Open-Realty Blog AddOn CaribbeanPresssReleases.com)]]> This luxury villa sits on 9,000 sq ft of well manicured, mature lawn. With breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, St Kitts golf course and the South East Peninsula with Nevis in the distance, this 4 bedroom/3 bath home is perfect for a holiday or family home. The current owner uses the 4th bedroom as an office. Home is Eligible for Economic Citizenship. Owner financing available. Just reduced to $975,000. Visit our Coldwell Banker Listing page for more photos.]]> Once the home of Admiral Nelson's wife, Fanny Nisbet, this grand 30 acre property was originally built as a sugar plantation in 1778 and it remains the Caribbean's only original plantation house to be located on a beach. Much of the grandeur and colonial charm remains and, naturally, there's a croquet lawn to complete the picture of colonial good living. Rooms are located in 16 comfortable Plantation-style cottages and Lanai suites scattered throughout the property on either side of the Avenue of the Palms ^ a stretch of lawn from the 18th-century Great House down a short distance to the beach. There are many excellent facilities and you'll certainly enjoy high standards of service, accommodation and cuisine, with a great weekly beach barbecue. The Nisbet Plantation has been voted one of the best small luxury hotels in the Caribbean by travel magazines. The offer is 7 nights for the price of 5, and free upgrade to full board. Valid for stays 10-9 through 12-21-2010. Includes 7 nights accommodation in a Superior Room, return flights, and private car transfers. Based on double occupancy. Visit Nisbet Plantation Beach Club, or call 0845 643 6548.]]> Caribbean360)]]> preferred attributes of the buyer being water views and proximity to water or mountain activities." Lake and ocean views combined for an overwhelming majority of the preferred attributes surveyed with mountain views coming second. Martin added that while spa and medical facilities have exhibited recent high growth rate forecasts in recent studies, respondents did not translate that growth into the highest motivation for second home purchases. Green-based second homes also did not show the highest appeal, nor has golf amenities translated into sales. The appeal of being close to the water with an ocean view should help keep our beautiful Caribbean Islands as an attractive 2nd home location in the next few years. Contact a Coldwell Banker agent with any questions you have on investing in our real estate.]]> SKNVibes.com. ]]> Oualie Beach Hotel on Nevis, is a new CD and a hit already. The band was formed by one of the Federation's (St Kitts and Nevis) top musicians and producers, Jazzique Chiverton, who said that he made sure he got the most talented individuals together to make the band one of, if not the best, in the Federation. The band is made up of brothers Todd and Mel Pemberton, who play the drums and bass respectively. Duane "Thompson" Morton is lead vocalist. Members of the Green House Band have put great thought and work into the album. They claimed that it is not about having an album released in their name, but about putting out great music and showing other homegrown artistes and bands who aim for that international appeal that this is the way to do it. The CD is predominantly love songs with a touch of Caribbean culture. For a good review of the sounds and songs, visit SKNVibes.com. ]]> St. Kitts and Nevis is an excellent Caribbean golfing destination. There are 3 courses on the islands, a championship course on both St Kitts and Nevis, and a 9-hole course on St Kitts. On Nevis, enjoy the Robert Trent Jones II 18-hole, par 71 golf course with the Four Seasons Resort. The course provides a dramatic view of the resort, the Caribbean and the neighbouring island of St. Kitts. Enjoy one or both of two complimentary weekly clinics. A golfer's conditioning programme is also available for an applicable fee. Guests are invited to take part in the 9-hole guest/manager scramble each week (fee applies). The Royal St Kitts Golf Club, originally opened in 1976 and recently renovated, Royal St. Kitts is one of the best conditioned and most scenic golf courses in the Caribbean. After closing for renovations in the spring of 2002, the first nine holes and the beautiful new clubhouse opened for play in November 2003. The full 18-hole championship course then reopened on November 8th, 2004. The magnificent layout has 125 irrigated acres of lush grass and allows golfers to play two full holes on the Caribbean Sea and three complete holes on the Atlantic Ocean. The redesign was done by famed architect Thomas McBroom of Toronto, Canada. It is also par 71. Also on St Kitts is the 9-hole Cat Ghaut Chip'n Putt. Royal St. Kitts Golf Club P.O. Box 858 Basseterre St. Kitts W.I. Phone: 869-466-2700 Fax: 869-466-2701 Contact: info@royalstkittsgolfclub.com www.royalstkittsgolfclub.com Four Season Resort P.O. Box 565 Pinney's Beach Charlestown Nevis W.I. Phone: 869-469-1111 Fax: 869-469-1112 www.fourseasons.com/nevis Cat Ghaut Chip'n Putt Shaws Road Newcastle Nevis W.I. Phone: 869-469-9826 ]]> Shadwell House is reminiscent of an era past - stately formal dining and living areas, large spacious kitchen and hall areas on the main floor, with three spacious bedrooms including the master suite on the second floor. Three smaller cottages are included. 5 beds/4.5 baths. The property has great investment potential. Asking $1,500,000. Visit our Coldwell Banker Listing page for more photos.]]> You will fall in love with this 3,500 SF custom-designed, Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired, home. It is a concrete post and beam structure, with exotic hardwood walls gracing every corner of the home. Large French doors and French style windows allow for a seamless indoor-outdoor ambience to pervade the house. A large covered veranda provides fabulous living space for relaxing while enjoying the views of the ocean and mountains. The home is situated on a 1 acre property, with coconut palms and luscious gardens, including fruit trees and flowering bushes. Asking $750,000. Visit our Coldwell Banker Listing page for details and more photos.]]> www.sweetpatootee.co.uk]]> New development situated above historic plantation ruins. Veranda views capture breath-taking turquoise Caribbean waters, and the lush magnificence of Mt. Nevis can be appreciated from the Master Suite. 2 bedroom/2 bath, 1113 SF. Asking $350,000. Visit our Coldwell Banker Listing page for more photos.]]> A narrow and shaded country lane leads to the delightful 3-cottage home. Facing south, each villa is elevated to enjoy the beautiful sea views and the hills of Montpelier Estate. Covered wooden walkways link each individual building, creating privacy and intimacy. Two of the three villas are bedrooms with ensuite bathroom while the third one has a pleasant living area opening up to a large veranda. Furniture and furnishings have been carefully selected by the owners to provide a simple but yet refined lifestyle. Asking $525,000. Visit our Coldwell Banker Listing page for more photos.]]> their blog for all of the 100 tips. Here are the 1st 12, for General Supplies: 1. Pack a to-go bag: This overnight bag should be easy to take with you if you have to evacuate in a hurry and should include a change of clothes, bottled water, flashlight and important documents. 2. Cash: ATMs and credit card machines may not work for a while after the storm. 3. Battery-operated radio: Make sure you have extra batteries too, so that you can keep up with news reports and alerts. Hand-crank radios work well, too. 4. Secure a two-week supply of prescription medicine: Anyone on prescription medications, as well as pregnant women, should pack a two-week supply of their meds in a sealable plastic bag, clearly labeled. Include instructions for taking the medications, too. 5. Flashlight and lanterns: Make sure you have a couple of flashlights, candles, matches, lanterns and other alternate sources of light. 6. Personal hygiene items: It might be hard to get to the store to buy toilet paper, tissues, soap and other sanitary items after the storm. 7. Extra keys: Having an extra set of keys in your kit is a good idea in case people get separated or if they're lost in a flood or the confusion. 8. Pet items: Remember food, medicine and water for your pet, too. 9. Disinfectant: You never know what mess you'll have after a storm. 10. Checklist: This printable checklist can serve as a guide for your own personal checklist. Give one to each family member to personalize. 11. Extra batteries: You'll need extra batteries for your radio, flashlights, and other items. Get these early before they all sell out. 12. Prepare early: Emergency items sell out quickly at the stores, so stock up your kit before hurricane season even starts, and replenish food supplies every six months. Other categories in this extensive review are *First Aid *Repair & Maintenance *Food & Water *Power Outages *Entertainment *Special Needs *Evacuating *Paperwork *Staying Informed *Safety Be sure and read the full blog, as you will probably find some ideas to help you and your loved ones be ready for our next major storm.]]> Located on the northwest coast, elevated some 250 feet above sea level, the lots are cooled by the prevailing easterly breezes. Panoramic views of St. Kitts, sunsets and Mount Nevis give the most spectacular views available on the island of Nevis. Yet the ridge is isolated from any hustle and bustle, and offers the best of both worlds. Exclusive development Economic Citzenship available. Various lot sizes and prices available. .9 acres, $587,250 for an example. Contact our Coldwell Banker office for information. ]]> http://www.fourseasons.com/nevis or call 1.800.332.3442. (resource: eTurboNews.com)]]> Two Caribbean-style cottages set in a 1.25 acre secret garden, very private yet close to two beaches and restaurants. Main cottage has large screened living space with open design kitchen/lounge. Large bedroom with ensuite bath. Guest cottage has large bedroom with ensuite bath, screened sitting area. Pool with large deck sits peacefully between the two cottages offering privacy and grand views of the property and St Kitts. Asking $695,000. Visit our Coldwell Banker listing page for details.]]> RisMedia.com)]]> This is a turnkey 2 bedroom/2 bath view condo for sale on Nevis, in a new development situated above historic plantation ruins. The veranda views capture breathtaking turquoise Caribbean waters, and the lush magnificence of Mt. Nevis can be seen from the master suite. Interior is 1113 SF. Asking price $432,000. Visit our Coldwell Banker Listing page for more photos. ]]> www.coldwellbanker.com, which has been in beta form since December 2009. Wholly re-thought and re-designed, the site features optimizations that completely alter and enhance the experience of searching for a home online, the company stated. The site includes a variety of new features, such as: -BlueScape Search - Taking cues from popular music recommendation websites, Coldwell Banker developed BlueScape, a visually-driven real estate search platform to help "dreamers" find just that^the home of their dreams. Instead of limiting search options to zip code or the number of bedrooms, users begin the search by rating abstract images with a "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" from landscape scenery to images of snow mobiles and taxi cabs. At any time, users can submit a query and the BlueScape technology will identify homes that are a good fit using all properties available through ColdwellBanker.com nationwide. -Keyword Search - For those who prefer a more traditional approach to searching for a home, Coldwell Banker has added keyword capabilities to its general real estate search function so that consumers can more easily narrow down the properties they are interested in viewing. -Similar Properties ^ Coldwell Banker also added a "You May Also Like" feature that offers additional homes of interest, based on a range of characteristics from properties consumers select as "preferred." -Expansive Use of Video - Taking advantage of the popularity of Coldwell Banker On Location, the brand's YouTube channel which has had more than 13,000 videos posted by agents and 1.3 million video views in a bit more than one year, the new site integrates video into real estate search. Additional capabilities of the ColdwellBanker.com site include: Technology that immediately identifies the current location of visitors via their IP address, offering up homes for sale in that area; Join Us: a recruiting resource enabling brokers to promote job opportunities and create local career pages; Learn: helpful real estate news and tips for consumers, such as real-time industry articles from the Associated Press and Home File: Place for consumers to store, share and organize a limitless amount of property searches, sales associate and real estate office information and industry articles. Coldwell Banker also included integrated video and social networking capabilities to the new site. Visitors will have access to an array of videos powered by Coldwell Banker On Location, the company's branded YouTube channel, offering behind-the-scenes looks at towns and neighborhoods, tips and timely news on real estate topics and video listings of homes for sale. (resource: RISMedia.com)]]> LOCATION! The St. Kitts Babe - a classy "Caribbean Southern Lady" offers boundless joie de vivre "pure joy", southern charm, gracious hospitality and romantic comfortable Kittitian living in a prime, unique Frigate Bay golf course location. The Babe has two separate complete levels, both featuring 1 bedroom, 1 bath, kitchen, living and dining room area. The villa also has a private plunge pool along with many first class amenities. This 2226 sq. ft. living space is situated on .1678 acre (7,311.16 sq ft) with a beautiful enclosed tropical garden and magnificent unobstructed ocean views. Furnishings, accessories, china, Crystal, linens and artwork are negotiable. Why settle for less, when you can have the best! The Babe, true to her namesake, is definitely "one of a kind" and awaits the most unique, discerning, savvy investor who desires and appreciates the best! Asking $1,065,000. Visit our Coldwell Banker Listing page for more information. ]]> Up a long stretch of road leading to a small charming hotel called "Mount Nevis," this 3 acre parcel is located on the northern side of the island in a quiet and secluded area. Facing the sea, with a partial view of St Kitts, a very gentle slope will provide ideal building ground to make the most of the beautiful scenery. Shaw's Road is close to the nicest beaches on island and also to the small Newcastle Airport. Asking $285,000. Visit our Coldwell Banker Listing page for more photos.]]> Coldwell Banker Isla del Coqui is one of the largest and most successful real estate companies in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Coldwell Banker Isla de Coqui has had a terrific track record for over 20 years and has been the top producing brokerage in their marketplace, with 7 offices and approximately 226 sales associates. Coldwell Banker Island Affiliates Managing Director Jim Reed said, "With the addition of Puerto Rico to our region, Coldwell Banker Island Affiliates now boasts 51 offices and over 500 sales associates throughout the Island countries of the Atlantic & Caribbean. We are excited about the growth and the potential synergies that Coldwell Banker Isla de Coqui brings to our group. We are proud to welcome Puerto Rico to Coldwell Banker Island Affiliates." Coldwell Banker Island Affiliates is the Coldwell Banker Master Franchisor for the Caribbean and Atlantic Island region. For further information on Coldwell Banker Island Affiliates, please contact the Managing Director, Mr. Jim Reed, at (561) 691-8130 or email jireed@mindspring.com. About Coldwell Banker® Since 1906, the Coldwell Banker® organization has been a premier full-service real estate provider. In 2009, Franchise Times magazine's prestigious Top 200 issue ranked the Coldwell Banker system number one in real estate for the ninth straight year and number eight among all franchisors. The Coldwell Banker System has approximately 3,200 residential real estate offices and more than 110,000 sales associates in 41 countries and territories around the world. The Coldwell Banker System is a leader in the industry in residential and commercial real estate, and in niche markets such as resort, new home and luxury properties through its Coldwell Banker Previews International® division. It is a pioneer in consumer services with its Coldwell Banker Concierge® Service Program and award-winning Web site, www.coldwellbanker.com. Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, the world's largest real estate franchisor. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. Each office is independently owned and operated.]]> Read the full lineup for the 14th Annual St Kitts Music Festival next weekend at Top40-charts.com. "We're very pleased to have such a varied and electrifying roster this year," said Senator Ricky Skerritt, Minister of Tourism & International Transport for St. Kitts. "During a time when the effects of the global economic downturn are still being felt, it is a testament to the quality of both the St. Kitts Music Festival and our tourism product that visitors continue to come to St. Kitts to enjoy this highly anticipated event as part of their leisure visit." Now in its 14th consecutive year, the festival attracts both residents and visitors alike and is known for featuring rising local talent alongside internationally-renowned acts. It features a mix of musical styles on the popular market, including R&B, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Soca, Calypso, Gospel and Contemporary. For more information about the Music Festival, visit www.stkittsmusicfestival.com. Tickets to the 14th Annual St. Kitts Music Festival are US $40 per person, per night. Gates open at 5:00pm and performances begin at 8:00pm. ]]> Priced right, this 1.721 acre lot in Jones Estate has an ideal location. It is in a nice, quiet neighborhood and at the same time close to the best beaches, restaurants, hotels and water sports. The cool breezes and wonderful views across the Caribbean Sea and the colorful sunsets would make this just the right spot for your dream home. Building would be easy due to the land's gentle slope and road, water and electricity are at hand. Asking $450,000. Visit our Coldwell Banker Listing page for photos.]]> St Kitts-Nevis Observer reports that "A three-month contract for the construction of a Hot Meals Senior Citizens Centre at Gingerland was signed on May 1 between the Caribbean Development Bank under its Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) programme, the Nevis Island Administration and contractor Mr. James Hendrickson of Strong Joint Construction and Home Improvement." The project will involve reconstruction of an abandoned 980 square feet single story masonry building next to the Gingerland Police Station. A new timber ^ framed metal sheeted roof will be constructed on the existing walls, a new concrete floor will be poured and tiled and new windows, doors, plumbing and electrical fixtures will be installed.]]> www.nhc.noaa.gov Information provided courtesy of Coldwell Banker Real Estate Turks & Caicos]]> Office of the Prime Minister)]]> Twenty20 West Indies 2010 Cricket Tournament May 2-11. The tournament featured 12 men's and 8 women's teams. All the top international players competed, including teams from England, Australia, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, South Africa, India, and Pakistan. During the 2007 Cricket World Cup that was also staged in the Caribbean, the 68-square-mile island of St. Kitts gained the respect and admiration of the international cricket fraternity for its efficiency in hosting first-round matches of the tournament. St. Kitts' Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Richard "Ricky" Skerritt recently said, "Sports tourism is a steadily growing market for us." The minister explained, "This event (twenty20) is the perfect example of the type of world-class experiences we are attracting from golf and cricket to music and cuisine." St. Kitts' success in hosting International Cricket test matches would not have been possible if Warner Park, originally built in 1928, was not rebuilt, with the assistance of the Taiwanese government, to the highest international standards for the 2007 World Cup. The picturesque Warner Park, often described as one of the finest in the Caribbean, has a full seating capacity of 10,000, which is more than 20 percent of the island's population. The ICC tournament comes just after the 5th Annual St. Kitts Legends Golf Classic, April 21-25, and on June 24-26 the 14th Annual St. Kitts International Music Festival will be held, featuring an eclectic mix of musical genres and a host of world-class entertainers. (resource: eTurboNews.com)]]> St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. The program, estimated at (US) $32.55 million, will provide technical assistance and investment funding to a variety of activities aimed at establishing productive development policies, implementing business climate reforms, launching clustering initiatives, and promoting small and medium-sized enterprises throughout the region. CIDA will contribute (US) $18.7 million, and DFID (US) $13.8 million grants. Hopes are that Compete Caribbean will contribute to an increase in non-tradtional exports for the region, from 2.2% of GDP to 5% by 2017. ]]> This unique home is situated in the tranquil and luxurious community of Fern Hill on Nevis Island. Elevated 800 feet above sea level, on an acre of land with mature gardens, it has a panoramic view of the Caribbean Sea, Nevis Peak and the sister island of St. Kitts. The 3500 sq ft home is being sold fully furnished with all the modern appliances. Economic Citizenship government fees are included for a family of three. Asking $1,900,000. Visit our Coldwell Banker Listing page for more photos and details.]]> Wed May 12 Happy Hour at Rumours Bar & Grill. 4 ^ 6 pm. For details: 664-2822. Pizza and Mr. Jones Rotisserie Nevisian Chicken Delights at Pizza Beach. For details: 469-9395. West Indian Feast at Hermitage Plantation. For details: 469-3477. Jazz Night at Pinneys Beach Hotel. 8pm. For details: 469-5207. Thu May 13 Sunset Cruise by Oualie Beach Resort. 5:00pm ^ 7pm. For details: 469-9735. Beach Barbecue with Live Entertainment at Nisbet Plantation Beach Club. 6:00 -10:30pm. For details: 469-9325. West Indian Night at the Mount Nevis Hotel with Live Entertainment. 6:30pm. For details: 469-9373. Steel Pan Night at Pinneys Beach Hotel. 8pm. For details: 469-5207. Blues Night at Island Life at Cades Bay. For details: 764-7899. Fri May 14 Mansa's One Stop BBQ at Cades Bay. For details: 469-8530. Water Dept BBQ at Pump Road. 4pm Happy Hour with Jazique at Oualie Beach Resort from 7pm For details: 469-9735. Steak and Lobster/Shrimp Night at Mount Nevis Hotel with Live Entertainment. 6:30pm For details: 469-9373. Dinner with Live Entertainment at Bananas Restaurant. For details: 469-1891. Calypso Night at Island Life: For details: 764-7899. Fantastic Friday at Chevy's with Carib/Skol Promotion Bucket of 6. 4pm For details: 664-5164. Karaoke at Pinneys Beach Hotel. For details: 469-5207. Sat May 15 Mexican Night at Mount Nevis Hotel. For details: 469- 9373. Chill out Zone.....Oldie Goldie Music at Chevy's Bar & Grill. 9pm until. For details: 664-5164. Dance fever with live music at Pinneys Beach Hotel. 8pm For details: 469-5207. For more information on any of these events, visit NevisIsland.com.]]> The 14th Annual St Kitts Music Festival will be held June 24-26, 2010 at the Warner Park Stadium, Basseterre. In 1996 the Government of St Kitts and Nevis, realizing the need to create an activity that would enhance the tourism product and strategically position the Federation as a major tourism destination in the tourism marketplace, particularly during the off season (May - October), collaborated with private sector entities and a host of dedicated volunteers to present a festival of internationally acclaimed music. The St Kitts Music Festival has earned the reputation of being the most diversified musical show in the Caribbean by blending rich exciting music with exhilarating performances. Since the inception of the festival we have had many renowned entertainers performed Center Stage, thus facilitating many successes that mirrored the festival's main objectives. Learn more at the St Kitts Music Festival site, and plan to join us in June.]]> Sun May 02nd ^ Nevis Yacht Club presents the 2nd Annual Round Booby Island Race at Oualie. (See flier attached). ^ Sunday Brunch at Gallipot Restaurant and Bar. For details: 469-8230. ^ Sunday Brunch with Live Entertainment from 9am - 2pm and Flambe Night with Live Entertainment at Mount Nevis Hotel. 6:30pm. For details: 469-9373. ^ Beach Party with entertainment at Island Life. For details: 764-7899. ^ Bonfire & Live Music by a top band at Chevy's Bar & Grill. For details: 664-5164. Mon May 03rd ^ Church Ground Sports & Social Club 8th Annual Cross Country Road Race. (see flier attached) ^ Labour Day Lime at the Elquemedo Willet Park. It's a CSS 60th Anniversary Event. 10:30am until. ^ Chevy's Buffalo Wings Night & Karaoke Fun. 8pm until. For details: 664-5164. Tue May 04th ^ BBQ Dinner with Live Entertainment at the Oualie Beach Resort. 7:00pm until. For details: 469-9735. Wed May 05th ^ Happy Hour at Rumours Bar & Grill. 4 ^ 6 pm. For details: 664-2822. ^ Pizza and Mr. Jones Rotisserie Nevisian Chicken Delights at Pizza Beach. For details: 469-9395. ^ West Indian Feast at Hermitage Plantation. For details: 469-3477. Thu May 06th ^ Sunset Cruise by Oualie Beach Resort. 5:00pm ^ 7pm. For details: 469-9735. ^ Beach Barbecue with Live Entertainment at Nisbet Plantation Beach Club. 6:00 -10:30pm. For details: 469-9325. ^ West Indian Night at the Mount Nevis Hotel with Live Entertainment. 6:30pm. For details: 469-9373. ^ Blues Night at Island Life at Cades Bay. For details: 764-7899. Fri May 07th ^ Mansa's One Stop BBQ at Cades Bay. For details: 469-8530. ^ Happy Hour with Jazique at Oualie Beach Resort from 7pm until. For details: 469-9735. ^ Steak and Lobster/Shrimp Night at Mount Nevis Hotel with Live Entertainment. 6:30pm until. For details: 469-9373. ^ Caribbean Buffet Night at Rumours Bar & Grill. 7:30pm-10:00pm. For details: 664-2822. ^ Dinner with Live Entertainment at Bananas Restaurant. For details: 469-1891. ^ Calypso Night at Island Life: For details: 764-7899. ^ Fantastic Friday at Chevy's with Carib/Skol Promotion Bucket of 6. 4pm until. For details: 664-5164. Sat May 08th ^ Mexican Night at Mount Nevis Hotel. For details: 469- 9373. ^ Chill out Zone.....Oldie Goldie Music at Chevy's Bar & Grill. 9pm until. For details: 664-5164. ^ A Mixture of Caribbean Music at Island Life. For details: 764-7899. For more information visit www.NevisIsland.com ]]> Borrowed from NevisIsland.com, here is a brief history of the island of Nevis, part of the St Kitts - Nevis federation. We hope it will spark your interest to visit our beautiful island. "The written history of Nevis begins with the account recorded by Columbus when he sailed by Nevis in 1493. The name Nevis is derived from 'Nuestra Senora de Las Nieves' which means 'Our Lady of the Snows,' because of the cloud capped mountain reminding Columbus of snow. "Prior to the Columbus saga, Nevis was named Dulcina 'Sweet Island' by the Arawaks and later Oualie 'land of beautiful waters' by the Caribs. Later in the 18th century Nevis became known as 'Queen of the Caribees.' Evidence of pre-ceramic people abounds with finely crafted stone tools and intricately coloured pottery found. "Over the years Nevis has made a number of significant contributions to the Caribbean and the world. Two men who played part in international history were Alexander Hamilton and Lord Horatio Nelson. Hamilton, one of the founding fathers of America and its first Secretary of the Treasury, was born on Nevis on January 11, 1757. Nelson, Britains most-famous admiral, used Nevis as a base of operations in the mid 1780's and married a Nevisian, Frances Nisbet in 1787. "Nevis continued to be part of the British colonial holdings until 1967 when it achieved Associated Statehood with St. Kitts. On September 19, 1983, Nevis became part of an independent nation and form part of the sovereign democratic state of St.Christopher and Nevis. It has the unique constitutional arrangement of being part of the Federal Parliament while having a separate parliament and its own Nevis Island Administration headed by a Premier." ]]> St. Kitts, Antigua, St. Lucia and St. Maarten. Celebrity Silhouette's Eastern Caribbean cruises include visits to San Juan, Labadee (Celebrity's private-island destination in Haiti), St. Croix, St. Thomas, Antigua and St. Maarten. Out of Fort Lauderdale, the Celebrity Equinox will visit St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Barbados, Dominica and St. Maarten on 10-night itineraries. Also the Celebrity Constellation will sail for 14-nights to Aruba, Curacao, Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, St. Maarten and St. Thomas. In the Caribbean, Celebrity has designed its line-up of shore excursions to give cruisers a way to unwind in tropical paradise through nature-based activities, and opportunities to experience local history and culture. Visit CelebrityCruises.com for information.]]> This is an elegantly appointed, luxuriously furnished, modern villa situated 1,000 feet above sea level. The property is located on the old Zetland's Plantation, on the slope of Mount Nevis. the main building contains a large living/dining area with French doors opening on three sides providing 360-degree view of the Caribbean Sea and Mt. Nevis. The completely equipped gourmet kitchen opens onto the dining area. Designed for utmost privacy, there are 2 separate master suites, overlooking the circular pool, with lavish marble baths, dressing room and spacious closets. Each suite is equipped with small bar and fridge. An outdoor curved stairway leads to a separate cottage. The pool area with a cold water Spa, has its own outdoor kitchen that opens onto the terrace for casual outdoor dining in the covered pavilion. Much of the 2.5 acres have been left in its natural state, providing privacy and security. Asking $3,100,000. Visit our Coldwell Banker Listing page for details. ]]> Caribbean Property Magazine's April issue ran an excellent article on "15 CRITICAL QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN BUYING OVERSEAS REAL ESTATE" which we summarize here. If you are considering a purchase outside your country of residence, read the entire article (click on the link) and it should help you avoid mistakes, or at the least, suggest research you need to do before you buy. If you have found a property to interest you - whether condo, house, land for development, investment - look at the big picture and try to isolate yourself from your enthusiasm about the view, or price, or location. The country of your choice may be paradise, but it is still a foreign country. 1. Country Access - is there year 'round access to the area and how long will it take from the airport 2. Building Requirements - are there some, and if not, are there standards in place or deed restrictions 3. Sewage - is there a central sewer system, and if not, and you need to install a septic tank, require a "perk test" 4. HOA - is there a Homeowner's Association, what are the fees (they will only go up), how financially stable is the association, and how much deferred maintenance is shown 5. Greenbelts - are there common areas, open space areas, a master plan - check the developer's plans and programs for working with the community on a shared future 6. Amenities - what are they, what do they cost, what are the long-term maintenance requirements 7. Title - what type of guarantee of title will you receive, what language will be included for coastal laws and changing shoreline 8. Telecommunications - is there state-of-the-art telecommunication equipment in place or planned - check phone service, bandwidth, and service providers 9. Water and water pressure - is there enough fresh water and water pressure, does it plan for future growth, how will the growth be paid for - check pressure in any structure by turning on all the faucets and flushing at the same time 10. Hot water - check for hot water plumbing, and if building a new home, double check that hot water will be included 11. Infrastructure - does this include fiber optic, underground electricity, paved streets, sidewalks, storm drains, high-speed internet access - don't take any of this for granted, and make sure the development has planned for these services or find out how the homeowner will be assessed 12. Assume nothing - you probably will be an off-site owner while your new home is built - who will oversee construction, what avenues of communication will you use, check references of the developer and builder - make sure you verify the plans for proper wiring, air conditioning, dryer vents, etc. - take nothing for granted 13. Development Company - check their financial condition and references - realize financing is unusual so the developer may provide buyer financing - how will this affect their balance sheet 14. Safety and security - if you want 24/7 security, double check it will be part of the property maintenance and cost 15. Health care - Most major Latin American cities have state-of-the-art medical facilities, but if you purchase outside these, it may be a distance to good health care As the author concludes, "Much of the world outside North America and Europe is the land of 'Buyer Beware.' Be sure you know the answers to these important questions and make a conscious decision about what levels of creature comforts are mandatory and which may be optional for you...An educated buyer is a happy owner. There are items you may take for granted that will not be the standards in other countries." Contact your local Coldwell Banker office for help with your research and investigation into answering these questions. All of our agents are knowledgeable about their local areas and laws.]]> About.com, Caribbean Travel.]]> StKittsNevisObserver.com recently ran a story on the future of the St Kitts - Nevis real estate market. Their conclusion that - regardless of the doldrums of most of the world's markets - St Kitts and Nevis appear as one of the bright spots. The article states, "Global Property Guide calls the Federation an 'emerging luxury property market,' noting that prices have risen steadily since the early 2000's, though costs are still lower than most Caribbean islands. "According to research conducted in January, prices have remained steady, little affected by the global financial crisis. In St. Kitts, the average price for a two-bedroom condo or house is US$495,400. Three-bedroom residences go for approximately US$775,000 in St. Kitts and US$665,000 on Nevis." The Economic Citizenship Program has had a positive effect on the high-end market in the Federation. The site reports, "The program has been in existence since 1984, and targets wealthy foreigners who can purchase real estate in prime Federation areas. After doing so, the individual - and his or her dependents - acquire citizenship instantly. "It takes an initial investment of US $350,000, in addition to a cash payment of US$35,000 for the head of household and US$15,000 for each additional family member. Benefits include dual citizenship, without any need to reside in St. Kitts and Nevis; visa-free travel to more than 60 countries; full residency status and the right to work in the Federation; and tax free status on foreign income, capital gains, gift, wealth and inheritance tax. "In addition, as a Commonwealth citizen, preferential treatment is given for entry into the United Kingdom, in that the applicant's children can study there without the need to apply for student visas. After completing their studies, they are allowed to work in the UK for two years without procuring a work permit." Most professionals are optimistic about the real estate market on St Kitts and Nevis, agreeing that the conservative lending environment present in the Federation has contributed to market stability. ]]> This newly completed home is located in the much-sought after neighborhood of Jones Estate, close to beaches and restaurants, water sports, cycling and more. The upper level hosts spacious living, dining and kitchen areas, with a master en suite bedroom and two guest bedrooms with shared bath. The large veranda offers views over the Caribbean Sea towards the sister island of St Kitts with fabulous sunsets. Just step out onto the veranda from the master bedroom to enjoy quiet, peaceful mornings. Land is 0.8158 acres, home 2,917 SF finished, 704 SF unfinished downstairs. Asking $695,000. Visit our Coldwell Banker Listing page for more photos and details.]]> On Location, the brand's YouTube channel focused on listing, community and agent profile videos, continues to redefine the use of video in real estate. Just 11 months after launching in May 2009, Coldwell Banker On Location has drawn 1 million channel views. Since Coldwell Banker Real Estate launched their brand channel on YouTube to debut Coldwell Banker On Location, the site has more videos on its YouTube site than any other real estate brand. "We believe that video plays a major role in the home buying and selling process," said Michael Fischer, senior vice president, Marketing, for Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. "There is no other medium that can showcase the personality of a home and agent more effectively than video. And our agents, from all corners of the world, have responded by posting more than 11,000 videos to date. Clearly, Coldwell Banker On Location has set a high bar for video use in our industry, but more importantly home sellers are starting to expect video as a part of the marketing portfolio of a home...Video is now a mainstay in real estate and consumers are proving this to be true." Take a look at our Curacao site - On Location is available, and stay tuned for videos to be uploaded by our agents. http://www.youtube.com/coldwellbankercur]]> CUOPM.com) ]]> The 19th Anniversary of the CARICOM Social Security Games will be held April 1-5. 400 guests from across the Caribbean are expected to attend. The games started in 2000, hosted by Trinidad and Tobago, and has been held in several other countries over the years. The main highlight of the games is a Sports Day which features fun sports of various types but also includes some athletic events. The results of this day's activities that determine the champion. The general public is welcome on Games Day. Sunday April 4, at 10 a.m. It begins with a Street Parade from Greenlands in Basseterre to the Football Stadium in Warner Park. An entrance fee of $10.00 will be charged. The primary purpose of the annual event is to foster camaraderie among staff of fellow Social Security institutions across the region. However, the event has tremendous value for tourism in the respective host countries. Accordingly, local organizers enlist the support of corporate and other sponsors in assisting in funding the competition. Read a list of sponsors on SKNVibes.com. ]]> RealEstateChannel.com)]]> www.SearchStKitts.com is the Island's Search Engine and Online Guide. SearchStKitts.com will be a central point for sourcing information specific to the island of St. Kitts and Nevis. Navigating the site is made easy with its "Where to Eat", "Where to Stay", "What to Do", and "Infotainment" categories that provide an ideal introduction to what the islands have to offer. Site visitors will also appreciate free services such as Classified Listings, Event Calendars, and an informative National Business Guide. "With the benefits of having an Online Guide in numerous islands, we are able to maximize the regional advertising aspect for all our advertisers and create more marketing potential for each Online Business. At the end of the day, in addition to providing information about the uniqueness and culture of individual islands, our goal is to give businesses the online presence they need to remain competitive, especially in these recessive times," creator Ken Shipley said. He and his wife Ellen also have built sites for Antigua, Barbuda, and Montserrat. ]]> ZIZOnline, and St Kitts-Nevis Observer, ]]> SKNVibes.com. ]]> CaribbeanNetNews.com. ]]> CaribbeanNetNews, Minister of Health Marcella Liburdhe stated, "'Our vision for healthcare is a fit and healthy nation and so the coverage of everybody is part of that vision.' The Minister added that while healthcare is a very costly commitment, it is an important one because 'the wealth of the nation is not in the treasury' but rather in the healthcare system. "'We have renewed our commitment to primary healthcare to try to prevent people from getting advance stages of illness which is so very costly," Minister Liburd disclosed, noting that greater efforts will be placed on getting men to access health services. "'The plan also envisages covering costs for persons who have to go overseas for treatment when the treatment is not available locally. It also envisages covering dental health and eye care,'" she stressed." ]]> St Kitts and Nevis on the 28 June (weather depending) for a second round of surveys and outreach. You can enter the competition if you are a student between 6 and 18. The poster can be of any size or media. Judges are looking for a design that is eye catching and will raise the profile of seabirds in the Caribbean. Work should address why seabirds are important to people and the environment and why they are important in their own right. For more information, contact Katharine Lowrie, klowrie@epicislands.org. The closing date is April 30, 2010. Read more at ZIZOnline.]]> UNICEF Change for Good program. American Airlines, a large presence in the travel plans of visitors to the Caribbean islands, donated $1.2 Million for UNICEF in 2009. American Airlines has been participating in the program since 1994. Last year, travelers donated $1.2 million in U.S. and foreign currency, the most ever for American. The money is collected on select international flights and at Admirals Clubs and Flagship Lounges. Donations received in January and February are earmarked to provide assistance to Haitian children. "American Airlines and its participation in the Change for Good program is invaluable to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF for its ability to bring both funding and attention to UNICEF's work," said Caryl Stern, president and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. "A little change goes a long way. We are so thankful for the generosity of American Airlines customers and the dedication of the committed American Airlines employee volunteers who choose to help improve children's lives," Stern said. Change for Good is an innovative partnership between UNICEF and the international airline industry. Established in 1987, it is one of UNICEF's best-known and longest-running partnerships. Currently more than 10 international airlines support the Change for Good program. Thanks to the generous support of customers and participating airlines, Change for Good has generated over $90 million that UNICEF has used to provide a healthier, happier future for millions of children. Send your unused foreign currency today to UNICEF. If you are unable to donate your foreign currency on an American Airlines flight or at an Admirals Club or Flagship Lounge, you can still support Change for Good by sending your gift to the following address: U.S. Fund for UNICEF ATTN: Change for Good Program 125 Maiden Lane New York, NY 10038 ]]> St Kitts, St Maarten, and Jamaica are the leading countries that are able to comfortably host major conferences within the Caribbean region, according to Ackroyd Birmingham, treasurer of the Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions and Conference Chairman. "It's really sad to know that only about five countries in the region have the ability and facilities to host conferences of about 400- 600 persons, as all of the other countries are unable to do so," he said. The conference director had high praise for the governments of St Maarten, St Kitts and Jamaica, noting that it will help to facilitate growth and advancement of those countries' economies. He said that he is exceptionally impressed with St Kitts, noting that it's the smallest country and has demonstrated its ability to host these conventions. Birmingham said that St Kitts last hosted the convention in 2005, stating that they did an exceptionally good job at it, with the assistance of Nevis Cooperative Credit Union. St Kitts has expressed a strong interest in again holding the convention next year. ]]> http://blog.coldwellbanker.com. ]]> SKNVibes.com)]]> CaribbeanNetNews.]]> Get the information you need What price do you offer a seller? Is the seller's asking price too high? Is it a deal? Your own research is important, as is the assistance of a Realtor. A professional Coldwell Banker Realtor can offer an unbiased opinion on the value of a home, based on many factors and a great deal of information. Without knowledge of the market, your offer could be too much. Or worse, you could miss out on a great buying opportunity. Hire the right person and trust that person to represent your interests. Buy YOUR home What do you need and want in a home? Sounds simple, but clearly identifying your needs and bringing an objective view to home shopping leaves you in a much better position. How much space do you really need? Too small and you may feel like you live in constant clutter. Too big and maintenance may become too daunting. Outline all of your priorities, and work on finding not just a great home, but a great home for you. Check the title Before you sign any document, be sure the property you are considering is free of all encumbrances. As a part of his or her services, a Coldwell Banker Realtor can supply you with a copy of the title to ensure there are no liens, debts, undisclosed owners, leases or easements against the title. Update the survey Before the purchase is completed, an updated survey is essential. This report will indicate boundaries and structural changes (additions to the house, a new swimming pool, neighbor's new fence which is extending a boundary line, etc.), and will guarantee that you are indeed getting what you pay for. Minimize the unexpected For $300 - $500, a professional inspector will conduct a thorough inspection of the home. His/her expertise can mean the difference between uncovering major flaws before or after you own a home. Make the final contract subject to the report's findings. Get pre-approved It only takes a few days to get financing pre-approval. When you are shopping for a home, this gives you more power. A seller is more likely to consider an offer from a serious buyer. Remember additional costs Besides the funds for the purchase of a home, you'll need funds for items such as loan fees, insurance, legal fees, surveys, inspections, etc. Take a deep breath Before you sign, ensure that all documentation clearly reflects your understanding and conditions of the transaction. Has anything been forgotten? Don't rush. You could lose money, financing, or even the sale if you attempt to push things through too hastily. ]]> Two Caribbean style 1 bedroom/bath cottages set in a 1.25 acre secret garden, very private yet walking distance to two beaches and restaurants. Main cottage has large screened living space with open design kitchen/lounge. Large bedroom with ensuite bath. Guest cottage has large bedroom with ensuite bath, screened sitting area. Pool with large deck sits peacefully between the two cottages offering privacy and grand views of the property and St Kitts. Asking $695,000. Visit our Coldwell Banker Listing page for details.]]> Housing in America: The Next Decade, a new research paper authored by John K. McIlwain, senior resident fellow, Urban Land Institute/J. Ronald Terwilliger Chair for Housing, emerging trends in demographics and consumer behavior will result in a residential market very different from that before the recession. The effects of widespread foreclosures and their drain on market values, and the loss and need to re-establish a private market residential finance system, will be felt more in the U.S. But shifts in housing demand triggered by baby boomers, their children, and by immigrant households will be felt offshore. Currently, there is an unprecedented number of foreclosures and short sales on the market, and more homeowers are choosing to walk away from the mortgage rather than sustain a large financial loss through a short sale. This suggests a fundamental change from the long-held notion of homeownership as the ultimate American Dream. McIlwain explains that this disillusionment over homeownership - as a way to build wealth - could persist for decades to come, as those entering the housing market will be more apt to rent longer, and to place more emphasis on buying for shelter rather than investment purposes. The shift away from using real estate as a means to build an investment portfolio could be felt throughout the region. The demographic waves identified by McIlwain include: 1. Aging Baby Boomers (55-64) will continue to work, many will stay in their homes until values recover, and those who can move or invest in a 2nd home will opt for mixed-age environments which offer active lifestyles. This group has lost a very large part of its wealth and ability to invest. 2. Younger Baby Boomers (46-54) also will not be able to sell their homes at what appreciation they intended, and may not move as quickly as in past years. Their ability to purchase 2nd homes will be greatly diminished because of flat incomes and less home equity. They also will be drawn to more compact communities that emphasize connectivity. 3. Generation Y, actually larger in number than the baby boomers, has grown up with computer technology. They value community, places - either virtual or actual - where they gather and share information. They are less interested in homeownership than previous generations, have smaller incomes, and want walkable, connected communities which are Green. 4. Immigrants (in the US), which already number over 40 million, will have a huge impact, especially when extended families are included - children, grandparents, grandchildren, etc. The tendency of immigrants to cluster, and to live in multi-generational households, suggests that they would prefer larger homes if they could afford them and in neighborhoods with a strong sense of community. Any investment in 2nd homes would mirror the "cluster" concept. All of these 4 groups share the desire to live and work in more pedestrian-friendly, transit-oriented, mixed-use environments. McIlwain concludes, "The suburban century is over. This is the urban century." Many will still be able to afford vacation home whole ownership, or fractional ownership shares in vacation destinations, and investments in a property for future retirement. But the numbers of those buyers who will be from the US - according to this study - will dramatically decrease, and their interests in the types of properties considered, with what is left of their disposable income, will - or has already - definitely change. Read more on McIlwain's report at RisMedia, and visit the Urban Land Institute to learn about the global real estate community. ]]> NestmannBlog. Check out his site for more information, www.nestmann.com. Contact an agent in our Coldwell Banker office for details on purchasing property on St Kitts or Nevis.]]> The Royal Clipper cruise ship returns to Nevis. The Star Clipper was once a scheduled vessel during the island's cruise season, however its last visit to Nevis was in 2006. The Star Clipper has three ships within its fleet: the Royal Clipper with a capacity of 228 passengers, the Star Clipper-180 passengers, and the Star Flyer with a passenger capacity of 170. All three have now been scheduled to call on Nevis during the 2010 / 2011 cruise season. The Royal Clipper will visit Nevis every other Tuesday until the end of the cruise season, when the ship will return to the Mediterranean until November. Captain Nadolynsky indicated that the guests on board the Royal Clipper loved Nevis because of it tranquil nature, rich historical heritage, and the island's Rain Forest. (resource: NevisPages) ]]> StKitts Tourism) ]]> SKIPA, St Kitts Investment Promotion Agency, for more investment information. SKIPA proactively markets St. Kitts, internationally, regionally and locally as an attractive investment location that offers an array of investment opportunities. The investment promotion efforts of the agency are geared towards attracting the right type of investor that will positively contribute to the long term development of St. Kitts. Specifically, here are points from the Investment Guide: Incentives The Government of St. Kitts has a favourable attitude towards investments that have had a positive impact on the citizens. In an effort to encourage such investments the government provides generous incentive packages. Taxation Corporate tax is 35% of net profits. Qualified companies enjoy full exemption from taxes on corporate profits for a period not exceeding 15 years. Corporate tax does not apply to exempt companies or to enterprises that have been granted tax concession. Labour St. Kitts & Nevis has a labour force of about 25,000 with a literacy rate of 98%. The country's technical and training needs are met largely by the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College which offers courses in plumbing, electrical engineering, air conditioning and refrigeration, masonry, carpentry, mechanical engineering, motor mechanics, typing and basic hotel skills. Social Security The St. Christopher & Nevis Social Security Board (SSB) was established in 1978 to provide payment of various benefits to insured persons in the event of loss of income due to retirement/old age, invalidity, maternity, sickness, injury on the job. Dependants are allowed survivor's benefits and funeral grant on the death of the insured. Social assistance by way of non-contributory pensions are paid to old aged or invalid persons who are in need. Steps to Establishing a Business The steps involved in establishing a business may vary depending on the type of business being established. Investors are asked to contact SKIPA for information concerning the specific type of business being considered. In addition to the SKIPA web site, call or write: St. Kitts Investment Promotion Agency (SKIPA) CAP Southwell Industrial Park Basseterre, St. Kitts Tel: 1-869-465-1153 Fax: 1-869-465-1154 General Information E-mail: info@stkittsipa.org Investment Facilitation investmentfacilitation@stkittsipa.org Investment Promotion investmentpromotion@stkittsipa.org Research Department E-mail: financemd@sisterisles.kn Shawna Lake Chief Executive Officer St. Kitts Investment Promotion Agency E-mail: ceo@stkittsipa.org Consider St Kitts for your relocation, and contat our Coldwell Banker agents for local knowledge and advice.]]> Oualie Beach Resort is a spacious, beachfront, ecologically sensitive, 3 star Nevis hotel with only 32 rooms located right on a coconut lined beach. ROOMS The rooms are scattered along the beach in single and two storey Caribbean style cottages and are equipped with a/c; ceiling fan; cable TV; hairdryer; choice of king, queen or two double beds; fridge/minibar; and private bathroom with bath amenities. High speed wireless internet access is available FREE everywhere including on the beach. There is a complimentary guest internet access computer for those that leave their laptops behind. ACTIVITIES On site activities include beachfront dining; spa treatments; scuba; snorkeling; mountain bikes; windsurfing; sailing; game fishing; island tours; car rentals and forest hikes. Nearby activities include golf; tennis; and horse back riding. ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY Oualie Beach Resort is still the only green globe certified tourism product on St Kitts and Nevis and is deeply committed to sustainable tourism practices. These range from electricity and water saving techniques to community development. Visit Oualie Beach to find specials and reservation information.]]> The construction of Christophe Harbour's mega-yacht marina is officially underway, highlighting the latest step in the development of the luxury tourist resort and residences on the southeast peninsula of St. Kitts. Prime Minister Denzil Douglas made the "first dig" and then addressed the guests, "This project is a perfect demonstration of the development model that my Government has promoted, which is based upon a careful mix of foreign direct investment and local entrepreneurial vision. On one hand, we have Christophe Harbour ^ a foreign-owned luxury resort development, combined with the input of local contractors and sub-contractors, which will yield unquestioned benefits to all local businesses, workers and families involved. It is this model that has the greatest potential to inject capital into our economy while generating local entrepreneurial activity and jobs for those directly and indirectly employed by this project." St Kitts Marine Works, a local St Kitts company, has been contracted to implement phase one of the marina development project, which includes excavation of the mega-yacht basin in the 32-acre "Little" Salt Pond and the creation of 42 new harbor front villa lots in the "Greater Salt Pond." The lots will be created from the excavation, the first nine of which are scheduled to be available for sale this April. The channel from the harbor to Ballast Bay in the nearby Caribbean Sea will be opened upon the completion of this phase of the marina construction, which will bring the harbor to the 20-foot depth needed to accommodate mega-yachts. Upon its completion in about 14 months, the marina will be the centerpiece of the Christophe Harbour development, offering mega-yacht berths, provisioning and services, and a commercial marina village with restaurants and shops. Twelve mega-yacht slips have been released for pre-sale and reservations have been taken on seven slips to date, ranging from 100-200 feet in length. Real estate investment opportunities are also currently available, with private residence sites and some one-bedroom beach or hillside bungalows. Work continues on other components of the Christophe Harbour development, including the Tom Fazio designed 18-hole championship golf course. Christophe Harbour is already operating The 5 Star 'Beach House' restaurant at Turtle Beach, an earlier phase of the development which opened in 2008. The Christophe Harbour development is approved for St Kitts' Economic Citizenship Program, in which persons who make a minimum real estate investment of US$350,000 in an approved project on island are entitled to apply for Citizenship in the Federation. For more information, read CaribbeanNetNews. Contact our Coldwell Banker office for details on the real estate opportunities. ]]> http://www.walknevis.com/). Other modern amenities available at Nisbet Plantation include complimentary wireless Internet in all guest rooms, complimentary Flip digital video cameras for guests to capture their Caribbean vacation memories of Nevis, and Vespa scooters to explore the island. Visit the Nisbet Plantation web site for more information.]]> ZIZOnline) ]]> InsideSales.com said in a recent study a Realtor has 5 minutes to effectively call and find out how to serve an internet visitor when that query is received, the average number of hours it takes a Realtor to respond is 54 - 54 hours compared to 5 minutes! We at Coldwell Banker have a better system. It's called Lead Control. This is our promise to you, from Coldwell Banker Island Affiliates' (CBIA) Lead Control: "With CB LeadControl you will be able to instantly respond to the visitor from your iPhone or Blackberry, or pass him or her along to another agent at our firm." This is a system we at CBIA have created just for our clients, interested web visitors, referral customers - anyone who finds us online. Our agents can log on through any computer, update the status and activities of any customer, set up future contact times, and see instantly who to contact on any given day - or be reminded, if they have missed that call to action. Jambor writes, "That being said, what kind of a system would you need in order to immediately contact Internet visitors? It would have to have the following features: *Be Internet Based of Course *Send information to your Cell Phone *Send a copy of the information to your Email *Add the visitor to a mailing list so he/she will receive valuable information about your market areas *Schedule a follow up plan that alerts you via cell phone/email when you need to follow up again." At Coldwell Banker St Kitts-Nevis, we are committed to this new system and to contact you, our internet visitor or prospective client, within this timeframe. We know you want and expect a fast response to your inquiry. But we ask that you include a phone number if you do want a 5-minute call back. Real estate is not a 9 to 5 job, and we pledge a combination of calling, following up, and providing content of value. We want your feedback if you don't feel your needs have been addressed properly and quickly. We value your business and your referrals. Give us a try!]]> ZIZOnline)]]> RisMedia)]]> SKNVibes) ]]> Realtor.org what he adapted from those first sales, he answered, "I learned that you need to listen to your customers and pay attention to how they react when you are showing different homes. Practitioners need to remember what the client likes and dislikes. This transaction also gave me confidence that I knew what I was doing and would be good in the real estate business." Our goal for 2010 here at Coldwell Banker is to provide outstanding customer service in every way to everyone who comes through our doors. Our wishes for a Happy New Year to all.]]> Happy Holidays and Happy New Year from the Associates at Coldwell Banker. This card was from our Curacao affiliate, but expresses the thoughts of all of us.]]> SKNVibes.com. ]]> Business Week recently wrote, "If You Don't Buy a House Now, You're Stupid or Broke. Interest rates are at historic lows but cyclical trends suggest they will soon rise. Home buyers may never see such a chance again." Now is when prices worldwide are at their lowest in years. Now is when inventory is at the highest rate in years. Now is when rates are historically low, the lowest recorded in nearly 40 years. Many call this confluence of buying factors the change of a lifetime. It is, at least, the once-in-a-generation opportunity. Roth explains that the most important driving force of this buyers jackpot is the low interest rate. He says, "The most important lesson is to understand the actual financial impact the rate has on the cost of purchasing and paying off a home. Every quarter-point change in interest rates is equivalent to approximately $6,000 for every $100,000 borrowed over the course of a 30-year fixed. While different in each region, for the sake of simplicity, let's assume that the average person is putting $40,000 down and borrowing $200,000 to pay the price of a typical home nationwide. Thus, over the course of the life of the loan, each quarter-point move up in interest rates will cost that buyer $12,000. "As the global economy stabilizes, it is reasonable for us to see 30-year fixed rates climb to 6% within the near future and probably to a range of 7% to 8% when the economy is humming again. If every quarter of a point is worth $12,000 per $200,000 borrowed, then each point is worth almost $50,000. "Let's put that into perspective. You have a good stable job. You would like to own a $240,000 home. However, even though home prices have steadied, you may be thinking you can get another $5,000 or $10,000 discount if you wait. Or you may be waiting for the news to tell you the economy is "more stable" and it's safe to get back in the pool. In exchange for what you may think is prudence, you will risk paying $50,000 more per point in interest rate changes between now and the time you decide you are ready to buy. "If you are someone who is looking to buy or upgrade in the $350,000-to-$800,000 home price range, and many people out there are, then you're borrowing $300,000 to $600,000. At 7%, the $300,000 loan will cost just under $150,000 more over the lifetime, and the $600,000 loan an additional $300,000, if rates move up just 2% before you pull the trigger. "What I'm trying to impress upon everyone is that if you are planning on being a homeowner now and/or in the foreseeable future, or if you are looking to move your family into a bigger home, then pay more attention to the interest rates than the price of the home. If you have a steady job, good credit, and the down payment, then you really are being offered the gift of a lifetime." Stop in our Coldwell Banker office and let's talk about your options, and your buying opportunity of a generation. ]]> Easier.com)]]> The Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas has released his annual Address to the Nation dated Dec. 7. He explains, "I speak to you at this time to announce a number of important policy initiatives which, in my view, have become quite urgent and which must be implemented immediately." He also provides a summation of governmental efforts during the year and during his tenure - in housing, infrastructure, education, economics, and more. Read the address in full at CUOPM.com. ]]> beta.coldwellbanker.com. A key objective of the site launch is to help redefine real estate search which, to date, has focused primarily on such functional aspects of home-buying as number of bedrooms or listing price. The beta launch of the new Coldwell Banker website offers consumers a unique portfolio of new search options that incorporate elements of such online innovators as music recommendation engines and major e-commerce sites. "Recognizing both the value of consumers' time as well as the excess of often unhelpful information about real estate found online, our goal at Coldwell Banker is to provide potential homebuyers and sellers with the most comprehensive, informative and user-friendly experience possible," said Jim Gillespie, president and chief executive officer, Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. "The new Coldwell Banker website not only provides consumers with up-to-date property listings, home-related tips and industry news, but it allows consumers to search for homes using a variety of methods." Features of the new site include: tground-breaking BlueScapesm search platform, a fresh approach to real estate search that allows consumers to discover the aspects of their "dream home" based on their attraction to a series of images and settings; a "You May Also Like" feature that offers additional homes of interest, based on a range of characteristics from properties consumers select as "preferred"; technology that immediately identifies a consumer's current location via their computer's unique IP address, and offers properties for sale in that area; keyword searching that enables users to find properties featuring specific details of their choice and integration and expansion of virtual tours and video display of select listings where available. "Despite its focus on hard numbers like square footage and price, real estate is also a deeply emotional process," explained Michael Fischer, senior vice president of marketing, Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. "Home buying is often driven by a gut feeling like the first time you lay eyes on a home or that vision you have in your mind's eye of the perfect mountain view. We've widened the definition of real estate search to give consumers the chance to explore those intangibles." (resource: press release, RisMedia.com)]]> Nisbet Plantation Beach Club on Nevis is a small, independent luxury resort with 36 cottage-style guest accommodations set on 30 lush acres. For more than 10 years, Nisbet Plantation has partnered with Madigan Pratt & Associates to deploy a Customer Relationship Marketing (CRM) program that builds loyal and profitable customers. This program proved itself by helping Nisbet recover more quickly than other Caribbean resorts after 9/11 without deeply discounting rates. As reported by HotelInteractive, "The resort has stayed true to its luxury brand, which was built around personal service, and its long-term customer relationship marketing (CRM) program. "With a strategy focused on the four P's of marketing (product, price, place and promotion) and the customer experience, this small, independent hotel is successfully overcoming today's difficult times. With a limited budget and a lot of ingenuity, Nisbet has fared far better than the region for occupancy and maintained average daily room rates for higher revenue. To protect its business, Nisbet addressed each of the four P's of the marketing mix and how it related to the total customer experience, before, during and after stay. "Product Nisbet's management team took steps to minimize the market's impact by enhancing the customer experience and maintaining fiscal responsibility. "Price Many luxury resorts in the Caribbean and around the world have slashed rates in an effort to increase occupancy. Research has shown that this tactic not only hurts revenues, but in the long-term, damages brand integrity and hinders the hotel's ability to recover post-recession. To compete against such "deals" as $99 a night at a 5-star hotel and 65% off at an all-inclusive resort, Nisbet did reduce rates but only slightly. "Place Nisbet looked at all distribution channels to increase occupancy. "Promotion For nearly a decade, Nisbet Plantation has embraced the principles of CRM. This approach seeks to manage the relationship throughout the customer lifecycle, from awareness to loyalty. At the core is a comprehensive database, which includes key customer, prospect and travel agent information. This enables Nisbet to follow direct marketing best practices and send highly targeted personalized and relevant communications to guests and prospects. "Public Relations To increase visibility, Nisbet has a proactive public relations strategy. News and special offers are promoted to travel media through press releases, media pitches and relationships with key outlets. Nisbet also actively pursues media opportunities and press visits. Between 2008 and 2009, Nisbet Plantation's press coverage increased by 85%. "Results Throughout these difficult times, Nisbet Plantation has achieved strong occupancy and maintained ADR (average daily rate) rates that outperform the Caribbean." The conclusion of this case study by Madigan Pratt speaks very highly of the business model employed by the Nisbet Plantation, "Nisbet Plantation has maintained its brand integrity and service promise, delivering an excellent guest experience before, during and after a stay. It has shied away from rate reductions, embraced its CRM program and thus fared significantly better than most Caribbean hotels. By focusing on the basics with innovative approaches, it is performing strongly and well-positioned to prosper as the economy recovers." Read the full case study at www.madiganpratt.com/casestudydownload.]]> SKN Vibes, Condor explained that apparently now 5 to 7 per cent of students go to university and attain a university degree. The ministry's goal is that by 2020, the gross enrolment rate for students going to college should be at least 50%. "We want about fifty per cent of our students in secondary and post secondary for any particular group leaving for university enrollment for the same (group) being at least 20 per cent so . So we want to increase by 2020 our university students for any university enrolled group to be about 20 per cent." Condor is cognizant that such objective would be a "tall order", adding that the St.Kitts/Nevis government is hoping that all provisions made to increased access to second university education, will make increase university enrollment more possible. ]]> Delta Airlines has added a 2nd flight from Atlanta to the Robert L. Bradshaw Airport on St Kitts, and promoting it with great low fares. Fares begin at $309 each way. The reduced rate is based on a required round-trip purchase and a Saturday night stay is required. Flights must be purchased by November 16, 2009 with travel to be completed on or before February 28, 2010. Delta services to St. Kitts began in February 2008. British Airways plants to increase the frequency of its flights to St Kitts from one flight to two per week, departing London's Gatwick on Saturdays and Tuesdays. Holidays in St Kitts and Nevis have long been a secret favourite with the British public, with many Brits owning second homes on the islands. The twice weekly St Kitts flights and Nevis flights will be operated by Boeing 777 aircraft with a three-class configuration: World Traveller, World Traveller Plus and Club World. British Airways also offers a range of hotels from 3* to 5*. The 4* Ottleys Plantation Inn provides warm family hospitality and serenely beautiful, unspoiled landscape whereas the 3*+ Royal St Kitts is a truly affordable all-inclusive Caribbean gem. For luxury, guests can spoil themselves at the 5* St Kitts Marriott Resort, overlooking the emerald green Atlantic Ocean. For travellers visiting the 'Queen of the Caribees', there is 30 acres of privacy and freedom on the Nevis' beachfront at the 4* Nisbet Plantation Beach Club. Boat transfers between St Kitts and Nevis are included in the hotel price. This report of the increased service by British Airways was found on EarthTimes, which continues, "This will be great news for anyone looking for the tranquillity which the enchanting island of Nevis known as 'Queen of the Caribees' provides. Eco-friendly Nevis hosted the first geothermal conference in the Caribbean in June 2009 and is leading the way with its renowned Green Energy Programme. The island aims to be powered 100% self sufficiently with renewable geothermal energy and plans to sell its excess electricity to neighbouring islands such as St Kitts." We hope to see you on St Kitts or Nevis. Be sure and stop by our Coldwell Banker office while you are here. ]]> ZIZOnline. Schedule your trip now, and leave time to visit our Coldwell Banker office and talk about real estate opportunities. ]]> The parade of cruise ships to St. Kitts' Port Zante for November has begun, with the visit of the 92,000-ton Norwegian Jewel of the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). It was the first time that the Bahamas-registered cruise vessel, which has a passenger capacity of 2,376 passengers and a crew of 1,100 has visited St. Kitts. According to information from the Marine Division of the St. Christopher Air and Sea Ports Authority (SCASPA), a total of 24 ships with an estimated capacity of 52,000 passengers are scheduled to berth on 25 cruise ship days in November. Cruise tourism pumped US$44 million or EC$118 million into the St. Kitts and Nevis economy during the 2008/2009 cruise year, according to a study by the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association. St. Kitts and Nevis led 24 of the 29 destinations in terms of average expenditure per cruise passenger of US$99.41 or EC$268.40. We welcome the crews and cruise travellers and hope they will stop by our Coldwell Banker office to discuss real estate opportunities. ]]> This coming week, the Special Olympics hosts its annual week of activities to encourage support of the events and help fundraising. Activities begin on Saturday, Nov 7 with a service at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Molineux. The next day the reigning National Carnival Queen Samantha Boone will give a radio and television address to mark the week of activities open. On Monday, Nov 9, officials and volunteers will visit schools around the island to raise awareness about the movement and its many accomplishments. A similar message will be shared on national television on Tuesday, November 10, during a feature interview on ZIZ's Upfront. That day is also designated Appreciation Day. Other activities include a Tag Day on November 11, a television presentation on November 12, and a street parade on November 13. Events conclude on Saturday, November 14 with a Fun Day at the Paddock at Ponds Pasture at 11:00 a.m. (resource: ZizOnline) ]]> how much will a buyer pay for your home. Buyers don't care how much you paid for the home, how many memorable moments you and your family shared in the home, how much cash you need for the down payment on your next home, or how much time and money you've invested in your home's hardwood floors, fresh paint, lush landscaping or other improvements. The following are things you should consider when setting the price for your home: CMA: Our Coldwell Banker realtors will be willing to prepare a comparable market analysis (CMA) for you as a free marketing service, with the goal of getting your business whenever you decide to move. A "comparative market analysis" (CMA), shows the prices of comparable recently sold homes, on-the-market homes and homes that were on the market, but weren't sold. A market-savvy Coldwell Banker realtor will give you a rough idea of what your home would be worth, given its size and condition and local market conditions. Some agents will tell you to under-price your home in hope of sparking a bidding war. Others will suggest a flatteringly high price to "buy" your listing only to demand a price reduction a few weeks later. Price recommendations based on CMAs aren't gospel. The decision about how much to ask, though, is always yours. APPRAISAL: An appraisal is different from a CMA in many ways. One difference is that an appraisal is only based on past sales. Also, unlike a CMA, a professional appraisal usually costs a few hundred dollars. A formal written appraisal can be useful if you have unique property, if there hasn't been much activity in your area recently, if co-owners disagree about price, or if there is any other circumstance that makes it difficult to put a value on your home. In a normal home sale, a CMA is probably enough to let you set a proper price. Appraisers rely on an on-site inspection of your home, recent sales of comparable homes, and replacement costs to arrive at an opinion of value. The appraiser's report is a full-blown description of your home and the criteria used to formulate the valuation. NEIGHBORHOOD OPEN HOUSES: Visiting open houses is a good way to compare your house to other homes that are for sale in your neighborhood. While you're there, try to make an impartial assessment of how those homes compare to yours in terms of location, size, amenities and condition. If both homes were selling for the same price, would you buy your home or someone else's? Chatting with real estate professionals about your local market will also help you get a good grasp on what a reasonable price range for your house would be. Keep in mind that these homes are For Sale, they haven't sold, so the prices are only Asking Prices. OFFERING INCENTIVES: Sometimes a little something extra is needed to attract buyers. Here are a few examples on what you can offer to sweeten the deal: - Closing escrow quickly will attract buyers who want to move in right away. - Offering seller-financing will appeal to buyers who need to stretch their financial resources. - A lease-option can help first-timers who need down payment assistance. - The more creative and flexible you can be in meeting the buyer's needs, the more success you'll have in pricing your home to sell. - House improvements such as repairing the roof, or repainting the house, or leaving behind the washer and dryer may also offset setting a higher sale price. - Offering to pay some or all of a buyer's closing costs and discount points required by the buyer's lending institution is a way to offer a cash incentive, instead of just lowering the price. - Offering a bonus to the selling broker, in addition to their commission. Even after all the above has been done, the selling price is ultimately decided by you, the owner. Some owners may choose to set their selling price at the absolute lowest they are willing to sell because they hate to haggle. Others are willing to "see what happens", and may set the price a bit higher. Set the price for your home at a level you feel is fair and reasonable and listen to the advice of your Coldwell Banker agent, the professional in your community. ]]> Ocean's Edge start in the mid-$300,000s. Work on Phase 3A of Ocean's Edge will start shortly. Families are already moving into Phases 1 and 2. Ocean's Edge, a joint venture project between Newfound and local partners, is an exclusive development of apartments, cottages and individual villas spread around the superb beachfront location of Frigate Bay in St Kitts. Covering almost 40 acres, the resort enjoys a sense of seclusion and intimacy thanks to the bay's curved beach and the dramatic hillside rising steeply from the shoreline to the south. With fantastic views of the Atlantic Ocean and located just yards from the renowned Royal St. Kitts Golf Course, Ocean's Edge sets new standards for design, construction and lifestyle on this beautiful, understated Caribbean island. For more on the development, read the press release from PRWeb.]]> Regent Seven Seas Cruise The ships of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, beautifully decorated over the holidays with trees, garlands, bunting and ginger bread houses, will be in the Caribbean, French Polynesia and transiting the Panama Canal over the winter holidays this year. A 10-night voyage roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale features many of the Caribbean "Saints": St. Thomas, St. Barts, St. Kitts, and Saint Maarten as well as the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Panama Canal is the featured attraction of sailings between Fort Lauderdale and California and Papeete is the departure point for sailings in Polynesia. The voyages also offer an ecumenical religious service over the holidays for those guests wishing to attend, and a special Christmas dinner menu in the main dining room. Here are some insights from Travel Agent Central, from a visit during the Small Hotels Retreat on St. Kitts. Best Properties for Romantics "Our favorite property for romantics in St. Kitts was Ottley's Plantation Inn. The property has 24 rooms on a 35-acre site. The master bedroom in each Royal Suite Cottage may be reserved individually as a Supreme Room. These come with a king or queen bed, a Jacuzzi and a patio with a deck and private plunge pool. The Deluxe Rooms also offer ocean and garden views, and most have king-size beds, while the others have two queens or twin beds. "Coming in at a close second for romantics in St. Kitts was the Golden Lemon. All of the property's 26 rooms and suites are unique, but the one thing most rooms have in common is the bright colors. In the "Great House," clients can sleep on mahogany poster beds, which are so high that you need steps to get into them, or antique metal beds replete with colorful hangings. The villa bedrooms in the Great House are the best, featuring individual plunge pools." Shopping in St. Kitts "Clients looking to shop should head to Basseterre, the capital, which is full of small shops and malls, including the Pelican Mall and the TDC Mall. This is the best spot to get local items at non-tourist prices. You can buy locally designed clothing, including the popular batik prints from Island Hopper, and artwork from local galleries. You can also buy local crafts at the Craft House. Duty-free shops also surround the Circus, which was modeled after Piccadilly Circus in London." Food and Drinks "We recommend both the Reggae Beach Bar & Grill and the more upscale Beach House, which was a perfect spot for a nightcap or dinner." Enjoy a cruise and your stayover in St Kitts. Hope to see you during the holidays! ]]> ICC Events. Apart from the West Indies Women's team coming to St. Kitts for the 2010 event, teams from South Africa, India, England, Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and Pakistan will all be competing at Warner Park in the opening round of the tournament. The men's matches will be played variously in the remaining three host countries, with the semi-finals of both the male and female tournaments being held in St. Lucia May 13-14 and the finals in Barbados on May 16. ]]> Pirates! They mean different things in different places. On the small island of Nevis in the Eastern Caribbean, they mean history, culture, and a reason to have a good time. Pirates practiced racial freedom in the 1600s, set up the first workman's compensation and drank quite a bit. So Nevis, to educate people more about these pirates, is starting a Peppered Pickled Pirate Party Time. Grab your hat, your sword, and your drinking mug to join us for a good time on the high seas! Activities and Schedule for October 24-31 and Nov. 21-28(courtesy of Pirates of Nevis): Saturday Bonfire and Pirate Watch at Pinney's beside Following the beach bars: Sunshine's, Chevy's and Lime. Starts at sunset, Lime will be showing movies. Sunday Pirate Party Starts Pirate Invasion Day: Will be small regatta commemorating Kidd's flight from St. Kitts after he stole the French Ship. Rest and recovery day from bonfire night, Check out Nevis with an Island tour! Admiral's Dinner at Montpelier Plantation Inn with Fancy Dress, try dart blowing using blowguns! Monday Start of locally made Pepper Sauce Contest in town. Diving to ship remains and Anchor off Long Point in morning. Sandy Sea Scenes on Beach by Four Seasons or near beach bars. Main prize would be Pirate Hammock locally made from fishing nets and rope. Crew Carousal Supper At Golden Rock ^Pirate Joke night with handmade prizes. Tuesday Ruins Hikes at 9:00 a.m. Afternoon at Herbert Heights. Stargazing and Dinner at Ms. June's discussing Celestial Navigation and sailing. Wednesday Heritage Village. Museum Day with Naval/Pirate Exhibits. "P" Party at Hermitage Hotel. Thursday Atlantic Kayaking off Nisbet. Snorkelling to Sea Fan Garden and Downed Plane with Marine Biologist. Roaring Rum Mixer at Nisbet Plantation Beach Club. Friday Announce winner of Pepper Sauce Contest on radio. Free day for exploring Nevis. Can schedule taxi tours, more hikes, diving, fishing or just sleep in the hammock! West Indian Night at Mount Nevis Hotel, try your hand at Conch Shell Blowing. Saturday Family Day at Oualie Hotel for Charities Do "Sink the Sailor" (Terramar Institute) Water wash out (Water balloons and squirt guns). Poker Road Race for Nevis Bicycling Club Music Night at Oualie. May also have Crab Races, Tug of war, and more. During Week Treasure Chest Hunt ^ Radio runs daily clues on where small "Treasure Chest" is located, clues will also be posted daily at Hotels. Showing of Pirate Movies ^ Mixture old pirate movies with Pirates of the Caribbean. Change Centre (Charity for single mothers) do Raffle for craft or Art. Tel: 1 869 663 9716 Email: pppptnevis@live.com Website: www.piratesofnevis.com Enjoy, come visit if you haven't planned your trip yet, and stop by our Coldwell Banker office while you are here. ]]> CaribbeanNetNews) ]]> St. Kitts. At the base of Mount Liamigua in Dieppe Bay, Beaumont Park is anticipated to be an example of high-class Caribbean racing facilities and is projected to add economic benefits to the surrounding area and the nation at large. The horseracing track is 3/4 mile long (6 furlongs) and has two racing shoots for the thoroughbreds, while the greyhound racetrack is 330 yards. The master plan of the Beaumont development project includes stables to house over 500 thoroughbreds, greyhound kennels, bird aviary, butterfly farm, a nursery and a thoroughbred breeding farm. Over the next few years, residential lots, restaurants and shopping facilities will be constructed as a part of the plan. Currently, about 200 individuals have been employed full-time by the first phase of the project. This includes construction workers, jockeys, trainers, grooms and the executive staff. While the park does not yet have automatic timing, close circuit television, and wagering systems in place, the 2010 official grand opening should showcase a polished, internationally-acclaimed racing hub fitted with the necessary equipment. Dr. Denzil Douglas, Prime Minister, told SKNVibes "It is clear to me that what's going on here is not just the construction, as so many people think, but it is really the unfolding of plans for a racing industry starting in St. Kitts-Nevis." Hailing the new site as the opportunity to "bring a diversification of the sports industry," Douglas projected that the economic spinoffs would be overwhelming, as his government expects hundreds of jobs to be provided both directly and indirectly. ]]> At Ocean's Edge Resort on St. Kitts, you can buy a freehold vacation property overlooking the ocean from the mid-$300,000. When many resort developments are being delayed or cancelled altogether due to global economic crisis, construction and sales at Ocean's Edge are progressing well, with homes already handed over to owners. With the first two phases nearing completion, the development team is ready to commence the next phase this Fall. This new phase features interesting revisions to the approved master-plan, including a large-scale pool area in the center of the resort and the addition of two- and three-bedroom Poolside Cottages and three-bedroom beachfront penthouses to the residences offered. Ocean's Edge, a resort development with plans for 190 condominiums and 32 villa lots, is just about sold out of its first two phases with the construction of these phases slated for completion by the end of October 2009. Several of the completed homes are already being rented out as Ocean's Edge is offering an interim rental-management program, which provides rental and property management services to owners whose properties are completed prior to the resort operator coming on board. This program is fulfilling the growing demand on the island for rental accommodation. The updated master-plan at Ocean's Edge sees the introduction of 48 two- and three-bedroom Poolside Cottages. In Phase 3A, the two-bedroom Poolside Cottages are available and these single-story, semi-detached homes include two-bedrooms, two bathrooms, private plunge pool and garden. The three-bedroom Poolside Cottages in a two-story layout will be offered in Phase 3B. Reservations are currently being accepted on the first 10 two-bedroom Poolside Cottages at a special introductory price of $499,000 - a savings of $26,000 from the regular price of $525,000. Read more at the RealEstate Channel, and contact a Coldwell Banker agent for information on reserving your unit at Ocean's Edge. ]]> Breathtaking views from this lot. Up a steep and winding concrete road, the land begins at the end of the drive. The terrain, covered in local vegetation, has a slope allowing for unobstructed and panoramic views over the Caribbean Sea and the South East Peninsula of St Kitts. The neighborhood consists of uppper level, large residential homes built by expatriates living in Nevis permanently or on a short term basis. Asking $350,000. Visit our Coldwell Banker Listing page for details.]]> BVI real estate and those looking to buy or sell will have noticed that the number of properties listed for sale this year has certainly risen. Hardly suprising, given the pickle the world economy has gotten itself into, but what they will also have noticed is that asking prices have not dropped. Yes, the odd one or two may have gone down a dollar or two, but most have not - and some have actually gone up. That's not to say that accepted offers might be lower than they might otherwise have been, but to be frank, we're not seeing a lot of that either. Locally, all the indicators would suggest that the BVI economy in general is down a bit but is certainly not as bad as elsewhere in the world. With caution being the better part of valour, the number of real estate transactions locally is down but certainly nobody is giving anything away and prices are therefore holding. In the ex-pat or "Non-Belonger" market, the same is true. Perhaps the nature of the overseas buyer in the British Virgin Islands has something to do with that. Most of our Non-Belonger clients tend to be reasonably successful, middle-aged folks, who enjoy the peaceful, calm way of life here. They had the patience to survive the process of purchasing property in the BVI so they certainly passed the first test! Lets not call them dull, but on the whole they certainly aren't the nightclub and casino-loving, gambling, risk takers who are likely to be found purchasing property on South Beach or in Nassau, Bahamas. So, being somewhat more conservative, perhaps they haven't lost their shirts in the downturn, and therefore don't have to give anything away at a bargain basement price. Just a thought. There is, of course, one far more obvious reason why prices of BVI real estate have held up. There's not much of it ^ there is a limited supply - and lots of people would still like to own some, given how beautiful the islands are. Now, as we all know, there are lots of scenic places in the Caribbean, so we wondered if the same thing was happening on other islands. Coldwell Banker has over 3700 offices in over 47 countries around the world, including offices on 16 islands throughout the Caribbean (we'll include Bermuda since they are really one of us, even if that's not quite geographically accurate). So we thought we'd call around and find out if other islands are experiencing similar things in their markets. Here is some of the feedback... Brett Mucklow, St Maarten Our local market is very strong and quite resilient. Islands have limited land and no possibilities to expand. We compare our market to some of the exclusive areas in the US such as the Hamptons, where prices hold quite well. Most island populations are growing, so property is in demand. Our island is serviced by direct air flights from 10 or so countries on 3 continents. Outside of PR, we are the largest Caribbean hub. We have a diverse client base. Our economy is only tourism but it is very diversified. Cruise ship business, timeshare, villa rental and the marina/mega yacht industry are all parts of our tourism foundation. This diversity has insulated us and given some stability. In addition, we have the French side ^ St Martin ^ that uses the Euro, so with two of the world's largest currencies, we are protected as one offsets the other. French currently shop on our side as the Euro is strong and visa versa when weak to the dollar. Amy DeWilde, St. Croix St Croix has been prominently featured recently in US national publications like Coastal Living as #2 [in their article] of the top ten spots to snorkel in the Caribbean, and in USA Today's Destination section. Recognition like this and the discovery of our extremely attractive real estate values are keeping our market active. There is good inventory for buyers. Sellers who recognize the need to be flexible with both price and financing options can successfully find a buyer. Our market is also helped by the lowest interest rates we've seen in a long time. St. Croix's very diverse topography, many attractions that appeal to nature-lovers and history buffs, some of the best diving in the Caribbean, and great dining are but a few of the reasons that buyers from afar decide to make St. Croix either their primary or second-home destination. Susan Thompson, Bermuda As the leading real estate company in Bermuda, we are constantly called upon by consumers, attorneys, bankers, architects, developers, and other businesses for our in-depth industry knowledge. That is why Coldwell Banker Bermuda Realty takes great pride in recording real estate sales details, to ensure we are armed with factual and supportive data that assists companies and individuals to make informed financial decisions. Our database ('Realty Plus') extends back 20 years, has in excess of 7,500 entries recording over $5.5 billion in island-wide real estate transactions. We have incorporated over 30 search criteria, thereby permitting queries by name of property, date of sale, acreage, price bracket, property type and much more. We can carry out research assisting our local and international clientele to make very important decisions relating to property acquisition. A year ago in June, we reported that during the first half of 2008, the average price of all real estate transactions was slightly more than $1,000,000 with single family homes approximately $1,400,000. Compare that to figures recorded to date for 2009 (bearing in mind that 2009 records have not been finalised) of $950,000 for all records and $1,460,000 for single family homes. Conversely, the average price for condos was $823,000 in the first half of 2008 verses $733,000 thus far for 2009, signifying an approximate 11% decrease in condo prices, but very little variance in other areas of the market. It is interesting to note that this figure is reminiscent of 2004 when the average price of condominiums was $742,000. On the inventory side of the equation, we currently have 295 active listings. The yearly average number of sales transactions island wide over the past five years is 553, hence the current inventory represents just over 6 months supply. Condominiums still represent 60% of the inventory, which is good news for first time buyers looking for 95- 100% financing. The banks are still lending up to $1,000,000 to qualified purchasers and 36% of the inventory is presently in this price bracket. In conclusion, consumers continue to purchase real estate in Bermuda, but at perhaps a slower pace as there are more choices. Prices have come down in various sectors of the market which is encouraging for those looking to own a piece of the rock. Overpricing your property is not an option if you wish to sell in this market, as buyers are well educated, banks are being conservative with appraisals, and there is lots of competition for most properties. However, ultimately, everything will sell at the correct price. Louise Peterson, Turks & Caicos Due to the large number of condo projects that completed in 2008 and 2009, and the slow down in the North American economy, current inventory levels in the TCI are up around 20%. We've experienced price softening somewhat especially in the condo and in-land housing markets. As the new kid on the block, TCI found over the last 12 - 15 years demand strongly outweighed supply. This meant few prime properties were available for sale and year-over-year prices continued to rise. Record pricing levels were achieved along the Grace Bay hotel and resort area, as well as waterfront homes and estates. The basic fundamentals have not changed though, and TCI offers a fantastic lifestyle investment opportunity- particularly for Canadians, where the market has stabilized in the major cities since late spring and their dollar is strong. Owners in the TCI wishing to sell their properties over the next season have priced it accordingly, and have begun to see activity pick up with multiple and back up offers being presented. Savvy investors are returning to take a second look at TCI. Value is key and this new or returning investor is looking to hold the real estate for the long term. Inventory levels remain high but this means that purchasers have an opportunity to select from properties not previously offered for sale and at levels not seen in the last 3-4 years. ]]> eTurboNews. ]]> Coldwell Banker St Kitts-Nevis Realty is one of the main sponsors of the Nevis Sport Fishing Tournament, held at Oualie Beach. 25 boats from all over the Caribbean participated last year. Approximately 30 boats from St Kitts, Montserrat, Antigua, St Maarten, Nevis, St Croix, Tortola, and Saba expected this year. Registration Friday, Oct 2 is at 15:00 hours, briefing at 18:00 hours, and fun music at 20:00 hours. Saturday, lines in at 05:00 hours, weigh in at 15:30 hours, prize awards at 18:00 hours. Accommodations provided by Oualie Beach Resort, Oualie Bay, Nevis, email reservations@oualie.com. The resort is offering a special rate for competitors and their partners. Visit the web site for details, or email info@nevisyachtclub.com. We expect another competitive event with impressive catches! Along with a Carib Beer party, giveaways, steel band, hosted awards ceremony and great friends - join us for the fun!]]> StKittsTourism) ]]> In2Town.co.uk) ]]> This lot is located in the highly sought after residental neighborhood of Cades Bay. With a panaromic view of the Caribbean Sea and the sister island of St Kitts, along with its close proximity to some of the best beaches and restuarants on the island, this lot is the perfect spot for a holiday home. One acre of gently sloping land is ideal for building with utilities in close proximity to the site. Asking $240,000.]]> Silver Reef St. Kitts Resort expects to have six units completed by the end of September and 12 additional units finished by November. Construction Director Sebastian Mottram said that six more units are to be completed by December and 12 more by March 2010, subject to sales. Silver Reef St. Kitts, when completed, will offer 62 villas and apartments on 4.5 acres of land in Frigate Bay, located in lush gardens on the edge of the Royal St. Kitts Golf Course. The complex enjoys spectacular views of both the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. "We came to St. Kitts three years ago, purchased the land from private persons and sought financing from an investment group in the United Kingdom. We will have 62 residential units, which satisfies the rental market. The units are sold freehold as investment products and will satisfy up to 200 people as full time guests," Mottram said. The project includes commercial space and owners and guests will have full use of the resort's beautiful sub-tropical gardens and its freeform and infinity edge swimming pools. When completed, the US$30 million property will be operated by a local Caribbean resort management group. (resource: ZIZOnline)]]> SKNVibes.com. ]]> Coldwell Banker Real Estate has had an amazingly successful year-to-date, filled with awards and accolades from the likes of J.D. Power and Associates and the Wall Street Journal. With the Fall season approaching, I thought this would be an excellent opportunity to take stock of what weve been able to accomplish so far this year. While other real estate companies have retreated during the recession, Coldwell Banker has continued to deliver game-changing moves that put the brand out front, attract consumers for the long run and, in turn, change the way business is done both in the U.S. and internationally. Coldwell Banker initially broke new ground this year in March with its use of Microsoft Surface as a new way of engaging homebuyers. Microsoft Surface turns an ordinary tabletop into a vibrant, interactive touch screen that stops consumers in their tracks when they see it. Through the touch of a hand, consumers can expand or contract the search area and locate listings, Coldwell Banker offices, and area amenities. Coldwell Banker affiliates are planning to utilize Microsoft Surface in malls, airports, hotel kiosks, high traffic offices, etc. to augment their local marketing efforts. After our debut of Microsoft Surface, Coldwell Banker really began to stake a claim as the most innovative real estate company in the world today with the launch of On Location, the Coldwell Banker YouTube channel, in early May. Previously an untapped real estate resource, YouTube and its parent company Google eagerly collaborated with Coldwell Banker to debut On Location. Utilizing the ultra-local insight Coldwell Banker affiliated sales professionals offer, consumers can now fully engage in real estate search and discovery, and drill deeper into the home buying and selling process. On Location takes Coldwell Banker agent profiles out of words and static images and into the vibrancy of video. Our sales associates now go to market with a differentiator that allows their personality and professionalism to shine through and instantly connect with consumers. Likewise, properties can gain a greater first impression than a series of photos can ever provide. To date, more than 300,000 have viewed the video content and agents have already posted more than 3,000 videos, to make On Location one of the most robust channels on YouTube. Coldwell Banker On Location complements the brand's flagship Web site (www.coldwellbanker.com) and extends the company's robust social media platform, which includes Facebook pages for the brand and its two founders, Colbert Coldwell and Arthur Banker, a Twitter feed, and profiles on Flickr and FriendFeed. And the excitement of our recent Iphone application announcement underscores even more how Coldwell Banker continues to raise the bar with interactive real estate technology. We are on TV, on the Web, on mobile phones. Our "get listings anytime, anywhere" mantra is working. We flexed our muscles during Coldwell Banker Legislative Week in late spring. Just days after so many Coldwell Banker broker/owners and managers met with U.S. Congressional leaders, I ventured to Capitol Hill and met with key members of the House and Senate, as well as the media, to have a dialogue on the critical issues still facing the real estate industry. The leadership role we have in the industry is because of our agents, the heart and soul of the Coldwell Banker organization. This summer, a respected third party has also recognized how good you are. Coldwell Banker was named the winner of the 2009 JD Power Seller Satisfaction Award in August, validating the fact that we have the best and most dedicated sales force in real estate. And a recent Wall Street Journal survey of its subscribers found Coldwell Banker would be the most considered brand for future transactions. Clearly, our sales efforts are being recognized by consumers. I couldn't be prouder of this outstanding brand. Wherever the consumer has come across Coldwell Banker over the past year, they have seen us redefine how the brand, the industry, and the entire real estate process is viewed. As we finish up 2009 with - hopefully - a renewed real estate vibrancy, I'm confident we will look back on this year as the time when Coldwell Banker took technology by the horns and created a new era in real estate innovation. Visit any of our Coldwell Banker Island Affiliates in the Caribbean to discuss our products, innovation, and commitment to customer service. ]]> Frigate Bay, on the island of St Kitts, is a stretch of sand and blue water on the Southeast coast. Just a few years ago, only a couple of beach bars occupied "the strip." Then the government-run Frigate Bay Beach Corp. decided to set some rules about future development. Spaces were allotted for new vendors, and only open-air structures were permitted. No brick buildings or foundations were allowed. Now about a dozen clapboard shacks line the ribbon of sand, from Buddies Beach Hut, with its grass-covered roof and Hip Hop tunes at one end, to Shiggidy Shack where you can sign up for snorkelling tours or fishing charters at the other end. Under construction is the multi-million dollar Ocean's Edge development. "All this is happening at a time when there is a global economic down turn there must be something tremendous about this place that can influence an investor to put over a million US dollars into a villa of this kind," said Prime Minister Douglas at the end of a tour of the construction site on and overlooking Cable Beach in Frigate Bay. The revised overall Master Plan will see the construction of 188 condominium units including 74 one-two-and three bedroom Beach Front Apartments and 48 two and three bed-room poolside, beachside and hillside Apartments; a 120-seat restaurant, a 150-seat conference suite; beach club house and restaurant, four swimming pools, fitness center, spa and Arrivals/Reception Hall. The Ocean Edge is a joint venture of local and foreign investors. ]]> Office of Prime Minister Dr. Douglas)]]> SKNVibes, "So you think you can dance, or better yet, you think you can master the U R It Dance? If you answer yes to this question, then you are the contestant we are looking for at Club Kactus this Saturday night, 29th August. At stake is EC$1000 cash for the winner of the Dance Off Contest which will be the main attraction at the UR It event. But skills by themselves won't get you to the $1000 purse, so participants are being urged to bring their fans with them since ultimately the winner will be decided by the number of texts sent on their behalf. The second and third prize winners will win cash and a phone respectively." "The contest is opened to individuals as well as groups," explained Laverne Caines, of LIME's Marketing team in St. Kitts & Nevis. "There's no upper age limit to the contestants either, so although we are expecting to see the youth dominate the contest, it's really whosoever will if you have what it takes," she added. You still have time to watch the dance moves at www.youtube.com under LIME U R it music video. Good luck! ]]> RISMedia, Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC announced the launch of the first-ever international home search application for iPhoneTM and AndroidTM-powered devices. The Coldwell Banker Real Estate mobile application enables users to easily search for property listings and recent home sales in 28 countries in North America, Europe, Central America, Caribbean, Australia and South America. The results of these searches as well as the search itself can be saved in a personalized 'My Coldwell Banker' account newly created from the user's smartphone or added to an existing account with coldwellbanker.com by logging into the site directly from the handheld device. Unique to the Coldwell Banker application, searches that are saved to an app-created 'My Coldwell Banker' account will automatically generate notifications of new properties and open houses, alerting the user to updated results right on the device's homepage. "While the desktop computer remains a proven screen, Coldwell Banker recognizes that today's technologically-savvy consumers are also using smartphones to access information on-the-go," said Michael Fischer, senior vice president of marketing for Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. "We are committed to improving the consumer experience and will continue to introduce innovative technology such as this mobile application to provide our customers with up-to-date home data the moment they want it and to wherever they may be." Contact any of our Coldwell Banker affiliate offices in the Caribbean for your real estate needs.]]> Caribbean360.com. ]]> SKNVibes) ]]> RISMedia, "Below are some key highlights from the Coldwell Banker Real Estate study: Women may be inclined to make up their mind more quickly than men. -When asked how long it took before they knew their home was "right" for them, almost 70% of women had made up their mind the day they walked into the house, vs. 62% of men. Conversely, significantly more men needed two or more visits: (32% of men vs. 23% of women). Women would rather live closer to their extended family than to their job.-55 percent of women find it more important to be closer to their extended family (those that do not live in their household) than to their job, compared to only 37% of men. A home's security is a deal-breaker for both men and women. -64 percent of women said that if they found the home of their dreams but had concerns about its security, they would no longer be interested. More than half of men agreed (51%). Couples say that no one "wears the pants in the relationship" in terms of major financial decisions.-When asked who wears the pants in the relationship (when it comes to major financial decisions, such as purchasing a home), almost 70% of respondents living with their significant other said it's actually mutual. -However, 23% think that they, themselves, wear the pants in the relationship, not their partner. More men than women said this (26% vs. 20%, respectively). Men and women agree on how they would use a spare room, for the most part. When the respondents were asked how they would use an extra 12 x 12 room if it could be anything they wanted, men and women agreed on the top three most popular, and very practical, responses: -Bedroom: 25% -Office/Study: 15% -Family Room / Den: 11% However, men really do want a "Man Cave."-Interestingly, out of the 8% who indicated they would turn that spare room into an entertainment center, it was a preponderance of men leading the charge. In fact, four times as many men as women said they would use the extra space for recreation / entertainment." According to Patton, "These results further validate how critical it is for couples to recognize each other's differences and work together, from picking a neighborhood to how to use a spare room," she said. "Online tools and the expertise of a real estate professional can be particularly helpful for couples, especially if they work together step-by-step along the way." Contact your local Coldwell Banker agent or office for expert real estate information. ]]> SKNVibes)]]> Christophe Harbour is located on 2,500 acres on the southeast peninsula of St. Kitts, dividing the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Boasting views of six pristine beaches, the master-planned luxury resort community will feature almost 1,400 homes, from oceanfront and hillside homesites to villas and hotel residences, which will be situated throughout the property's diverse tropical landscape. The resort's debut residential property offering consists of homesites located on Sandy Bank Bay, a beautiful cove on the Atlantic side of the peninsula. Sandy Bank Bay is set along a dramatic horseshoe bay with two reefs and a natural sand bank more than 100 yards long. A marine sanctuary, the bay will remain free of boat moorings so that sea life can flourish, and wide Atlantic views are protected. The bay is perfect for snorkeling, reef fishing, and swimming and will include a beach club, spa, pools, dining and hiking trails just steps away. 39 lots were sold 3 years before scheduled opening. Most Sandy Bank Bay homes and estates will be within a short bicycle ride to Christophe Harbour's mega-yacht marina, and the must-play Tom Fazio golf course. From select homesites, there will be dramatic views across the central to the fairways of Priddies Plateau and beyond. Sandy Bank Bay homesites are priced from $480,000 to $2,700,000. The development team just announced 14 built bungalows that will be situated on Sandy Bank Bay. These bungalows will be priced around $1 million each. The Christophe Harbour Club, private residences, will offer golf, yachting, tennis, recreational and health facilities. Memberships will be available to all property owners. Christophe Harbour will feature a full-service, world-class mega-yacht harbor and marina village, a Fazio-designed championship golf course, Mandarin Oriental, St. Kitts, hotel and other five-star hotel operations, restaurants and shopping. Read more about the development at theRealEstateChannel. ]]> Coldwell Banker Listing page. ]]> J.D Power and Associates 2009 Home Buyer/Seller study. The study measured customer satisfaction with the largest national real estate companies. The most significant factor was the buyer/seller experience with the practitioner (47%). Other factors included overall experience with the office (28%) and satisfaction with special services offered, like referrals to inspectors and lawyers (25%). Home sellers also rated marketing. Among the related findings: * Home sellers report that, on average, 3.2 open houses were conducted for their property in 2009, compared with 4.5 in 2008. * Approximately 64 percent of home sellers used a Web site listing to market their home in 2009, up from 61 percent in 2008. For both buyers and sellers, the agent was still the most important driver of overall satisfaction. However, the importance of agents declined substantially from 2008, while the importance of additional services increased considerably -- by 12 percentage points among buyers and 8 percentage points among sellers. In addition, actual usage of many of these services decreased from 2008. Coldwell Banker Island Affiliates will meet and exceed your expections of real estate service. Stop by and see what we do so well.]]> The recorded history of St. Kitts begins with the second voyage in 1493 of Christopher Columbus who sailed past the island but did not land. There is some doubt as to whether it is this island that Columbus gave the name St. Christopher (after himself ). In any case, by the time the Englishman Thomas Warner arrived with fourteen other settlers in 1624 to found the first non-Spanish European colony in the Caribbean, the island was known as St. Christopher's. In 1623, Sir Thomas Warner, his family, and fourteen others arrived on the island at what is now Sandy Point. Thomas Warner chose St. Christopher for its abundant forests and fresh water, its fertile easily worked soil, its accessible physical structure, and the presence of salt. These English settlers were soon followed by Pierre Belain d'Esnambue, leader of French settlers, in 1625. The two groups wiped out the inhabitants of the island, Arawaks and Caribs, in a massacre at Bloody Point in 1626. African people were brought to the island from the 1630's to work as slaves on sugar and tobacco plantations. As a result, a rich culture combining elements from Africa, Europe and native America has evolved. St. Kitts occupied a critical position in the European struggle for the West Indies, combining exceptional wealth as sugar colonies with a vital strategic position as gateways to the Caribbean. As a result, the struggles and conflicts that marked their history are among the most decisive episodes in Caribbean history. (resource: DiscoverStKitts)]]> A narrow and shaded country lane leads to the delightful 3 villa home. Facing south, each villa is elevated to enjoy the beautiful sea views and the hills of Montpelier Estate. Covered wooden walkways link each individual building, creating privacy and intimacy. Two of the three villas are bedrooms with ensuite bathroom while the third one has a pleasant living area opening up to a large veranda. Furniture and furnishings have been carefully selected by the owners to provide a simple but yet refine lifestyle. 2/3, asking $690,000. For more information and photos, visit our Coldwell Banker listing page. ]]> Culturama, will be held July 30 - Aug 4, and Nevis and St Kitts hotels are already filling up. The official opening ceremony for the celebration will be Thursday, the July 30, at 7:30 p.m., followed immediately by the Mr. and Ms Talented Youth Pageant and Junior Kaiso Contest. The long-awaited Emancipation Jouvert Jump-Up will be held Monday, August 3, starting at 5:00 a.m. The Jouvert Morning jam session is now known as the Emancipation Jouvert Jump Up and has grown into a huge event, with thousands of revellers taking to the streets from the wee hours of the morning right up until mid-day. A four-mile road jam from Gingerland into Charlestown has now become a feature of the Emancipation Jouvert Jump Up. Other fun activities include the Culturama 35 Clash Of D'Bands, Food Fair, Drag Races, and the much-loved Ms. Culture Queen Pageant, along with many others. The Culturama prize-giving ceremony will take place on Saturday, the 15th of August, at 8:00 p.m. The idea of Culturama was conceived in February, 1974 by the Nevis Dramatic and Cultural Society (NEDACS). The main objectives of Culturama originally were - and still are: 1. To give a vital thrust to our dying traditional customs. 2. To stimulate an interest in the wealth of our cultural heritage. 3. To create a climate in which indigenous folk art can reassert itself and flourish. 4. To raise funds for the constructing a community center, which will serve as a base for the projection of cultural awareness programs. It's a time when class barriers are broken down and people of all creed and class, locals and visitors alike, become culturally assimilated and socially united in seven days of fun, frolic, mas, revelry, splendor, history and creativity. Come on down during these amazing weeks, and immerse yourself in the culture of Nevis with Culturama 35! Be sure and stop by our local Coldwell Banker office while you are here, to find out about our great buying opportunities. ]]> It's time to make your reservations to enjoy the Pirates Week celebrations in Nevis this year, October 24-October 31, and November 21-November 28. It was on Nevis that Captain Bartholomew Sharpe first gathered his crew and ships to plan raid on Central America. Granted he lost all seven ships, got a bit confused and ended up on the Pacific Coast where he stole three more ships, but he then sailed around South America and returned to Nevis after three years. Brought back some nice emeralds and a cocker spaniel. Captain William Kidd would steal French ships from neighbouring St. Kitts, bring them to Nevis and sell all the goods. He didn't actually kill anybody, except when he hit one guy on the head with a bucket, and he did send the profits to New York for Trinity Church, but Kidd was a very famous pirate. Then there was Edward Lowe, "the greatest monster to infest the seas" that stole ships from Nevis; the fearful Fran�ois L'Ollonais that ate a beating human heart; and "Black" Bart Roberts was going to level Charlestown to the ground, but got blown away by a hurricane. Pirates practiced racial freedom in the 1600s, set up the first workman's compensation and drank quite a bit. So Nevis, to educate people more about these pirates is starting a Peppered Pickled Pirate Party Time. Grab your hat, your sword, and your drinking mug to join them for a good time on the high seas! Visit the Itinerary on Pirates of Nevis page, for all the scheduled festivities, and you'll see Horse Races, a Donkey Derby, banquets and exhibits and kayaking and snorkeling and..much more. Be sure and join us for the Pirates Weeks. ]]> Paint ^ Perhaps the most effective of all pre-sale repairs, a simple coat of paint to the exterior, doors, windows, and trim can make your home appear well cared for and in good condition. When painting the exterior of the home, you may also want to consider if new door knobs and other hardware could boost the appearance of your home. If you don't replace any of the metal on the exterior of your home, polishing brass hardware and cleaning or painting iron fences can also give your home a fresh look. ^Lawn ^ There are a number of landscaping tricks that may improve the curb appeal of your home. First, the lawn should be mowed, raked and edged. Next, try to thoroughly weed all planter boxes, trim larger plants and include some extra flowers near the front of the house. If any large trees hang over your home or obscure the view from the street, you may want to cut away some large branches. You may also want to consider investing some extra money into landscaping by hiring professionals to make your front yard as attractive as possible. ^Windows and Gutters ^ Much like the fresh paint applied to the exterior, taking time to clean the windows can certainly change the appearance of your home. Likewise, try to keep your rain gutters free of leaves and debris as you never know where a potential homebuyer might look. ^Driveway ^ If you have an old, cracked driveway, hiring a professional to reseal the surface can add to your home's curb appeal. If the driveway rests in direct sight in front of the home, this step can become even more important. If you have off-street parking without a carport or garage, make sure the area is clean and tidy (see Lawn above). ^Lighting ^ As potential homebuyers could drive by your property at any time, you want to make sure your home is inviting at night. By installing outside lighting - even a front porch light ^ you will dramatically boost your home's 24/7 curb appeal. If you anticipate potential homebuyers coming onto the property after dark, calm lighting that lines the driveway and path to the front door can put your visitors at ease. ^Pressure Clean ^ This process can be applied to both the exterior of the home and the driveway. Just one treatment can eliminate years of dirt, mold and mildew from your property. If you need to improve the curb appeal of your home before putting it up for sale, the best tool could be your ability to think like a buyer. By repairing or minimizing your property's flaws and drawing attention to key selling points, you may be surprised by the responses you receive from potential homebuyers. Contact your local Coldwell Banker agent for specific suggestions on how to Improve Curb Appeal to Sell Your Home. ]]> Adjacent to the romantic and charming Nisbet Plantation and part of a quaint residential area, this lot offers the perfect location for a holiday home. Large enough to provide privacy and build a sizable villa, the land is perfectly maintained and planted with rows of coconut trees. A gentle walk from the lot and down a sandy path leads to the breezy beach of Newcastle Bay, where spectacular views of St Kitts and the Atlantic Ocean can be enjoyed. This idyllic location will provide a great investment for anyone wishing to build a vacation rental villa. Lot size is 26,135.00 sq ft or 0.5999 ACRE. Asking $285,000 US. Read details on our Coldwell Banker listing page.]]> Be a Real Estate Investor - 10 Important Secrets When it comes to investing, everybody has certain goals and aspirations. However, we have found that there are certain guidelines every aspiring real estate investor needs to know: 1. Compare Property Values and Rents Financial statistics only go so far; the best measure of a property's market value is often the sale prices of nearby properties. The same holds true for area rents. A low price can often be justified by a reasonable rent; renters who can afford a high rent can afford to buy instead, so reasonably priced rent is a need. 2. Be Careful - Tax Laws May Change Don't base your tax investment on current tax laws. The tax code is constantly changing, and a good investment is a good investment regardless of the tax code. The right property with the right financing is what you should look for as an investor. 3. Specialize In Something You Know Start in a market segment you know. Whether you focus on fixer-uppers, foreclosures, starter homes, low-down payment properties, condominiums, or small apartment buildings, you'll benefit from experience by specializing in one aspect of investment real estate properties. 4. Know The Costs Going In Know the financial statements inside out. What are operating expenses? What are loan payments? Vacancy costs? Taxes? What does the cash flow statement look like? These are key issues that must be addressed before making a solid investment. 5. Know Where Your Tenants Are Coming From If the last rent increase was recent, your tenants may be considering a move. If tenants have a short-term lease, they may be living there simply to attract unsuspecting buyers. It is also important to collect the tenants' security deposits at closing. 6. Assess The Tax Situation Taxes are an integral part of successful real estate investing, and they often make the difference between a positive cash flow and a negative one. Know the tax situation, and see how it can be manipulated to your advantage. It may be a good idea to consult a tax advisor. 7. Investigate Insurance Coverage If seller's coverage is based on lower-than-current replacement value, your insurance cost may increase when you pay a higher purchase price. 8. Confirm Utility Costs Ask the local utilities to verify recent utility expenses, especially if any of these costs are included in your tenant's rent. 9. Consult Your Accountant Taxation is a key element of successful real estate investing, so be sure to find an accountant who is well-versed with the constantly evolving tax code. 10. Inspect Make sure that you always perform a thorough inspection of the property before buying it. Never, ever buy any property without at least examining the site. In some cases, hiring professional inspectors to examine the structural mechanical system may be a sound investment. ]]> SKNVibes.com. ]]> In 1623, Sir Thomas Warner, his family, and fourteen others arrived on the island at what is now Sandy Point. These English settlers were soon followed by Pierre Belain d'Esnambue, leader of French settlers, in 1625. The two groups wiped out the inhabitants of the island, Arawaks and Caribs, in a massacre at Bloody Point in 1626. African people were brought to the island from the 1630's to work as slaves on sugar and tobacco plantations. As a result, a rich culture combining elements from Africa, Europe and native America has evolved. St Kitts Tourism every month picks a notable citizen to feature, and this month, Dr. Cameron Wilkinson received the honor. The state, "Dr. Wilkinson has been practicing as a physician and surgeon in St. Kitts for the last nine years now. He is the Chief Surgeon and Medical Chief of Staff of the Health Institutes in St. Kitts. He is also President of the Rotary Club of Liamigua, President of the UWI Alumni Association and Vice President of the St. Kitts Medical Association. He is also a council member on the executive of the Caribbean College of Surgeons. "He was born in Basseterre, St. Kitts on April 20, 1963. His mother, Theresa Wilkinson, was a devout Christian and instilled in him Christian principles which guide his life today. He was very close to her, a single mom, but she passed away when he was age eleven. Cameron thought that her death could have been prevented with timely surgical intervention and decided then, that he wanted to become a surgeon and work, in St. Kitts, helping his people. "In1982 he obtained the best 'A' level results in St. Kitts/Nevis, won the State Scholarship and went on to study medicine at the University of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica. Dr. Wilkinson graduated with an MBBS degree in medicine and surgery in 1989. Upon completion of a two year internship at the Princess Margaret Hospital in Nassau, Bahamas, he was accepted into the general surgery residency program at Harlem Hospital in New York City. He completed the five year surgical residency program in 1996, winning the Program Director's Prize for the most outstanding Chief Resident. Cameron also obtained a Citation for Outstanding Service to the Greater Harlem Community, New York in recognition of his five years of dedicate service during his residency. He did a one year residency in Critical Care and Surgical Endoscopy and after passing his Surgical Board exams to become a Diplomate of the American Board of Surgery. Cameron returned home to St. Kitts in 1997 to fulfill the promise he had made, to himself, back in 1975 when his mother died. However, in 2005, he visited New Orleans where he received the distinguished honour of being inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS). "Dr. Wilkinson is married to Patricia Skerritt-Wilkinson and they have three children." Congratulations on being amed Kittian of the month. ]]> Props At its most simple, home staging is about setting the right mood for prospective buyers. By decorating and arranging a home's interior to present an ideal way of life, buyers are assisted in visualizing themselves in your home. Whether you undertake the process of staging your own home or decide to consult a professional, there are a number of different "props" that may be used around the home. For example, to add a vibrant sense of life to the home, many home staging professionals recommend using different types of potted plants and arrangements of flowers and fruit. Throughout the home, they tend to utilize soft, luxurious fabrics ^ such as satin, lamb's wool and silk ^ to create an atmosphere of comfort. This process can also extend to the exterior of the property, where patio furniture can be added in the backyard and colorful flowers or unique accessories outside the front door. Visual Suggestions Many home staging professionals come from interior design or art-related backgrounds. Hence, when working on staging a home for sale, these professionals utilize a number of visual tricks to capture the attention of potential buyers. For instance, furniture is always arranged very carefully to simulate the ideal living space. In living rooms, home staging professionals often use loveseats and ottomans in lieu of large couches to create the illusion of added space. Likewise, mirrors are often placed throughout a staged home to make the living area seem larger to potential buyers. In areas where you hope to focus a buyer's attention ^ like a remodeled kitchen ^ staging professionals can place unique artwork or accessories to catch the eye. Don't get Personal One of the most important steps in home staging is the exchange of your personal decorations with more neutral furnishings. Beyond replacing family pictures with more design-friendly items, a successful home staging will attempt to eliminate any idiosyncratic tastes and represent a living space that has broad appeal. Though this process may feel like a slight on your family's home, you should hardly take offense. This commonly used tactic simply helps potential buyers view the property not as someone else's home, but as something they can call their own. Most real estate experts claim that home staging is especially important when the home is empty. Without any furniture or amenities, even a home for sale in the most attractive area can make potential buyers feel uncomfortable. If you are trying to sell your home and have already moved out, you may want to consider working with your Coldwell Banker agent to stage the home's interior. With the assistance of your agent and a home staging professional, you could quickly transform a lifeless house into dream home. Put it All Together In the end, home staging is about making the most of your home's potential. If the staging of your home is completed effectively, it is also possible that your home may receive better offers from potential buyers and spend less time on the market. By minimizing the flaws of your home and making the living area seem larger, brighter and more appealing, home staging may be one of the most important steps in selling your home quickly and at the right price. ]]> Reuters.com. ]]> SKNVibes.com. ]]> Rachel's blog for a slideshow of the scenery and blue waters of these two beaches.]]> Nisbet Plantation Beach Club's "sultry summer savings" offer includes last night free (on stays of 4 nights or more) and airport transfers from St. Kitts to Nevis via a private water taxi, in addition to full breakfast, afternoon tea, and gourmet dinner daily. Situated on 30 spacious beachfront acres, Nisbet was originally built as a sugar plantation in 1778. Despite the property's size, there are still only 36 guest rooms, located in 16 Plantation-style cottages and Lanai suites. Nisbet's Sultry Summer Savings is available on all room categories - even Premier rooms overlooking the beach. call toll-free at 1-800-742-6008, the hotel direct at 869-469-9325 your favorite travel agent, or visit the special offers page. For a report on her trip to Nisbet Plantation, visit Debbra Brouillette's blog in a few weeks (Travel Examiner from Dallas). ]]> Wall Street Journal and New York Times. Attending the conference were 22 Brokers and Managers from many of the island countries of the Atlantic and Caribbean. Also in attendance was Jim Gillespie, President & CEO of Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation and Beth Makatura, VP & Director of International Services. The meeting was hosted by Coldwell Banker Real Estate St. Maarten & Coldwell Banker Caraibe. Check back often to our St Kitts & Nevis Coldwell Banker site and watch for the latest in technology to be available for your use. ]]> Coldwell Banker St Kitts Nevis Realty .]]> Office of the Prime Minister explained of their efforts, "British Airways began a weekly direct service on January 10th to the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport from London-Gatwick following successful negotiations spearheaded by Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, Sen. the Hon. Richard 'Ricky' Skerritt. "Prime Minister Douglas said his St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party remains robust in attracting other carriers to St. Kitts and developing the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport as a hub for the neighboring islands of Anguilla, Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Barths and the British Virgin Islands." ]]> Make a detailed checklist It can be difficult to keep track of all the tasks associated with moving. Try to organize your days leading up to and beyond moving day. If you have a reminder of what needs to be done and where you need to be, you are more likely to have a smooth moving day. Prepare for day 1 Prior to packing all of your boxes, you may want to assemble one box of necessities for the whole family. As most families finish unpacking their trucks late in the evening, there is often little desire to open several boxes to find pillows and toothbrushes. To prevent a stressful first night in your new home, try to place anything your family might need in the first 24 hours in a separate box, mark it clearly and keep it accessible during moving. Also, if you have any valuable or irreplaceable items ^ such as jewelry and personal keepsakes ^ you should try to wrap the items well and keep them with you while moving. To help with your checklist, you should try to include all of the following items in your day 1 box: ^ Personal toiletries ^ Soap ^ Toilet paper ^ Snacks and drinks ^ Flashlight ^ Screwdriver ^ Pliers ^ Set of plastic plates and cutlery ^ Paper towels or tissue Pack manageable boxes Unless you have lots of large, lightweight items ^ such as down comforters and blankets ^ you shouldn't need too many oversized boxes. Oversized moving materials often force homeowners into packing boxes that are too heavy and unmanageable. Instead, try to find plenty of midsized boxes and distribute weight evenly. Furthermore, if you are moving yourself, make sure you have all the necessary materials on hand before packing, including bubble wrap or packing peanuts for fragile items. Label every box When packing your boxes, try not to place items for different rooms in the same box. After sealing up each box, simply mark which room the items belong in. When you arrive at your new home, you will be able to take each box to its rightful place and each family member can spend time organizing their own space. De-clutter as you go As you prepare to move out of your home, try to organize your belongings and set aside unwanted items. After unpacking in your new home, you will be happy having more space and fewer items to arrange. Before moving out, you can hold a yard sale or make a charitable donation to get rid of your unwanted belongings. Get the family involved If you have children, help them get excited about moving. With something to look forward to ^ like the chance to decorate a new bedroom ^ children often get more involved in the moving process. Also, you may want to ask your friends and family for help on moving day. Even if no one is able to move furniture with you, a family member could watch your pet for the day or take care of errands. Though moving day can be a very overwhelming time for families, proper organization can make help turn that stress into excitement. If you follow your timeline leading up to moving day, you and your family will have no problem approaching the big move with confidence. ]]> Nevis Yacht Club Acquires Six Optimist Boats The Nevis Yacht Club (NYC) ^ which has been relatively dormant since 1994, has recently acquired the fleet of six Optimist boats from the Saint Maarten Yacht Club's Youth Sailing Program. Itinerary Set for Pirates Week Things are heating up as the Peppered Pickled Pirate Party Time agenda is set with bookings for the event well under way. Dates are set for October 24th through October 31st, November 21st through November 28th 2009. Regatta Finish on Nevis Saturday, June 13th St. Maarten is the starting point for the St. Maarten/Statia/Nevis Regatta this weekend. The three day event kicks off Friday 12th June 10 AM from Simpson Bay, with boats heading straight to Statia, where they will overnight. Sounds like a fun place to live and visit, doesn't it? Come take a look and talk to one of our Coldwell Banker agents about 2nd home opportunities on Nevis or St. Kitts. Read the rest of the articles above at Nevis Lifestyle. ]]> Liverpool Echo was recently sold by the beauty and charm of St. Kitts as a travel destination and wrote all about it. She states, "You could be forgiven for overlooking the island of St Kitts in favour of its more well-known Caribbean cousins. "But to do so would be a mistake. It would mean missing out on the island's beautiful landscape, stunning natural beaches, breathtaking panoramic views and impressive volcanic mountain ranges." Her travel article promotes a few select things to do like the rainforest sky safari and Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park. Sound interesting? Read her post at Liverpool Echo.co.uk, and then book a trip to take advantage of the low rates and great deals offered now as enticements to visit the Caribbean. ]]> Flattening of Caribbean coral reefs: region-wide declines in architectural complexity. Dr. Isabelle Côté explains, "What we call structurally complex reefs are a bit like Swiss cheese: they are full of holes." She says climate change has completely flattened the Caribbean's most complex coral reefs over the last 40 years. "These nooks and crannies, both on the surface and inside the reef framework, are used by a great variety of reef fish and invertebrates, for shelter, to hide breeding nests, and for foraging." The researchers have discovered that increased coral bleaching, as a result of human-induced climate change, has wiped out complex coral reefs. The lead on the project noted, "We thought bleached corals' dead skeletons continue to shelter reef inhabitants and shield coastlines from storms and hurricanes. Our team has shown that the dead skeletons are collapsing as fast as the reefs are dying... "This disturbing trend, combined with ongoing exploitation of various marine species, will speed up the decline of coral reef-dependent marine life and threaten the existence of nearby marine-life-eating coastal communities. These communities will also be more vulnerable to flooding." The authors have also reported a decline in coral reef fish in the same Caribbean regions, linking the 2 trends: declining complexity and reef fish abundance. Links to learn more about our Caribbean coral reefs and their protection: http://insciences.org/articles.php?tag=Coral%20Reefs http://insciences.org/articles.php?tag=Climate http://insciences.org/articles.php?tag=Marine%20Biology (source: InSciences Organization)]]> Caribbean Net News. ]]> RisMedia. ]]> Bottled Water - one gallon per person for 72 hours Flashlights with extra Batteries - candles can pose a serious fire hazard should there be propane or gas leaks in the area Supply of Nonperishable Food Items - protein bars, canned goods (don't forget a can opener!), dried or prepackaged energy food Medicine - 30 day supply stored in plastic waterproof containers, clearly marked and kept in a zip-lock bag Eyeglasses Proper Footwear and Protective Clothing for post-hurricane Portable Radio and extra Batteries Important Documents - drivers license, passport, notes of allergies, important contact numbers, insurance documents, extra cash, ATM and bank/credit cards Generator - ensure filled with propane/gas and in good working order Insurance Coverage for yourself and family, home, boat and vehicles - ensure it's current and up to date plus note contact information should you need to make a claim or contact your provider in case of injury Know how to shut off electricity, gas and water if so advised by authorities Action or Evacuation Plan - hotel, friend's home or shelter, evacuation plan if residing on an island or coastal areas that are remote or vulnerable to storm surge Let Friends and Family Know how to contact you and where you plan to be, forward land lines to cell phones Text Message rather than voice mail, uses less battery time and communication is faster Cell Phone and charger, car charger, extra batteries Care and Plan for your Pets Safety- food, water, medicine, bowls, plastic bags, collar with your name and contact info, extra leash, pet crate for transporting, name and number of vet and copies of vaccinations, photo, favorite toy or blanket Secure Hurricane Shutters or board your home securely, move all outside items to basement or inside storage, flying debris and items can cause tremendous damage to your home, vehicles and neighbourhood Car, keep gas tank full - especially important if you live in a remote place or on an island where supplies may be limited or cut-off after a storm Know Where to get Information on Storm Conditions - local radio station, tv station, website or through the internet on your cell phone Secure Your Boat - consider turning off the EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) if your boat is docked, secured and unoccupied. When boats with this system start to sink or capsize a signal via a satellite is sent to the nearest emergency satellite call center. These centers need to maintain clear and unjammed communication lines for satellite phones and emergency personnel during a hurricane The National Hurricane Center released the following names for 2009 hurricanes... Ana Bill Claudette Danny Erika Fred Grace Henri Ida Joaquin Kate Larry Mindy Nicholas Odette Peter Rose Sam Teresa Victor Wanda What is a storm surge? For those residents living on the coast or in the islands a storm surge is something we are always concerned about. Storm surge is water that's pushed toward the shore by winds swirling around the storm. Recent hurricanes have produced storm surges in the neighbourhood of 15 feet, combined with winds in excess of 75 miles per hour this can be very dangerous. Water weighs approximately 1700 pounds per cubic yard - extended pounding by frequent waves can demolish structures not specifically designed to withstand these forces. Please be prepared and have a plan, review it on a yearly basis. If you are an absentee homeowner arrange for someone to secure the premises in your absence, neighbour, friend, property management company. For more information on how to prepare for a hurricane please visit the National Hurricane Centers website: www.nhc.noaa.gov]]> St Kitts won the Leeward Islands Youth Athletics Championships yesterday by winning 30 gold medals in their 11th successive overall victory. Having dominated the first day of the competition, the Kittitian team wasted no time continuing their momentum in yesterday's morning session. Nevis performed well on the final day of the championships and was able to edge out Antigua & Barbuda for third place after trailing them on the first day. Nevis' final medal count stood at five Gold, six Silver and eight Bronze. Anguilla finished in fifth place overall with two Gold, 10 Silver and 13 Bronze, and the US Virgin Islands finished out the order with one Silver medal for the weekend. The championship title is St. Kitts' 11th consecutive and 12th overall since the inception of the Leeward Islands Championships in 1993. ]]> 0.58 Acre (25,427 square feet) Located on the south-eastern side of the island, the land is situated in an area called Gingerland and faces the sea towards Saddle Hill, Long Point and Charlestown. It slopes gently and there is still evidence of the land being used for sugar cane plantations through stone walls delimiting two levels. Asking $70,000. View more photos and details on our Coldwell Banker Listing page.]]> Remodeling Magazine, improving the quality of a kitchen - whether upgrading appliances, changing the layout, counters and cabinetry, or simply painting and swapping out drawer pulls - provides the highest ROI of any remodel project. Also, remodeling or adding a bathroom is a proven way to increase house value. 3) Before you purchase a house with the intention of remodeling and raising the home value, be sure to investigate the zoning restrictions and environmental regulations. Many older homes come with zoning restrictions, including pre-determined setbacks from property lines, limits on roof height, etc. If the home is on a municipal historic register, regulations will likely be even more stringent in order to preserve the house's historic character. If the home you are buying is in an environmentally sensitive area - adjacent to wetlands or protected open space, for example - or contains a significant natural resource, additional regulations may limit your remodel plans. Such regulations can impede on house size, paving, grading soil, cutting down trees and removing native plants. 4) Your real estate agent can help you determine zoning and environmental regulations and determine if you have the correct permits to begin any home improvement project. In most parts of the world, a legal permit is required before you make structural changes to your home. The building permit and associated inspections and approvals can provide assurance that the remodeling project meets local building codes and safety regulations. If you live in a historic district this process may also provide assurance that exterior changes to your home are in keeping with neighborhood guidelines. 5) Lastly, before buying a home that requires a remodel, be aware that some problems simply can't be fixed. Whether the desired improvement is prohibited by local regulations, or can't be undertaken with your budget or timeframe, it's important to recognize the limitations of your home's potential. Contact our experienced Coldwell Banker agents to discuss your plans. ]]> Bonnie's blog in the Sudbury Starabout Plugging Into Relationships. When you visit, plan to set aside some time not just to enjoy the ambience, but to consider a real estate investment. Contact a Coldwell Banker agent to discuss opportunities. ]]> St Kitts was recently featured in the International Business Times Travel section. In company with Aruba, Barbados, Cayman Islands, Grenada, St. Lucia, St Maarten, and Turks & Caicos, the islands are not "Specks of land surrounded by large swaths of water...they are island paradises. There are more than 7,000 islands, islets, reefs, and cayes in the Caribbean, after all, and many of them are sparsely populated and stunningly beautiful." Here's what they say about St Kitts, "Population: 43,000 Capital City: Basseterre Currency: East Caribbean Dollar Official Language: English Location: Geographically St. Kitts and Nevis is part of the Leeward Islands. To the north-northwest are the islands of St. Eustatius, Saba, Saint Barthelemy and St. Martin. Northeast of St. Kitts is Antigua and Barbuda. St. Kitts was the first British Colony in the West Indies in 1624. In 1983 St. Kitts and Nevis achieved independence and is the newest sovereign nation in the Americas. It is also the smallest in terms of population and land area. Literacy Rate: above 98% and unemployment is among the lowest in the Caribbean at 4.3%. We do have beautiful islands just waiting for you. Come visit and discuss buying opportunities with a Coldwell Banker agent while you are here. ]]> Plumbing If you know that you will be selling your home, you should try to repair all plumbing leaks as soon as possible. Besides checking for leaks throughout the home's plumbing system, a home inspector will also check the water pressure by running multiple faucets and flushing toilets. In some cases, an inspection may also include a check of the septic system. If you have experienced drainage problems in your home, you may want to consider contacting a professional to check the septic system prior to the home inspection. Cooling Systems As there are many types of cooling systems, there is no standard test for home inspectors. However, regardless of what type of cooling system your home utilizes, even if just ceiling fans, you should try to ensure that everything is working properly prior to the home inspection. You may also want to consider having your cooling units serviced prior to selling your home. Electrical System A typical home inspection will check the electrical panel and circuit breakers that power your property for problems and test outlets throughout the home. The inspector will also check for ground fault interrupt outlets (GFIs) in the kitchen and bathrooms. Designed to automatically shut off power during a short circuit, these special outlets are an important safety feature for every home. If you live in an older home, you may want to have GFIs installed and have your electrical system checked before an inspection. Roof A home inspection will check for weak or missing shingles and make an assessment regarding the quality of the roof. If any poor shingles are spotted, an inspector might check underneath to see if the building materials are damaged or rotten. To prevent a poor report, you should consider replacing bad shingles and having an expert check the overall quality of the roof. Gutters Prior to the inspection, try to make sure your gutters are clean and rainwater is able to flow without spilling over the sides. Also, downspouts should be pointed away from the house, as poor drainage is often the cause of mold and mildew problems. Mold and Mildew If you have seen mold or mildew anywhere in your home, you should consider contacting a cleanup professional prior to the inspection. Regardless of where mold and mildew are found in the home, it is important to both kill the fungus and fix the cause of the problem. As homebuyers are becoming increasingly aware of the effects mold and mildew can have on a home, you might experience difficulty selling your home if you don't take care of the issue. After the initial inspection, try not to be discouraged if the inspector finds a few flaws; very few homes are perfect and inspectors are trained to take note of every possible concern. Home inspections are designed to assess the working order of the home's infrastructure and assure the buyer that home's condition matches the details of the contract. In short, if you take care of the most important repair concerns before you try to sell, you will grant yourself a better chance of passing your home inspection.]]> Global Property Guide. The premise is basically that "real estate prices in St. Kitts and Nevis have been increasing steadily for a decade, though they're considerably less expensive than most islands in the Caribbean region. A six-bedroom house in St. Kitts sells for about XC$1.97 million (US$730,000) while a three-bedroom house in Nevis sells for around XC$1.84 million (US$680,000), according to recent Global Property Guide research. "In the past four years the pace of real estate developments has increased rapidly, spurred by the arrival of the Marriott Hotel in Frigate Bay and the increased number of airlifts in the islands. Since then, St. Kitts and Nevis gained popularity among holiday travelers and wealthy foreign homebuyers." Quoting our local Coldwell Banker office, "In 2009, the housing market is expected to remain stable, despite the global financial meltdown. According to Coldwell Banker St. Kitts and Nevis Realty, property demand in St. Kitts and Nevis remains robust. While some banks have imposed stricter lending criteria, interest in home ownership is still strong, and lending institutions remain committed to financing in the housing market." Contact any of our Coldwell Banker St Kitts & Nevis agents to discuss real estate opportunities.]]> NuWireInvestor, summarizes the basics of investing in the 193 countries of the world into 6 topics. We only introduce them here, and suggest you read the entire article, if you are considering a real estate investment in the Caribbean. 1. International real estate investment can offer excellent diversification of assets: Diversification effectively distributes risk among multiple markets and can optimize potential for return. 2. Currency exchange rates can enhance or impede profit margins:International real estate investment essentially combines property two types of assets: property and foreign currency. The value of a foreign currency can profoundly affect the amount of return made on an investment, as it increases or decreases relative to the U.S. dollar. 3. Legal technicalities (or lack thereof) may increase risk: Navigating the legal landscape of a foreign real estate market can be daunting, especially in developing countries that have only recently opened their property markets to limited foreign investment. 4. Foreign investment opportunities abound in Latin America: Latin American real estate markets can be especially favorable, offering affordable property prices, government initiatives meant to attract foreign capital and exotic, beautiful landscapes. 5. Working with international real estate professionals is an important first step: Embarking on one's own in unfamiliar territory can be a dangerous move. Contact our local Coldwell Banker agents - they know the market and real estate trends. 6. The US real estate market is not necessarily a "bad" place to invest: The state of the U.S. housing market might be unnerving for many investors, but those who follow the traditional "buy low, sell high" mantra might see opportunity where others see cause for concern. International real estate investing carries risk but we have professionals at Coldwell Banker who can help you understand the risk and minimize it for your situation. Give us a call.]]> Country Life gave a real positive spin to buying property in St Kitts or Nevis. "Affordable, untouched and yet-now-accessible, St Kitts is about to become the new must-have Caribbean holiday home destination. Get in now... "For many of the passengers travelling on the Virgin Atlantic flight VS29 from London to Barbados on January 21, it came as rather a surprise that they were going to make an unscheduled pit stop on