Coldwell Banker Newsletter

Aruba

Real Estate News

Local news and market updates of Aruba.

April 2012

Feature property - Avenida Milio Croes Listing ID: # 751 This unique property is located in a side street right of well-known Ave. Milio Croes and has a lot to offer. The building was built on a 674 m2 lot of property land. (7,252 sq ft) located on an asphalt road that goes towards the new SIAD office. Consist of entrance, porch, sitting area, dining area with kitchen, a separate maids quarter with bathroom. On the other side of the entrance, you’ll find a living room, dining and 2 bedrooms with another 2 bathrooms, The location of this property is very central. Built 10 years ago. Build up area: 182m2 (1,958 sq ft).

US$ 265.000 Afl 471.700

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n February the Coldwell Banker® Generation Blue Conference

was held in New Orleans, USA. Everything from presentations by leading Realtors, trade shows and learning programs by professional sales trainers were offered in three days designed to give real estate agents like myself the opportunity to serve you our customer - better. It was a great experience to be there and a great opportunity to build my knowledge of emerging technologies and social media to sharpen my skills. Also became very inspired by my peers and by some of the most respected and innovative minds in the real estate industry. I came back rejuvenated and filled with great ideas to serve you better…and now...back to work!

Regards, Ellen Aartsen

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HOUSE HUNTING ARUBA End of January our office was contacted by the New York times, they picked one of our listings to use for there weekly international house hunting feature for The New York Times Real Estate section. There was an interview with the listing agent and a op photographer flew in to make great pictures of the property. The article also discuss the Aruba residential real estate market in general and how to go about buying a home in Aruba.

You can view the article with the following URL: Http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/02/greathomesanddestinations/realestate-in-aruba.html

oul Beach Music Festival | Aruba | May 23 - 28, 2012

The 12th Annual Soul Beach Music Festival will fly into Aruba May 23 - 28, 2012 for the most electrifying music festival event of the year. The 2012 Soul Beach Music Festival kicks-off Memorial Day Weekend, in Aruba’s sun-kissed paradise, with five-days of power-packed events. Join Soul Music Lovers from around the world and take part in amped-up nightclubs, sizzling beach parties, music and comedy concerts. The 12th Anniversary of the Soul Beach Music Festival will be more spectacular than ever!!!!

Coldwell Banker Aruba Realty J.E. Irausquin Blvd. 12, Aruba (297) 588 - 7781 info@coldwellbanker.aw www.coldwellbanker.aw www.coldwellbankercommercialaruba.com

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great way to spend spare time!

For almost fifteen years now, Aruban donkeys have been cared for at the local Donkey Sanctuary, by a group of about fifty volunteers of different nationalities. The volunteers form a group that enjoys working together, and acts for the well-being of the Aruban donkeys.

Now, more volunteers are required, and the group are asking whether joining them might be a fun way to fill your spare time. You will meet lots of new people and visitors of the Sanctuary. The foundation that runs the Sanctuary is looking for volunteers for different purposes: people who want to take care of the donkeys, people who are good with their hands for the technical maintenance, people who want to give information, to show people around or do PR work.

What a wonderful way to get acquainted with the other side of Aruba, and spend your spare time in a fun and useful way. Be aware, though, that once you commit to the work, it is quite addictive. Most volunteers stay involved with the foundation for a long time and enjoy every moment that they are active.

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NEW Listings:

Listing ID # 831

$ 1.350.000

Listing ID # 832

$ 759.000

Listing ID # 815

$ 399.000

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en Tips For Buying a Second Home

Many people look into the possibility of owning a second home these days. The idea of another home that you can spend some time in, away from the "main" house is an exciting prospect and where better to purchase your second home than in the beautiful Aruba Here are ten steps to assist you in your quest to find your very own piece of paradise.

1. Look at your finances. Do you have enough to afford what will essentially be a double mortgage payment? If the answer is no how much can you afford? It is a good idea to have this information before you begin your search.

2. What will be the purpose of your second home? Do you want a place by the beach? A mountain retreat? Do you plan to rent it out during the year? Will it be a permanent rental property? Is it going to be a business property? All these different options have different tax implications, so be prepared for that. The amount that you calculated in item one is vital for this.

3. Where do you want your second home to be situated? Will it be in a high end community? A gated community?

4. What kind of house? One story, two? Villa, Condo? What level of maintenance will be required? Is the property ready to move into, or are there things that need to be done? Getting an inspection will answer these questions!

5. What sort of financing will be needed to complete the purchase? This is a point to consider carefully, will the property be empty for a large part of the year? Or will it create an income?

6. Look into the property tax situation. Visit the schools, especially if you have children of school age or if you will be renting to those that do.

7. Insurance, tax, other considerations. These are all significant. If you're going to be living there, the interest is, tax-deductable. If you plan to let it out, the cost for that is deductible. Insurance is always vital.

8. Get a local realtor! This is the person that will know the area, the people, values of houses, and will be able to guide you to making the right decisions.

They will have a list of helpful hints and tips for you to utilize when you are purchasing your second home.

9. Avoid impulsive buying!

10. Ensure that this 2nd home you are purchasing is close to all the comforts that you're going to need in the future. You may decide to retire here!

Second home buying is becoming very popular whether for vacations homes, rental purposes or businesses. Many people are considering purchasing their second home with a view of retiring there in years to come. Ensure you have all the information and ask your real estate agent any questions you may have during the process so that you make the best decisions for you and your family.

Coldwell Banker Aruba Realty - J.E. Irausquin Blvd. 12, Aruba (297) 588 - 7781 e-mail: info@coldwellbanker.aw website: www.coldwellbanker.aw / www.coldwellbankercommercialaruba.com