A Fun Day out in Turks and Caicos Islands

As my broker Terrance and I forge ahead with new listings, we decided to have a day in Middle and North Caicos as clients had asked me to list their land. I needed to get to know the area, sign the lots and take some pictures for my website.

We made a fun day of it and hooked up with friends who were also going over.Terrance arrived on the dock armed with newly made Anchor signs, whilst I had the step ladders, husband and packed lunch.

It was the perfect day with calm waters and slight breezes.Mark was waiting for us on arrival at North Caicos Marina with two hire cars so we all piled in and arranged our first stop at Monkey Hill.

We surveyed the area for possible lots suitable for clients and after a toilet stop at the airport we all headed off for the causeway over to Middle.

There was an incomplete house on a ridge top lot for $169,000 which interested our friends as a possible investment so we explored that and thought it a good buy.

The little bar below was calling and in the heat of the day, beers all round were ordered. Into the cars once again t head off towards Michelle and Malcolm's land which they had listed with me.

This is where the step ladder came in - as the foliage was so dense, I needed pictures from the steps to see the ocean. As Terrance is over six feet, I pushed him up the ladder for optimum vantage point!

We did the ceremonial " sticking the For Sale sign in the concrete earth" - true team effort( I held the ladder steady, husband measuring the width of lots and Terrance, still perched precariously up the steps. Two lots signed, we were off again for picture taking on the beach opposite.
You get a true sense of space, quiet, and sheer freedom over there; just no-one around and just the sound of the sea and endless pristine beach.

We all met up on Bambarra Beach for a picnic lunch. Again we had the whole place to ourselves.

After that it was sightseeing Mudjin Harbour. Its a true spectacle of natural beauty and with the warmth of the sun,it's hard to leave it. We needed to return for the ferry and stop via Kew In North to sign up two lots there.

Finding Kew was easy and such a pleasant surprise; neat gardens, tall trees and pretty homes along newly surfaced roads. It was tricky to identify the land from the map. The police station was close by and as luck would have it,with a policeman in it! He did not know the land so we had we had a guess and stuck the signs in, taking pictures of the surrounding area. They belong to Franklyn, who kindly contacted me from the Bahamas.

We were very impressed with the helpfulness of the people and the sense of community.

We missed the ferry by five minutes which gave us time to eat the remains of our lunch, Terrance's peppermints and watch the workers returning on their ferry from Parrot Cay.

On our return to Provo, we all felt we had had a special day out. We had accomplished what we set out to do, in an idyllic get away place where people are few and life is free and easy.

We had fun along the way - as tourists, real estate agents, friends ,clients and buyers.

We really do have a wonderful life here and I am grateful every day to be out of the stressful rat race, crowds, rain and cold.

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.

Turks and Caicos Holiday Planning

We are back to normal on the island of Providenciales and although many hotels and restaurants are taking their well deserved breaks right now, they will be gearing up for a busy new season beginning in November.

The children around the world are back at school after the summer break, and autumn / fall will soon be upon those living in temperate climates so maybe now is the time to begin planning the winter holiday so you have something to look forward to as the nights draw in.

There is no better place to enjoy the winter months than in Turks and Caicos.

The weather is beautiful and the beaches are stunning, so it's a great place to recharge your batteries and dream of that vacation home in the sun...

We have many for you to choose from, to suit all tastes and pockets; villas with private beaches, penthouses with all facilities at your finger tips, luxurious condominiums in beach resorts, land to build your dream home - you name it, we can probably can show you.

It's a favourite destination for the rich and famous where they can be left alone to enjoy freedom from the press and fans so don't expect a bargain, but your investment will grow significantly as the islands become better known.

Deep sea fishing, scuba diving, island hopping for romantic picnic lunches on deserted beaches are some of the very best reasons to have your break away from real life...

So look at my website to get a flavour of what's on offer (there's lots more) and remember I am eager to help buyers meet their individual aspirations and I will do my very best for each one of you.

http://www.caribbeanhomefinder.net/

The best deal I have seen is at WEST BAY CLUB

I often drive past the impressive front entrance of the newly opened condominium resort called the West Bay Club so Lisa of Connolly Zahm offered to show me round today.

It's located in the quiet westerly end of Grace Bay so no worries about having enough beach to yourself.

All the apartments face the sea and have direct access to the Grace Bay Beach where you could walk for miles if you were that way inclined. The beach sun loungers were more alluring for me.

There is a fitness centre and spa near the pool and a poolside eatery which includes an owners' lounge with TV and continental breakfast.

Each condo owner has the use of basement storage. My husband would be happy as his jeep hard top and numerous tool boxes are always needing a home.

As she escorted me around, it was noticeable how light and airy and spacious it all felt.

Most apartments come fully furnished which is included in the price except the three bed three and half bath penthouse and there is only one of those left.

The two beds have the lock out facility so one part can be rented as a separate dwelling while you use the other or the whole lot can be open as a two bedroom. The lock out is a suite equipped with mini kitchen and separate entrance; a clever design.

One of the last units I viewed was a two bed,two bath 1,401 sq ft corner one on the ground floor.
It's slightly smaller that the other two beds and has not got the lock out facility but for $699,000 as opposed to 1,860 sq ft for $949,000, I was ready to get the cheque book out.

Apart from the price, I also liked the fact that it had its own little walkway to the beach and as its a corner one, no-one would need to venture past your outdoor seating area. which overlooks the beach.
Coupled with a rental return if wanted, not much less than the higher priced two bed, I thought it was a very good investment all round.

Don't forget the stamp duty reduction from 9.75% to 6% till the end of June.

We met some vacationers in the elevator (a lift to me) who said that they were thoroughly enjoying their stay and had had a sleepless night working out which one of the remaining units they would like to buy.

I could have told them but I kept it a secret!!

Get in touch with me if you wish to discuss real estate ( or even just to chat)
649 242 1714 or e mail me jan@caribbeanhomefinder.net or Jan.Anchor@tciway.tc

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/

Massive reduction in tax on new purchases

Great news for home buyers and investors in Turks and Caicos Islands, where the Government has announced a massive reduction in Stamp Duty on property purchases. Currently at a 9.75% level on Providenciales, the tax has been reduced for a limited period to 6%. The effective date is April 1st thru June 30th.

In Grand Turk, South Caicos, Middle Caicos, North Caicos and Salt Cay, the stamp duty is reduced from 5% to 3%.

This means, of course, that any investor can save a huge amount of money on their purchases. So...... looks like the piggy banks are going to get broken open and that second or third home purchased in a hurry!

Caribbean Home Finder has some great buys at the moment.

Check out the website and get in contact!