NASSAU, BAHAMAS – In today’s economic climate, the media has put a lot of focus on short sales. While the foreclosure process is a fairly well understood practice, the short sale process is not and people are left wondering what they are, said Rachel Pinder, principle broker at Island Living Real Estate.

According to realtor.org, a short sale is when a lender agrees to accept a mortgage payoff amount that is less than what is owed to facilitate a sale of the property by a financially distressed owner. The lender forgives the remaining balance of the loan.

“Short sales can be a very big hassle, but the up side is getting a property for a substantial discount,” said Pinder, who specializes in Bahamas beach rentals and Bahamas relocation. “However, the process should not be taken on alone. Buyers will need the assistance of an experienced agent who has a good track record with short sales.”

For buyers looking to purchase a second or third property, a short sale may be the perfect match, said the villa rental professional. This type of buyer typically has no move-in deadline, which is best when dealing with short sales, as the process can take anywhere from three to 12 months to close.

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Imagine spending the holidays surrounded by sparkling blue water and powder white sand. A place where ‘snow day’ is a foreign term because in this subtropical climate the temperature never drops below 65 in the winter.

Now imagine owning a little piece of this magical place. It’s possible, says Rachel Pinder, principle broker at Island Living Real Estate, because this place is the Bahamas.

“If you are thinking about buying a second home, you are not alone,” said Pinder, who specializes in Bahamas rentals and real estate for sale. “The main reason for second home ownership and even seasonal migration, is physical comfort – escape from winter’s cold and summer’s heat. And the Bahamas is the perfect place for that. In terms of second homes, the Bahamas offers unparalleled accessibility and luxury than many neighboring islands.”

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The editors at ISLANDS recently named the Top 5 Islands for Families, which include The Bahamas, Maui, Sicily, St. Thomas and Fiji.

“It’s no surprise to me that The Bahamas was rated among the top five islands for families,” said Rachel Pinder, principle broker of Island Living, an agency specializing in Bahamas homes for sale. “Residents of The Bahamas can enjoy all the benefits of city life, yet still be just a short distance away from seclusion on the outer islands.”

The islands of The Bahamas offer some of the best living and working conditions in the world. Modern infrastructure combined with an excellent climate, public and private schools, and a high standard of living add up to an unparalleled “vacation” lifestyle on these sub-tropical islands.

As a business location, The Bahamas offer proximity to the world’s largest markets, combined with effective air and sea transport, modern amenities and freedom from taxes and duties.

For housing, there is a huge selection of properties – everything from low-income starter homes on Grand Bahama Islands and Nassau apartments for rent, to million-dollar beachside villas and canal side properties. (more…)

NASSAU, BAHAMAS— The Nassau, Bahamas condo rental experts at Island Living Real Estate have created a list of five simple steps to take, which will help ensure your rental process goes smoothly and your Nassau apartments for rent generate an income.

They are:

1.    Use an Agency
Particularly if you live outside the Bahamas, hiring an agency to oversee the rental process can help make sure your Bahamas rental homes are rented without a great deal of effort on your part, says Rachel Pinder, principle broker of Island Living Real Estate, an agency that specializes in Nassau homes for rent and real estate listings.

An agent is responsible for handling all of the management aspects of rental properties, from marketing and advertising to maintenance and screening applicants, Pinder says. (more…)

NASSAU, BAHAMAS- January marked 10 years that our own Hazel Wicky, a broker who represents clients with Bahamas homes for sale, has been with Island Living Real Estate.

Hazel joined the agency in January 2001. She specializes in all phases of real estate, including sales, listings and Nassau, Bahamas rentals.

She has been a member of the Bahamas Real Estate Association since 1997.

The most rewarding part of her work is helping to make her clients’ dreams come true in assisting them in finding the perfect property and in giving them 100 percent complete satisfaction with her services, says the Bahamas property expert, adding, “This gives me a great sense of gratitude to accomplish this goal.” (more…)

NASSAU, BAHAMAS— Island Living Real Estate, an agency that represents buyers and sellers of Bahamas real estate for sale, recently hired an additional sales agent.

Heather Carey, who was born and raised in Nassau to a Bahamian father and a
Scottish mother, joined the Island Living team in June, said Rachel Pinder, principle broker of Island Living Real Estate, an agency that specializes in Bahamas investment property.

Pinder said Island Living hired Carey because the agency felt it could use another agent to assist with the client load.
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Nassau, Bahamas— When Canadians look for a place to fly south for the winter, they increasingly look to the Bahamas and invest in Bahamas real estate.

Rachel Pinder, principle broker of Island Living Real Estate, a Nassau and Eleuthera Bahamas real estate agency, said she has seen a steady increase in Canadian investors in the past several months.

Most inquiries are for private homes and condominiums in gated communities.

“It’s not just with Island Living Real Estate,” said Pinder, whose company lists Bahamas homes for sale. “Within the entire real estate community, there have been more sales to Canadian buyers in the last four to six months, and most of the inquiries we are getting now are from Canadians interested in Bahamas property.”
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NASSAU, BAHAMAS - Bahamas real estate Broker Rachel Pinder has identified the top five steps a homeowner who has listed their Bahamas real estate for sale can take to put the home’s best face forward to potential buyers.

1. Pressure Wash
It isn’t always practical to repaint the exterior of a home you’re attempting to sell, so giving it a good cleaning is the next best thing, said Pinder, principal broker of the Bahamas Realty agency Island Living Real Estate. Pressure washers can be rented from home improvement stores.

“While you’re at it, don’t forget to hit your concrete surfaces, including sidewalks and driveways, as well,” Pinder said. “You’ll be amazed at how clean they can be.” (more…)

NASSAU, BAHAMAS— Rachel Pinder, a broker whose Nassau realty firm represents owners of Bahamas real estate for sale, has been elected as a Bahamas Real Estate Association director for a second time.

Pinder, who also helps clients locate Bahamas rental property, will serve a two-year terms and will chair the organization’s Developers Committee during this period. (more…)

NASSAU, BAHAMAS— Island Living Real Estate, a Nassau Realty company, recently picked up an exclusive Bahamas real estate listing in the gated Sandyport community.

The waterfront home is built in the island style and features 3,000 square feet of living space, said Rachel Pinder, principle broker of Island Living Real Estate, which also offers Nassau Bahamas rental properties. (more…)