IT IS EASIER FOR ST. LUCIANS TO ACQUIRE
JULY 4, 2006
EDWARD HARRIS AT LARGE
IT IS EASIER FOR ST. LUCIANS TO ACQUIRE
PROPERTY IN FLORIDA THAN USA CITIZENS!!!
Sharing information on business opportunities:
The St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture has been collaborating with individuals and companies to expose local Entrepreneurs to innovative programmes and services. One of those opportunities was on Monday, June 26, 2006 when the Chamber collaborated with GlaceGrafix of Miami, Florida, www.glacegrafix.com a company headed by Ms. Keitha Glace providing web consulting services and state of the art business and technology solutions to allow their clients to compete effectively in the global online market place. This company is partnering Mr. Leslie Collymore of www.advancedintellectualmethods.com in St. Lucia.
Mr. Neville G. A. Stewart of Starbank Financial, Inc. also from Miami, Florida, www.starbankfinancial.com made a very revealing presentation that highlighted a fact that St. Lucians can acquire property in Florida much easier than USA citizens, and enjoy the same benefits. This is information that our savvy Entrepreneurs who know the value of investing in real estate can use. I was very impressed with the opportunities outlined and couldn’t wait to share this information with you. Here are a few highlights of his presentation:
1. During the period 2004-2005, a lot of crazy things happened in the real estate market in Florida. People were signing on to contracts for multiple properties as investment, now the properties are coming on the market, many of them cannot close the sale and have to walk away. This situation has created an opportunity which makes it a Buyers’ Market.
2. St. Lucians can access mortgages in the State of Florida, amortised to 45 years and in special cases up to 50 years. Interest rates vary from 7.25 – 7.5% and could be higher depending on the term selected.
3. With 20% deposit all that you need to acquire property and finance a mortgage are:
a) Letter from current employer. b) Statement of earnings for the past 12 months. c) Copy of valid USA Visa
4. With a deposit of 30% all you need to acquire property and finance mortgage are: a) Credit Check. b) Proof of ability to service debt.
5. You don’t have to travel but it is a good thing to visit the property prior to closing. Contract could be concluded by Fax
6. Location is important in relation to price. A single family, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms property can start as low as US$250,000.00
7. As an incentive some developers are paying all closing costs and monthly service fees for as much as 2 years for properties purchased in gated communities.
8. If you are seeking to generate US dollars income, acquiring rental property in Florida could be a way to go.
Investing in Real Estate continues to be one of the most guaranteed forms of investment if properly planned. Do not take unnecessary chances; make sure you can effectively service your mortgage commitment before going forward.
Real Friendships last a lifetime:
Relationships that begin during childhood, through school days and nurtured into adulthood never lose their bonds. That was the case last week when I met Dr. Fitzroy Henry, Director, Caribbean Food & Nutrition Institute based in Jamaica, a countryman, a fellow villager and friend. A friendship which was further cemented outside of our homeland during six years of our living in St. Lucia and being members of the Castries Toastmasters Club. It was such a reunion, catching up on the various developments in our lives over the past twenty, plus years. It was a very refreshing experience.
As we go through life, relationships are important and should be cherished. It must never be too much of anything, there must be balance in the way we live our lives. Too many businesspersons are just involved in making money, neglecting relationships only in the end regretting the joys they have missed along the way. What a pity? I wrote a headline that “you only get back what you give awayâ€. I cannot but reflect on this wonderful thought as with every passing day I receive what I have given and more. Over the period of my short life on earth, I have done so much in sharing the gifts that God has given me without caring about those who used or abused me along the way – demanding all and giving nothing back, not even support for my personal efforts. I have learnt not to look back but rather look forward always. I am pleased to share this quote with you which was shared with me recently “The past is history, the future is a mystery, today is a gift and that is why we call it the presentâ€.
Businesspersons are always so busy, many times only meeting at cocktail receptions which are being sparsely attended these days. Getting together with family and friends is not as it used to be, because we have become too materialistic wanting to do everything in grand style and most times end up doing nothing if we cannot live up to what is hip. It is amazing how many people I know who are not even excited about their own birth date. This should be a day of giving thanks and celebration. It is time to take stock of the life we live and the way we care and share for and with others along the way.
Invest wisely. Keep the faith, God is in charge! Do what you have to do, remembering always that God is watching you.
Edward A. Harris
Email: eaharrisdestiny@gmail.com
Website: www.stluciasimplybeautiful.com