Newsletter - February 2010 Roatan Real Estate Newsletter [ 03/06/2010 ] -From all accounts it seems it has been, and in many cases still is, a pretty tough winter up north. I have heard on the news that every single state in the U.S., including Hawaii, has had snow this year. I am unsure when the last time that has happened, but certainly speaks the type of winter many are having. Here on the island things have been absolutely beautiful. Warm days, cool nights, white sand, aqua water, and starry nights .There have been some rainy days and a few squalls at night, but welcome wetness keeping us green and the water levels up in cisterns and under the ground . It is really tough to beat weeks like this. I guess a good part of the reason why we are here. Occasionally we venture off the island to visit our children or grandchildren in the states but every couple of months we find ourselves going to the mainland for some reason. Although over the years we have played “tourist” here, visiting the magnificent Mayan ruins in Copan, a rain forest B & B, even some white water rafting, the last trip was a “multitasking” adventure of everyday type needs mixed with some down time in LaCeiba. LaCeiba is a small city, (I believe around 180,000 pop), forty miles off the coast of Roatan. A 15 minute flight or 1.5 hour ferry ride brings you to this little bustling metropolis. We normally stay in LaQuinta Hotel. LaQuinta is a “Spanish style” courtyard design with each room venturing to the out doors, often in front of a tropical garden. It has a restaurant, swimming pool, wireless internet and is a short walk to the shopping mall, a favorite stop for my wife Nancy. LaCeiba is a place where the mainly English culture of the island quickly changes to the Spanish culture of Central America. First on this trip will be a visit to the doctor’s office at Medi Centro for an annual physical. MediCentro is a fairly modern facility that has a full lab, MRI and some English speaking personnel. Then to a dentist for our check up and cleaning (about $35.00). Our Dentista there is Dra. Florencia Portilla, who speaks English well and has better equipment than our dentist in Florida. Finally some R & R at poolside and one of our regular stops at the “Cine”. A Cine here is a movie theater there. Although not the huge complexes found in the states this modern facility usually has U.S movies that come out on the same day as they do there nationally. The movies are in English for the most part with subtitles in Spanish. During comedies there is a little “lag-time” in the laughs because most of the audience is reading but overall a nice experience. I smile each time I visit here. Both of us can take in a show, share a large popcorn and drink for about $6.00. Even if the show is not always a hit with us the price point sure is. -Island Lure/Culture/Melting Pot Roatan is a cultural melting pot of sorts. Besides the foreigner population there are four other distinct cultures here. Although most are native islanders and some from the mainland, one of the very enjoyable differences is the variety of cultural foods. If you like food this certainly a great place to experience it. Very fresh seafood, fruit and veggies is the norm. One of the island treasures, in my opinion, is the Blue Harbor hydroponics farm providing a super fresh source of lettuce and herbs. Lettuce that gets delivered to the stores a couple of times a week and stays fresh in your refrigerator for weeks, versus only days as I’ve experienced in the U.S. Midwest. I think you will find when you visit that many of the foods here will provide a taste bud explosion. I believe that is a pretty accurate description of what can happen while you experience the new, the different, and the exciting. - Island “Tid Bits” - Island Vet- Those who know Dr. Soto, one of the local Veterinarians, already know he is an English speaking vet of good quality. You may or may not know that his office/store is now located at Coconut Plaza near the airport. For those who do not know and are wondering, yes there is quality pet care on the island for your needs. - If you are a regular on the island you probably already know this place and if you are and do not you should. “Blue Bahia” in Sandy Bay is one of the best places for lunch or dinner here on Roatan. A beachfront, rustic operation serves great food that ranges from a variety of smoked foods to some of the best seafood on the island. -Another new eatery that I noticed but have not yet tried is a boutique garden restaurant at the “Lily Pond” B & B. In West End on the road to Half Moon Bay the small operation looked to be quite enticing. At first glance it looks very much like a place I would wish to try. -The new “Mega Plaza” Mall is really shaping up with most of the retail operation locations now filled. With Applebee’s and Wendy’s serving as anchor locations there also is a large variety and options of ladies clothing stores, Paradise Computers, a Café Americana coffee shop, homemade ice cream, optical options and others. Probably not what most North American’s would consider “Mega” on their standards, but certainly a place that is a plus for the island and everyone’s shopping convenience. -New 24/7 Air Ambulance-A new Emergency Evacuation Service has been implemented on the island. This service utilizes an ambulance to transport you to the airport where an air ambulance awaits to get you t the mainland. The service is called SEEMA. The cost for coverage is $150.00 per year ($200.00 per couple) if you wish to sign up. You can email Wilmer Duarte at wilmerduarte77@gmail.com or skymedroatan@yahoo.com to receive additional information and make your evaluation of this new service. Are you new to your knowledge quest of the island? If you are you may wish to spend some time on our web site. It has both valuable and interesting information on it for Buying, Selling and even some historical background. This may be a good place to start- http://www.roatan-realestate.com/roatan-info.php This link has a Google Earth Map and even has a map you can download, print and bring with you when you head this way. Also helpful may be the links for potential BUYERS – http://www.roatan-realestate.com/roatan-buyers.php This gives an overview of what you need to know about your future purchase of your tropical island dream. -New and /or exciting offers- We really have some great new & value listings this month! Unique, beautiful., values. If you are a boat person this just may be your perfect spot. A value priced home of good quality and condition, in a nice local area, near the golf course, in a protected area, within a very short drive to the shopping mall, restaurants and your own private dock! Sounds perfect to me.- http://roatan-realestate.com/listing.php?id=627"> http://roatan-realestate.com/listing.php?id=627 > Do you have a beer budget but champagne taste? This fractional ownership opportunity in one of the islands top communities may be the perfect location for your vacations and investment……. http://roatan-realestate.com/listing.php?id=628"> http://roatan-realestate.com/listing.php?id=628 > There is beach and there is BEACH! If you are looking for a great spot on one of the islands top beaches, in a very quiet area this is it- http://roatan-realestate.com/listing.php?id=629"> http://roatan-realestate.com/listing.php?id=629 > If a hotel/condo is your cup of tea this brand new, recently completed, coveted center unit is the perfect place for you vacations. http://roatan-realestate.com/listing.php?id=630"> http://roatan-realestate.com/listing.php?id=630 > Are you looking for the perfect vacation/retirement/investment combo? This is it! Reduced by $145,000 dollars! Seller financing, the perfect beach, rental income…. it has it all! http://roatan-realestate.com/listing.php?id=380"> http://roatan-realestate.com/listing.php?id=380 > Want future value and yesterday’s price? This remote waterfront location makes a very nice land bank investment – http://roatan-realestate.com/listing.php?id=633"> http://roatan-realestate.com/listing.php?id=633 > This resort owner has lowered his price since listed by $800,000 dollars! Make an offer, start a new life!- http://roatan-realestate.com/listing.php?id=271"> http://roatan-realestate.com/listing.php?id=271 > Future build , personal estate, or sub-divide? Outstanding views and breezes, three acres! http://roatan-realestate.com/listing.php?id=235"> http://roatan-realestate.com/listing.php?id=235 > -Golf Course Update Nine holes of the Pete Dye design “Black Pearl” golf course are now open with completion of the course scheduled before the end of this summer. I believe at completion you will be able to view the ocean from eleven of the holes. This rolling hills, aqua views course will be one of the finest in the Caribbean. The completion of several of the “Casita/Condos” should be within the next 30 to 45 days and this development called “Pristine Bay” will be one spectacular operation. I have three links on our site devoted to this operation and if this is an operation that interests you, you certainly should be on your list on “must sees” on your next visit- The home sites are here- http://roatan-realestate.com/listing.php?id=421"> http://roatan-realestate.com/listing.php?id=421 > Casita/Condos here- http://roatan-realestate.com/listing.php?id=420"> http://roatan-realestate.com/listing.php?id=420 > The Marina Villas on this link- http://roatan-realestate.com/listing.php?id=584"> http://roatan-realestate.com/listing.php?id=584 > -Market Feel Overall things are pretty good here in regards to the market overall. There is no doubt that the economic situation has slowed things down here and that prices have also softened but overall people are still buying and things remain very positive. With over 10,000 people a week landing here on cruise ships, each week that passes more and more people are discovering Roatan for the spectacular Caribbean location that it is. If you are thinking about Roatan as a possible retirement location or investment you timing is very good. Some have called this “The Last Caribbean Frontier”. With the market being down it certainly is a buying opportunity. Best regards to all. Do not forget to visit our site for additional information. http://www.roatan-realestate.com/index.php If you are a serious “looker” you can do searches based on your wants, desires and prices here - http://link.flexmls.com/oq9ggfooh53,2 Larry Roatan-Real Estate Owner/Broker