real estate

West Indies Brokers is a proud Member of CIREBA MLS system whereas all cayman properties for sale in the Cayman Islands are listed and sourced!

Friday, September 27, 2013

First Time Home Buyers? Watch your steps

Buying a home for the first time is a an exciting event we all would love to experience in our lives. In a market as teeming with activities as the Cayman Real Estate, you can expect to find a great variety, no matter what kind of requirement you have. There are however certain things you would have to look towards giving prime focus once you decide on buying a Cayman property for the first time.

  • How much can you afford? - Before going out and comparing kitchen and bathroom lay-out, let's fend for your loan and mortgage capacity. How much can you afford? Your lender would try convincing you till the bones about how you can afford. Use mortgage calculators and make an estimate of how much you can actually afford.
  • Have you chosen the right agent? - Agents have an important role to play in your home buying decision. Have you got hold of the right one? Make proper interrogations before you hire a Real Estate Agent. There are a lot of them dealing in Cayman properties. Any agent registered with CIREBA would be a reliable source
  • Are you visiting the right properties? - Deciding on what you actually require is very important. Just going on visits blindly without being clear what actually you are looking for, would do nothing better than confuse you.
  • Have you performed an inspection? - Property inspection is extremely necessary. When you have become absolutely certain about which property you wish to buy, it is imperative that you perform a quick inspection. This lets you know at which places is the house lacking and what are the probable costs that you could expect to pay for once you move in.
  • Did you check which appliances are working? - A seller would lure you with all kinds of small and big appliances to be included in the sale. Don't just nod in assertion. Check whether all these appliances are in working condition or not.

Cayman property market is huge and thus, it is difficult to choose from an entire lot of great houses. Select your property carefully. After all, it is you who would be relishing the sweetness of an island life, living in that house.
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Wednesday, September 11, 2013

5 things to know before you move to Cayman

Moving abroad is a dainty decision, not meant for someone who is closed to changes, hostilities and surprise hospitalities. No matter how well you are equipped to face the differences between your native nation and your adopted one, difficulties are bound to arise. The challenge is to focus on reducing those difficulties and kicking them behind, as you go ahead to embrace an entirely different culture. When it is about Cayman, well you can stay calm with assurance on many aspects. Crime rate is amazingly low here, the island is simply beautiful and people are super-warm. Cayman real Estate is huge and hence, you are sure to find a good comfy place to stay. Given all this, there are certain things you need to know about living in Cayman Islands. Here are 5 such things

  • Permanent residency is a tough cookie to crack in Cayman. A person has to wait for eight years before he can file for residentship. That too, entails a varied number of rules and regulations. Work permits are admissible till then. Except for the case, where your spouse is a Caymanian, (which is unlikely if you are moving here for the first time), being a permanent resident might need a lot of legalities to deal.
  • Employment opportunities are growing in Cayman, we don't doubt that! Foreign workforce stays welcome on behalf of various MNCs, who have their headquarters based in Cayman; no matter how the global economy changes colors. Still, employment might involve commendable search through the recruitment agencies if it is not your present organization that is voting for your stay at Cayman. Cayman natives enjoy an obvious job preference.
  • If you are shifting with your family, things might have to be done with greater care. Deciding on which area of the county you would stay, is the first challenge. Let's accept it, Cayman would be featuring an expensive lifestyle. So boiling down to a reasonable stay option is important. Real estate agencies are there to help you choose from a hoard of Cayman properties. Just make sure you catch hold of the right agent.
  • If you have pets with you, you need to put in some amounts of extra efforts. There are a measured number of houses that would possess facilities suitable to pet-cuddlers. There is an animal care unit in Cayman, that takes care of diseased tame animals. Make your research in advance.
  • Driving rules in Cayman might seem alien to you. People here drive on the left and there are a lot of round-abouts. It might take a bit for you to get used to the driving rules here, which are, any day, quite strict. Forgetfulness of road discipline could cost a heavy penalty.
There are a large number of other things that you might want to consider. Practically speaking, you come to know about a place only when you personally move there. All the best for your Cayman adventure!

Sunday, July 7, 2013

Cayman Real Estate Buyer's market, when does low balling work?

This is a spoken subject, often not welcome in the sellers market. Low balling, to many is not something that sounds sweet to the ears, especially for the seller who have unreasonably set their houses at firing prices and for the agents who have promised to get those houses sold at their listed prices. However, low balling is a wonderful instrument for Cayman property buyers. It is a way in which you can somehow bring down the sellers to a price range at which you wish to buy a property.

Most sellers in Cayman Real Estate, are well educated about the tendency of buyers. Hence, listing prices are always set a bit above the expected selling price. Any buyer as such, needs a do a bit of low balling. The game of low balling however works best under certain circumstances and not equally well in others. You can say it is a game of luck, but somewhere it is about art and about staying informed.

The foremost necessity is to keep an eye on the seller's market. People, who have recently got their properties listed on the MLS system, are bad candidates to try for low balling. They would not go by your norms, for sure. Maintain this, even if you have fallen in love with their displayed property listing.

Scan for properties that are at least 30 days old. Owners, whose properties get a bit old, tend to slash down prices a bit. Down balling works best with them. Third, look out for properties that have expired. If you are already feeling something creepy inside you, drop it! Expired properties are not bad properties. The kind of market that Cayman Real Estate is, no property can actually be tagged as bad property. Properties expire because most of the time, owners exaggerate the the prices to huge levels. It is here that you can place the floweriest display of your low balling techniques.

Sometimes, low balling gives a win-win situation for both the sellers as well as the buyers. It is upon both the entities to make sure that the deal does not fall extremely harsh on any one.

Friday, June 7, 2013

5 Healthy Reasons You Should Live At Cayman

Planning to relocate? Choose well between options! You would have to do a lot of homework before you harp on a particular land. Reasons as well, might drive your preferences. Health is one of the many reasons people relocate. If that is your reason as well, you need to consider Cayman Islands as one of the prime countries that you need to focus on. Living in the atmosphere that dominates Cayman, can be really beneficial in treating many kinds of tormenting physical conditions. Following is an account of what exactly are the benefits of staying in the Caribbean climate of Cayman Islands.
  • The temperatures on the Island never go down below 22 degree Celsius, no matter which month of the year, you are visiting Cayman islands in! It is silky summer throughout the year. The warmth is beneficial for those who suffer from pain in bones and joints. It helps them recover well and prevents unwanted body cramps from coming back.
  • There is a lot of Vitamin D that you can expose your body to. Its shiny everywhere. Wake up in the morning, just move outside your room and you would find soft light filtering in. This alleviates many deficiency and assimilation disorders that are related the scarcity of the Vitamin D in the body. Again, it contributes to stronger bones.
  • Walking or jogging on beach sand is way more beneficial than walking on a rigid surface. It tones the muscles of the lower legs better than normal walking and jogging. It acts as a wonderful traction for the feet as well, providing you an amazing workout ingredient.
  • The Cayman Islands is basically a sea heaven. Pollution in the Caribbean air is relatively lower as compared to any other place. There is a real lot of greenery around. Hence, people facing breathing problems would find the climate conditions in Cayman highly beneficial.
  • You get to swim a lot here. It's sea wherever you look around! All you have to do is dive in. Swimming is an effective cardio workout and keeps you in great health conditions.

Relocate to this wonderful place. Do not worry about where to live! There are great real estate agencies in Cayman, Westindiesbroker for an example. Their services are exceptional and you would not find any difficulty in finding your dream home!

All the best relocating to Cayman Islands!

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Make Over Your Home For The Perfect Display

Selling homes is more than just a light endeavor! It is about dressing your home in the proper manner, furnishing it properly and making it presentable for your visitors to be enchanted and your prospective visitors to be awestruck. Especially, at a place like the Cayman Islands, where real estate is wide spread and there is cut-neck competition in  the buying and selling of properties, presentation is more important than anything than anything else. Different people have distinct ideas of how to dress their homes. To many, making it look full and green attracts more people; while for many others, neatness and uncrowdedness is the crux.

Now how do you decide on what your home should actually look like, to make it engrave the maximum impact? It is easy, first decide on the tenant types that you are ready to entertain. Then focus on what their needs and likes would be like. Remember, it is no use taking your choices and tastes in purview! You are the seller. It is your buyer or tenant who needs to be impressed and convinced. As such, it would be more practical to think in the way they would!

Stud your house with the amenities that you think your tenant would actually be needing. Don't overcrowd the entire place with all sorts of features and furnishings. It would only give a scattered and shabby look. Keep furniture distribution optimal. It is no sense covering the entire floor with a carpet. Keep what is absolutely necessary. When people shift in, more than often, they bring certain things that they are attached to. Don't blanket the walls with portraits and paintings. Make wise utilization of space, that is the key.

The color of walls is as important! Remember, color not only changes the look of the place, it also changes the feel and the vibes that are received from the place. Certain wall colors bring a lot of positive feelings, while some others impart negativity. It is always a good idea to stick to the neutral shades, if you are not very sure of colors that you are supposed to use.

The patio and the garden are important. Keep it neat, again. Don't overuse colorful flowers. It is great to keep green the dominant garden color. Remove all garden appliances and arrange them neatly at some place where they can be easily accessed to. The patio should be clean and broomed out.

There are several other important points that need to be taken into consideration while decorating your home for the final presentation! Use your imagination to the best and do your best.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Things Must You Jot Down While Moving In, In Cayman Islands


Loved the Cayman and now planning to relocate? Great! You would need to go for a bit of good homework at your end! Relocating in Cayman is easy and hassle - free, but if you are planning your stay for the first time here, he need to know certain things about this place and its renting systems (assuming that you are moving in temporarily). Relocating completely is different and would involve distinct requirements.

First thing, all houses in Cayman are not suitable for kids and pets. Owners here are specifically choosy about pets. There are very few house owners who would let your dogs lurk inside their houses. Similarly, some houses are just not safe to allow kids! More so for those that come with a private pool. Hence if you have kids or a pet to attend to, it is better you give your specifications well before!

It is wise to accept that Cayman Islands is not a pocket-friendly place to live in, as far as residences are concerned. This place is a mushroom ground for the real estate industry and hence property always stays high on demand here, all throughout the year. Better yet, with the inflow of more global brands and their head-quarters here, property is becoming yet costlier! As such, you need to plan your budget in advance so that you are not exposed to unpleasant surprises later on! It is not that you would not find anything affordable! It is just that you might have to go for a bit of compromise in the number of bedrooms and the area in which your home would be located.

Another point worth remembering is that there is a whole network of real estate agents spread throughout the islands. One you have decided you wish to move in the Cayman, all you should do is make specifications of your requirements and tell them to your agent. Rest, leave it up to him. An agent necessarily looks after the entire process of hunting down a property that would suit your need and to making you shift in. Mostly, houses in Cayman are furnished completely, so all you have to do is pack your bags and step in. A furnished house would however stretch your budget a bit! It is better to go for something that contains the bare essentials and move in with everything that you have at your disposal. This would save costs on the long term, but would involve the amount you have to pay to movers one time.

In short, while planning to move in, you would have to be very clear about your own requirements. Only then can you get something that perfectly fits you.  

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Another Potent Reason To Relocate To Cayman Island

Cayman Islands, apart from being a small place, close to the miracles of nature, boast of many more things. Hospitable people, lots of things to do, a great climate and adaptable culture are some of them. To top all these aspects, we have the tax free environment. No income tax, no income on capital gains and absolutely no limit as far as the property ownership is concerned! The place is a friendly heaven for all those who wish to have a complete life.

The HSBC Expat Explorer Survey had declared Cayman Islands as the friendliest country in the world. Be it the Government regulations, be it the people around, be it the food you like, whatever be your criterion, you would find the perfect home here. This place is almost crime free and pollution free. The local community is welcoming and the culture is extremely interesting to embrace. On the whole, Cayman has it all, that you need to put up a lovely home for yourself.

Added up to all these things, there is the booming real estate market here! Property for all kinds of demand criteria, at great prices and investment that is justifiable return, on every dollar spent, these factors make this place a lucrative hub for overseas investors. There is a whole network of real estate brokers and agents who would happily help nay body who wants to buy a property piece here. The entire real estate system here is so organized and well knit, that a person, sitting miles away from the island, can hunt down a piece of property, without even having to step on the island.

Facilities abound, the stable Government and a settled political and economic condition here, make Cayman all the more appropriate to stay on for a lifetime! The country operates under the presidency of the English crown. Rules are put to place and the legal system is extremely stringent, making crime rates minuscule. There are huge number of financial institutions and well known global brands here. The number of commercial institution is still growing with SEZs claiming a good part of the country. This means more people coming in, more heaviness towards cosmopolitanism and a greater demand for residential and commercial land. As such, value of property is definite to thrive.

You would not need more reasons to decide on buying a property in Cayman Islands for yourself!

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

The New Name of Commercial Luxury - Camana Bay

Through the years, Cayman Islands have seen intense developments in the real estate industry. Commercial involvement needs special mention here. With the development, urbanization and popularity of the tax laws here, many prominent corporate names have started streaming into the islands. Today, the Grand Cayman is embedded by many corporate headquarters and offices of
significant international commercial names.

Camana Bay has emerged as the new figure as far as commercial and residential property development are considered. It is a whole new ultra-urbanized town, preplanned and halfway executed. This $700 million worth project was undertaken by Ken Dart, and was strategically to be completed in three different phases. Phase 1 has already seen its completion successfully, with 93% of its space, already been leased out to well known names like BNY Mellon, Ernst & Young, Citco and Grand Thornton. The luxury residential space that has been worked on in the first phase, has been 100% leased, with the demand growing so high, that future booking at waiting terms have been done. The closeness to offices has motivated families to shift out in this community area. A considerable area, as large as 138,000 square feet has been dedicated to retail spaces and the development is already complete.

Phase 2 and phase 3 are still in the developmental stage. The phase 2 includes the main focus on residential area. It would be 435,000 square feet of courtyard town homes, condos, single family homes and cottages. The community is supposed to be well knit with community facilities so as to make the stay of families here, comfortable and convenient. This phase has not yet
seen commencement of construction. The entire Camana Bay project is subject to demand for residential spaces. Tourism is also one of the driving factors for the complete development of Camana Bay.

Well, after the completion, this area is sure to attract a lot more population than Cayman Islands today is. With the growing nature of the real estate industry here, this project is definite to sprawl at a sparkling rate.

Friday, March 29, 2013

Planning to Buy a Condo? Know Them First!

Aspiring to own the big thing in Cayman Islands? Great idea! But before going ahead, it is necessary to jot down what all you know about condominiums and what are yet to be discovered. Buying a condo is slightly different from the case of buying a home. Condos generally comprise of many individual units. It is more of a complex, housing all kinds of facilities and perks for those staying there. And a lot goes in maintaining these facilities up to the mark to keep the residents satisfied, much more than what goes in maintenance of a home. Starting from leaking roofs, running taps, to a filled up freshwater pool and a lush green garden.

It is this cost that makes condos a bit different from a house. Generally, every condominium in Cayman Islands is better known as strata and there is a committee of people managing it. There is a representative heading the committee. More or less, it is the owner who comprise the committee. Maintenance of an entire complex is a difficult task and requires commitment in respect with time and physical presence. This part is difficult! Hence, property management companies are hired to look after the maintenance work and they have to be paid a particular annual amount.

Thus, comes the strata fees. Fixing, what this strata fees would be, is at the disposal of the committee. It differs from one strata to another. And further more, there are different ways in which it is decided as to how much each owner is supposed to pay. Generally, square foot possession is the criteria. The huger space you own, the more you would have to pay. This is however, not the stipulated norm and can vary from one strata to another. It is possible that the committee would decide upon increasing the strata fees without any prior notice. It is thus better to check out the present strata fees with the help of an experienced real estate agent.

The good thing is that the strata fees would also be including insurance costs. Personal belongings come under the count as well! So in a nutshell, the amount you would be paying towards the ownership of a condominium in Cayman Islands is first, the deposit, then the principle amount, the stamp duty and strata fees. No further costs towards maintenance would be charged. Ongoing costs like water and electricity bills will continue.

Monday, March 25, 2013

Sellers, Add Spark To Your Home

The Grand Cayman soars high as far as property transactions are considered. Every year, a considerable population comes here with the dream of setting up their private heaven in this paradise island. The real estate market thrives here and there is a never-ending demand for residential and commercial properties. People stay back, owning a home or accommodating themselves on a rent basis. Whatever it is, the competition is steaming high when it comes to sellers. Demand is rapturously high and sellers need to do a slight more than just presenting a home. Most of the properties available for sale are completely furnished and the buyer seems enchanted at the preparation.

There are certain things that the seller needs to take care of in order to bring costs down to a minimum for him and yet make the property extremely profitable. Listed below are few such things that can be extremely efficient in making your house the ultimate choice of the buyer.

The do's:

  • Perfect landscaping – Do it diligently and make it smart. A well-kept place, even if small, can look spacious. It is important to trim and turf the vegetation on the front and back port, make space for a wide view and make it look like it is the most neatly kept place in the world.
  • Floors and fixtures – A maintained flooring is as important as a beautiful carpet. Even if your house does not showcase the later, a great flooring can do the magic. Fixtures are equally crucial. Make them look adequate but don't make the house crowded with them.
  • Kitchen and bath – A spacious kitchen and a sultry bath are what a house has to boast about. Make your house the one! Any family moving in, primarily looks towards having great kitchens, bath, bedrooms and play area for children. Making all of these the perfect ones can really pay off!

The Dont's:

  • A pool in place of yard – Never do this! Scooping up the yard earth to make place for a pool is not worth it. It just adds to costs and pools do not do much in attracting potential customers.
  • Pack up with appliances and furniture – Keep it as much as you think should be needed for a decent living. Don't crowd the place with unnecessary clutter. It would just make the place look shrunk in!

Keeping these points in mind are certain to be helpful in batting competition.

Cayman Land For Sale - Old Robin Point Queens Highway Beachfront Land


Old Robin Point Queens Highway Beachfront Land

MLS #:  090602
Price: US $899,525.00
Status: Active !
Type: Cayman Land For Sale
Year: 0







Cayman Property Description:

Purely beautiful property in an exclusive area of Old Robin Point of Queens Highway within walking distance to current multi-million dollar properties. The property has been meticulously looked after and enjoy a elevation grade range from 30 ft by road to 1 ft by beach/ocean providing gradient architectural opportunities difficult/expensive to duplicate! Simply a fantastic home site or combine parcel 66 and 67 and double the development potential.



Location: N.E. CoastBlock: 61AParcel: 66
Construction: StuccoClass: Under-ConstructionBeds:
Baths: N/AFloor:View: Beach Front
Zoning:Agriculture/ResidentialTV: SatelliteFoundation: Slab
Washer/Dryer: yesPool: NoTennis: No
Fence: NoCistern: NoWell: No
Sewer: NoSeptic: NoCity Water: No
Dining Area: NoBreak Fast: NoKitchen: No
Living Room: NoUtility: NoDen: No
Femily Room: NoPorch: UnscreendPatio: No
Furnished: FurnishedCar port: No



Saturday, March 23, 2013

Cayman Land For Sale - Boatswain Bay Beach Front 200 feet


Boatswain Bay Beach Front 200 feet


MLS #:  090295
Price: US $720,000.00
Status: Active !
Type: Cayman Land For Sale
Year: 0








Cayman Property Description:

 Boatswain Bay Beach Front 200 feet



Location: W Bay North WestBlock: 1CParcel: 64 & 65
Construction: StuccoClass: Under-ConstructionBeds:
Baths: N/AFloor:View: Beach Front
Zoning: Medium Density ResidentialTV: SatelliteFoundation: Slab
Washer/Dryer: yesPool: NoTennis: No
Fence: NoCistern: NoWell: No
Sewer: NoSeptic: NoCity Water: No
Dining Area: NoBreak Fast: NoKitchen: No
Living Room: NoUtility: NoDen: No
Femily Room: NoPorch: UnscreendPatio: No
Furnished: FurnishedCar port: No



Friday, March 22, 2013

Cayman Land for Sale - Boatswain's Bay North West Point



Boatswain's Bay North West Point

MLS #:  113497
Price: US $215,000.00
Status: Active !
Type: Cayman Land For Sale
Year: 0



Cayman Real EstateCayman Real EstateCayman Real Estate


Cayman Property Description:

 Boatswain's Bay North West Point

Location: W Bay North WestBlock: 1CParcel: 29/A
Construction: StuccoClass: Under-ConstructionBeds:
Baths: N/AFloor:View: Beach Front
Zoning: Low Density ResidentialTV: SatelliteFoundation: Slab
Washer/Dryer: yesPool: NoTennis: No
Fence: NoCistern: NoWell: No
Sewer: NoSeptic: NoCity Water: No
Dining Area: NoBreak Fast: NoKitchen: No
Living Room: NoUtility: NoDen: No
Femily Room: NoPorch: UnscreendPatio: No
Furnished: FurnishedCar port: No

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Cayman Land for Sale - South Reach Grand Harbor Ocean Front Lot


South Reach Grand Harbor Ocean Front Lot

MLS #: 125813
Price: US $549,000.00
Status: Active !
Type: Cayman Land For Sale
Year: 0






Cayman Property Description: 

South Reach Grand Harbor Ocean Front Lot
Location: Prospect Block: 22E Parcel: 329
Construction: Stucco Class: Under-Construction Beds:
Baths: N/A Floor: View: Water View
Zoning: Low Density Residential TV: Satellite Foundation: Slab
Washer/Dryer: yes Pool: No Tennis: No
Fence: No Cistern: No Well: No
Sewer: No Septic: No City Water: No
Dining Area: No Break Fast: No Kitchen: No
Living Room: No Utility: No Den: No
Femily Room: No Porch: Unscreend Patio: No
Furnished: Furnished Car port: No