Tips For Staying At A Hotel

Tips For Staying At A Hotel

These tips are applicable in Grenada and almost anywhere you vacation the world.

 

                                                               

1. Walk with your room key or leave it at the front desk

Hotel rooms usually lock from the inside out and once they’re closed and you’re caught on the outside without your room key the only options you have is go to the front desk and request a new one or sleep outside.

 

                                                                   

2. Secure your personal documents

This one should be obvious but needs to be mentioned. Travel documents such   as passports, airline tickets, cash and credit/debit cards, cell phone, computers and other devices and important documents needs to be kept in a safe and secure location.

 

                                                                

3.Turn off AC units when not in use

Leaving the air conditioner on in your room even though you would be gone for the entire day does not make much sense. Running up the hotels electricity bill wouldn’t make you vacation any better and there’s also the inconvenience of your room being uncomfortably cold when you return.

                                                      

4. Hire hotel recommended tour guides taxi services

I’m sure if you take time out from your busy schedule to go on vacation that you expect the best. Finding and hiring persons with the experience would definitely be a plus and this is what hotels usually does for its guests.

 

                                                     

5. Be Courteous

Leaving a tip for someone who is paid to do a service for you can sometimes be the difference between good and terrible service). Being courteous does not only mean leaving a tip, it could be as simple as returning a smile. That’s something to remember when the bell boy brings your luggage to your room and waiter when the waiter brings your food. Positive energy is usually reciprocated

We at Touched Reality offer short term house and apartment rentals that you can check out here —> http://bit.ly/2EPzVhC if you choose not to stay at a hotel

Functions of a Real Estate Agent

Functions of a Real Estate Agent

 

As a buyer, you don’t gain anything by not using an agent, because the seller pays the agent a commission. Typical commissions range from 5 to 7 percent of the selling price of the listing.
-Agents have access to multiple Listing so that they are aware of many homes for sale. You can also find houses on your own by attending open houses, reading the real estate section in your local paper but your agent is the best point of access for all the properties you might be interested in and can arrange showings for those properties.
Your agent can help you narrow your search by going through a home with you and noting all that you like and the stuff that you dislike. The agent is also a source of information about the home itself, for example how long it’s been on the market, the neighborhood and school system, the best features the home has and other similar issues. Rather than being bombarded with properties of all type, your agent can help you find a wonderful property that’s a match for your specific needs and wants.
-Your agent can also answer questions about the current real estate market, interest rates and other home buying issues and he can also refer you to other specialists in overall process whom you will need, including the very important potential lenders.

Travel Advice: When Traveling to Grenada

Travel Advice: When Traveling to Grenada

 

Precaution Should always be taken when traveling to a foreign country, in this article you would get a bit of information about about the Caribbean island of Grenada and what you could expect when visiting this island so that there will be few surprises.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

 

-Safety and Security – Terrorism

There is a very low threat from terrorism on the island of Grenada but all persons traveling should also be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by locals and foreign travelers.

Safety and Security – Crime

You should maintain at least the same level of security awareness as you would in whichever part of the world that you are visiting Grenada from and you must also ensure that your living accommodation is secure. Apply the same measures of security if you are staying on a yacht. Avoid walking alone in isolated areas, including the beautiful beaches after dark. Do not carry large amounts of cash or jewellery. Valuables and important travel documents should be left, when possible, in safety deposit boxes and hotel safes.

Safety and Security – Local Travel
– Local Travel – Road Travel

Motorists drive on the left in Grenada. In some areas, there are small and some time large open drains, at the side of roads and many roads are steep, with sharp bends and potholes in places that’s why extra care is needed when traversing the various roads in Grenada. Drives should take particular care at pedestrian crossings ,roundabouts, and traffic lights even if you think you have the right of way. Use only designated bus stops to ride the local buses because the practice of flagging down buses on busy roads (which is very common in Grenada) is responsible for many accidents.
The mini buses that operate throughout the island provide very affordable and fast travel within Grenada. Water taxi and ferry services are also available as alternative forms of travel. There’re Standard taxi fares for various destinations but it’s advisable to firstly clarify the fare with the taxi driver before beginning a journey with him. The option also exists to rent vehicles to experience the thrill and adventure of the island on you own. Because of the steepness and ruggedness of many roads that are in the mountainous hinterland, automatic four-wheel drive vehicles are very popular. You are required to purchase a local driving permit (30 East Caribbean Dollars for a three-month permit that would be about 12 US dollars) and will need to produce a full driving license from your country of origin to obtain one.

 

– Local Travel – Air Travel

You will have to pay a departure tax when leaving the island of Grenada. The cost is East Caribbean Dollars 50 per person which can also be paid in US Dollars ($20).

LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

-You should note that for most countries there are severe penalties for all drug related offenses. Its always wise to pack all luggage yourself and do not carry anything through customs for anyone else.
-Certain homosexual acts are illegal under Grenadian laws.
-It is an offense for anyone, including children, to dress in camouflage clothing.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Entry Requirements – Visas

You should note that overstaying without permission is an offense and paid employment is also prohibited without the issuing of a work permit. CARICOM nationals only need some form of valid identification like their birth certificate, drivers license etc to enter Grenada. North American and UK nationals do not need visas to enter Grenada.

 

Entry Requirements – Passport Validity

– For Tourists requiring passports to enter Grenada, the passport has to be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into Grenada.
-Entry requirements may change from time to time and should be checked with the Grenada High Commission in your respective country of origin for further information.

 

HEALTH

-Dengue fever occurs across the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year. This is a mosquito borne infection that can cause an illness associated with headache, fever, muscle aches and pains, and rashes. Some cases of dengue tend to be very severe. Dengue can be prevented by avoiding being bitten by the disease carrying mosquitoes that feed predominately in daylight hours.
-You should exercise normal precautions to prevent exposure to HIV/AIDS.
-You should seek medical advice before traveling to Grenada and any other country in general to ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date

NATURAL DISASTERS

Natural Disasters – Hurricanes

The hurricane season in the Caribbean typically runs from June to November. You should monitor local and international weather updates that are being streamed from the US National Hurricane Center and the World Meteorological Organization.
GENERAL
General – Insurance
You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before traveling if its available. It is particularly important that this includes air ambulance charges and medical expenses in a third country because serious medical cases are sometimes referred overseas. Search for any exclusions and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake.
General – Package Holidays
-If you are on what is referred to as a package holiday, you must travel on the specified return date. If you fail to do so it is likely that you will have to pay the cost of a return ticket yourself

Factors that can devalue your property

Factors that can devalue your property

There are a number of things that has the potential to devalue a property and turn off buyers.
If you’re presently considering selling your home there are a number of things you should consider regarding the resale value of your property.
Some of these factors may devalue your home or scare away some potential buyers , even if your home is otherwise really an outstanding piece of property.
You should consider these factors below when listing your home:

 

1. Location, location, location

Many real estate television shows and articles e.t.c are known for repeating this phrase over and over. Buying a home in an area that provides residents with easy access to services and effective transportation is very important although many persons don’t wish to live too close to airports and busy roads because of the noise.
Visual appeal is also another big concern. Eyesores like cell phone towers or power lines can turn off many potential buyers. There is also the issue of untidy neighbors or unsightly abandoned nearby homes that have the ability to devalue your property. The closure of local schools can also deter potential buyers who have children or who are considering having children in the near future. Some buyers may be skeptical of purchasing homes that are on flood plains or in other areas prone to natural disasters.
To ensure maximum resale potential you must first consider how many of these types of issues exist near the properties you’re considering to purchase. Remember also that there’s no way of knowing exactly how a particular neighborhood will evolve over time.

 

2. Unappealing curb appeal

The first thing that potential buyers will obviously see is the exterior of the property. If the houses seems to be outdated or in a poor condition on the outside, persons will assume it is the same on the inside of the home. Water features and/or swimming pools and overly manicured green space may turn off some buyers because some people tend to associate high maintenance yards with heavy expenses and unnecessary headaches to upkeep that appearance. Old sheds and fences can also devalue your home, especially if they look like they’re in desperate need of repair or replacement.One good bit of advice is to keep the gardens weeded and the lawn well trimmed so that all potential buyers can see how nice the property is both inside and out.

 

3. Over the top creative customization

Unusual paint choices inside and outside the home can turn potential buyers off immediately, even if your customization is recognized as the cutting edge trend in popular home design magazines. Also Customizing spaces inside the home so that they may not be suitable to future buyers, might make some buyers reluctant to buy your property.The same can be said for unique landscaping choices or overly elaborate renovations that are too high scale for the house.

4. Sinister reputation

Well known crimes, deaths or even some times urban legends associated with your house or neighborhood can decrease the value of a home tremendously. Most people don’t want to live in a home where they feel that something awful has happened, or where its rumored to have resident ghost. Though many of these kinds of issues may be out of your control but they may definitely have an impact on the resale value of your property.

Tips for first time buyers purchasing a home.

Tips for first time buyers purchasing a home.

 

 

Hire an Agent

You don’t have to hire and agent if you prefer to go to open houses or looking through tons of homes online, but one thing you need to remember is that an agent will make the experience of buying your dream home much easier:
-You can waste the agent’s gas and not your own when you tour homes that you’re interested in.
-Agents often know of new listings that are not yet on the market.
-An agent can generally spot overpriced listings and diligently advise you accordingly.

Find a Home to Buy

Buying a home can be an overwhelming process although it sounds fairly easy. Finding the right home is often not an easy task. It’s advisable that buyers look at a maximum of 6 homes at a time because any more than that will make a buyer’s head spin.
Most buyers do extensive research online before ever stepping foot in a home they’re interested in purchasing. They spend an average of 6 to 8 weeks searching for the perfect home.

Negotiate the Offer

Buyers sometimes make the mistake of comparing the sales price of a home to other homes they have seen and this is because sellers can ask any price they want for their property. It doesn’t mean the home will sell at that price.
You may sometimes have to pay over list price in a seller’s market, especially if many buyers are vying for the same property/s. Your agent can advise you on a reasonable price range and help to manage your expectations.

Places to live in Grenada

Places to live in Grenada

Grenada is a gem in the West Indies, and owning a piece of this gem is a treasure.

This beautiful island getaway has many designated residential areas like Lance Aux Epine, Westerhall Point among others, but there are also many other communities that are great to live in.

St Pauls

St Paul’s is a quiet neighborhood that’s located in the St George’s parish. The main road that ties areas like Perdmontemps and Windsor Forest passes in the middle of the St Pauls area. It’s a great place to live. There’re many areas within this community where you’d find some amazing views of the sea and the surrounding areas. It also has the added advantage of being just 5 to 10 minutes’ drive to the capital St George’s. land in St Paul’s would usually be around E.C $7.00 to $10.00 per square foot which would be like U.S $2.60 to $3.75 per square foot.

 

Spring’s;

Spring is strategically positioned with some areas being less than five minutes’ drive to the capital St George’s. Almost all traffic on the eastern main road that are going into the capital St George’s passed through Springs. Most areas are just 5 to 10 minutes’ drive to the capital. In some areas you can get breathtaking views of the Belmont, Carenage, Port Louis and the Kirani James Boulevard area. Prices of land here ranges from E.C $8.00 to $12.00/ U.S $3.00 to $4.50 per square foot.

Westerhall:

Home to popular areas like Westerhall Point and Close Rock, Westerhall is a great, safe community that’s located in the beautiful virgin parish of St David’s. Land in these two areas (Westerhall Point and Close Rock) are almost sold out fortunately Westerhall has many other beautiful areas with adequate land space that are still available. Land in these areas will usually range from E.C $8.00 to $15.00/ U.S $3.00 to $5.75 per square foot. Westerhall is the pride and joy of St David’s. It’s just 15 minutes’ drive to the capital and many locations boast amazing views of the sea and some that are just a few minutes’ walk to beautiful beaches. The general area has a great reputation and is a popular choice for returning Grenadians and locals alike.

 

La Sagesse:

Located in the parish of St David’s about 15 minutes’ drive from the capital and home to the popular La Sagesse beach (all areas in La Sagesse are within walking distance to the beautiful la Sagesse beach). It is growing to become a very popular area for returning Grenadians who love the privacy and calmness some parts of La Sagesse offers. The eastern main road that runs from Grenville to St Georges passes through La Sagesse making it very accessible by public and/or public transportation. The price of land here usually ranges between E.C $8.00 to $12.00/ U.S $3.00 to $4.50 per square foot.

 

Grand Anse:.

Located to the southern end of the island in the St George’s parish Grand Anse is by far one of the most popular locations in Grenada. It’s home to the world famous Grand Anse beach , shopping centers, major hotels and guess houses and many other beautiful areas. Grand Anse is conveniently located just 5 minutes to the capital, the international airport and the St George’s University. You can purchase land that boast stunning views of the Grand Anse beach and the surrounding areas. This is an ideal place to live. Price of land here generally ranges from E.C $15.00 to $35.00/ U.S $5.62 to $13.11 per square foot.

 

Morne Rouge

Morne Rouge is just picture perfect, located to the south of the island in the parish of St George’s. It shares its’ boundaries with Grand Anse and has a spectacular coast line. It’s a relatively upscale community that is home to the popular Morne Rouge beach which is a beautiful stretch of white sand that’s also a popular snorkeling spot. Properties here would give you a beautiful view of the St George’s capital in the distance and the Morne Rouge bay. Prices of land here usually range from E.C $15.00 to $35.00/ U.S $5.62 to $13.11 per square foot.

 

Tempe

Tempe is located in the parish of St George’s and is just five minutes’ drive to the capital. It’s a favorite for persons looking to live a little closer to the capital city but want the quiet and peacefulness that the rural areas offers. The price of land in Tempe generally ranges from E.C $8.00 to $12.00/ U.S $3.00 to $4.50

 

Mt. Nesbit

Mt Nesbit is a great community located on the western side of the island in the parish of St Johns. It’s located just 2 minutes’ drive to the town of Goyouve which is a popular fishing village that’s a favorite for foreigners and locals with its weekly fish Friday festival. Mt Nesbit is about 15 to 30 minutes’ drive from the capital. Many areas in this community boast some amazing views of the calm Caribbean Sea. It’s a beautiful area to live. Price of land here range from E.C $8.00 to $10.00/ U.S $3.00 to $3.75 per square foot.

 

Calivigny

Calivigny is a great community located in the south eastern corner of the parish of St George’s bordering with the St David’s parish. The eastern main road that connects areas like Grenville, Westerhall, Springs and St George’s passes through this community. It’s just 5 to 10 minutes drive from the capital giving residents easy access to hospital services, shopping and more. Calivigny has some good residential land spots that are up for sale. Prices of Land in Calivigny varies but the average price would be around E.C $8.00 to $12.00/ U.S $3.00 to $4.50. per square foot.