Thursday, September 16, 2010

Fitness Pros from Arizona buy in Fiji Episode HHINT-3A03H

Arizona Fitness Pros Want to Escape the Heat by Buying a Second Home in Fiji


Region

Oceania

Country

Fiji

http://www.koroisland.org/koroisland/

Highlights of location


http://www.koroseaviewestates.com/land.htm

            Climate
Mid 80s in the winter and 70s in the summer with the humidity and precipitation being the primary difference. Remember that the seasons in Fiji are opposite from those in the states. Summer from November to April is the rainy season and prone to Cyclones. Winter from May to October is the dry season with less humidity, generally 70% and cooling breezes.
            Geography/Topography (mountains, seashore, city)
Volcanic tropical island, sixth largest island in Fiji.
            Attractions
Snorkeling, diving, fishing, village cultural events such as the turtle calling ceremony. Koro Island is working hard to be self sufficient from outside sources of power and encourage green homes.
            Links

Names of Buyers

Nichole and Jeremy

          Where are they from?

Chandler, Arizona
No children and very flexible jobs.
Jeremy is a writer so would like inspiration from a mountains or ocean view. He also has an online fitness business. Nichole is a personal trainer.
Very hot climate which they would like to escape during the summer months.
4 Bedroom + 2 Bath home in 2100sf
Small dog.

          Why are they buying a home internationally?

People are friendly in Fiji. Climate is fantastic for escaping from the Arizona summers.

          Wish list

400K
Koro Island
Need a good kitchen since they eat 6-8 times a day.
Want a lot of light and windows.

Names of Realtors

    • Dean Studebaker, Agent, Compass Group International
      Website: www.compassproperties.net
    • http://www.fijirealestate.com/fijirealestatecom/

House Search

          House #1

                   Large Two Storey


Two storey house with 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths in 3500sf.

                   Size

Just under an acre

                   Listing Price

$350K

                   Special Features

The house features dual master bedrooms on the top floor, high ceilings in the living room, a very open floor plan and great views of the water and a sandbar.

                   Local Influence

There is a Rooster that can be used as an alarm clock at no extra charge. Pine is native to the island and is used in the living room columns and for the kitchen countertops.

                   Pros

Great decks and ocean views.

                   Cons

No stove/oven in kitchen. Exterior isn’t much to look at.

          House #2

                   Javanese Style

You Tube Video of Joglo House Part 1

You Tube Video of Joglo House Part 2                  

$350K
This historic 300 year old Joglo house sits high above the trees on Four acres of land and consists of one large open space with one bedroom sectioned off by a carved mantle. The bathroom is in a separate building next to the house.
300 year old house brought from Bali and put together piece by piece.
All of the furniture is included.

                   Special Features

The house was brought from Bali and put back together piece by piece. The Joglo is the center ceiling which supports the house. The mantle separating the bedroom from the rest of the space was carved in 1883.

                   Pros

Lots of personality and history in this house.

                   Cons

Only one bedroom and bathroom.

          House #3

                   On The Waterfront


$350K
This 2 bedroom, 1 bath home in 1550sf sits steps from the water.

                   Special Features

The living room is very open and bright with white ceilings and exposed beams. There are solar panels and a back-up generator providing power.

                   Local Influence

River rock from the local river was used in the kitchen and bathroom rather than tile.

                   Pros

The house sits right near the water with spectacular views from the bedrooms.

                   Cons

The wall in the bathroom doesn’t go all the way to the ceiling leaving the occupants feeling a little out in the open.
The sitting room faces the hillside rather than the ocean.

          Which house was selected and why?

Chose #1
Gorgeous decks. Enough space for family and friends plus offices. Bought for $325.

          Final remarks?

Do morning workouts with new friends. Added some local flowers and some personal furniture touches. Go kayaking, walking on the beach, very active. Use the grill rather than a stove and that has worked out very well.

          Info and links

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Canadian Couple seeks warm vacation home in the Dominican Republic

Canadian Couple seeks warm vacation home in the Dominican Republic / HHINT-1706A

http://www.hgtv.com/house-hunters-international/a-canadian-couple-searches-for-a-vacation-home-in-the-dominican-republic2/index.html

Date Aired

August 29, 2010

Region

Caribbean

Country

Dominican Republic
http://www.hispaniola.com

City

Cabarete

Highlights of location

Climate
Warm, but not hot, at around the upper 70s and 80s with more humidity in the summer than in the winter near the beaches and much cooler in the mountain areas.
Geography/Topography (mountains, seashore, city)
The Dominican Republic is the second largest country in the Caribbean and shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti. There are plains, valleys, rain forests, mountains, and miles of beaches.
http://www.hispaniola.com/dominican_republic/xphotos/IMG_6349.JPG
Attractions
Surfing, kiteboarding, scuba diving, and lots of nightlife.
http://www.activecabarete.com/?

Names of Buyers

Craig and Jeanelle

Where are they from?

Brooklyn, Ontario, CANADA

Climate

Cold

Why are they buying a home internationally?

Warm getaway for family vacation home.

Wish list

Budget $300K

Names of Realtors

Arthur and Sally Byrd

Realtor website and facts

Americans Arthur and Sally Byrd of Re/Max Coral Bay specialize in villas and land in Cabarete, Sosua, and Cabrera.
http://www.coralbayrealestate.com/arthurandsally.php

House Search

House #1: Ground Floor Condo

Located in Playa Ventosa this condo unit has 2 bedrooms and 2.5 baths in 1700sf, listed at $290K with HOA fees of $300/mo.
http://playaventosa.com/

House #2:          Tropical Resort

The Oasis Beach Resort offered a 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 1700sf condo for $250K with HOA fees of $475/mo.
http://www.theoasiscabarete.com/dominican-beach-resort-ownership.html

House #3: Third Floor Condo

Las Olas in the Perla Marina Gated Community. Las Olas is located between the Bluefish and Maquey complexes near the beach. A 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo with 1400sf for $265K and HOA fees of $260/mo.
http://www.sunnyvillaholidays.com/perlamarina.html

Which house was selected and why?

House #3

Green Homes in New Zealand HHINT-1607H

Episode HHINT-1607H

Live Off the Grid on the Great Barrier Island of New Zealand

Watch this episode at http://www.hulu.com/watch/175931
Great Barrier Island off the coast of Auckland in New Zealand otherwise known as “The Barrier”
http://greatbarrier.aucklandnz.com/
Exclusive community. Property is mostly holiday homes. 600 permanent residents on the island. Homeowners must provide their own means of producing water and power through solar or wind power and other green means.

Highlights of location

Climate
The climate in New Zealand is dependent on the island. Great Barrier Island is a small island located about 90km northeast of Auckland within the territory of the North Island of New Zealand. The climate here is subtropical lending itself to 50-60°F temperatures year round. Don't forget that Australia and New Zealand's seasons are opposite from the United States, so June, July, and August are the coolest months here.
Geography/Topography (mountains, seashore, city)
60% of the island is government nature reserve which allows many endangered birds and wildlife a haven. The island has diverse terrain from white sand beaches to the tallest mountain, Mount Hirakimata, at 2,037 feet.
Attractions
The Barrier is an eco-friendly island and a great place for nature lovers. Take a walk or ride a bike on the many nature tracks, visit the regenerating forest, play a round of golf or visit the art museum.
Links
http://www.thebarrier.co.nz/index.htm

Names of Buyers

Erica and Archie grow citrus fruit in Kin Kin, Queensland, Australia.

Climate

They live along the Sunshine Coast, need I say more?

Geography

Coastal city.

Why are they buying a home internationally?

Need to get away from the city traffic. They want to spend less time working and more time with their children living off the grid.

Wish list

3 Beds
Power and water set up
Additional water supply
Couple of acres of land
$350-400K

Names of Realtors

Karen Edwards at Barrier Properties +64-09-439-0010. I could not find any info regarding Barrier Properties nor Karen Edwards. However, I have listed here a couple of real estate sites for the area.
http://century21.co.nz/index.cfm?pagecall=misc&pagemode=officeProfile&agentID=1808
http://www.greatbarrierrealty.com/

House Search

House #1

Unfinished

East side of island. Work in progress. Single Family home with 3 bedrooms. Listed at $400K but negotiable.
Great water view. Fireplace. But no power or water yet and it needs a lot of work.

House #2

Dark paneling

Western side of island in the Midlands. Three bedroom Single Family Residence on about one acre of land for $375K including power and water. Great water view, but the living room has dark wood paneling and the bedrooms are small.

House #3

Overbudget

This house is listed at $425K but includes 10 acres of land and comes ready with power and water supply, including stream water. Would be great for a growing a nursery.

Which house was selected and why?

House #1 was selected. The couple were able to negotiate the price down to $350K which gave them room to make all of the necessary improvements and the final house would be based on their taste. Brought it up to speed within 6 months.

HHINT-1704H Texas Couple in Cotacahi, Ecuador

Cotacachi, Ecuador in South America is located between Colombia and Peru and is edged by the Pacific Ocean. Cotacachi is nestled between two volcanic mountains and is about 65 km north of the Ecuadorian capital city of Quito.
Video: The Good Life in Ecuador
The-Wonders-of-Cotacachi--Ecuador by Lady Susan
http://www.pro-ecuador.com/Cotacachi.html
Dean and Barbara of Paris, Texas are searching for a getaway in this small Ecuadorian village known for it's mild climate, beautiful mountain scenery, and the nearby Otavalo market.
Barbara's friend and real estate agent, Caroline D. is assisting with the search. More info on Caroline can be found at http://www.pro-ecuador.com/ecuador-living.html.
Wish List: View, internet access, 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, Outdoor space, and $160,000 budget.
House #1: Sweet Master
$150,000 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1800 sf with a bid yard.
House #2: Killer Views (The house Dean and Barbara bought)
$140,000, HOA approx. $200/mo, 2 Bed, 2 Bath, Condo 2000 sf
Jahua Pacha is a gated development with condos, clubhouse, spa, sauna and killer views of the mountains.


Jahua Pachua Condos in Cotacachi
House #3: Awesome Yard
$160,000, 2 Bed, 2 Bath, 1700 sf
Big yard, rustic spanish style house with separate  guest quarters
See more real estate for sale near Cotacachi: http://www.pro-ecuador.com/Cotacachi-real-estate.html