You have carefully chosen a real estate professional and decided on a list price, now it's time to sell your home, but first we need fabulous photos! First impressions are everything. Potential buyers often make a decision on the house in the first 30 seconds! Photographs, video, 3-D tour, drone footage and media – don't panic. Below are a few tips to ready your home for great looking photos.

Clear/Clean Kitchen Counters and Sink 

A kitchen is one of the most prominent rooms in the home. When the kitchen counters are cleared off, buyers can imagine how they might use the space. Coffee makers, mixers and decorations distract buyers and often make the kitchen feel cluttered. Remove everything but perhaps a few decorative items. Clean all surface areas, kitchen sink and backsplash. A Pristine Kitchen at Thirty-Six

Don't forget appliances, make certain magnets, kid's art work, and photos are removed from the refrigerator. We'd like the clients to focus on the modern appliances and not your kid's fabulous art work 

Clear/Clean Bathroom Sinks, Tubs and Showers 

Ditto for the bathroom, place shampoo bottles, soaps, razors and other items into a bin that can fit underneath the bathroom sink. This step will help your bathroom look bigger. Clean, neatly folded towels on towel racks are acceptable.

See this Immaculate Condominium on Paradise Island!

Turn On All Lights & Replace Burned Out Light Bulbs  

Lighting is one of the most important aspects of photography. Just before the photographer is to arrive, turn on all of the lights, including lamps.  The more light, the better. If there are dark areas in the home, add a few extra lamps to brighten them up.  

Open All Window Treatments 

Before you open the window treatments, don’t forget to clean the windows! Natural light brings life and emotion into photos. We recommend opening all window treatments to let in as much light as possible. If it's too bright outside or the view is not perfect, your photographer will balance the shot. 

Beautiful Beachfront Estate on Paradise Island!

Remove Unnecessary Furniture, Rugs and Decorations 

This is one of the most important items on the list. By removing excess, bulky furniture and rugs, it opens up the floor space and makes the home look much more open and inviting.

Turn All Ceiling Fans and Screens Off 

Most photographers use HDR photography, which takes multiple light exposures for each photo and combines them into one final shot. Any moving items like ceiling fans or active TV/Computer screens will not photograph correctly and cause motion blur. 

Make All of the Beds 

Be sure to make all beds with matching sheets and pillows covering the entire bed and mattress. Decorative pillows can be used to brighten up the bed. See this Clean Guest Bedroom at Beautiful Bayroc, Cable Beach!

Clear All Night Stands and Dressers 

Nightstands tend to accumulate items naturally. Remove everything but a lamp and just one decorative item.  

Remove All Personal Photos and Items 

Buyers need to see themselves living in the home. Remove all personal photos and articles from the entire home—including patios, porches and garages. 

Put Away your Shoes, Bags, Umbrellas and Jackets 

Yup, even those recycled grocery bags. Carefully place these items neatly in a closet. When buyers see loose objects around the home, they assume that the home lacks storage space.

Remove All Pet Items 

Yes, we love your pet, but unfortunately not everyone has or loves pets. It is essential to remove all signs of your pets, especially pet smells. You may be "nose blind" to the smell, as you live in your home every day. Just ask a friend or neighbor for their honest opinion.

And Now Outside: 

Tidy Up the Yard and Landscaping 

A tidy yard is the best way to ensure a potential buyer wants to view the inside of your home so give it some love. Mow the lawn, trim the hedges and place a fresh flowering shrub at the entrance to welcome those buyers!

Sweep up those Outdoor Patios 
Ensure that the entire front and back porches/patios are swept clean and remove any unnecessary items. Outdoor living spaces are just as important as the inside, especially if you can enjoy tropical breezes and amazing views.

One Marina at Palm Cay Offers Marina & Ocean Views! 

Remove Outdoor Cooker Covers/Open up Patio Umbrellas

Time to show off that fantastic barbeque grill! Covers should be removed so that cookers are exposed and ready for use. If it's an old grill that needs to be covered, it's better to remove or throw it out.

Open up patio umbrellas. Dust off chairs and set up the space, fresh outdoor pillows and flowers will create an inviting space for your photographer to highlight while they're in your backyard. Remember outdoor living is “in”.

Clear All Cars from Road and Driveway 

Remove all vehicles and boats from the home's driveway and front.  

Hide Garbage Cans and Gardening Equipment 

Large garbage cans and gardening equipment is distracting in photos. Put them in the garage/shed, along with garden hoses, lawnmowers and other yard maintenance tools.

And lastly, be prepared to reschedule. Photographers work around the weather because it has a great impact on the final marketing materials. It's impossible to fly drones and get footage if it's raining or too windy. If the photographer determines they should wait, trust them that it's for the best. And yes, be prepared to leave your home for a few hours. Photographers use 3D imaging technology to scan every part of the home, yard and garage. Following the tips above will help ensure your home is showcased in the best light!

 

The Bahamas is where you go to take advantage of the beautiful turquoise beaches and amazing tropical weather, and if you are trying to decide on the perfect vacation home on one of the spectacular Bahama Islands, here are some must-haves to keep in mind:

1. A Swimming Pool

 

For those sunny days, a pool is the perfect go-to to relax and soak up some sun. The Bahamas has about 340 sunny days a year, so whether you’re going for a swim or lounging by the pool with a nice drink in hand, a pool makes all the difference.

2. A Generous Sized Patio or Balcony

With the perfect vacation home, of course family and friends will be invited over, and what better way to entertain guests than with a comfortable and spacious patio or balcony?

3. Outdoor Kitchen or Grill

For those days when you must cook during vacation, do it while enjoying the beauty of the outdoors! Whether you are located inland or near the ocean, an outdoor kitchen allows you to listen to the birds chirping and/or the amazing ocean waves going back and forth.

4. Bathroom with Both Shower and Bathtub

Many homes nowadays no longer have bathtubs, which may be ideal for many people, but when looking for the perfect vacation home, the luxury factor is important. Trulia names the master bathroom as one of the two most important rooms in a house, so having both a shower and bathtub really gives you the best of both worlds.

5. Comfortable Living Area

The living area in a home is where the family gathers to watch movies, play games, and just have all-around quality time so this room should be as comfortable as possible to ensure everyone feels right at home.

 

 

The Bahamas is Eliminating COVID-19 Testing Requirement for Vaccinated Visitors.

Effective MAY 1ST

Effective May 1st 2021, international visitors traveling to The Bahamas from other countries who are fully vaccinated and have passed the two-week immunity period will be immediately exempt from testing requirements for entry and inter-island travel. 

Travelers who are fully vaccinated will still be required to apply for the Bahamas Travel Health Visa. Visitors to the Bahamas can apply for their Health Visa and upload proof of vaccination at travel.gov.bs (click on the international tab). Keep in mind that the visa takes up to 48 hours to process.

 

Unvaccinated visitors above the age of 10 must continue to follow the existing entry testing requirements, including providing proof of negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than five days prior to arrival.

More information on Bahamas travel and entry protocols can be found at https://www.bahamas.com/tourism-reopening.

 

Nassau, Bahamas – April 7, 2021: NAI Global, a leading, global commercial real estate firm, earned the top fourth spot in the 2021 Lipsey Survey of Top 25 Commercial Real Estate Brands. The survey was conducted among 100,000 commercial real estate professionals using a combination of ballot voting, phone interviews and focus groups to identify the top global brands. NAI Bahamas Realty Commercial, a division of Bahamas Realty Ltd. is a member of NAI Global.

 

 “We are proud that the strength of NAI Global is reflected in the results of this year’s Lipsey survey,” said Donnie Martinborough, CEO of Bahamas Realty and NAI Bahamas Realty Commercial. “As a local company, we’ve been active in the commercial real estate industry for decades. Our affiliation with NAI Global demonstrates that we have the backing and experience of a top 5 commercial real estate brand behind us to handle transactions of all sizes.”

 

The survey is conducted by The Lipsey Company, a leading training and consulting firm specializing in the commercial real estate industry to equip organizations and their practitioners with the skills necessary to succeed in today's competitive environment. The 2021 survey results can be found here:

https://lipseyco.com/top-commercial-real-estate-companies/

 

About NAI Bahamas Realty Commercial

NAI Bahamas Realty Commercial, an exclusive member of NAI Global, is a corporate real estate services company dedicated to offering the finest commercial real estate and property management services in The Bahamas. It is the commercial division Bahamas Realty Ltd.

 

About NAI Global

NAI Global is a leading global commercial real estate brokerage firm. NAI Global offices are leaders in their local markets and work in unison to provide clients with exceptional solutions to their commercial real estate needs. NAI Global has more than 375 offices strategically located throughout North America, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe, Africa and Asia Pacific, with 6,000 local market professionals, managing in excess of 1.15 billion square feet of property and facilities. Annually, NAI Global completes in excess of $20 billion in commercial real estate transactions throughout the world.

 

NAI Global provides a complete range of corporate and institutional real estate services, including brokerage and leasing, property and facilities management, real estate investment and capital market services, due diligence, global supply chain and logistics consulting and related advisory services. To learn more, visit www.naiglobal.com.

 

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Have you ever dreamt of owning your own sun-soaked private island? Now's your chance. Heading to auction on March 26th, with no minimum reserve is the opportunity of a lifetime.

Little Ragged Island, one of the largest private island in The Bahamas, is up for auction March 26th

Ringing in at an expansive 730 acres, St. Andrew's, also known as Little Ragged Island, is both the southernmost and the largest private island in the Bahamas currently for sale. Listed exclusively with Bahamas Realty agent, Stuart Halbert, the island is up for auction in collaboration with Concierge Auctions, a US real estate company that auctions luxury properties and has a client list that includes some of the most affluent buyers around the world, and notable celebrities and sportspeople.

White sand flats and deep waters make this one of the best fishing grounds on the planet - you'll find grouper, snapper, bonefish and many other species in abundant supply.

Surrounded by azure ocean waters and fringed with pristine white sand beaches, the island is breathtaking from first look and presents infinite possibility. Elevation varies from sea level to a hilly 40 feet. The eastern side of the island features deep water access, perfect for large ships to pull up, making it truly ideal for development and construction.

A developers dream, the island has deep water access for large ships and yachts.

A perfect blank canvas of rolling hills, lignum vitae trees, and calm warm waters begs to be painted with your dream project: a picturesque private residential settlement, a crown jewel of a tropical estate with miles of private beaches to wander, or a boutique resort with more than enough acreage left to add an entire 18-hole golf course. The island's possibilities are as limitless as the Atlantic Ocean surrounding it.

The island is a developer's dream, with space for a luxury resort development, deep water access for ships, or even, as CNN points out, room for your very own Bond villain layer. After all, James Bond is famously fond of The Bahamas.

Bidding opens March 26, 2021 and closes March 31. Contact us for more information.

Is This a Good Time to Sell?

We are often asked the question, “Is this a good time to sell?” Despite the economic impacts felt globally last year, 2020 ended the year as a seller’s market, but sellers were the last to get the memo. What does this mean? Now is an EXCELLENT time to sell with inventory at an all-time low, and demand unusually high. 

Why 2021 is a Seller's Market

The average home price across 150 urban markets worldwide rose 4.7% from June through September compared to the same period a year earlier, according to Knight Frank’s quarterly Global Residential Cities Index. The real estate market boom is the result of many things from government stimulus, work-from-home fueling a move away from city centers, and Millennials entering the housing market as the fastest-growing segment of home buyers and second-home buyers. Would-be buyers who planned to purchase in 2020 held off during the early days of the pandemic but are ready to buy now. Fewer sellers listed their properties for sale in 2020 due to fears of an economic downturn, but the housing market rebounded remarkably quickly resulting in an unprecedented low in available properties for sale, despite an increase in demand.

The Bahamas is no exception to this global phenomenon with fewer properties for sale, and an increase in buyer demand, especially among luxury home buyers, as detailed in Luxury Portfolio's recent report on The State of the Luxury Real Estate Market. 

Ready to Sell?

Are you ready to sell? Find out why you should sell with a Bahamas Realty agent to get the best result for the sale of your property, and request a free comparative market analysis to determine what your home is worth today.

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It’s been one year since the coronavirus pandemic disrupted the housing market. It was a year of extremes for the global real estate market. It started out looking bright but was soon derailed by the pandemic which caused world economies to falter. Going into the latter part of 2020, the rebound was sharp with demand for residential real estate surging. The housing market is expected to continue its winning streak in 2021 as a strong seller’s market.  

A seller’s market is when there are more people buying houses than houses for sale. In the Bahamas, a strong demand for housing from both local and foreign buyers has led to a shortage in inventory that reflects the global home price growth. This news should have sellers smiling. But what does the booming 2021 housing market mean for buyers?  

Buying in a Sellers Market 

The rule of thumb in real estate is that the best time to buy is when you are ready. Demand is up right now for many reasons - buyer's who delayed purchasing during the unpredictable past year are ready to buy, people are looking for larger homes to accommodate working from home, a move away from cities is shifting demand, and Millennials - the largest generation - are jumping into the housing market as the fastest-growing group of buyers.

Whatever your reason for buying, here are some tips to help make the process work in your favour in a seller’s market. 

1. Know what homes are selling for in your desired area 

Listing prices are not always an accurate reflection of what the property will sell for. Some properties may be listed underprice in hopes of generating a bidding war, while others may be priced in the seller’s hope of taking advantage of the low inventory market, rather than value. An experienced agent can tell you what similar properties have sold for, and what features are driving value.  
 

2. Expand your search 

Prices are always higher in the most popular neighbourhoods. Don’t limit your search to just a few of your top locations. Newer developments and condo communities are springing up with better amenities and square footage for less money. Similarly, homes and condos in established communities are coming back on the market as Baby Boomers reach retirement age. These older homes often offer more bang for your buck and require little investment to modernize.  

Start with our list of Featured Communities and Condo Developments
 

The newly constructed Coconut Cove residences offer modern amenities in a small gated community in Western New Providence at affordable prices. Photo: Brian Austin, Bahamas Realty Agent & Broker

3. Get prequalified 

If you require financing, being prequalified shows true intent and gives the seller confidence that the deal will go through. Taking the time to meet with your bank/ mortgage lender before you begin your home search will give you a better chance of getting the home you want before someone else snaps it up. Similarly, cash offers indicate faster closing times and eliminate the risk of a mortgage not being approved - a big incentive for the seller to accept an offer. 
 

4. Re-evaluate your wish list 

With inventory low and demand high, you may need to re-evaluate your priorities. Perhaps a slightly longer work commute is made up for by a shorter school run. New construction and a spa-like master suite might make up for the lack of ocean views. Fewer bedrooms might be a sacrifice easily made up for by a dock for your boat in the backyard.  
 
It can be helpful to make a list of your priorities before starting your search, but be flexible. Once you have toured a few listings, re-evaluate the list and rank the places you’ve seen in terms of the features that you loved, and those that are less important. 
 

5. Don’t shop at the top of your budget 

Shopping at the top of your budget can lead to disappointment. Closing costs can be high and it is important to prepare for those as well as any unexpected costs. Mortgages are often contingent on the appraised value of the home, and if you bid too high and your mortgage comes in below the offer price, you may need to self-finance more than you had initially planned for. 

There can be benefits to shopping below budget. You can save money on the upfront cost of the home and use any extra funds to customize it to your liking and even add value for a future sale. 
 

Opportunities exist if you know where to look. This unique villa is one of just 6 in a small community on famous Paradise Island. Recently renovated, and priced to sell, a few tweaks will make this the perfect island retreat. Listed with Broker/ Director  Andrea Brownrigg.

6. Start now 

The sooner you begin the process of your home search, the better. You should start by taking the time to familiarize yourself with the various communities on the island, what closing costs you will have, and how the real estate process works in The Bahamas. The more prepared you are when your dream home hits the market, the better your chances are of sealing the deal. 

The luxury second-home market is also booming and predicted to continue through 2021. While new developments are under construction, availability is limited. According to a recent report compiled by Luxury Portfolio International, the demand from affluent buyers and investors is also far outpacing inventory, with the best properties moving faster than ever. Despite the low inventory 50% of affluent people surveyed believe this is a good time to buy.

 

Contact a Bahamas Realty estate agent today to learn more about the home buying process.

Crystal clear water, soft white sand, and sunshine year-round.

The Bahamas is known for having the most beautiful beaches in the world, with the beauty of its turquoise water, visible even from space, being declared "surreal" by astronaut Chris Hadfield in 2013.

 

The beauty of the Bahamas is surreal; every blue that exists. Taken on New Year's Day, 2013 from the Space Station. pic.twitter.com/cnNPh8Xl

— Chris Hadfield (@Cmdr_Hadfield) January 2, 2013

 

With so many stunning beaches to choose from, narrowing down the best is practically impossible, but we've rounded up 10 of our favourites from around The Bahamas. Make a visit to each one a part of your bucket list.

1. Tropic of Cancer beach, Exuma

Also called Pelican Beach, Tropic of Cancer Beach is the longest beach in the Exuma Chain. Located on little Exuma, some describe this beach as the most beautiful beach that they have ever seen with its super blue waters and calm surroundings.

2. Beaches of Stocking Island, off the port of Exuma

Stocking Island, located off Great Exuma, is known for its picturesque scenery. This island not only draws in visitors because of its crystal clear beauty but the friendly stingrays there will keep anyone coming back.

3. Big Major Cay (Pig Beach), Exuma

Most beaches are popular for their beauty but Big Major Cay, also known as “Pig Beach,” is famous for its swimming pigs. Yes, you read that right! The pigs on the island offer an amazing experience for visitors, allowing you to pet them, feed them, and even swim with them.

4. Cape Santa Maria Beach, Long Island

Just one visit to Cape Santa Maria Beach and you will never want to leave. This highly rated beach is known by many as the most beautiful beach on Long Island, mainly because of its clear blue waters.

5. Great Guana Cay, Abaco

If you are looking for a beach with miles of white sand, along with peace and tranquility, Great Guana Cay beach is perfect for you. It is great for running, snorkeling, and collecting shells. Great Guana Cay is one of the most pristine and beautiful cays in the Bahamas. The famous Nipper's Beach Bar overlooks the beach and is popular with locals and visitors alike.

6. Kamalame Cay Beach, Andros

You may know of Kamalame Cay Beach through celebrities and social media influencers, but it is even more, stunning in person! Located on a private island, Kamalame Cay Beach offers an off-the-grid experience with raw beauty, unlike many other beaches.

7. Pink Sands Beach, Harbour Island

The name is pretty much self-explanatory for this beach. Pink Sands Beach boasts miles of pink sand and this is really what sets it apart from other beaches. This beach is popular among vacationers from near and far looking to experience a beach like no other.

8. Fernandez Bay, Cat island

Located in New Bight, Cat Island, this wonderful beach offers amazing views and great restaurants and while there you may even find sand dollars in the sand to start your collection.

9. French Leave Beach (aka Club Med Beach), Eleuthera

French Leave Beach, aka Club Med Beach, is located on Bank's Road in Governor's Harbour. Its name is derived from the old Club Med Resort that was destroyed by Hurricane Floyd in 1999. It boasts some of the softest pink sand that stretches out over a mile, overlooking clear water perfect for beach combing, snorkeling, and swimming. Bring your sunscreen as there is very little shade at this sunny beach.

10. Cabbage Beach, Paradise Island

Last but far from least on our list of the top 10 beaches in The Bahamas is Cabbage Beach. Cabbage Beach is very popular among visitors and locals to Paradise Island. A short hop over the bridge from Nassau, and within walking distance of many of the major hotels, Cabbage Beach is one of the most jaw-dropping and popular beaches in the country. A few hotels back onto the beach, but it is accessible to the public. The waters can be rough at times in the winter months, but that does not take away from the astonishing beauty of its turquoise waters and powder-soft sand. You can even find locals at this beach taking advantage of their jet skis.

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At Bahamas Realty, we know that pets are a part of the family. After all, most of us are pet owners too.

But how much do pets factor into the decision when buying a home? It turns out, quite a lot.

 

How Much Pets Matter When Buying a Home

According to a recent survey by Realtor.com:
 

• Over 80% of buyers were pet owners;
• 95% consider the needs of their pets when selecting the right home to buy; and,
• nearly 70% would pass on their dream home if it didn’t accommodate the needs of their furry family members.

Back in the day, pets were considered a major hurdle to the home-selling process. But with more animal lovers buying than ever before, Sellers should embrace family pets and showcase the things that make your home purr-fect for the whole family. You'll have more potential buyers knocking at your door. Click here for tips for selling your pet friendly home.

 

Fun Fact: One in four people buy Valentine’s Day gifts for their pets.

Pet-Friendly Rental Properties Can Make More Money

 

Given how many people now count a pet as a member of their family, it's no surprise that pet-friendly rental properties fill vacancies faster and keep great tenants! If you are a landlord, consider making your home a pet-friendly property. The pool of rental properties that allow pets is much smaller so rentals that accommodate our furry family members are in greater demand, and rent for a higher price.

While there are risks to renting to pet owners, if you take a few precautions, such as including the right wording in the lease, the returns can be great. Here are some tips to make your rental property pet-friendly while protecting your investment.

 

Looking to buy, sell or rent a pet-friendly property? Contact a Bahamas Realty agent today.

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State of the Luxury Market: The Caribbean
LPI Connected Conversations

Bahamas Realty Director, Andrea Brownrigg was recently featured in an exclusive podcast from Luxury Portfolio International for members around the globe with an update on what's happening in high-end island markets. The conversation covered how COVID-19 has affected the demand for resort properties, the kind of properties and amenities that buyers are looking for right now, and how real estate business is being conducted in these second-home markets.

Key takeaways:

• For luxury buyers, the pandemic has created an increase in demand for large, private estate properties with access to an outdoor lifestyle that's safe for the family.
• The demographics of buyers hasn't changed, despite the challenges in travel.
• Virtual tours and online life has changed how business is done, including how property transactions take place. Buyers are now purchasing property that they have "toured" without ever setting foot inside.

Andrea was joined by our LPI affiliate, Bernadette Hunt, of Turks & Caicos Property., and Anne Colvin, Director of Member Services for LPI.

Catch the whole conversation on Vimeo, Spotify or Apple Podcasts: LPI Connected Conversations.
 

                

 

MORE: Luxury Portfolio International recently released a first-of-its-kind report on the State of Luxury Real Estate globally. Read more here.