Annual Comedy Show

Laughter adds to the quality of life everywhere. Grand Bahama looks forward to the annual Comedy Show with great enthusiasm and anticipation—every year seems funnier than the last—and the closest thing to our own island comedy club! Presented by the Grand Bahama Performing Arts Society, this year's show (the 4th annual!) will take place at The Regency Theatre on Saturday night March 17, 2012 at 8 pm and will feature a troupe of improvisational players from Canada—the Dumigod Players.

For more photos, ticket locations, and info on improv workshops the players will give for local students, click this link for the story via The Bahamas Weekly. And come on out and laugh along for a good cause—the Grand Bahama Performing Arts Society shows fund scholarships and support for local performing arts students—and that's always something to smile about!

Grand Bahama Island Liquidation Sale - Must Sell Now - All Offers Considered!

This 5 bedroom, 5.5 bath home Green Energy Efficient Home is 80% complete. All offers considered. The home was built to LEED standards and has factory-tinted windows, 11-inch thick "ICF" Steel Reinforced Walls, and French doors. Located on the intracoastal canal opposite Spanish Main on Crossbones Lane, only minutes to the open ocean. Complete with boat dock and high tide lift, this home is a great opportunity. All offers will be considered. House was listed at $2.4M finished.

To read more on our website, click here, or contact us at Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty, 242.351.9081, #9 Regent Centre East, Freeport, Grand Bahama.

Highlights

Bedrooms: 5

Bathrooms: 5.5

Lot Size: 18,750 sq. ft.

Living Area: 7,000

125" on the Water

Listing ID: 5053

Track & Field World Indoor Champion Chris Brown to Host Invitational Event in Grand Bahama

via The Nassau Guardian

Bahamian track star Chris Brown will host world class track and field athletes in Grand Bahama at his invitational event, The Chris Brown Classic, slated for April 14th, 2012. 

International track and field elites are expected to participate in this event which will serve to prime those entered in the 2012 London Olympics this summer: July 27 — August 12.

A Key Investment in Peace of Mind

Your Real Estate professional is a key investment that benefits you in so many ways:

Expert advice and assistance are invaluable when buying or selling a home or commercial property —one of the biggest financial transactions you can make.

Local knowledge of market values and conditions, neighborhoods, infrastructure costs, and community resources make a difference in giving you the best options in your real estate sales or purchases.

Savvy buyers and sellers know the value of hiring and consulting with a real estate professional. They will help you explore all the possible properties that fit your needs and budget.

Expert advice and assistance saves both time and money, and can make the most important life-purchases or sales a true pleasure.

The professional real estate agents and brokers at Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty can help you determine your buying power, best sales price, or can recommend qualified lenders and financing options.

Here's a look at one of our properties for sale ... click here to browse our site and give us a call at Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty (242.351.9081) when you're ready to buy or sell.

OLD BAHAMA BAY DREAM HOME 

perfect for a Private Pilot, Golfer, or Boater ...

Listing ID: 5854

This home is situated in the idyllic gated community of OLD BAHAMA BAY in West End on Grand Bahama Island only 56 miles from West Palm Beach, Florida.

The 3,200 square foot property is wonderfully landscaped and a beautiful covered porch. Every room has a water view. Travertine marble floors, cypress beam high ceiling, and natural stained wood exemplify the quality and aesthetic features of this magnificent home. The guest quarters have 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, with a kitchenette. The Main house has a master bedroom with whirlpool tub and a 2nd bedroom with a bunk bed (full on bottom, twin on top). The kitchen is stocked with everything you need to cook a gourmet meal, including a gas range. All bedrooms are beautifully furnished and include flat screen TV's/ DVD. The main entertainment system features a 42' HDTV with surround sound and IPOD station, Cable television and high-speed internet including WIFI. The 75 ft dock has deep water and 50 amp service. You can be in world class fishing and diving within minutes. You have access to all the resort amenities. Includes Private Air Strip.

For more photos and information on this listing, click here.

Glimpses of A Warm Winter Garden

Aahhh ... click here to sample the joys of a warm winter garden in Grand Bahama via Paula's Paradise.

Is It The Truth?

LETS TALK REAL ESTATE by James Sarles, President, Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty IS IT THE TRUTH?

We all know that the last few years have been very rough in the real estate market—and that’s putting in mildly. There are fewer buyers, lower prices, fewer transactions, an oversupply of property, and the doom and gloom goes on. Even aggressive buyers have been cautious and were hesitant to take advantage of the great deals out there because of their fear of the world economy. Some “experts” believe that the market has finally bottomed out and 2012 will be a better year. Of course the only way you know you are at the bottom is when the market rises, and then it’s too late to catch the bottom. We do know that 2011 was better than 2010, so that is a good sign!

From our perspective sitting on one of the 29 islands, 661 cays, and 2,387 islets (rocks) in the Atlantic Ocean, the needle seems to moving in the right direction and 2012 is shaping up to be a better year than 2011. Everything is relative and it doesn’t take much to do better than 2011, but the real estate market is coming back all around the world. If you are selling your home, you must remember that there is still a lot of competition out in the marketplace, so even though you want to sell your home badly, it is critical to DISCLOSE EVERYTHING about your property or risk losing the sale.

In 1930, Herbert Taylor coined the now famous Rotary 4-way test of the things we think, say, or do, and this series of honest questions apply to selling your house as well. Ask yourself:

•  IS IT THE TRUTH?

•  IS IT FAIR TO ALL CONCERNED?

•  WILL IT BUILD GOODWILL AND BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

•  WILL IT BE BENEFICIAL TO ALL CONCERNED?

Let’s say that you just listed your beautiful home in Bahamia, or Fortune Cay, for sale, and let’s say you withheld a few “little” problems from your real estate agent – the roof leaks, but only when it rains; the outlet in the back bedroom won’t spark unless something is plugged in; and there is a stain on the oak floor in the living room that is covered up by a rug. Will it be all right if you simply don’t mention these defects? Definitely not!

IS IT THE TRUTH?

It is a mistake to think that your home will sell more quickly if you conceal its little (or not so little) imperfections. I have seen these seemingly insignificant items escalate into major issues that have ruined sales. Buyers have a right—and must be informed about—not only about any structural problems, but also any limitations imposed by a homeowner’s association. These could range from the obligation to join the homeowner’s association to a restriction on parking a truck overnight in your driveway! Homeowner’s associations can impose restrictive covenants governing use and occupancy that can include prohibitions against guesthouses or multi-family residences, or the right to rent. You can see why failure to disclose could have disastrous consequences and even end up in court. Keep in mind that any home has its quirks. If something in your home is not working properly or needs to be repaired, fix it or make sure that your agent discloses it to the prospective buyers. Be absolutely candid with your agent and buyers about the condition of the property. It is unlikely that such defects will go undetected because more and more buyers are getting structural inspections, and after the hurricanes, are paying more attention themselves on the structural and mechanical aspects of your home. If they don’t see what you are trying to hide on the first visit they may pick it up on the second visit, and when buyers remorse sets in that spells trouble with a capital T.

So, instead of having sleepless nights before or after the sale, it’s better to disclose the major and minor problems upfront to save problems later. Think about the Rotary 4-way test when you are selling your house, get a good nights sleep, and Sell your house in 2012. Good Luck to buyers and sellers. Until next time ...

James Sarles

Grand Bahama Introduced to London

James Sarles, President of Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty, was recently invited by exclusive Savills to the launch of their Caribbean desk, where he showcased Grand Bahama property listings in London. Sarles works with Savills—a global real estate service provider listed on the London Stock Exchange—to give his clients greater world wide reach.

Savills encompasses an international network of more than 200 offices and associates throughout the Americas, the United Kingdom, continental Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East. A broad range of specialist advisory, management, and transactional services is offered to clients all over the world.

The 2-day introduction of the Caribbean property desk was held at the fabulous Landownes Club with a reception at the famous Fortnum and Mason's—a purveyor of fine fare and a longstanding favorite of the Queen of England and gourmet fans the world over.

Martha Stewart in Baker's Bay on Great Guana Cay, Abaco

Martha Stewart recently wrote in her blog about a wonderful visit with her family and friends at the exclusive Baker's Bay Golf & Ocean Club in Great Guana Cay, Abaco.

We certainly agree: the charms and idyllic out-islands of The Bahamas are a Very Good Thing!

GET LOST!

LET’S TALK REAL ESTATE

By James Sarles, President, Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty

ADVICE FOR SELLERS… GET LOST

We all know that the real estate market in The Bahamas is very slow AND we also know it is not dead. The New Year has brought new buyers who are looking for Real Estate deals. Many people have made New Year’s resolutions for 2012 to invest or move to The Bahamas AND they are looking to BUY. So, if you are a seller, please listen to this advice that most real estate agents don’t have the guts to tell you:

If a local real estate agent brings a prospective buyer to see your house, instead of being so excited to tell them how great your house is and trying to become their new best friend, my respectful advice to you is: GET LOST.

This is the time to let the real estate agent do their job IF you really want to sell.

For example, let’s say you finally made the decision to sell your home or condo. You've spent hours cleaning and preparing, discarding old clutter, rearranging that abandoned closet, trimming your bougainvillea, and replanting your banana and papaya trees.

You've gone to Dolly Madison, Kelly's, Paint Fair and Furniture Outlet and have given your property a total facelift. Your bathroom is clean and sparkling. A fresh bouquet of flowers from Sylvan at Butler’s Food World is sitting on the dining room table.

Now comes the tricky part: allowing complete strangers to walk through your home. This is the time when the services of a trustworthy, reliable, real estate broker are essential. Although you may be tempted to be present when a realtor shows your home, the best advice I can offer to you is to GET LOST! WALK OUT THE DOOR, relax, read The Freeport News, visit a friend, grab a cup of coffee, and let your real estate agent present your home to its best possible advantage.

People are naturally sensitive when they are a guest in someone's home,  and will be reluctant to voice their concerns if you are there. An inhibited buyer is not an active buyer! Your real estate agent should be familiar with your home and should be ready to answer any questions an interested party may have without making them feel uncomfortable.

A good real estate agent has the experience to help potential buyers ask their questions and respond to them with reassurance. In the buyer's mind,  your very presence keeps the home your home and makes it more difficult for them to visualize the home as theirs. With a clean, airy, open residence, they can more easily imagine how it would feel to be enjoying the house as much as you do.

In addition, homeowners selling their house (especially for the first time) often appear a bit nervous, and naturally so. Your innocent defense of the purple paint in the guest room may make sense to you, but may chill the feet of an interested party. Don't take other people's preferences personally. Everyone has his or her own tastes. What you want is a sale. Moreover, the buyer might interpret your anxiety as a need to sell, which could result in lower bids and counter offers.

The purchase of a home is a formidable undertaking. Most people require a significant amount of time in a house they are seriously considering and may wish to visit the home again and again. The concern you may experience as a seller is just as real for the buyer. Prospective clients may need the opportunity to scrutinize and analyze your home freely. You must grant them the space to do so. This allows them to overcome their anxiety and go through the purchasing process with a happy and clear mind.

People are usually more willing to speak candidly with the real estate agent than they are with the seller directly. You may be able to profit from the observations of others. After a showing, ask your Realtor for a follow-up report. An accomplished agent will be able to process the feedback from prospective buyers constructively and let you know if any changes need to be made. Don't be afraid to hear everything and be open to suggestions.

Your real estate agent is experienced and is trained to support you in finding solutions to those possible sore thumbs. They can help potential buyers get past their stumbling blocks. While a certain invasion of privacy must be endured, and some changes may need to be made, remember your goal: to sell your home quickly and for the best price possible. That's the real estate agent's goal too, so work with your real estate agent to achieve everyone's mutual interests so we may SELL SELL SELL while you happily GET LOST LOST LOST. Until next week ...

 James Sarles

Real Estate Predictions in 2012

REAL ESTATE PREDICTIONS IN 2012

by James Sarles, President, Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty

One of the interesting parts of ringing in the New Year is the speculation on what the next twelve months will bring to the Grand Bahama Real Estate Market, the US Real Estate Market and the world Real Estate Market. Collecting New Year predictions isn't as silly as it sounds; it gives knowledgeable players a chance to share what they know.  For my readers who are wondering what to do in 2012, here are a few interesting trusted voices in the US market which directly correlates to our market. Because as the saying goes, when the US sneezes, we catch a cold in Grand Bahama.

Karl Case, an economist and professor emeritus at Wellesley College, is one of the nation's smartest observers of the real-estate market in the US. The S&P/Case-Shiller Index, invented by Karl Case and Robert Shiller, "is pretty much the Dow Jones industrial average of real estate," says The New York Times.   I read an article by Karl, who predicts that the real estate market in the US is showing signs of recovery. That’s good sign for our market.

Bloomberg, a major global provider of 24-hour financial news and information says that even the worst-hit markets in the US will begin to see improvement by 2012, writes Bloomberg real-estate reporters, Prashant Gopal and Diana Holden.

The Kiplinger Letter, a weekly business and economic forecasting periodical predicts "The bleeding is just about over. But don't expect a speedy recovery."

So the “US experts” predict that we may have hit bottom which means this may be the time to buy in our market. I feel that with so many homes on the market in our sluggish market, now might be one of the best times in recent memory to buy a home. While buyers have the advantage in today’s real estate market, they still need to be savvy in order to get the best deal.

Throughout history there have always been business cycles of recession and recovery which correlate to great real estate markets and soft markets. In other words, the direction of economic activity eventually changes so now that the market is down  you have to be prepared for the market to recover.  Many times in these past cycles, the world  economy started to recover well before anyone really realized that the recession was ending.  If you keep a watchful eye on the news even when the statistics show high unemployment and it looks like a vicious downward cycle that will never end, the economy could actually be on its way to recovery.

In Grand Bahama we are directly influenced by the US and world economy and as things get better in the world investors will return to the island and we will get back on track. I truly believe that Grand Bahama has an opportunity to meet its potential even though we sometimes feel that it will never get ahead.  If the Government, The Port Authority and all of the members of the community do their part in being productive and make good decisions things will turn around.  It only takes a small shift to get the magic back in the magic city.  So here are some things I urge home buyers to keep in mind while the market is soft and it is a buyer’s market with a lot of property on the market and good deals all around:

Don’t Try to Time the Market: When home prices are low, it is very tempting for buyers to wait as long as possible in the hopes that prices will decline even further.   This strategy can be detrimental.   Once a home is priced to what the current market will bear, buyers will make offers.   It is best to to make an offer based upon the prices at which similar homes in the market are selling for.   In a buyer’s market, there are more opportunities for negotiations, but making an offer is the right step. If you find a great deal on a house that has great future potential if you wait too long you might miss the opportunity and the market may climb and the owner may raise the price. So now is the time.

Take Your Time…To A Degree: The increased supply of homes on the market gives homebuyers a great opportunity to evaluate a variety of properties. However, this does not mean that homebuyers can procrastinate. Don’t be a "Wouldof-couldof-shouldof”. Be a proud owner of a great house at a great price. If you find a great deal, go for it.

Homes Are Selling: Properly priced homes are selling. The # of transactions in Freeport have decreased but there is property selling for realistic market prices and buyers are getting great deals that they will be proud of in years to come.

Watch the Mortgage Rates: Rates are very reasonable now. While it is true that mortgage rates have risen over the past few years they seem to be going down again so be sure to watch the rates and do the math carefully, because changes in mortgage rates are not necessarily cost prohibitive.

Negotiate on the Incentives: Sellers eager to move their homes may offer a variety of incentives such as cars, boats furniture,  and other deal sweeteners. Before accepting an incentive, make sure it makes sense.

This is one of those moments in history where a savvy investor has   the opportunity to do   very well in real estate.   I wish you all great success in your real estate hunting. There are many skilled BREA (Bahamas Real Estate Association) agents in Grand Bahama who can help you make your dreams a reality. So call them and get your piece of the rock!

    

I wish everyone Real Estate Success in 2012.

Until next time,

James Sarles

Shout it from the Rooftops!

New Bahamas Express Fast Ferry Service Starts Today Between Fort Lauderdale and Grand Bahama

via thebahamasweekly.com

On Friday, December 9, 2011, Balearia Bahamas Express will commence passenger service between Port Everglades, FL and Freeport Harbour, right in time for the Christmas season.

  

Dubbed ‘Bahamas Express’ this service will essentially ‘fill the void’ of the recently departed Discovery Cruise Line, but with the added benefit that cruising time will be approximately 2.5 hours versus 5-7. This high-speed catamaran styled ferry sails at a speed of 32 knots, and has the capacity to hold 463 passengers, 80 vehicles, cargo in the hold, and will add approximately 135,000 available seats annually from Ft. Lauderdale  – which is equivalent to a jumbo jet arriving six days per week.

The Bahamas Express will depart Port Everglades at 10 am, arriving at Freeport Harbour at approximately 12:30 pm. On trips from Grand Bahama to Florida, The Bahamas Express will depart Freeport Harbour at 7:30 pm, arriving at Port Everglades at around 10 pm.

Interested passengers may rent 5.4 foot x 5.5 foot Cargo Bins at a cost of $200 each.

Two types of round trip fares will be offered from Grand Bahama:

*  Economy Class: $159 round trip, plus taxes

*  First Class: $180 round trip, plus taxes

Children age 6 and under travel at no charge.

Bookings can be made by visiting www.ferryexpress.com, or call your local travel agent.

 

Click here to see more photos of the interior passenger spaces of The Bahamas Express, and a hearty Grand Bahama Welcome! We're glad you're here and offering another valuable and convenient option for residents and visitors to travel the short 68 miles between Florida and Grand Bahama!

Santa Baby!

Click Here for a Grand Bahama Classic Christmas music video

Grand Bahama's smile-inducing Christmas Classic is back by popular demand. The James Sarles Realty "Santa Baby" Christmas music video, with special lyrics by Marina Gottlieb Sarles, was produced by Dave Mackey of Mackeymedia and shot on location in Grand Bahama in 2005. The video has become a Christmas tradition in The Bahamas, and parodies a popular 1953 tongue-in-cheek holiday song originally performed by Eartha Kitt. Enjoy and have a lighthearted holiday season!

Shoreline Casuarina

#61 Shoreline: Custom-built relaxed island living

Situated on its own idyllic beach amid beautifully landscaped gardens, Shoreline is a prestigious private-gated community of 76 luxuriously appointed Bahamian-style properties. Shoreline's amenities also include an owner's clubhouse, 2 tennis courts, a basketball court, sparkling pools, and lush well-maintained tropical greenery all around.

Stylish and spacious living on two floors features cool airy verandahs and water views. This home is measured at 2,730 sq. ft. of relaxed island luxury, with 3 Bedrooms plus study, and 3.5 Bathrooms. First floor 911 sq. ft. Under air 1,822 sq. ft. Verandahs and porches under roof 714 sq. ft. Carport 200 sq. ft. Total 2,736 sq. ft. (Not including patio). The Casuarina on lot # 61 is available for purchase, and built to contract. The price of $750,000 includes construction costs. For more photos and information click here to see Listing #1792 and contact Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty at 242.351.9081, #9 Regent Centre East, Freeport, Grand Bahama Island.

We'd love to help Santa wrap up a promise-key to your future dream home!

James Sarles Realty's Annual Holiday Basket Brigade

Dear Friends,

Each year, our company Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty, coordinates its own personal Basket Brigade,

and we are asking for your help again.

Each year, a few days before Christmas, our entire James Sarles Realty staff assembles food baskets with all the "fixings"

for a wonderful Christmas Dinner. These baskets are given to the most needy familes on Grand Bahama Island.

The baskets contain everything for a delicious meal: a turkey, vegetables, stuffing, candied yams, potatoes, cabbage, gravy, macaroni, cider, chocolates, cookies as well as a blanket and games for the kids.

We find the most needy people on Grand Bahama through a variety of sources and acting as delivery people,

we anonymously deliver the beautifully prepared baskets throughout Grand Bahama Island with a simple note that says

"This comes to you from someone who cares about you. All we ask is that you take care of yourself

well enough to be able to do this for someone else someday."

This year we are planning to deliver even more baskets than in previous years and we are asking for

financial help to make the program possible.

If you feel called to help our program please stop in the office or mail us a check to:

James Sarles Realty "4th Annual Basket Brigade"

#9 Regent Center East

Freeport, Bahama

P.O. F-43152

We accept PayPal too.

Send PayPal funds to jamessarlesrealty@gmail.com

To wire funds contact Kim Anthony at kanthony@coralwave.com

Every little bit helps.

The Basket Brigade is built on a simple notion: "One small act of generosity on the part of one caring person

can transform the lives of hundreds. It takes only one light to dispel the darkness,

and even just one basket or a few, to bring hope!"

Thanks in advance for your help and support.

All best wishes, Jamie

Princess Isle Estate on Grand Bahama featured on Forbes.com

A Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty exclusive listing was just featured on the Forbes.com. Click here to view the Beachfront Homes To Beat the Winter Blues feature on their real estate blog. For more views and information on this breathtaking ocean view property, click here or call James Sarles at 242.351.9081 or visit us at #9 Regent Centre East, Grand Bahama.

photo by keenimedia.