From May 2007

Where has the time gone! Lots of vacation home owners and visitors to Abaco are still here and we have had a very busy "social season" this year.The Pathfinder Scholarship fund's auction netted them $100,000. It was fun setting up Judy Saul-Novo's Treasure Chest theme and I bagged a wonderful new dining table. Very island chic! The Reef Ball was its usual rocking success. I love that event! In my opinion, it's the best party of the year. I had such a great time participating in the Tea by the Sea which raised money for animal rescue and an emergency services building. I wish I could do something like that every week. The weather was ideal, all the ladies were wore their finest tea dresses and the Bahama Beach Club on the Treasure Cay beach was the perfect setting.Abaco real estate is still going strong. How do you know if buying real estate in The Islands is right for you? Questions to ask include how much is the cost of living here? Even though we are fortunate to have plenty of quality provisions here on Abaco, with duty and freight charges, there is a bit of sticker shock at the grocery stores, hardware stores and restaurants.Do the conditions on Abaco suit when you want to be here? If you are looking for a winter home destination, and it has to be hot, hot, hot, our moderate temperatures will suit some more than others. Summer or winter, the breezes are soft and the sun is shining.Local medical care can be a concern in a foreign country but Abaco has numerous daily charter, commercial flights, as well as Medevac, flights to the US. Plus we have very capable, usually American, doctors practicing here.Will you ever be bored on Abaco? There is a surprising number of ways to keep yourself amused although they usually consist of variations on boating, fishing, beachcombing, golf and duty-free shopping. Sounds good to me!How easy will it be to use your vacation home on Abaco? Besides the almost sinful ease of flying or boating to Abaco (see www.FlyToAbaco.com), the dollar is at par with US currency and is used interchangably, we are an English speaking country with just enough familiarity combined with the unique Bahamian culture, Abaco has a fun tropical island atmosphere plus those conch fritters! It will be so easy to have as many family and friends come as you like - or just keep it as a romantic getaway for the two of you.Is a home, vacant land or a condominium right for you? A home allows you to start enjoying your Abaco lifestyle right away. Fortunately, there are many skilled homemakers, caretakers and gardeners to keep it all in shipshape. Besides, if you are handy yourself, you will always find a project to do.Vacant land is a wonderful investment in The Bahamas. The appreciation is usually excellent and you can have your own dream home custom built. On Abaco, we have some excellent builders, many of them decended from generations of boatbuilders and craftsmen.(go to http://www.abacoagent.com/localservices.shtml )A condominium offers a great choice whether as a starter home, for shorter vacations or for the most carefree living. Many offer their own on-site rental programs which can keep your property occupied while you are not in residence.An investment in Bahamian real estate is as safe as any in the western hemisphere. Values have risen steadily since World War II, there will always be a demand for quality real estate at reasonable prices and your funds are guaranteed to be repatriated. We are a stable parliamentary democracy and the rule of law prevails. Most western countries have embassies or consulates in Nassau and there is a US Consular Warden in residence on Abaco.Abaco is a great homeowning or vacation destination. It has an undefinable quality which really does get under your skin. The Goombay Smashes are cold, the water is gorgeous and the fish are jumping. Hurry on down!