrounded by people on vacation, relaxing and soaking up the sun, snorkelling around the reef , or sipping a cold drink in the new beach cafe, makes me appreciate my surroundings.

Although I missed my children a lot, there is always next year and in the meantime, sun, sand,warm seas and smiley,happy people will just have to do!

If you are booked to come over, come and say hi at Coral Gardens.

A warm welcome awaits you.

Land to build on in Turks and Caicos

It's funny how when you least expect it you make a new connection and before you know it, you have a new client who then becomes a friend.

My car needed attention and so I found myself near the launderette (where the cobbler is!) asking Wayne the alternator specialist to check out my battery and alternator .

He asked me to leave the car for the day and when I returned he'd fixed the problem and commented on my realtor signs advertising me on the sides of my car.

As we chatted he asked me to list his land in Chalk Sound. I was flattered..especially as there is a realtor's office right by his garage and of course everyone knows everyone else.

I didn't ask, grateful of the new business, and as we worked through the paperwork, he nonchalantly told me his friend and business partner had the piece next to his and he would list too.

The next day, my boss, Terrance and I trundled out in blistering heat to identify the lots, take pictures and erect signs.

We found ourselves down a dirt track where rally drivers would have fun. That's the fun of real estate on island; you find yourself in all sorts of undiscovered places !

I must remember to have a pair of hiking boots in the car and ditch the high heels.

These adjacent lots of around half an acre do have good views of Chalk Sound and Sapodila Bay.

Plots in Chalk Sound have escalated in price over recent years and fewer are now available as they are bought and lovely homes have been built.

Greg's lot has planning permission and slightly smaller at 0.41 acres.

Wayne's is 0.58 acres.

They are great guys and I would really like to sell their land so they can invest the proceeds in their business ventures.

Get in touch if you feel that building your dream home is something you'd like to consider.

Many people have already invested in land and it really is straight forward and welcomed here.

Check out more on my website

http://www.caribbeanhomefinder.net/

Call me on (649) 242 1714.

Snowbirds fly to Turks and Caicos

As I called my father in England to wish him a happy birthday on Tuesday, he said it was really cold over there. Hard to imagine when we are sitting in as little clothing as possible and yearning to get in the sea to cool off, instead of being in front of the computer in the office.

Then a girlfriend in South Carolina called and said it was cold there. She is returning to her little house on the canal next week, for her five month stay to paint.

So it seems that the weather is turning cold quickly .Time for the snowbirds from all over the world,to prepare to come here for their winter season of catching up with friends,reading,sunning,diving,fishing and whatever.

Perhaps you should and could think about joining them?It's a great place to unwind and take stock of what's important in life.

As Delta announced recently that they were putting on an extra direct flight from Atlanta,we must have something that lots of people want.

There are owners of all sorts of properties who would be happy to rent to you from one month to a year...depends on how long you need to feel completely relaxed and integrated!

Call or e mail me for information on rentals available and maybe you will want to buy that little piece of paradise for yourself .It's all that easy.

http://www.caribbeanhomefinder.net/

(649) 242 1714

Good friends in Turks and Caicos

What did you do on Sunday?

I put the coffee on early morning and my husband watched a little British rugby on television,remarking on all the crowds in the stands dressed up in scarves and coats.

We do not possess any winter attire and living here, we forget about the change of seasons.

Good friends of ours left island in April to return to UK after a two year stay on island.We all missed them a lot.They booked a trip back almost immediately and arrived on Wednesday for a ten day stay.

It's been a perfect excuse to slack off work and join in the fun so today Jules and Tony, who own the Unicorn Bookstore on island,invited us on their boat so we headed down to meet them at the dock in Leeward.It was just like old times.

The water was calm and the sun, hot. Not any boats out there today so guess people are still off island.We spent a good half hour deciding which stretch of empty beach, and on which island, we were going to park ourselves for the day.Tough decision!

We ended up on Fort George, well known for sand dollars and pretty shells. It was only a few minutes from launch site and yet there we were as if on a deserted island, miles from civilisation.

An opportunity to catch up on news and views, and as we sat thinking how lucky we are to live here, whilst Pat and Paul tried to work out how they could return here fulltime.

It really does make you feel alive and appreciate every day where the woes of the world pass you by. We may have high utility bills and food costs but we have very few other expenses and when we get out on that clear turquoise water, with good friends, there's nothing to compare.

Visit my website http://www.caribbeanhomefinder.net/ to see the life style here .

Better still come and experience it first hand.

Perfect Building Plot in Turks and Caicos Awaits

British friends of mine arrived on island last week and asked me to discuss their land.

They decided to list it with me as their circumstances have changed so I am excited to offer this opportunity to a discerning investor who dreams of making that home in the sun a reality.

They bought wisely, as this lot faces the cross breezes, is private and quiet, located down a small cul-de-sac.

It is a short walk to one of the best schools on island.

For those who enjoy diving and fishing or exploring the islands from the water, the open sea is on your doorstep.

Leeward,Providenciales boasts some of the biggest and most beautiful homes on island.

They are individually designed and building codes ensure your surrounding environment is protected.

Build your own dock where you choose on this 120ft wide canal space.

Moor your boat at the bottom of the garden and be on open water in minutes.

The water really is this vibrant turquoise blue, so clear that turtles and eagle rays are visible as you sit on the dock and sip your sundowners.

The present owners are in the throes of planning permission to make the purchase and build easier and quicker so you can begin clearing the ground sooner than you thought.

Underground services are already available.

Surrounding homes give you an idea of what is around and Jimmy Amos, who dug out the canals is on hand to give advice.

See more details on my website http://caribbeanhomefinder.net/turks-caicos-property-LAND-LEEWARD.php or better still come on over and see for yourself. You won't be disappointed.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Just a thought for you British ladies.

A very good friend of ours from UK asked to come and stay for a second time in the year. She had enjoyed herself so much in the summer that instead of going to Europe skiing in the New year, she opted for the sun in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
She is a very successful business woman who owns her own recruitment company and recently went through a divorce after twenty years of marriage…anyhow, I was thinking about her and several other women of independent means who I know well, who have found themselves on their own and feeling low because the children have grown and flown the nest.
The good news is that she is beginning to do things that she would never have done in her past life, like travel long distances alone to visit us.
Before going into real estate, I wondered if ladies alone for whatever reason, knew about this island and if they felt confident to travel here,they would realise what a friendly, fun place it is;somewhere where they could be themselves for a while or even find themselves!I think my friend is a great advertisement for the place and it cheers me to see how happy she is when she is here.
Turks and Caicos Islands is an overseas British dependent territory with the American dollar and British road rules.
When my friend returned here for her New Year holiday, she was greeted by all our friends like a long lost family member and soon slotted straight back into our social life (which was hectic being holiday time).She forgot to feel sorry for herself and I forgot she had to go home and earn a living!
She called me last night and said she was coming back again in the summer and bringing her sons to learn to dive. I think it’s about time she bit the bullet and bought her own place!
So the conclusion is that being alone and coming here for a break is a good idea. Even better is buying your own little place to escape to, but for the time being, why not come over and check it out?We have beautiful hotels and villas to rent, restaurants to suit every palate, safe beaches with no beach vendors, lots of people who will give you a warm welcome and it’s English speaking so forget the phrase book.
Call me when you are arriving just to say Hi and that you got this brilliant idea from my blog!!You won’t regret it…see you soon

Turks and Caicos sucks you in

Yesterday, I was showing prospective buyers around the island. Even though it isn't where I was born and I am on a work permit, I am always excited to show the place off!

They had come from the US and were surprised to see that our house prices had not been affected by the US slump in the housing market.

Many of our buyers tend to be people looking for their second or third home from home and are spoiled for choice when they view the many individual styles of the properties, whether condos on the beach or houses.

There's something to suit all tastes which makes this job so interesting. I get to see these hidden away beautiful villas, architecturally designed, specifically for the owner or the newly built condominiums on the Grace Bay Beach boasting every modern day convenience and luxury you could ask for.
This is not an island of bulk 'samey' buildings, I am pleased to say..

It was hot yesterday that my husband and I decided to head for the beach for the afternoon.

Several people we know walked past and stopped to chat. One couple from Atlanta have been here a year with their three young children. They are disappointed that their time here has come to an end and are having to go back to the States when school is out.

The family have already decided that they are coming back for their fall break and the children have asked their mom if they can go to school here for their two weeks vacation. They have loved Provo Primary School and have their cousin going to school for this week as they want to share it with her!

Life here is relaxing, social and fun. You make good friends quickly whatever your age and make fun whilst you are all sharing this beautiful place, usually outdoors because the sun shines a lot.

Other friends were there with their two little girls. The girls were so excited as they had been snorkelling and seen an " iggle ray" and a "tortoise". I think she meant an eagle ray and a turtle! Sealife is in abundance and close to the beach around the coral heads where the tourists go to experience these fabulous sea creatures in their natural habitat.

The children have such an outdoor healthy life here exuding such enthusiasm for all their natural surroundings. It's a great place for young children when all they need is clear clean water, sand and sun.

Snuba Jodi was there for those of you who know her. She' had just finished one of her dives with a group of adults, who were all raving about the underwater scenery. She's a friend and I know people return to her each year for their snuba experience..she gets good write ups on Trip Advisor I see.

Friends who recently had to go back to their lives in UK, sent an e mail saying they have booked to come back here in October. They miss island life very much even though they have their new BMW's to play with ( there is no point in having one of those here as there are no long drives to do).

So whilst some are on their first visit looking to buy here, others live here and don't want to leave, others had to go and are already thinking of coming back...!

It holds a magic that you have to experience first hand in order to appreciate why people want to be here.













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Lucky Me

The birdsong woke me up this morning at 5 a.m. I wasn’t upset, it was a lovely sound of happy birds.

I have something to be happy about – I live here!

Turks and Caicos Islands lie 575 miles off coast of Miami but are British and business here is underpinned by British law making it a straightforward and safeguarded process when buying property here as opposed to buying in some European countries.

There are American influences, like high rise beach front condos, springing up all along Grace Bay on the island of Providenciales. We have the American dollar currency, which makes the British investors here happy with the exchange rate in their favour.

As I enter my fifth year of living here I still wake up feeling safe, comfortable and happy. It’s a relaxed place to live and I feel privileged to be allowed to live, work and invest here. It is particularly alluring when there are no income, inheritance and capital gains taxes.

My husband and I bought condominiums here to rent out to long term tenants, whilst living in houses ourselves. Experiencing different abodes first hand has given us an insight into the various choices one has – beach front, canal, hill top.

I still marvel at the crystal clear turquoise water. The divers say it’s the best and my well travelled children agree. The super yachts gliding into the marina for safe haven, the beautiful beaches stretching for miles, private island hideaways, make this a special place to be.

With the world news, forever reporting war, famine, drought, terrorism and abuse of human rights, nestled here in the Caribbean, one feels fortunate to be protected from the real world.

It’s a great place to unwind and take stock of one’s life.

Not that I am doing that right now, as I am selling property.

http://www.caribbeanhomefinder.net/

I can share the good life with those who choose to come on board.

It’s great fun.

What is it we actually want from our remaining years??

I’ve got it and will try my best to hang onto it…good friends, sun, fun, productive rewarding work and the best husband and kids, and I live in The Turks and Caicos Islands - one of the best places on Earth.

Lucky or what?

Jan hull

New exciting development launches

THE SHORE CLUB on LONG BAY BEACH is now Launching!

Stan Hartling, Chief Executive Officer of The Hartling Group and successful developer of The Sands and The Regent Palms, is now launching his third property on the island of Providenciales, The Shore Club on Long Bay Beach.

I asked to meet with Stan to ask him about The Shore Club and he readily found time to answer my questions and provide me with information for prospective buyers.

The Shore Club will be an exclusive, secluded enclave of just 85 suites built in traditional Barbadian style.

“The development has been designed in an S shape to take full advantage of the shoreline and therefore provide stunning ocean views from every angle you turn”, said Stan.

All this, away from the hustle and bustle of the Grace Bay tourist area, will provide the owners with a full service luxury resort with 820 feet of prime beach front while being conveniently located just over two miles from all major amenities located throughout Grace Bay.

As the Turks and Caicos Government recently announced a decrease in stamp duty fees until June 30th 2008 , Stan is offering those investing in The Shore Club, the opportunity to prepay their stamp duty to take full advantage of this decrease now.

Stan went on to say, “ In order to further assist purchasers in taking advantage of this substantial saving, The Hartling Group is willing to amend the existing payment schedule by offsetting half of the required upfront cash flow.
Please note that the 6% will need to be funded and then 3% will be reduced later on the initial deposit.”

“When we build a development it should be something we want to live with for the next fifty years.”

Stan remains one of the most successful and highly respected developers in the Turks and Caicos Islands. When he says he is going to build a luxurious, exclusive resort, he means just that, and delivers.

Having talked to owners at The Regent Palms and The Sands, I can see why they hold onto their units and repeatedly come back to stay and enjoy the enviable environments that Stan and his team have created for them.

The Shore Club will undoubtedly be another such desirable development.

Prices start at $1.33 million

To be part of The Shore Club click on “Contact me” as soon as you can because they are selling fast.
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Advertising

FROM: Jan Hull - Caribbean Home Finder, Anchor Realty Ltd
SUBJECT: New advertising campaign - Leeward Highway Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands
DATE: April 17 2008

ANCHOR REALTY agent Jan Hull scooped the island Real Estate Industry with the first advertisement sign on the new hoardings erected on the Leeward Highway, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.
Jan, promoting her website http://www.caribbeanhomefinder.net/ , invested in the 6ft x 12 ft display after learning about this new initiative.
“It’s a thrill to be in the air” said Jan, when looking at her advert. The placement coincided with her birthday by pure coincidence. “The best birthday present I could have had” said Jan.
CaribbeanHomeFinder is an innovative selling platform within Terrance Adam’s newly opened real estate company Anchor Realty Ltd. The office is located on Princess Drive, just opposite the Veranda and Alexandra developments.
“I offer a high quality, client orientated service, where communications between the client and myself are of the utmost importance” says Jan. “In today’s market, where there is so much competition, it is essential that my clients know that they can rely on me to see to their real estate needs in a personal and professional manner.”
Jan is photographed pointing at her new sign.
“The professional approach of Island Displays made the whole process so easy. They are a joy to work with” said Jan.
Jan and her husband moved to Turks and Caicos Islands in 2004 and still retain property in Maidstone. Rowland was an Ofsted Inspector, and Jan worked for Kent County Council , UK, within the Education Sector.
“The response so far has been really positive, and I look forward to successfully marketing a whole range of properties across the Islands, bringing in investors who want only the best.”
“I feel privileged to be able to live, work and invest in these beautiful islands and I wish to share this wonderful experience.” said Jan.
Jan can be contacted at 649 242 1714 or through her website http://www.caribbeanhomefinder.net/