We’ve made it to the top of the charts again!

Thanks to the year-round beautiful weather, spectacular award-winning beaches and turquoise water, not to mention the laid back lifestyle, Turks and Caicos has been recognized as one of the World’s Top Ten Places To Live…..and we residents couldn’t agree more.

We beat out Buenos Aires, Tasmania and even Hawaii and was called “the perfect location,” by the UK’s Telegraph

TCI: Undeniably the Best Place To Live

Newspaper.   We keep good company in the TOP FOUR with Hong Kong, NYC and North Island, New Zealand.

I would add to the list of TCI’s many attributes not only the well known water sports and luxury lifestyle, but the continued growth and real estate investment opportunities and especially the safe, welcoming environment and the friendly people I get to meet and work with each day!

Congrats, TCI on yet another well deserved recognition as one of the World’s Best Places To Live!

How does that saying go about about what makes for a good property purchase?
That’s right, “Location, location, location!”  Here’s part two of our checklist of all real estate in Turks and Caicos  offers location-wise….

Near Healthcare and Jobs

TCI's health care is excellent

TCI’s modern hospital system is made up of two state-of-the-art medical centres, both managed by InterHealth Canada; Cheshire Hall Medical Centre on Providenciales and Cockburn Town Medical Centre on Grand Turk. Health services provided at the centres include: emergency care, dental, dialysis, internal medicine, surgical, othopaedic, obstetric and endoscopic procedures, physiotherapy and diagnostic imaging. Tele – medicine is also currently being introduced to improve inter island healthcare delivery.  Providenciales also has a number of private general practitioners and all of the other islands have community clinics.

In this information age, we are (should we choose to be) available to the office at all times. With the state-of-the art wireless communications, your Blackberry needs never be turned off and thanks to the daily FedEx runs, it will be

Work from the comfort of the beach! We won't tell the boss...

like you never left the office! If you absolutely must get back to the rat race, the airport offers daily flights to many North American destinations. Better yet, have them come to you!  Hold your next meeting at one of TCI’s hotels/conference centres and you’re a shoo-in for Employee Of The Year!

Has a View
Turks and Caicos has nothing but views! A vacation home with an ocean view…..beach view….mountain view….garden view….pool view… there is no bad view in TCI. The natural beauty of these islands is yours to take in.

Location Desirable to Others….Helps Pay for Itself When You’re Not There
Many of the resorts offer a rental management program. A buyer of a condo can engage this program and have their condo suite rented out by the management in their absence. The buyer can rent his unit out on a more permanent basis or advertise on VROB (vacation rental by owner). A buyer of a villa can hire a property management company to look after their home in their absence and find renters for them. The income from the short term or more permanent rental helps to pay cost of condo fees and maintenance of the properties.Whether buying land, condo or villa, the expectation is that there will continue to be capital appreciation on the property purchased especially at this time when there are very good prices on many properties.

TCI real estate always be demand...its paradise, after all!

Resale Value
Turks and Caicos real estate will always be fashionable and in demand.  Property here is a sound investment. As they say, they’re not making anymore beachfront, so it will always be attractive in the  real estate market. Property here will remain sought-after for years to come. Visiting and living in Turks and Caicos is an experience like none other.  There are lots and lots of places on earth to choose from, but this location, location, location is the best I’ve ever encountered, and making it my home was an easy decision to make.

How does that saying go about about what makes for a good property purchase?
That’s right, “Location, location, location!”

Let’s explore that a little further, with a focus on real estate in Turks and Caicos and all we have to offer in this land of plenty. Plenty of sunshine…..plenty of pristine beaches…plenty of good buys to be had.  What makes for a good location?  Here’s a checklist:

Proximity to Recreation and Nature
“Beautiful by Nature” is the TCI’s motto. Providenciales, the most developed island is the main tourist center and offers many different water sports,  horseback riding, tennis, golf, hot air balloon rides. You can take long walks along the uncrowded ‘Best Beach In The World’ …you can’t help but be surrounded by nature and access to recreation, regardless of where you choose to buy your home!

Near Shopping and Entertainment
On the island of Providenciales we have everything you’ll need to meet your shopping needs….from luxury boutiques to supermarkets to bookstores and electronics. If your idea of entertainment runs                       from fine dining to the cinema to sailing/snorkeling/diving/kayaking, biking to visiting art galleries to taking day trips to North and Middle Caicos, to  pressing your luck at the casino, you can always find something to do.

Safe and Near Schools
 These Islands boast one of the lowest crime rates and highest crime-solved rates in the Caribbean. In 2011, the new Royal Police Force Commissioner and his deputy, both Canadians, were announced to                  lead the TCI force, maintaining the reputation of one of the safest countries in the Caribbean.

On the academic front, Providenciales offers excellent school choices from pre-primary all the way up to college levels. Private, public and religious options are available to choose from.

Economically Stable Country
The economy of the TCI relies on the tourism industry, real estate development and the exportation of seafood. The Financial Services Commission regulates, develops and promotes the industry in major                   world markets. Being a  British Overseas Territory,  a stable political and trusted legal system  i ensured. Also, because these islands are a tax haven, there are no property or inheritance taxes and title to land is guaranteed by the Crown. There is no restriction on foreign ownership.

A tropical getaway vacation home  or condo in the safe and economically stable islands of TCI  is a wise investment.

The list  continues …..next blog.

Or you could just jump on a plane and come and see for yourself!

Ocean Club Resort - Studio

There are tennis courts, beach bar, beach restaurant, exercise room/spa, pools and an absolutely gorgeous beach.

And the price for this “home away from home” for someone is just $229,000  (610 square feet).

There are so many people wanting to come down to Turks and Caicos right now that there is very little accommodation available and this will likely last well into spring. So if you were to own this studio apartment, it could be rented out when you are not here and is a favorite choice in the rental pool. Think about it!

A London, England cab advertising TCI's wonders this winter!

The Turks and Caicos Tourism Board is going all out to let the rest of the world know about what has been our little secret for too long!

Advertisements wrapped around taxi cabs on the streets of London, England as well as in-flight video ads on US Airways, Delta and American Airlines are touting the perfect vacation spot: TCI.    It won’t be long now before the world knows about our amazing real estate and investment opportunities!

“The Tourist Board is constantly looking at new ways to promote the islands where maximum publicity is the aim and also maintaining cost,” said Director of Tourism Ralph Higgs. “These new in-flight video presentations on the islands will expose the destination to a new set of travelers who may not have thought about visiting the Turks and Caicos before and may very well do so after seeing what an experience we have to offer.”

The draws of the islands are endless.  The spectacular weather, world-renowned beaches, a special care for the environment, excellent health care and education, the American currency, the low taxation, cutting edge technology and communications as well and friendly, English speaking locals in a safe and welcoming community all contribute making Turks and Caicos a smart move for real estate investors.

When all these tourists are attracted to TCI by the ads seen around the world, they will also be drawn to our many real estate investment offerings, such as the beachfront condominiums along Grace Bay beach and beachfront properties in Grand Turk and North Caicos.

The number of visitors to our shores is expected to continue to rise this winter as Air Canada has added direct flights from Halifax and Jet Blue in the US has also increased their number of routes to our islands. Act now while the Turks and Caicos real estate prices are still affordable and before the whole world opens their eyes to this gem of a country with endless real estate investment opportunities on offer.

Be ahead of the curve and discover your own piece of paradise now.   Submit your vacation request to the boss today, call your travel agent tomorrow, and by next week we will start planning your ‘forever vacations’ at your new home away from home right here in the Turks and Caicos Islands!

Imagine having Bruce Willis living next door to you, and having his friends Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore drop by for the weekend?

Well, if you had property here in the Turks and Caicos, you could count them as your neighbors!

Ashton and Demi were regular visitors to TCI during their happiest days.   When they decided to escape the glare of Hollywood and last weekend they flew down to the lovely, exclusive, luxurious Parrot Cay here in the TCI, where Bruce Willis owns property. Well, the marriage didn’t make it, but if any country would have had the magic to repair that union, it’s Turks and Caicos!

Exclusive Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos Islands, vacation home to the rich and famous!

In fact, Turks and Caicos has been a celebrity hot spot for years now.  Ben Affleck & Jennifer Garner got married here, and others who have purchased villas, resorts and spectacular mansions in TCI are Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones, Christie Brinkley and Donna Karan.  Even superstar Prince has found his piece of paradise here!

Reasons these celebs have purchased real estate in TCI are that we can offer not only luxury, but privacy.  Also, TCI is only a 75-minute flight from Miami, so it is the perfect getaway for celebs and regular folk alike.

You don’t have to be a big Hollywood star to enjoy the incredible beaches of our islands, the exclusive shopping and world-renowned spas and retreats found on Providenciales or to take in the gorgeous sunshine and turquoise waters that can’t be found anywhere else on earth!

You, too, can join in the fun, sun and excitement of being an owner of a property here in TCI!

Contact me.   I’ll roll out the red carpet for you!

What most North Americans call the winter season, we here in the Turks and Caicos call tourist season!

News from the TCI Tourist Board is that more and more travelers are visiting our shores.   Not only will they be snorkeling, swimming, tanning, diving, wining and dining, they will also be scoping out all that the  Turks and Caicos real estate market has to offer.

Even in this shaky time in the world economy, shrewd investors know a good deal is to be had in TCI real estate.  Tourism to Providenciales in the first half of 2011 is up by 17% compared to the first half of last year. Between January and June, the country welcomed in 222,596 visitors.  Although there’s no record of how many of those visitors fulfilled their urge to buy property here, I’d bet 90% spent their entire flight home dreaming up ways to make it happen!

On the street where I live and share with Reef Residences and Windsong Resort, is a half acre lot for $175,ooo and a older island-style home with income and lush vegetation that is being sold privately and is in the range of $525,000. The home is right beside Reef Residences …..see it here:

Winterhaven

We are trying to help our neighbor by mentioning it.   It is nestled in a luxurient garden which provides privacy, and it a very short walk to the beautiful, award-winning Grace Bay Beach here on Provo.

Also, Windsong Resort is an excellent resort to stay at if you are thinking of vacationing here this winter.   It, too, is just steps away from Grace Bay on a safe road in a friendly neighbour hood close to everything our main isle offers.

In time for the busy winter real estate market, I have just listed this beautiful home. Location is high in the hills Blue Mountain in Providenciales.  Three bedrooms and garage on upper level and guest suite with 2 more bedroom and another kitchen on ground level. This villa has spectacular view of the North Shore and beautiful pool and deck area. I am welcoming every to view this property on Friday on the 11/11/11/ a very special date…come for wine and cheese if you are on Provo at that time. You can call me for time and directions.

Here is the video for this Villa.

Bye the way, 11/11/11 is a particularly popular date for people getting married. We expect that this weekend will see the restaurants and condo hotels very busy celebrating…We are booking reservation for Thursday night because all else is expected to be full.

Turks and Caicos is a very popular choice for couples planning their wedding.!

Having had a wonderful sojourn with family in Canada, and enjoyed fantastic weather for Thanksgiving there, I am back now in TCI for the winter season.

Below is a video of a listing of mine that has recently sold…the new owners will be my neighbors as this home is on the street where I live.  Welcome Neighbours!  They were able to buy this home which has a guest apartment for under $500,000.

The good thing for me is that the sellers also have a home close by so chances are good that we will all be having an afternoon swim together. Very happy to be back to the “sunny every day” and silver light of Turks and Caicos Islands.

Trip Advisor has been added to the list of travel websites and publications that have voted the beaches of  Providenciales to be the Top Beach Destination In The World…AGAIN!

Beautiful, award winning Grace Bay Beach on TCI's Providenciales...

As reported by Reuters and Canada’s Globe & Mail, Provo’s beaches were was praised for their calm, clear water,  pristine white-sands, and a healthy barrier reef appealing to snorkellers and divers.   Also praised as a hot spot for good restaurants, hotels and vacation spots for couples, families and singles as well.   Any traveller type on any budget can find a way to soak in all that TCI’s beautiful beaches have to offer.

Provo ranked #1 above the Phillipines’ Boracay, Tulum in Mexico, Aruba’s Palm/Eagle Beach and our neighbour Jamaica’s famed Negril.   We even came in above Honalulu and Miami Beach!

It is always wonderful to be recognized by travel professionals and the voters of travellers’ guides!  I feel fortunate to call the world’s Top Beach Destination my home!  As a safe, friendly country with sound real estate investment opportunities on our shores  you can easily look to a condo or villa  and make  Turks and Caicos your choice for a vacation home in paradise.

Thank you Globe and Mail in Toronto, Canada for your  note and Trip Advisor for their vote.