How am I doing so far? Pretty close huh? We know each other because I am like you. I understand. I felt just like you and I didn’t want to wait any longer to know where I would spend a lot of my future. I still wanted to travel but when I came back home I didn’t want it to be to shoveling snow or fighting traffic.   I went out and found an emerging destination that was still unspoiled, beautiful, warm all year and just 2 hours from the major US hubs. My cost of living is a fraction of what it was up north and now I have more money for travel and fun. It allowed me to move the ‘retirement clock’ a few years sooner.

What happens if you wait? Well, you will be a few years older and a little grayer. You will have to dig a lot deeper into your piggy bank to buy a “Salty Piece of Land ” (thanks again, Jimmy) than you will today. Face it, you have never been really good at standing in line and waiting. So take some time to relax, snoop through this site, learn a bit about a place to escape to earlier than you thought and let me know if you want me to help you hit the beach sooner rather than later. I look forward to meeting you.

Best of Life!

Edward (Island Ed)

Hey! While you are here have a look at the latest Inside Track, a newsletter that will bring you up to date on the Roatan real estate market and island news.The Inside Track 21 Issue 1

I know I just sent one of these out but hindsight is always 20/20 and there has been some important information come out in the last week. This is a short one so dig in. The Inside Track 21 Issue 2

Here is the newest edition:The Inside Track 22 Issue 1

Roatan

Have a look at a typical Roatan morning. Then imagine being able to do this every morning!

(click here) West Bay Beach-Roatan

Welcome to the beginning of the exciting adventure of investing or living on the exotic tropical island of  Roatan. Within these pages awaits a paradise for you to discover. So join me and let me help you in your journey. Have a look then let me know if you have questions or share your thoughts with me. I look forward to hearing more from you! – Island Ed

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Our Featured Listings

Mission Gate whole ownership market price $459,000. End of project, totally turnkey price $299,000. Quarter Ownership $99,000

Here is a video intended to promote out big fishing tournament in September but also has some good information and really nice shots of the island: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3_QY87pZZo&feature=g-upl

Location: Roatan is a lush, mountainous largely undeveloped Western Caribbean island situated in the refreshing Trade Winds but tucked out of the hurricane belt between Belize and Honduras.  It’s just 2 hours from Miami or Houston and has direct flights from a number of other cities as well. Situated on the second largest reef in the world, it offers spectacular diving and swimming-pool calm, 82F water. We get 320+ days of sunshine a year and even in the dry season the jungle is always lush and green.

Zones: Roatan is approximately 37 miles (62 km) long and 2.5 miles (4 km) wide on average. It runs east and west but the weather systems flow north and south allowing you to choose your own weather! The prevailing Trades come from the south making the south side of the island the windward side. Lots of people like the constant breezes and the views to the magnificent 8,000 foot mainland Honduras mountains just 35 miles (58 km) away. Many homes here don’t even bother with air conditioning. The north or lee side of the island has swimming pool calm waters, great beaches including West Bay Beach – listed as one of the ‘Top 10 Beaches in the Caribbean’ and the turquoise colors of the barrier reef just a few hundred yards (meters) off the beach.

For living, the island is really divided into 3 areas – west, mid island and east side. Each one is unique and special in its own way and each one provides a specific lifestyle opportunity.

The north or lee side of the island has swimming pool calm waters, great beaches including West Bay Beach – listed as one of the ‘Top 10 Beaches in the Caribbean’ and the turquoise colors of the barrier reef just a few hundred yards (meters) off the beach.

The west side of the island has the most resorts, tourism, restaurants, beaches and amenities. The majority of expats live on the west side. You will find plenty of friends and non-stop activities if that is what you want. The best beach on the island is located here as are most of the dive shops and water sports. Here you will find luxurious condos, lovely homes yet still many places to “get away from it all”. Sandy  Bay is the location of Anthony’s Key Resort, one of the longest-established and most successful dive operations in the Caribbean. It also houses one of the islands hyperbaric chambers and an excellent medical clinic open to the public.

Mid island is the home of many of the original European settlers here.They still dominate the fishing fleet – the largest in the Caribbean. Until recently it was being left behind in development by the western area of the island. It is now being reborn. At the western end of this zone is the largest town and the center of commerce on the island on the island – Coxen Hole. It is inhabited solely by local islanders. There are supermarkets, banks and the municipal hall for Roatan Municipality. It is also the home for the Port of Roatan cruise ship dock owned by Royal Caribbean as well as Mahogany Bay – Carnival’s largest port in the Caribbean.

Parrot Tree Plantation, the oldest upper end residential development and resort on the island is located here and its charms are still developing. Pineapple Villas, a fairly new condo development, is located in French Harbour. It features a huge spa, Herby’s Sports Bar which would do any North American city proud, and the Pineapple Steak House serving aged, prime USDA cuts. Mmmm!

One of the biggest changes to the island is Pristine Bay Golf Resort. This 405 acre development is home to a new, world class, 18 hole championship golf course called the Black Pearl. With 15 of the holes looking over the turquoise waters of the Caribbean off Crawfish Rock it is incredibly lovely. It was designed by Pete and Perry Dye and is one of their challenging Signature Courses. It is also a very successful residential development with home sites, villas and condos spread through the golf course and overlooking the sea and the soon-to-be-built full service marina and nearly completed 5 Star hotel.

The east end of the island has loads of character and history. It has a 2,000 acre national park with pine trees and cactus and only one small locally owned resort. Roatan really was the home to the ‘pirates of the Caribbean. For over100 years there were estimated to have been up to 5,000 pirates living on the island, mostly on the east side. The fortress that the Spaniards stored all of the wealth they collected in Central America was located in Portabelo, Panama and the only time that stronghold was ever successfully sacked was from a group of pirates out of Roatan. Many say that there is still buried treasure to be found in the many caves and hillsides! Popular areas for foreigners to buy are the ‘over-the water’ homes in Jonesville or Oakridge or in the sheltered spectacular waterfront of Calabash Bight. Several other ‘gringo’ (not a bad word here) communities dot the area including the miles-long, pristine beach of Camp Bay.

If you really want to be a hermit, there are dozens and dozens of islands and small cayes (islets) scattered throughout the Bay Islands. They rarely come up for sale but occasionally there are whole islands or cayes or in some cases, lots for sale on them.

Why are so many people vacationing, investing and retiring here when less than 10 years ago you couldn’t even get here? Roatan is the “Next Big Thing” in Caribbean real estate. Imagine Costa Rica or Belize 25 years ago. We are less than 2 hours from the US and are out of the hurricane belt. We are also one of the loveliest places on earth with an average temperature of 85 degrees, jungle covered mountains looking down on white sand beaches and turquoise waters. Property is half the cost of the developed islands and going up fast as we are rapidly being discovered. We are one of the safest places in the world and are very friendly and open to foreign investment and ownership. No problem to buy as a foreigner and both Stewart Title and First American Title insure properties here. Buying is easy although the warning is to only work with an experienced, realtor who is part of the MLS and the Roatan Real Estate Association and has been licensed in North America. Most “realtors” here have never had 5 minutes of training or education in real estate. Pristine Bay Resort has just finished building a Pete Dye Signature championship golf course mid island that promises to be one of the best golf courses in the Caribbean. In addition they are also building the first 5 star hotel on the island and we have more world class resorts coming in. More cruise ship visitors and more amenities are showing up every day. Carnival has constructed a new cruise ship dock in Mahogany Bay in addition to Royal Caribbean’s docks in Coxen Hole. Of course we have also just been declared a Tax Free and Duty Free Zone! For the person looking to get in on activities and the growth, the western side of the island is perfect. If your dream is more remote and pristine, we have a lot of that as well. I spent several years investigating places to live and invest all over the world. Roatan won. Why? I created a very stringent list of criteria that had to be met. Probably the same list you would make up if you were serious and had the 30 years of real estate experience I had.  Roatan scored on every point. Go ahead, have a look.

Contact me for more information

Cool Things To Do. Even as an emerging growth resort destination, Roatan has lots to do.

West Bay: This beach is the big draw. Rated as one of the Top 10 Beaches in the Caribbean it boasts white powder sand that extends out into the 82F (27C) calm, crystal clear waters. You never stub a toe and there are no waves, currents or undertows. It is the world’s biggest swimming pool!

Arguably the best snorkeling in the world  is right here. The water is 84F, no current, the visibility is normally over 100 feet and 99% of all sea life found in the Caribbean is right there on the second largest reef in the world. There are  abundant and colorful corals and sponges. It is common for people to see  thousands of fish of every description including puffer fish, triggerfish, grouper,  snapper, soldier fish, sergeant majors, etc and sometimes moray eels, spotted  eagle rays and many times, turtles.

Grab a drink at Bananarama – the local ex-pat’s favorite West Bay Beach hang out spot. Best dive shop on the island too! (http://www.bananaramadive.com/ Stay at the award-winning West Bay Lodge or at least feast on one of Celeste’s famous gourmet baleadas at Celeste’s Island Cuisine. (http://www.westbaylodge.com/).

Spas: What is a vacation about more than relaxing and rejuvenating yourself. The epitome of this experience is a massage and spa treatment from Sergia’s Spa. Treat yourself! Her hands are magical and I hear only rave reviews from absolutely everyone. Having enjoyed her treatments for nearly 2 years I can attest to her expertise. This is not a baby oil and sand once over on the beach from one of the local ladies. See the attachments to learn more about this gifted lady and you can book your treatments online through me.

Massage as Medicine

Restaurants:

Boy are we lucky on this island! We have a number of excellent restaurants you will enjoy. In West End try the best pizzas on the island plus other great fare at the Blue Channel.

If passing through Coxen Hole make a point of stopping by Mi Gusta! located across the street and just west of the Port of Roatan cruise ship terminal. Traditional Honduran food as well as international fare that is a real treat. Enjoy a great meal and a spectacular view for bargain prices.

Golf:

What is being billed as the Caribbean golf course that needs to be on everyone’s ‘bucket list’ has recently opened in French Harbour. The Black Pearl at Pristine Bay is a Pete Dye Signature, championship course with 14 of the challenging holes looking over the turquoise Caribbean.

Kayak/Snorkel Tours

If you really want to step away from the crowd check out Upachaya (http://www.upachaya.com/). This quiet retreat specializes in Holistic healing, yoga and many other wonderful experiences. My wife and I had the very pleasant experience of a kayaking expedition guided by the lodge. Absolutely wonderful! You paddle in a secluded bay through mangrove channels and inside the reef around little keys. There are several outstanding and private snorkeling locations with more diversity and things to see than you will likely find anywhere in the world. If you want something a little out of the ordinary, this is a highly recommended choice.

Canadians, eh! Hockey comes to Roatan.

Hockey Action…

Beach Zamboni!

Or if you want nothing more than to just chill out…Okay! Really, seeing is believing so you just need to experience it for yourself to see how wonderful it is.

online spilleautomater

Edward’s love of real estate began in 1975 after purchasing his first revenue property at the tender age of 25. After successful careers in education, sales and marketing and in the financial industry, he finally turned real estate into his main career in 1990 in a resort area on the west coast of Canada.

Since then Edward has sold hundreds of millions of dollars of real estate winning every major award RE/MAX offered and making hundreds of friends! After years of investing, selling and developing real estate, Edward began looking for fresh opportunities in emerging growth markets.

His research led him to Roatan on a dive/investment trip in 2000. He was impressed! Finally in 2003, his exhaustive investigations complete, he knew that Roatan was the right place to be. He sold all his holdings in Canada and became a property owner and resident in Roatan.

Edward has had a great career here on the island. He has had the pleasure of working with islanders, foreigners and been selected to work with well known celebrities like Michael Douglas and Peter MacNeil. He has an ongoing working relationship with Lane Pettigrew, “The Caribbean Architect”  currently expanding his exclusive resort on Guanaja – La Giralda, and designing the new capital for the island of Montserrat that was destroyed by a volcano. He also just finished filming an episode of House Hunters International for HGTV for Roatan that will air in the fall.

Edward looks forward to establishing new friendships with his clients coming to Roatan as he gets to share his years of knowledge and expertise in helping them find their piece of paradise too!

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

B.A. B.Ed

Real Estate Salesmans License British Columbia

Real Estate Agents License 9.15 British Columbia

Canadian Securities License British Columbia

MLS Medallion Club Award Winner (Top 10% in sales for the Real Estate Board)

RE/MAX Platinum Club Award (Over $250,000 annual commissions)

Hall of Fame Award (Over $1,000,000 in commissions earned)

Frequent speaker at MLS, RE/MAX, office events and sales organizations

Member of NAR (National Association of Realtors – USA)

Member of Canatuhr (Honduras Real Estate Association)

Founding Member of Roatan Realtor’s Association

Founding Member of Roatan MLS

Founding member of Roatan Rotary Club

WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT ME:

“I would regard my relationship with Edward as being one of the best working partnerships of my career. Although we were ahead of our time in building a truly collaborative, regionalized sales program for Roatan, Ed had great information and insight into the market and the people involved.

Ed truly understands the art and science of scaling and managing real estate projects and real estate sales. He has fashioned an intuitive, intelligent business plan for real estate sales on the island and this has resulted in continued sales growth and increased his visibility as one of the best professionals in Roatan. I would recommend Edward to anyone looking to buy or sell property on Roatan, or to any developer looking for someone to maket and sell their project.” February 26, 2011 – Garry Leitch, Managing Director, Bridges Destination Properties

“Guess what tomorrow is?????? 4 years!! You didn’t believe we were serious huh? Please tell anyone thinking of moving here that they shouldn’t think twice; just commit 110%. We thank you every day for making our dreams come true. We love you both.  - Celeste, Milos and Jacob Pospisil, West Bay Lodge, Roatan, Bay Islands

“I wish you were here to sell our home. I have no doubt that it would be a repeat of last time with your marketing skills. House listed, house sold for the most money anyone could even imagine…. Can’t say there is anyone else here that could come close to matching your skills and enthusiasm! You’re hard to compete with!
Once you’ve had Ed help you with a property you’ll never go to anyone else…and if you do you won’t be satisfied ::)” -Susan and Rod Rafter, British Columbia

“Edward has always represented the RE/MAX organization in a very professional way. He has represented his clients with their best interests as his primary objective.” - Elton Ash, Regional Executive Vice President at RE/MAX of Western Canada (1998), Inc

“Ed is a straight shooter and knows the Island as well as doing business on the island very well. He and his wife are people you become friends with after your real estate dealings are done.” – Year first hired: 2005, Top Qualities: Expert, On Time, High Integrity – Travis Crampton

“Edward, meet Murray, Murray meet Edward. Edward is one of the best guys you will ever want to meet, not to mention an absolute expert on the Island of Roatan and connected beyond belief. You guys should meet while you are down there.” – Jeff Wilkie, Managing Partner at GIC Capital Corp

“Edward du Monceaux is a smart, hard-working person with a ton of experience. His ability to connect with people and with what they are looking for makes him someone that you can trust. I highly recommend him.” – Dr. Pierre DesLauriers, Chiropractor and Sports Trainer, White Rock, Canada

Dear Edward,

Year first hired: 2009

Top Qualities: Great Results, Personable, Expert - Jarrett Zielinski, Executive Vice President , CBI Group

“Our law firm provides legal services to Ed´s clients. It has been a challenging and rewarding experience. Ed and his partner Eileen are great to do business with. Ed is a great guy!” – César Gonzalez Ramirez, Roatan Lawyers, S.A.

I strongly recommend Edward as a real estate professional. Edward brings a world of experience to the table which enables him to make the complicated world of buying real estate a very pleasurable experience. - Eric Hasenhuendl, Realtor, RE/MAX Kelowna

I have known Edward since 1967 both as a good friend and business associate. Edward has vision with the intelligence and persistence to back it up. Working with Edward will not only be profitable but a pleasure as well.Top qualities: Personable, High Integrity, Creative – Murray hired Edward in 2001, and hired him/her more than once. – Murray Wood, Real Estate Investor

Integrity, knowledgeable, fun, super ability to get the job done while making it look easy. These are some things that come to mind for us about Ed. - Bruce Pollon, RE/MAX Results Realty

Ed is a longtime Realtor in Vancouver BC who I have known for years. I sold his condo at Whistler pre his family moving to Roatan. Ed is a very experienced and accomplished Realtor with many, many years, and all senior awards with RE/MAX here in BC before his move to Roatan. A great guy, a fun guy, and a really good Realtor. - Peter Colls, RE/MAX Hall of Fame, RE/MAX Crest Realty (Westside) Ltd, Vancouver, Canada

“Edward’s response was quick, informative, personable and reliable. I would definitely use him again.” Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, High Integrity – Janalee Barnes, RE/MAX Colonial Pacific Realty, White Rock, B.C.

“I have known Edward for many years through the RE/MAX system and also his association with the Roatan Island Group. His skills in marketing a product and methods of continuous follow up are excellent. I would not hesitate to recommend Edward for any position he is seeking and would hire him as my Realtor if I was not in the business myself. He is efficient, friendly and yet professional at all times.” – Larrie Forbes, Sales Associate, RE/MAX-All Points Realty

Year first hired: 2010. Top Qualities: Personable, Expert, High Integrity - Lorraine Mah, RE/MAX, Edmonton Alberta

“I have known Edward for a number of years through our association with remax before he moved to Roatan. I have always found him to be a outstanding person to deal with.” – Glenn Proctor, Remax Ocean Pacific Realty

“Edward has an excellent knowledge of not just Roatan but of the Caribbean in general. He wears the title “Island Ed” well with his relaxed style and friendly attitude – but just because he lives on a Caribbean island, he still gives excellent North American style service. We enjoyed Ed very much and hope to one day buy an Island home from him.” – Lisa Salt, Salt Team, RE/MAX Vernon, B.C.

HOBBIES:

Rotary International, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Fitness Training and Coaching, Hiking, Cycling, Motorcycling, Sailing, Fishing, Skiing (when I want to find snow!), Real Estate investment, Travel

Contact me for more information

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