Since this IS Honduras… and things seldom go as planned here… I thought I'd walk you through the process of paying your property taxes here in the islands…. it's rather simple, but can be time consuming, and may just involve a few trips to the municipality.
Once in a while you have to get off the Rock!!.. and a great way to do that is by ferry (or the Yacht, as the locals call it). This inexpensive scenic voyage is about an hour and a half and very comfortable… until the ride home and everyone starts puking! The seas get rougher in the afternoon and you need a strong stomach, sea legs and a Gravol… or else!
June 1st marked the official start of this year's hurricane season and we're told once again it's going to be a doozy! Typically, Roatan gets a direct hit about once every 24 years or so and the last one was Mitch in 1998… so hopefully, we're not due for a few more years yet…. but what if? Is there insurance available for hurricanes?
Many people dream on owning land on a tropical island somewhere in the Caribbean…… and many actually pull the trigger and JUST DO IT! Planning for early retirement, building a vacation home, or jumping into living 50/50… well, you're not alone. Building lots are being snapped up…. acreages are under contract for future development…. and if you thinking of buying land on Roatan soon, you'd better know your stuff! Here's an important lesson...
With all the airlines cutting back their direct flights to Roatan for the next couple of months, travelers don't have the luxury of being able to fly mid-week to the Bay Islands right now. Saturday to Saturday stays are more common this time of year, but there ARE some advantages….
As the amber sun slowly melts into the horizon each day here on Roatan, I'm reminded to beware of the dreaded Anopheles mosquito that comes out on the Islands at this time of day. Although there really aren't a lot of the little guys… you still need to take precautions to prevent being infected with the malaria virus… this mosquito is the only one that carries the virus… and they ONLY come out at dusk...
People leave Roatan for various reasons… and when they do, they want to take their "stuff" with them. There are a number of options for you, and shipping through Hyde Shipping is the fastest, safest and easiest… Today, I'm sending some personal articles of a dear friend of mine who, unfortunately, had to leave the island for medical reasons...
No matter how beautiful, how peaceful, how laid back or how wonderful life is here on Roatan…. it's good to change it up now and then… and that means going somewhere completely on the opposite side of the scale for ex-pats like me…. and recently… I did JUST THAT!!
With average temperatures now moving into the high 80's and low 90's….. you need to be very aware of the heat, especially inside your rental car. Even though the trade winds are blowing and it doesn't seem that hot… IT IS!!! Watch this to see how you can avoid dire consequences...
From time to time I like to post a collage of peeps commenting about their experiences, thoughts and first impressions of our little growing island…. here's a few that you'll enjoy.
It doesn't matter how many times you say it. Even the thought of it makes ones arms tremble. If you've been to one of most Caribbean islands, you'll know what I mean when I talk about the…………sand fly--that grotesquely hideous monster that consumes people aliv……… no. I can't say it… you'll have to watch the video.
After a short hiatus to the Frozen North.. I'm back with a vengeance!!! Great weather with the rainy season all but over, trade winds blowing and temperatures in the high 80's!! Gotta LOVE Roatan!!
Did I say football? I meant watermelon… that's how my head felt since waking. I hate being sick in the Tropics…. there's so much to do and I don' t have the energy….. so it's off to the market to find some cold/flu medicine/coverup and some vitamins. Let's see what I can find dis a tiny island...
How about a lot just off the beach for under $60k??? It's been called No Man's land.. that little piece that is still relatively undeveloped that you can't quite get to yet… unless you know the secret road of course, or take a relaxing stroll down the beach! The great thing about this area on Roatan is the location, the privacy… and the PRICES!!
While you're away from home, you may want to send and receive emails, talk on Skype with friends and family back home, or otherwise surf the net for Roatan attractions or car rentals. Now you can.. whether you're here for a week… or for the rest of your life!!
Yes… you can bring your dog or cat to Roatan as long as you follow these simple steps to ensure both your pet's safety…. AND smooth sailing on the airlines and customs agents...
Instead of the usual resort/hotel or B&B, many travelers are opting for a more relaxed, private experience here on Roatan. Perhaps you're looking at buying or relocating here and you'd like to see what it'd be like to "live" here…. well Vacation Rentals are the way to go then.. but BE CAREFUL you don't get trapped where you don't want to be! Know the location and do your homework before clicking "Pay Now". Those white sandy beaches pictured on the website may be a LOOOOONG way from your accommodations.
Football is a favorite pastime in Latin America… it's fun, fast and great exercise! Whether you're here visiting or you plan to live here… you can always find a scrimmage going on. At the beach, the playground and NOW… at at least 2 newly built "arena" facilities here on Roatan!!
Let's face it.. we're in our rainy season and it's supposed to be raining!! Grey skies and liquid sunshine are the norm this time of year… so what's up with that ball of fire in the sky? Oh, and take a look at our BuyRoatan.com Gear first hand here...
Since we don't have freezing temperatures to kill certain types of bacteria… these little organisms thrive on the heat, moisture and salt water of the tropics… but BEWARE… what you don't know could be deadly! My daughter, Falyn was recently visiting and learned the hard way about cuts and how they MUST be treated… promptly!
Welcome to 2011… seems the past year sailed by faster than any other year… at least to me. 2010 was filled with change, hope and lots more business than previous. And 2011 is shaping up to be even better!!! And that is the reason for today's blog… 13 years of Roatan experience… yours for free!
Rated one of the Top Ten beaches on the planet by more than one ex-patriot rag, Roatan's West Bay is home to high end resorts, dive shops and sun worshipers. Today, I take one last stroll through the Christmas crowds to show you what you're missing…. there's always next year..right?
Staying in touch with family and friends while on a vacation can be rewarding… and many peeps ask me whether their phone from home can be used to "call home". Here's the skinny… as well as a look at West Bay Beach during Christmas 2010...
On this Christmas Eve, let us consider the greatest gift of all: the gift of eternal life. And let us give thanks for the tremendous sacrifice of love. Jesus came that we might have life, and then He laid down His own life for us. The Peace Child was sacrificed that we may have peace with God. What could possibly make Christmas merrier? MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!! Have a safe and phenomenal holiday!!!
Whether you're looking for a bargain, or your dream vacation home… look no further cause you've just found them BOTH!! Check out this amazing deal on a Blue Bahia Resort beachfront condo -- swimming pool, dive center, restaurant/bar and tons of white sand….. yep! It's all here! Hurry to get this one!
More times than I'd care to admit, vehicles require servicing here in the Tropics… It's almost like the harsh elements are far worse on your car's health here than anywhere else I've been on the planet. And when you need them fixed, serviced or put back into working order.. there's no better place than the small backyard mechanics that Honduras is famous for...
As 2010 winds down, I encourage those of you who are looking at property in the Bay Islands to watch this and seriously consider your investment plans… there's some great deals that you won't want to miss….
Recently, I had the privilege of working with a very astute Real Estate Agent/Investor from Vancouver, B.C…. Tyler Barrs…. and let me tell you, this guy does not pull any punches. He tells it as he sees it and you may be surprised at his observations of Roatan! By the way, Tyler is a very successful REALTOR with RE/MAX Crest Realty Westside and specializes in luxury Vancouver properties!
Well.. it's over! Another year of watchin the forecast closely and monitoring Caribbean storms… and even though it was quite an active year, Roatan fared well...
It's always interesting when someone asks me about our real estate market here. Well after 13 years of selling properties here, few have sold as much, or have the experience that I do and believe me…. EXPERIENCE is what you want working for you here. Timing is everything and today, I want to show you the Roatan MLS STATISTICS that tell a very interesting story…. one that you need to pay attention to if you're contemplating a purchase in the near future…
