Halloween & Christmas 2008 – Las Terrenas, Samana, Dominican Republic

Christmas 2008 –

Dominican Republic…Greener than most!

3. Green nation
Administrators of the Plan Nacional Quisqueya Verde say that the Dominican Republic’s forestation levels have improved from 27% in 1997 to 33% in 2008. This means the Dominican Republic is on pace to surpass its goal of 35% forestation by 2015. Technical director Elias Vargas said that new tree planting was going on at a faster rate than projected. Plan Quisqueya Verde director Jose Enrique Baez said that nearly a million trees are being planted around the Dominican Republic during planting season. Baez says that Bolivia, Chile and Costa Rica are interested in learning from the familiarity of the Dominican project with a view to duplicating it in their countries, and have sent officials to study its achievement. The Plan Nacional Quisqueya is working in 70 communities across three provinces of the Dominican Republic and it is projected that Quisqueya Verde will receive RD$70 million in 2009 to carry on its forestation mission.

The arrival of cruise ships boost the economy of Samaná.

SANTO DOMINGO. With the arrival of two ships simultaneously, the Grandeur of the Seas of Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Spirit from the Norwegian Cruise Line, Samaná launched cruise season 2008-2009, a period in which it is projected to receive over 230 thousand passengers a total of 110 cruises.

The information offered Andres Federico Schad, general manager of the major cruise tour operator in Samana Bay Cruise Services, who said that “this season will receive the largest ship to date, and one of the largest of the line Royal Caribbean, which is the Explorer of the Seas, with a capacity for 3,500 passengers. “

He explained that this is a fact that demonstrates the confidence that the cruise lines have placed in our province, “he said. Schad said that” the current period exceeds 13 percent in the previous one, which received 97 vessels, is also of great success for this sub-sector that benefits the tourism industry of Samaná.

He said that the cruise lines promote the area in all their advertising campaigns, providing the public with this cruise is interested in returning for a longer stay.

The executive stressed that Samaná is a destination for cruise ships that have experienced higher growth in the country, and discussed the impact on the economic cruises are for the area.

“They generate a large amount of direct and indirect jobs, a major business with sales of excursions, crafts, paying taxis, cargo shipping, as well as consumption in restaurants, among other products and services that require tourists, “explained.

He said that “one of the priorities of Bay Cruises is security for tourists in transit for free and relaxed.

No poisonous snakes in DR

The Minister of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarena), Jaime David Fernandez Mirabal, denies the existence of any venomous snakes in the Dominican Republic, specifically in Villa Gonzalez, west of Santiago de los Caballeros, adding that there were no snakes that are harmful to humans in any part of the DR. As he headed up the second tree-planting campaign in Santiago’s Central Park, the former Vice-President said that the Boa Hispaniola is endemic to the island and its presence is beneficial, as it does not harm anyone (except for rats and unwary chickens). He said that in organic cacao plantations and in a more general sense, in agriculture, the Boa Hispaniola or green snake acts as a natural insecticide because it eats rats and woodpeckers. He called upon the population to protect its existence. The question came up after a press release from the Spanish news agency EFE that said there was a possibility that poisonous snakes existed in the country

New Santo Domingo to Samana Highway

sign depicts the future road being built that will entirely cicumnavigate the Samana Peninsula.

It was a gorgeous day for a ride.

So, I’m driving along, minding my own business

I think I’ll check out a few kilometers for myself…

this is pretty darn nice

SANTO DOMINGO 102 KILOMETERS

Heck, Nagua is almost 20 Kilometers…

It’s a nice day…

And check out this scenery…

“OK, wild hair or not, I’m going for it!”

80 SMILES AN HOUR BA-A-BB-YYYY!!

only 2 unpaved stretches each about 3 kilometers long

Some of the scenery was really astounding

A fringe benefit to living here…practically NO TAXES!

In the good ol’ USA, we pay…
> Accounts Receivable Tax
> Building Permit Tax
> CDL License Tax
> Cigarette Tax
> Corporate Income Tax
> Dog License Tax
> Federal Income Tax
> Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
> Fishing License Tax
> Food License Tax
> Fuel Permit Tax
> Gasoline Tax
> Hunting License Tax
> Inheritance Tax
> Inventory Tax
> IRS Interest Charges (tax on top of tax),
> IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax),
> Liquor Tax,
> Luxury Tax,
> Marriage License Tax,
> Medicare Tax,
> Property Tax,
> Real Estate Tax,
> Service charge taxes,
> Social Security Tax,
> Road Usage Tax (Truckers),
> Sales Taxes,
> Recreational Vehicle Tax,
> School Tax,
> State Income Tax,
> State Unemployment Tax (SUTA),
> Telephone Federal Excise Tax,
> Telephone Federal Universal Service Fee Tax,
> Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Tax,
> Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax,
> Telephone Recurring and Non-recurring Charges Tax,
> Telephone State and Local Tax,
> Telephone Usage Charge Tax,
> Utility Tax,
> Vehicle License Registration Tax,
> Vehicle Sales Tax,
> Watercraft Registration Tax,
> Well Permit Tax,
> Workers Compensation Tax.
>

I’ve lived here for 1.5 years. I can’t remember when I’ve paid a tax here except for my phone and whatever they get for gasoline. My vehicle? No. Workers comp? NO. Unemployment tax? No. Property tax? No. Income tax? No.

I’m not adverse to paying some taxes. I want roads, and fire departments and police departments. I just do not want to be OVERTAXED! Also, I’d like a little more say on where my tax dollars are spent.

Until that happens, I think I will just stick my head in the cool white sand on our beautiful beaches and enjoy not being taxed for a while!

Respectfully yours,

DanDannyDaniel Hussmann

1-829-380-8094

Member ICREA

www.drparadise.com

Skype Address – dlhussmann

blog URL is drparadise.wordpress.com

Las Terrenas, Samana, Dominican Republic

OMSA offers free rides. Today, work off after 12.

OMSA offers free rides
The Metropolitan Bus Service Office (OMSA) will offer free bus rides Friday, to aid voters in getting to and from their voting stations. OMSA administrator Ignacio Ditren Flores told El Nuevo Diario that their fleet of buses would be on hand from 6am until their standard time of closing. The busses will be obtainable in Santo Domingo and Santiago de los Caballeros. They take their Democracy seriously in the Dominican Republic.

Today, work off after 12
The Presidency has confirmed that starting today, May 15^th at noon, will begin a holiday and will extend thru Saturday May 17^th at 6:00 am. Decree 193-08 makes clear that the time off is designed to make it easier for Dominicans to vote. Thousands of Dominicans live far from their voting stations because of never changing their addresses. Public services, such as police and fire stations, hospitals, and businesses that obviously can’t close (like hotels) will carry on as usual. Most schools also determined to allow their students the two days off as well.

Tourism continues to do fine. Foreign investment stable.

Tourism continues to do fine
Climbing energy prices and the financial problems in the United States hinted at uncertainties that the Dominican tourism sector would see a fall in 2008, the opposite has happened. The Ministry of Tourism announced that in the first quarter of the year, 1,430,034 visitors have arrived. This is 6.73% more than in the 1^st quarter of 2007, when 1,339,836 tourists arrived.
April traveler flow numbers single-handedly show a 2.54% swell compared to 2007, and there is a inclination for arrivals to continue to outpace 2007 figures. This year, 315,721 tourists visited in April, as opposed to 307,914 in April 2007.
El Caribe reports that most people are coming from the US, Canada, Spain, France, Switzerland and Belgium.

Minister of Tourism, Felix Jimenez reported that Canadians are showing their strength. Canadians accounted for 398,023 arrivals in the first four months of this year, balanced against 358,638 last year.

Foreign investment stable
The DR has received a total of US$12.1 billion in foreign direct venture capital (FDI) during the past 15 years. This data was derived from the Foreign Investment Association (ASIEX) and the Central Bank, the Dominican Republic Center for Exports and Investment (CEI-RD). 2007 alone the Dominican Republic received US$1.7 billion in FDI, a little less than Costa Rica, but higher than any of the other four DR-CAFTA countries. Tourism and telecommunications were the chief areas of outlay. Net proceeds for services have sustained an unvarying consistency. Net revenues registered 95% in 2007. Free trade zones equaled 4% net revenues in 2007. Macroeconomic stability in the DR has been the means in increasing FDI says Listen Dario

Las Terrenas gets paved!!!

Mar 15, 2008
by DanDannyDaniel Hussmann
Bailla en La Calle – people were actually dancing in the streets as we FINALLY get paved roads!

Horses downtown Las Terrenas

1950´s re-lived again.

Cost of Website Design in Dominican Republic

There are many variables to be considered when designing a custom web site. Your actual price will vary according to what type of site you want. Custom programming will increase the cost. Doing some planning before actual production begins will limit the need for changes and save time and money. You should decide what your budget is before you request web design quotes. The purpose of your web site is to attract new customers. Often one or two new customers is all it takes to recoup your money.
The Basic Package is ideal for individuals looking to make the leap onto the web with a easy yet stylish presence. This package includes up to 6 pages, all the graphics, and one contact form. Starting from us$ 299 !

Please visit NC Web Design for details.

For a small investment your company can have a website that levels your competition. With effects like advanced graphic design, nice buttons, and/or flash animation.

Subject: LT 745 property

Subject: LT 745  http://www.drparadise.com/detail/sale/s745.html
 
 
Hi Danny,
Thanks for your info.
Is LT 745 in a gated community?
[DL Hussmann] LT 745 is not in a gated community in the traditional sense. It is in a relatively high traffic area. The road in is a dead end so there is only one way in and out. There are two other large homes behind it so any outlaws would have to enter, cross two other homes…do their nefarious deed and then escape carrying their ill-gotten gains all the way back through two yards complete with 8 foot walls and lights etc. Owner told me just yesterday when we showed it to this couple from South Carolina that they had never had any trouble. Owners have security lighting at each corner, the windows are all barred with the ornate iron work, the doors all have locking-latching mechanisms that would make it virtually impossible to penetrate without a tank. I would leave my 6-year old alone in this house!
 
 Do you have photos of 745 lot / garden area and any photos of nearby homes and beach area?
[DL Hussmann] I have many photos of the lot…night time too…will forward. No photos of nearby homes but they are really nice – the beach has typical Las Terrenas beauty and with over 14 kilometers of beach to choose from you can pick open and busy to private and secluded. I will get some photos of both of these. Please allow a little time as we are in our High Season here. Actually sold 2 this week!
Are there any health spas, clubs with pools and movie theaters and in this town?
[DL Hussmann] There is a gym. There are many hotels with pools and they are lenient about usage. There are a couple spas. All these things are in the works! More and more things coming online every month. No “Real” movie theatre here but there is one restaurant that has a screen set up on the beach and every night he shows different movies, or maybe 1980’s MTV (imaging Boy George, Cindy Lauper, Big Hair and biker shorts! It’s a hoot!)
I hope to be coming around March if I can get away.
[DL Hussmann] Come on down!
 
What is the difference between the two areas? and how do beaches differ between where you are and Bavaro?
[DL Hussmann] I’ll let Andy tell you that since I have never been to Bavaro.
Sand beaches in Las Terrenas area seems to be more brown colored than Punta Cana & Bavaro beaches which are white…Is this so?
Our beaches range from nearly white like in the Playa Rincon area to a pretty Honey-color. They are spectacular.

Respectfully yours,
DanDannyDaniel Hussmann
1-829-644-8094

Aguilas Win!!! 2007 Playoffs!

 

I was for Licey!

Too bad for me!

 

I wonder what would have happened if Licey would have won?!

 

Total Mayhem!

 

There must have been a thousand bikes. Everyoine was jumping up and down on them.

 

You should have been here to feel the beat. The music was so loud my chest was thumping!

 

People were shouting, screaming, whistling, blowing their horns, waving banners and showing their pride.

 

Thsi is a parade right after the victory.

 

This is in Las Terrenas…no where near the action so to speak, but the Baseball fever was high!

 

Aguilas win!! Aguilas win!

 

Quality Education takes Priority in The Dominican Republic

The Ministry of Economy, Planning and Development  celebrated its first anniversary by organizing a day-long Economic Perspectives Seminar. At the seminar, it was determined that the most important item to recommend was to increase spending on education. What they are hoping to do is to ensure a quantum leap in the quality of Dominican Education.

Economic consultant Carlos Asilis emphasized that there was a call for improvement in the quality of education  in the DR. Former Central Bank governor Bernardo Vega cited education as the DR’s greatest opportunity. He stressed that the DR cannot keep up with the competition with the way things are now. He warned that unless changes are quickly made, Cuba, who has a highly educated populace will take even more business. High wages but unskilled labor has already resulted in a loss of manufacturing income.

Former Central Bank governor Carlos Despradel said that ultimately, to realize superior productivity in the workplace, essential improvements in the educational system are necessary. Isidoro Santana also said that increasing social spending to elevate human skills should not be restricted to producing misinformation about government spending on education. Santana said that the country’s supreme disappointment is that while international surveys show the dismal assessment of education in Dominican students, the general public seems to be happy with what it is receiving. He surmises this is just an indication of the general population’s low level of education.
 
 
Respectfully yours,
DanDannyDaniel Hussmann
1-829-644-8094
www.drparadise.com
Skype Address – dlhussmann
blog URL is drparadise.wordpress.com
Las Terrenas, Samana, Dominican Republic

Health care

Health care is an issue all of us baby-boomers (wow, lots of booming going on here!) have on our minds. I can tell you from personal experience health care here is pretty darn good and very cheap. I personally have had some minor stuff done…a pretty serious burn and a sever bronchial problem that were taken care of rapidly, efficiently and cheaply. I know of a girl that had a miscarriage and she was quite satisfied with her treatment. My friend Monchey had a hernia repaired and my friend John had a gall bladder removed…all here in Las Terrenas!
My dental work was spick and span and cheap. A rear-lower molar root canal was quoted to me in the states at “at least $1,500″. Mine was $300 here and the office was full of modern equipment and complete with a University of Wisconsin Dental School diploma on the wall.
 
 
Respectfully yours,
DanDannyDaniel Hussmann
1-829-644-8094
www.drparadise.com
Skype Address – dlhussmann
blog URL is drparadise.wordpress.com
Las Terrenas, Samana, Dominican Republic

Emerging markets

I studied emerging markets for over a year. I read everything I could read, I attended seminars in many cities, I even went for five days to the National Association of Realtors convention in New Orleans. This was held in November ’06.

While at this convention, I spent my entire time in the International Pavilion. I looked at Real Estate opportunities in every nook and cranny of our globe. I took this stuff back to my room at night and poured over the literature and I kept narrowing my choices down…and kept narrowing and kept narrowing…until…

I landed here, in the Dominican Republic…and not only here, but on the Samana Peninsula on the famed North Coast. I believe this to be one of the top 2 or 3 Real Estate opportunities in the world today and that it’s close (< 2 hour plane ride from Miami) proximity to the US definitely puts it at number one for anyone in the Western Hemisphere.

I’ve been living here off and on for nearly a year now (first trip February, ’07) and permanently since mid July, 2007 and you know what I’ve discovered?? I’ve discovered that almost everything I studied, read and heard has come true.

I was told we would have a new International Airport…well, we have one at El Catey. American Airlines is already doing daily flights there from Miami (via Puerto Rico) and I just heard this week Jet Blue has direct flights from New York!

I was told we would have a new road connecting this new airport to Las Terrenas and the Samana Peninsula and it has already been cleared.

I was told we would have a new road connecting the capital of Santo Domingo in the south to the Samana Peninsula and though it is not paved entirely people are already driving it. This cuts what was about a 4 hour drive down to about 1 ½ hours!

I was told we would have new golf courses and several are already being built and several more have been approved.

I was told we would have a marina and land has already been purchased, cleared and even rivers moved. Talk about your Dubai-like scale!

I was told we would see an increase in Cruise travel and that is happening. We went from 2-4 cruise ships a week in season to now over 10 a week.

I was told we would have new water treatment facility and pipeline and that’s 75% done.

I was told we would have new sewer treatment and city sewer and that’s nearly complete.

Other things like Fee Simple Land title (you actually OWN your purchase), awesome tax benefits, new medical and dental facilities, American Engineering firms, Architects and designers all flocking here. Environmental obligations are being embraced. Education is at the top of every politicians mind.

And The Donald says it’s pretty good too. He sold over $300,000,000 USD at has Cap Cana project in JUST ONE DAY!!

Check out the other articles in this BLOG for more details. Look at the “Why Buy Here” piece, the Forbes Magazine articles, the Wall Street Journal article.

If you are still doubtful then you need to come on down…heck, you need to come on down anyway. “We’ll leave a light on”.

Right after I arrived the first trip I was introduced to Bruce Pierson and the fine people at DR Paradise and DR Caribbean Real Estate (www.drparadise.com and www.drcaribbean.net respectively). They are an excite group of people completely knowledgeable after over 8 years serving the Dominican Republic and the Samana Peninsula.

Please call or write…we’re very happy to help with travel arrangements!

Respectfully yours,
DanDannyDaniel Hussmann
1-829-644-8094
www.drparadise.com
Skype Address – dlhussmann
Las Terrenas, Saman, Dominican Republic

Bring your coats!

If you’re visiting the Dominican Republic this winter please bring any and all old jackets, coats, mittens and scarves you can part with. You can bring them directly to us in El Paseo Mall in Las Terrenas or take them yourselves to the mountain town of Constanza.

Reports are that temperatures are just a few degrees above freezing in the morning. The people living in and around this area will certainly appreciate having them. Can you imagine snow-capped mountains in the Caribbean? Strange isn’t it.

Midnight temps linger around nine degrees, but have recurrently dropped to the six degree mark. Many residents say it gets much colder and even without the benefit of temperature gauges, I can certainly feel for these people!. They often report riverbanks, ponds, lakes and puddles frosting over, sometimes with a fairly hard freeze.
Francisco Radhames Perez, a farmer, estimates that he has seen hard freezes four times already this year. This part of the country is always known as the coldest area and several days of below freezing temperatures have already been recorded.
Duarte Peak is the highest in the Caribbean and I have been told many times it is snow-capped year around. However, there is no weather measuring equipment there. Perhaps that is a good thing. We wouldn’t want people looking for warm sandy beaches getting the wrong idea would we?
So, with record low temperatures, it looks like we can put the Global Warming Theory on the back burner for now…well, at least until tourist season is over!
E-mail me if you would like to donate coats and need hard info on how to get them here! We’d love to chat with you!

Respectfully yours,
DanDannyDaniel Hussmann
1-829-644-8094
www.drparadise.com
Skype Address – dlhussmann
blog URL is drparadise.wordpress.com
Las Terrenas, Samana, Dominican Republic

Christopher Columbus Tree

Christopher Columbus Tree
Playa Bonita Las Terrenas Domonican Republic

by DanDannyDaniel Hussmann

Whopping Jabillo tree! It took my breath away when I rounded the corner and saw it for the first time. I had difficulty giving it any scale for the you until I decided to do a time delayed shot and jumped down among those hugemongous roots! Later, when I started to tell some people about this tree, they knew exactly where it was even though it’s a bit off the beaten path. We figure Christopher Columbus wasn’t an acorn in his padre’s eye when this tree first took root!

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who Else Wants a $70,000 Home in the Caribbean?

International Living Articl re the DR written 9/07 

With prices so low for a view like this…does it really matter if the lights go out once in a while?

 

 

There is no one-place-fits-all paradise, no one destination that is perfect for everyone reading this…but the Dominican Republic comes pretty close.

[DanDannyDaniel Hussmann]

I’m certainly finding this to be true. I’ve only lived here for a little over 3 months now, but I’ve been here probably 250 days this year. I’m not lacking for anything here…all the creature comforts one could ask for in a stunningly beautiful locale.

The beautiful coral-rimmed island of the D.R. has great weather and world-class beaches, not to mention a low cost of living and a stable government, within a short travel time of the U.S.

[DanDannyDaniel Hussmann]

The Dominican Republic is a very stable government now. It’s is backed strongly by the U.S. and the U.S. will see to it that it stays that way. They will not allow another Cuba or Venezuela in their back yard so they cultivate great relationship through many different programs.

American travelers are very popular here.

In fact, the country has so many advantages for a second-home buyer…that you may wonder why property bargains still abound. Here’s the answer: A few years ago the Dominican Republic had the fastest-growing economy in Latin America and the Caribbean. But a banking crisis put the economy into a tailspin, causing the D.R. peso to plummet from 16 pesos to the U.S. dollar in 2000, to 54 pesos in early 2004. The peso has now recovered somewhat and recently traded at about 34 to the dollar.

[DanDannyDaniel Hussmann]

It’s traded now at about this same price for about 2 years or so. Real Estate is really cheap here. Especially if you are comparing it to most other places in the Caribbean and absolutely if you compare it to the U.S.! Tax structures are so cheap it’s almost laughable for those of us from SW Florida and other parts of the State…probably the whole U.S.!

Bruce and I talk all the time about how one can live like a King or Queen here for $2,000 – $3,000 after your housing expense. I mean maid, gardener, cook…the works!

Plus, issues such as persistent electrical power failures have deterred property shoppers. However, the D.R.’s new investors are combating this by seeking buildings and developments with on-site generators. A renovated one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment overlooking the pool in a popular condominium complex at Sosúa (within walking distance to shops, restaurants, bars, and beaches) comes at a price of $66,500.

[DanDannyDaniel Hussmann]

These prices are getting harder and harder to find. It’s being done, but one really has to know their way around. That’s why it’s important to use somebody like us here at DR Paradise Real Estate in Las Terrenas Samana Peninsula Dominican Republic.

The northern coast of the D.R. has long been the country’s most popular spot for tourists and property buyers. Some of the finest beaches in the Caribbean are the big attraction, but the North Coast also has fine dining, exciting night life, colorful culture, lots of sports, and friendly residents. Condominium apartments are available on the oceanfront at Cabarete, offering a seaview and a stretch of beach only 100 yards away. Units have granite counter-tops, coral stone wainscoting, imported porcelain tiles, and top grade stoves and refrigerators. Other amenities include a pool, laundry facilities, backup generator, 24-hour security, and parking. Price: $79,245.

[DanDannyDaniel Hussmann]

The north coast is our stomping grounds…especially the Samana Peninsula. I know Cabarete pretty well too and I’d like to know where this condo is. I have an idea, and it’s probably there, but I would not want you to come here thinking there are going to be tons of choices for you in this price range. Why don’t you call me and we’ll talk?!

Respectfully yours,

DanDannyDaniel Hussmann

1-829-644-8094

www.drparadise.com

Skype Address – dlhussmann

Dominican Republic, Samana Peninsula Aqueduct

East end of the Samana Peninsula Dominican Republic, between Samana and Las Galeras.

I took these pictures to show everyone just how much support the government of the Dominican Republic is giving to the Samana Peninsula. Besides the brand New International Airport at Sanchez, and the brand new Highway connecting the capital of the Dominican Republic at Santo Domingo to the Samana Peninsula, now the Dominican government is spending millions to bring fresh water to all parts of the Samana Peninsula. The Dominican Republic government has detirmined that the Samana Peninsula will be the “Jeweled Showcase” of the Caribbean. They want it thought of as the most luxurious Real Estate investment in the world rivaling the Cote d’ Azure, Dubai, and anywhere one goes for luxurious golf, spas, shopping and just to getaway from it all.

Finally! Golf comes to Las Terrenas!

My friend Monchy is a Cuban-American from Miami. I met him through Carlos, a mutual friend. Carlos is a baseball coach/scout in the Biggies for Tampa Bay, and he met Monchy many years ago when he was playing in the Grapefruit League here and all over the Caribbean and South America. Both are really great guys.
Monchy is a smart smart man. He started buying Real Estate here in the Samana Peninsula…and specifically in Las Terrenas in about 1980. Now he owns tons of land, homes, and a hotel called Casa Grande which is located on Playa Bonita just outside of Las Terrenas.
I’m really happy for Monchy and I’m really happy I met him. He is a plethora of knowledge about all things Dominican and again, especially all things Las Terrenas and Samana Peninsula. I always try to visit him several times when he is in town. I like to pick his brain, The last time I did this he let me in on a little jewel.
It seems one of his best friends signed the papers, and bought the golf course here! After ten years of on again/off again promises, we finally have a company that is ready, willing and able to carry this through! How exciting is that? It’s just one more feather in Las Terrenas’ sombrero…a sombrero that is already chock full of brilliant “foul-i-edge”!
From what Monchy tells me they are going to start right away. They are going to do the club house first so people can see the quality of the workmanship and the beautiful style and design. We expect to hear the dump trucks rumbling any day now!
Last year was the first time in DR history where America tourists outnumbered any other country. If we have golf, imagine what will happen. American tourists will outnumber all countries combined! Golf is king!!
All I can say is – “FORE” – look out land values!!!

How much do all those costs come to? Just Curious

My rent is $500/month…2/1 with pool less than 2 minute walk to beach…food is not cheap but you learn how/where…dentist 1^st trip with sedative and a huge antibiotic shot because she was abscessed was $12…2^nd trip to actually pull the tooth was less than $30

I just thought this interesting

Helping the Locals get Ahead I just thought this interesting…I can see some of that here in the DR…I personally have a husband/wife/2-year old daughter living with me full time. They cook, clean, garden, run errands, built my patio and teach me Spanish…or I should say, they teach me Dominican. I in turn, pay their rent, buy all the groceries, beers, medical and dental and allow them to use my vehicle anytime they need it and I am not using it. They also earn money by cutting hair and cleaning a couple other houses…it’s an awesome symbiotic arrangement! It’s only been one month, but we are quickly becoming close friends and I can’t wait to see what the future will bring! International Living Postcards–Saturday Edition http://www.internationalliving.com Saturday, Aug. 11, 2007 Dear International Living Reader, Last week’s Saturday Edition generated a lot of reader response. One reader wrote to say: “I have lived in the Lake Chapala area for almost four years (thanks to IL opening up our world to the possibilities). We employ 2.5 locals full-time (maid full-time, driver/personal assistant full-time, and gardener half-time). In that time, our gardener has gone from riding a bike to work to owning a car. Instead of renting a place to live, he now owns a home (which he built). My maid is sending her eldest daughter to college and hopes to educate all her children. Our driver/PA can now support his family adequately and give his two girls a good education.” This is a good example of improving opportunities for locals. Rather than having to go to Los Angeles to be a maid, this person’s maid can stay in her home town with her children.

WE DID IT!!!!

Hello all my patient friends and family!

As most of you know, I am living in Las Terrenas Dominican Republic now. We started trying to buy this property 8-9 months ago!

We finally did it! After several set-backs and delays, we conquered all and we closed on all 54 acres late Friday! I would have written you sooner but my computer has been under doctors care for 3 dog-gone days. I am so ecstatic I can hardly sit still. This is a life-changing event for me!

I’d like to take this opportunity to personally thank Randy Schwickerath for his gargantuan efforts. Without Randy, there is no way this would have come to fruition. He worked so diligently and he steadfastly believed in the property and that it was worth the efforts he was putting forth! I’m really proud and happy for him…well, for all of us!

I’d also like to thank Michel and Sharon Johnson. When the going got tough, these people told the going where to go! They uprooted their families, moved down to Cabarete, dug in, and spent tons of time and energy supporting Randy and seeing this thing through. All three of these people are EXACTLY the type of people we should all be glad are taking the helm on this project.

I spoke to Randy late last night. He is already arranging an appointment with the company that did the Cliff-side treatments you saw pictures of. They are coming ”The Cliffs at Las Galeras (working name) to begin the preliminaries on developing the 14 acre Lot A! We are going to waste no time pushing forward with this. He has already done much of the groundwork of drawing site plans and floor plans, etc.  – bigger, better, more amenities …”tweaked” as he calls it.

Everything is going just super here in Las Terrenas too. I can’t believe how busy we are…I actually thought  I would be joining a slower life-style here…HA! Real Estate in the Samana Peninsula is going gang busters. Las Terrenas, where I live is undergoing quite q metamorphasis…new condo projects, several new commercial spaces and some hotesl are all coming on line. Not to mention Golf! Las Terrenas Golf course is getting under steam as we speak. I find myself working even more here in the dominican Republic than I did…in Fort Myers…I started to write…”at home”…but I realized this is my home now!

We still some shares of Lot B’s 40 acres that can be sold. These shares are still worth at least $40 so it’s still an awesome deal for them. When we finish the Cliff-side treatment, they will be worth much more. When we finish the infrastructure they will be worth, you got it, much more!

OK, I’ll keep you posted. Those of you that invested, thanks again for your patience and congratulations again for your savvy business acumen!

All my very best and I hope to see you soon in the beautiful Samana Peninsula Dominican Republic!

DanDannyDaniel

1-829-644-8094

dan@3drealty.biz

PS Hey folks – one of our marketing ideas is to have fans made up. One side of the fan will be our “The Cliffs at Las Galeras” Logo and pictures on it. The other side we want to put English to Spanish translation words and phrases. We think people will keep these around and they will help visitors.

I’ve been compiling a list of some words and phrases…normal stuff like cervesa and vin tinto and cuba libra…oops, sorry, I am telling on myself here…but I was wondering if you had any suggestions. Food, drink, directions, metric conversions??? Come on, put your two pesos worth in!