Forwarded: -----Original Message----- From: roatanrealestate.....hn [mailto:roatanrealestate.....hn] Sent: Wednesday, September 10, 2003 5:02 AM Subject: Roatan News September Newsletter- 9-9-03
-Temptation Island -Cruise Ship boom -Real Estate industry update -New Listings - Roatan is.......................
-Temptation Island has now aired twice on FOX T.V.with the last show this past Thursday. On the chat and group discussions on the internet, there has been a fair amount of discontent that the exposure for “Roatan” has been minimal by name, with the show even displaying a different island on their opening shot of the first show.
There was plaques showing the two resorts that served as hosts for this programing, but little for advertising, notice, or mention regarding the island itself. It has been noted by some of the people on the chat and discussion groups that it is identical to what FOX had done when they filmed in Belize. Though some developers that visited with President Maduro some four weeks ago suggested that the Tourism Institute buy some ad time on the show, it seems that it will be a wait and see situation to see if they in fact will do such.
Overall, it is my belief that although some mention on the show would certainly expand the market of those who would vacation here and possibly buy real estate here, the way things have been going on the island, in that the growth rate is already substantial, and it would certainly be beneficial, it certainly is not something that the island can not live without.
On MSNBC you have http://www.msnbc.com/news/962399.asp#BODY That lists the resorts the airlines to get here and how to book in conjuction with a story about the show.
A Northern California Radio Station now running a free vacation promotion to Roatan as seen here http://www.channel1049.com/main.html “Visit Temptation Island !”
The New York Post also ran the following article http://www.nypost.com/entertainment/4345.htm
By the end of the series many , many thousands who have never heard of this little rock will know exactly were we are.
-Cruise ships- It seems the cruise ships have definitely found Roatan. Though there is still only just one dock at this point there are 17 ships scheduled in October and 30 in November, some days there are two. Their impact on the island to the people of the island has been substantial economically. Coxen Hole is getting a complete face lift with concrete streets being poured along with sidewalks and a concrete wall running along much of the municipal which will both dress up the appearance and hide some of the lesser of the buildings to a degree.
Property Values have skyrocketed along the street between the cruise ship dock and the Municipal proper. There are plans for a new mini mall that should start construction as early as next week, this small shopping mall with a dozen or so shop spaces available to rent to small businesses should be in the right spot at the right time. As I type this, half of it is already spoken for. It is the goal of the people building to get this almost 5000 square foot building up and running before the end of the year which is doable.
The road going the other direction, (west towards Flowers Bay), is also in process of being widened with new bridges and with the intent of paving all the way to where it meets the road that goes to West Bay and West End.
Overall lots to get excited about here on the rock and looks like for those who are looking for it parts of the island at least are really taking off.
-Real Estate industry update- I would like to take this opportunity to announce the formation of the Roatan Realtors Association. Members of this new organization are committed to be the front runners in leading the industry on the island to new levels of professionalism and service.
Scheduled to begin in approximately 30 days will be the new Multiple Listing Service. Previously on the island without this system, sellers of property were basically offered two options. Those were an "Exclusive Listing" with one company or an "Open Listing" with some or all of the real estate operations on the island. Due to the lack of an organized effort there were many down sides. The majority of realtors on the island would not advertise "Open Listings" because that system would have them spending time, effort and dollars with other agencies taking advantage of their efforts and often not getting a return for their efforts. An "Exclusive Listing " alternative would be with one office and therefore, though advertised and/or placed on a web page, was only with the one company. Although there are a few of us that would send out our new "Exclusive Listings" to cooperating agencies, over all the selling client pretty much was selling via the one agency
With the Multiple Listing Service. (MLS), all members will be connected to a data bank of information that will provide information in detail to all members. This additional information will generate more expedient sales for Sellers, who list their properties with the MLS Members, with a widespread coverage. Buyers will be able to find a company that they feel comfortable in dealing with and wish to be represented by, versus having to deal with many companies on the island to view properties due to the lack of the MLS system. Those who have already agreed to join will provide 20+ real estate consultants on the island that will have properties listed with a member agency and will have access to listings in this data bank.
In conjunction with the formation of the Roatan Realtors Association, there will be added benefits to both Buyers and Sellers. These benefits include all members joining the Honduran National Realtors Association, and agreeing to an all but identical version of the U.S. Ethics code for realtors. Broker Members will have all Sales Consultants that work in their offices also sign this Ethics Code and will be responsible to the Association for the adherence to it by any Sales Consultant working with their agencies.
In addition to the above client benefits, Member Brokers will set up designated Escrow accounts that will be utilized solely for the purpose of real estate transactions. MLS members will also contribute to advertising funds so that all potential Sellers will know that they are getting the most for their support of this system. Although still on the horizon, there is a MLS magazine planned to advertise all properties of all member agencies.
It is our hope that all who have properties for sale on the island and all that wish to purchase property on the island support this effort to centralize real estate information on the island therefore providing a more professional industry to all. If you have any questions regarding this please feel free to contact me. I realize that much of the above is taken for granted where you come from, but here it is a whole different story and really is a positive development for the island and the people who wish to invest in it. Roatan Real Estate is proud to be one of the founding members of this new organization.
-New Listings-
Beach spots- The area between West End and West Bay is called “Tabayana Beach”. Beside being the most coveted end of the island it also has some very beautiful beach that is now available with up to 250’ available, (min purchase 75’). Because there really is comparatively little beach still available on the island and buying sand water front is ALWAYS a good investment, (especially on an up and coming Caribbean Island). Last year a gentlman, who was born and raised here on the island that bought a condo from me remarked when I asked him why he was buying down in West Bay, he pointed to the sand and said, “Larry, God only made so much of this stuff and I want some it while it is still available and relatively reasonable in price”. That, from a guy who is a native islander.
-Remote and less in price, though you will have to sit on it a few years for it to catch up development wise- The “other” great beach on the island is on the far north east end of the island. Similar in quality to West Bay Beach, (which has been called one of the top ten in the world), the sand is a bit coarser. There you can still spend around $100K for 100’ of it here though West Bay frontage has recently gone for about $600K. Of course 7-8 years ago you could buy West Bay for under that $100K mark. This is what is projected by many for the now remote beach on the island for appreciation. Get it while you can. http://www.roatan-realestate.com/listing.php?id=31
This piece of beach has it all. 100’ of beach, deep water right off shore to moor a boat, a nice gradual but substantial upward slope to the back of the lot as a building sitie, western sunsets, a cul de sac type situation, close to west end restaurants, dive shops,........... Cetainly worth your attention and consideration. Check it out. http://www.roatan-realestate.com/listing.php?id=58 Neighborhood Village home sites - These “Village home sites “ as they are called, of which half or more are sold at this writing, are the answer for many. Small in size, (so therefore in care also), will surround a community swimming pool, and sit in a great little neighborhood with all the “warm fuzzies” of the states. Cable TV, telephone lines, high speed sat. internet connection, security, concrete paved streets, underground utilities, and just a very short walk from a beach and marina. Because of both the location and amenities, this should be right up the alley of some one who is not quite ready for their retirement, may wish to buy to get a good price and could also generate rental income from what they build to help pay the way. A very winning combination. http://www.roatan-realestate.com/listing.php?id=7
For outstanding views for a residential or commercial site, this one is hard to beat for price and location right on the main highway. http://www.roatan-realestate.com/listing.php?id=127
Another new listing for our company, similar to the one above but a bit larger - http://www.roatan-realestate.com/listing.php?id=128
“Roatan is”- Overall folks Roatan is real on the move. Though the begining of the move, you can really feel the optimism and enthusiasim on the island and from the people who visit. Investors of all sizes are hitting our site and asking all the questions you would think they would. I believe 2004 will be a very exciting year for Roatan and hope that all will be a part of that in some way. Hopefully if you have not yet experienced this little island you will plan on doing such this coming year.
For those who have not been here Roatan is............Democratic country, friendly islanders, tropical climate, secure and safe....blah, blah, blah...............
Roatan really is a place where the beach is more than a tiny spot to put a towel.. ................your entire space.
A place where your senses come alive....no EXPLODE !
Roatan is millions of stars that light up the sky at night
.............. lightening light shows over the seas
................lush green hills and tropical flora , smells of the sea.
...............aqua blue , turquoise waters and fish more colorful than the rainbow that live along the reef that surrounds and protects the island from storms.
...............the deafening quiet, the stillness, the lack of crowds and sirens
..............the feel of the soft and constant tropical breezes that cool on hot days
..............the tastes of fresh fruits, veggies, cashews and the freshest of the fresh seafoods that excite your taste buds and leave you wondering why food does not taste this good up there.
It is your entire essence coming alive again from a long sleep that has dulled ...............the senses. It is life the way it should be. We wish you our best and hope all in life that is important to you is enjoyable now and in the future.
Larry
Larry Schlesser Roatan-Real Estate
PLEASE VISIT OUR FREQUENTLY UPDATED SITE- http://www.roatan-realestate.com 011-504-445-1612-phone 011-504-445-0351-fax 011-504-967-4482- Cell phone
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