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

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

Just a thought for you British ladies out there

A very good girlfriend of mine 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 not knowing where to go or what they really want.
Some are suffering from empty nest syndrome, others alone without partners. - a little lost.

I have often thought that if I was alone, where would I go if I needed a break?
I would want to be in a safe place, in control ( wouldn't want to feel "on the market") and not surrounded by families enjoying their annual playtime together.
This is the place! Little nightlife but lots of sun and sand and beautiful beaches.

So now my friend comes to Turks and Caicos and returns as often as she can to recharge her batteries and get out of the rat race.
She plucked up courage to travel alone and experienced the relaxed friendly life style we have here. She is very envious of us when we stay all year round.

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!

When my friend returned here for a second time, 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!

I think she is a great advertisement for the place and an inspiration for other women in similar circumstances.

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. We drive on the left, have the American dollar (great exchange rate) and life is laid back, with ooddles of sunshine.

Call me when you are arriving just to say Hi and that you got this brilliant idea from my blog!!

Could I tempt you to buy that brand new apartment on the beach ?
Have seen a beauty this morning and it's at a great price.
You won't regret it...see you soon

A VERY good reason to come to Turks and Caicos

I have had a very busy ten days working here in the Turks and Caicos but do not feel sorry for me. I have enjoyed being out of the office.
It beats being stuck at the computer when there are so many wonderful people to meet and so much talking to do!

When I was asked to go to a home on Bristol Hill, Providenciales to meet the owner from California, I could not get in the car quick enough.

When my husband and I arrived in Turks and Caicos five years ago and were orientating ourselves, we discovered this part of the island.
We fell in love with it and in particular, Bristol Hill.

Having lived all over the island, this particular area draws me back every time.

You feel like you are miles away from anywhere but you're not. The views are out of this world.
It's a very desirable area with some of the most neighbourly people I have ever met.

But, back to the visit...I drove up the gravel drive and could not see a lot but as I walked up the pathway and to the huge ornate metal doors, I realised that I was in for a surprise.

It is built on the hillside, overlooking the South Shore. Villa Roi Soleil's owners designed it for themselves and as they showed me around, I saw how creative they had been.

Lots of interesting levels, privacy for all guests, large spaces for parties, dining overlooking the ocean and an infinity pool that looks like it meets the ocean.
The villa has been built to optimise on the ocean view which you don't want to stop looking at -it's stunning.

The self contained guest apartment has its own little balcony seating area overlooking the sea.
Every room in the main house and the pool and bbq area has a full sea view .Even the kitchen sink overlooks the pool and sea - not much washing of dishes then as the view is mesmorising.

This property lends itself to vacationers wanting a "getaway from it "( well, except that view). Then I imagined full time occupiers there. I was thinking "I hope the new owners do not work, as leaving this place each day would be difficult!"

We then walked down the winding path to the private beach and the warm, turquoise water. The owner told me she had spent many a happy hour kayaking to the little islands (called cays here). "You can snorkel amongst the little coral reefs there and discover an abundance of exotic sea life " she said.
Although very tempting to get in the water, I had my skirt and high heels on( in work mode) A pity as it was such a hot day and already I felt right at home!

This property has not been on the market before and at the moment they are investing in a complete refurbishment from the contents of the kitchen cupboards to the painting of all exterior and interior walls, the pool and the landscaping.

I did wonder if they may change their minds and decide not to sell; it has that feel good factor - a real home, but one lucky purchaser is going to find them agreeing to a sale.
It could be you if you want to come to the Turks and Caicos Islands and check it out - you won't be disappointed.

In the meantime take a look at the photos on my website and see what I am talking about.
Note that as the refurbishment progresses, I will replace some pictures on the site.

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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Have it all for a great price

SEAFLOWERS is a small development of just 24 townhomes being built on the canal close to where I live.

I pass it every day on my morning run and monitor progress as I puff and sweat my way past.

Check out my website to see a photo of the site taken this afternoon from the bridge to our home.
There are more details there too.

http://www.caribbeanhomefinder.net/

Today, I was particularly pleased to see my colleagues at ReMax have just listed six of these two bed, two ensuite units to sell and have happily given them to me to advertise for them.

The attraction of these is the price, starting at just $479,500 and their location.

Turtle Cove has everything you would want and all within walking distance of this development.
We have restaurants, dive operators, casino, car rentals, beach.

Those buyers who are boating enthusiasts and who are quick enough, have the option of a boat dock but there are only 12 being installed.

Call me on 649 242 1714 or send an e mail via the site. I'd be happy to answer any of your questions or arrange a viewing if you are on island.

Happy home hunting this weekend.

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!