In
The Dominican Republic
Touring The DR With
An Eye On Investing ~ By Kit Howard
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Columbus knew about it over 500 years ago ... Julio Iglesias recognized
a gem when he saw it (and founded tremendously successful Punta Cana)...
Germans and Italians vacation here in great numbers ... Europeans build
second homes or retirement havens here, and have been doing so for many
years.
I first visited
the Dominican Republic over 15 years ago, and found it naturally beautiful
with a perfect balance of stunning beaches and towering forested mountains.
Steeped in history, boasting the first European city founded in the Americas,
the island was breathtaking ... but I didn’t have the foresight to see
the potential, nor the cash to implement a dream if I had. It took others
to do this first ... and now large numbers of Europeans are profiting from
a destination that has largely been a secret for Americans ... and it’s
still as breathtaking as it was then.
For instance,
I found a two bedroom, 3 bath home a short walk from the beach in Punta
Cana for $115,000. If an apartment is more your style, I found studios,
one bedrooms, up to two bedrooms, with one to two baths, in the same area
(many completely furnished and outfitted with cable TV), ranging from $28,000
up to $180,000 (right on the beach). |
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On the pristine
Samana peninsula (dotted with four charming small towns), I found a three
bedroom retreat on nearly 3/4 acre for $77,000 ... and a rustic home a
short walk from the pier for $22,000. Or you can build your own castle
on a good size piece of property -- offerings are all over the place, and
fit any pocketbook.
Today this
undiscovered jewel (called the “DR” by locals), is an island of upscale
hotels and resorts, over 15 parks and reserves, more than 7 golf courses,
21st century communication capabilities, every amenity you’re used to having
at home ... and those drop dead beaches and forests mentioned above. But
the biggest surprise of all is it’s still affordable.
When you schedule
your DR appointment, you might should check out the area around Juan Dolio
(not far from bustling Santo Domingo), and the magnificent Samana peninsula.
Be sure to include Punta Cana too -- developed with tourism in mind, there’s
great potential here for investment, a second home, or the perfect retirement
villa. Whatever you do, don’t miss taking a tour of the Zona Colonia area
of Santo Domingo -- whether you’re a history buff or not, you can’t help
but be impressed by the charm and grace of a city steeped in antiquity..
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No,
I’m not a real estate agent, nor major investor -- I travel the world writing
for people about hidden places where the living is good and the tariff
is reasonable, places I’d like to live myself. I think the DR makes an
excellent place to live and relax with prices you’d be hard pressed to
find any where else in the Eastern Caribbean.
You can discover
the island on your own, starting from scratch ... or you can travel with
Tropical Pathways. They visit the same places I’ve told you about offering
trips for small, select groups of investors, retirees, and to those searching
for a second home.They visit Panama, Roatan (in the Bay Islands),
and, just recently, the Dominican Republic. For more information on trips
tailor-made for the smart investor, contact them at lyle@tropicalpathways.com
or
call direct at (830) 980-5936.Or visit their website at www.tropicalpathways.com.They
have a trip scheduled to the DR on April 27th. |
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If you go
on the Tropical Pathways tour to the Dominican Republic, you’ll get to
meet and question one of the top experts on the area, John Schroder --
and he doesn’t pull any punches.You’ll also meet lawyers, real estate experts,
other expats, and business people who will tell you everything you need
to know. Also, while you’re there, be sure to sample the DR’s proudest
offerings -- fine amber, refined rum, and some of the best cigars in the
world.
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