Monday, August 31, 2009

Full Ban on Sea Turtles

It is official effective tomorrow, 1st Sept, 2009. The Bahamas Government has placed a full ban on sea turtles. One can not capture them, posses them, or sell any part of them including the eggs.

For the past 12 months the Bahamas Government has engaged in extensive consultations with the Bahamian public over this issue. The Hawksbill Turtle has been protected since 1986 but now the government has made the necessary steps to safeguard all sea turtles.

While some of you may not agree with this new ban please remember it is now illegal to capture ANY turtles even if you are only looking for enough for a meal. We must respect the law.

As you travel our pretty Abaco water's keep an eye out for these beautiful creatures as they surface, and enjoy watching them swim in their natural surroundings.

Your Abaco Real Estate Agent
~Mailin Sands

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Activity increase

Recently I have noticed a significant increase in inquiries for Abaco real estate. As you know we have not seen a strong real estate market here in Abaco, for the past 2 years and we have definitely been in a buyer's market. We know that in order for things to sell they have to be priced correctly. And even still the market has remained soft.

I would venture to say that over the past 3-4 weeks inquiries have signifincantly increased and I feel confident that more people are beginning to search for property again. What does this mean? It means listen to your agent and your appraiser and price your property fairly and your chances of getting a sale will be much greater. One can't promise that these 'lookers' are going to buy today but it makes me hopeful that potential buyers are beginning to see a light at the end of their tunnel.

For those who are ready to purchase their own peice of Abaco real estate, today is the day to contact me to find out what properties are waiting to sell!

Snag it while we are in the buyers market and secure your own piece of paradise.

Your Abaco Real Estate Agent
~Mailin Sands

Ms Universe 2009 held in the Bahamas!

Sunday August 23rd marked an historic day for our country. The Ms. Universe 2009 pageant was held at Atlantis in Nassau, Bahamas. This was a very proud moment for our small country. The eyes of the world were watching!

The contestants arrived weeks before the pageant and was fortunate to have traveled to various parts of our beautiful country to witness the island life. 29 of the contestants visited Abaco and was toured through parts of Treasure Cay and Green Turtle Cay and then on for a fun filled day at Manjack Cay on a beautiful beach. Our very own Krista who works in the office with me was honored to have been asked to escort these ladies around the charming settlement of GreenTurtle. Krista is a Rotarian and several Rotarians were asked to take part.

The videos during the pageant featured beautiful Abaco Real Estate and highlighted our pristine unspoiled beaches along with showing what its like to live the island life. Many people visit our shores years after year to enjoy this lifestyle and eventually decide that they have to own their own little piece of paradise here in Abaco. Many of the contestants were expressing their desire to return to our lovely country.

The pageant made history itself. It was the first time in the pageant's history that the outgoing queen crowned its successor who was from the same country. Stefania Fernadaz, Ms. Venezula, was crown queen of Ms. Universe 2009! Congratulations to her.

The Bahamas will be remembered for hosting the historic event.

Your Abaco Real Estate Agent
~Mailin Sands

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Lobster season opens

Hip hip hooray! Yes, Lobster season opened this past Saturday. I was fortunate enough to get to go out in the boat and look for a few tails. My husband of course did the spearing and my 11 year old nephew speared his very fist crawfish that day. We did not find a lot but we did manage to get enough for a meal for our family. Needless to say we enjoyed a very tasty dinner of grilled crawfish!

If you are heading over our way for vacation be sure and look for lobster/crawfish on the local restaurants' menu.

On a different note. There has been an exciting price reduction on Summer Place in Man-O-War Cay. Please copy and paste the below link into your browser and you will be directed to this property on my website.

http://www.realestateinabaco.com/Summer-Place-REDUCED-PRICE-FOR-QUICK-SALE-a74187.html

Also, Tucked Away has been reduced and the owners are motivated! If the quiet peaceful way of living is for you then you will want to have a look at the below listing. Again, copy and paste the link into your web browser.

http://www.realestateinabaco.com/Sand-Banks-a75393.html

Cheers!
Your Abaco Real Estate Agent
~Mailin Sands