Since March 16 2020, when we went into lock-down due to COVID-19, so many of the things we thought to be infallible have proven anything but.  The steady annual ebb and flow of the Roatan tourism economy: high-season, low-season, mid-season, disappeared overnight.  Things we took for granted disappeared in a split second and we had to adjust to a new normal in which the only constant is change and the future is difficult to predict.

The current mood on the island is one of cautious optimism.  After 7 long months of lockdown, our economy at a literal stand-still, in October we re-opened our foreign and domestic borders inviting tourism back in.  It’s been a slow start.  At times felt like we were taking one step forward and two steps back.  But now we seem to have found our rhythm.  The tourists are bravely returning to our beautiful island, for which we are so grateful.  

So, as it stands in December 2020, here are the deets.  

Entry Requirements

All travelers entering Honduras must have a negative COVID test result, date and time stamped within 72 hours of their flight arrival time.  The test may. be either PCR or rapid test (with minimum specificity of 85% sensitivity and 98% to COVID19).  There is no quarantine requirement upon entry.  

An online pre-check form must be completed for each passenger prior to traveling and a printed copy presented at check-in for the first leg of the travel itinerary.  The form can be found here: https://prechequeo.inm.gob.hn/

Bio-Security

The wearing of masks is mandatory on the island.  Businesses may require you to undertake additional biosecurity protocol before entering, such as disinfecting your hands and feet and passing a temperature check. 

Flights

After a slow ramp-up many of our international carriers have resumed their direct flight operations into Roatan.  This is great news.  Accessibility is key to recovering our tourism economy.

International airlines flying directly into Roatan include AA from DFW and Miami, United from Houston, Sun Country out of Minneapolis and Avianca from San Salvador.  The flight schedule has been getting steadily more regular since October and as of  Christmas we have at least one internal flight a day landing and departing from Roatan Airport.

Canadian carriers (Air Transat, Sun Wing, and West Jet) are on stand-by for now and expected to resume operations some time in the 2021/2022 season.

San Pedro Sula airport remains closed due to flood damage following Hurricane Eta and Iota.  We hope that it will re-open before the Christmas travel season.

La Ceiba Airport (on the mainland) has been newly approved for international flights including a Cayman Airlines and a code-share between CM Airways and Air Europa will add a weekly direct service to Madrid.

COVID on Island 

COVID arrived in Roatan quite late comparatively.  We had our first confirmed case in June 2020.  Following the expected curve of exponential transmission we peaked in terms of active cases in September-October 2020.  Since then we have seen a decline in new cases and hospitalizations are down.  At the beginning of December, we had 12 Covid patients in the hospital.  We are remaining vigilant and hopeful that our adherence to quarantine, bio-security and the outdoor lifestyle are helping us to keep COVID at bay. 

 

When it comes to characterizing the look and feel of a region, architecture has always played an elemental role.  Different areas of the world display different architectural aesthetics which contribute to their unique identities.  From the temples of the Far East to the brickwork of Europe to the bungalows of California, buildings play a distinguishing function in each area’s style.  

But what about architecture in the Caribbean?  What is classic Caribbean style architecture?  What to expect when searching for homes for sale in the region? Because of the wide range of colliding influences in the region there’s no single answer.  However, there are enough complementary traits that it’s possible to discern general patterns and trends. 

An Amalgamation Of Cultural Influences

One of the biggest impacts on classic Caribbean style architecture is the large number of different cultural influences that have come together in this relatively small territory.  

The native and indigenous cultures provided the basis for living in harmony with the environment, while subsequent colonial incursions each brought their own architectural styles and approaches to building and design.  

Spanish, English, French, Dutch, Portuguese and other European nations introduced architectural practices from their respective countries while adapting them to the unique conditions native to the region.  

The European installation of slavery also contributed an undeniable African influence over classic Caribbean architecture.  

This fusion of ethnic diversity is notably responsible for giving Caribbean architecture its particular style.

Environmental Considerations

As opposed to what the colonizing Europeans were familiar with in their homelands, the Caribbean imposed different environmental conditions which dictated the types of architectural principles that were actually suited to the area.  

Relatively consistent high temperatures and prolonged exposure to the sun inspired constructions that provided ventilation and shade.  This led to vaulted ceilings, large shuttered windows, covered verandas and open courtyards.  

The prevailing wind patterns also greatly influenced how structures were oriented.  Situating a building to make judicious use of the easterly African trade winds provided relief from the heat and humidity.  

Builders also had to be aware of the hurricane season to ensure their creations could withstand regular lashings by strong winds.  The associated heavy rainfalls also encouraged the incorporation of gable roofs to promote runoff and prevent flooding.

Building Materials

Traditionally, locally available building materials contributed to the look and style of finished structures.  Stone, dark colored hardwoods and natural fibers have all played an influential role in the look of classic Caribbean architecture.  

Although concrete and other more sustainable materials are much more common these days, the early use of natural materials still influences the results of modern construction.

The Influence Of Sugar Plantations

One of the main reasons that colonists settled in the Caribbean was because of the sugar trade.  Sugar plantations relied on large estates which often featured a stately plantation home.  

Typical components of the plantation home included view-capturing verandas, shaded porches, high ceilings and large windows.  Many of these architectural characteristics became inspirational and were used in subsequent smaller buildings and homes constructed throughout the region.  

When it comes to classic Caribbean style architecture, the influence of plantation homes cannot be understated.  

The Evolution Of Classic Caribbean Style

Classic Caribbean style architecture has evolved from the combination of diverse cultural influences, challenging environmental conditions, local building materials and aspirational goals.  These influences have combined to form the basis of a school of architectural design unique to the region.

With the current global pandemic, you may be considering purchasing a home in Roatan sight unseen. If so, there are several common mistakes that you could make. However, once you know what to look out for, you’re more likely to avoid them. When buying a home sight unseen, it is essential to hire an experienced, local real estate agent with a rock-solid reputation. With a good Roatan real estate agent, you’ll be able to avoid these mistakes.

 

#1 Skipping the Virtual Tour

Even if you have seen photos and videos, do not skip out on taking a virtual tour of the home. Virtual tours provide an opportunity to see the home if you cannot be there in person.

 

If there’s a 3D walkthrough available, make sure you take the time to take the tour and spend a good amount of time reviewing all the details. Go through and look at all the nooks and crannies before buying the home.

 

#2 Not Asking Important Questions

When you physically view a home, all of your senses are engaged. You can smell the home, listen to the neighborhood, and look at the surrounding landscaping. While this experience will not be possible buying a home in Roatan sight unseen, you can be sure to ask the right questions to learn about how the home smells, what the neighborhood noise level is and what the surrounding neighborhood looks like.

 

#3 Skipping Research

When unable to see a home in person, it is important to do your research. Find out as much as you can about the surrounding area, the neighborhood, upcoming development plans, nearby amenities, and road conditions.

 

#4 Waiving Contingencies

Often, when someone purchases a home sight unseen, they are typically on a timeline and want the sale to go through as soon as possible. If this is your situation, be sure to not let your emotions get in the way and rush you into making a decision. You want to be sure that you do not waive important contingencies and that you have a detailed conversation with your real estate agent about any contingencies in the offer.

 

If travel restrictions are preventing you from visiting Roatan in-person to purchase real estate, buying a home sight unseen may be the best option to take advantage of some of the enticing price reductions we have recently seen on the market. You can be confident in trusting the agents at Roatan Executive Realty in helping you make the right decisions for your real estate transactions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you spent most of your life residing outside a coastal hurricane area, you may not have heard about hurricane straps before. But on our little Caribbean island, these simple connectors are very important to make sure your contractor includes when building your home. While we are quite blessed with being below the hurricane belt and receiving very few severe storms, high winds and bad weather are always a possibility.  Ensuring that the walls, roof systems, and foundation of your home are properly tied together is just common sense, especially after you have spent the time to find your perfect slice of Roatan island real estate for your homesite.

So, what are hurricane straps and what exactly do they do? We’ll explain below.

What are Hurricane Straps?

Hurricane straps – also known as tie-downs or hold downs are actually one of the least expensive pieces of hardware that you’ll need to buy to build your home on Roatan. They are also quite easy to install and quite frankly, if you have found a good contractor to work with, they should insist on using them. The term hurricane clips are used to refer to any connector that ties intersections of a home’s frame.

How Do Hurricane Clips Work?

In normal weather conditions, gravity helps hold walls and roofs together. But when winds get strong enough, they can pry roofs upwards, causing serious damage. We’ve all seen major storm coverage where roofs have been entirely ripped off homes, leaving them exposed like dollhouses. The objective of hurricane straps isn’t so much as to keep a roof intact but instead keeping the roof locked to the foundation and walls of your home and no matter where you live on the island – from Port Royal to West Bay, these are needed.

What Do Hurricane Clips Look Like?

The types of clips and connectors available can vary, but typically it will look like a small twisted metal strap that has nail holes drilled into it. The strap face is connected to the roof support and the other part to the top plate of the wall. The clips are attached to wherever the rafters meet the walls in your home.

What If You Bought an Existing Home on Roatan?

If you bought an older home on Roatan and have found out that tie-down hardware was not used in the construction, you do have options. While it is a large undertaking as you need to get beneath the wall and ceiling coverings, you can install hurricane clips and tie-down hardware after a home has been built. But this is a major renovation to your home. It is best to use an opportunity like if you are doing an addition or a major remodel to install the clips at the same time. If you have an opportunity to reinforce your home and protect your investment, it is time and money well spent.

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If you’ve always dreamed about owning a tropical island home, you’re unsure of how to make this a reality or where to even begin. If you’ve vacationed in the Caribbean and been drawn to the idyllic, lush scenery and gazed longingly at Real Estate listings posted around your resort, the allure of having your own personal tropical hideaway will likely not go away anytime soon! If you’d like to move past the dreaming stage of owning a home in the Caribbean and learn how what you need to know about buying a home in the Caribbean, keep reading below!

 

Choosing Your Location

The idea of laid back lifestyle in the tropics, spending time on white-sand beaches, and exploring the vibrant jungle scenery is on the top of the list for most people wanting to purchase a second home in the Caribbean. The first step needs to be determining your location. There are plenty of idyllic tropical locations but they might not all be right for you. The cost of living, language, culture, lifestyle, access to healthcare, and a number of other factors can heavily influence which location you choose.

For example, two decades ago Costa Rica was the hot spot for reasonably priced land, foreigner-friendly real estate laws, and plenty of opportunity for development. Fast forward to today and the cost of living and real estate has skyrocketed, making a move to Costa Rica prohibitive for most, especially retirees on a fixed budget. The relentless increase in the cost of living and rampant inflation has caused a number of expats to return home or move to a new location in Latin America.

Many expats and people longing for a warm, new change of scenery have been searching for the ‘next Costa Rica’ where they can take advantage of reliable infrastructure, low real estate prices and relatively easy moving requirements, such as being allowed to bring pets along with them.

The best probable candidate that meets these requirements and is surrounded by amazing beaches, world-class dive sites and a low cost of living is Roatan, Honduras which is part of the Bay Islands in the Caribbean Sea.

Researching Caribbean Second Home Destinations

Thanks to the internet and major advancements in technology, it is simple to begin searching for your little slice of tropical paradise from the comfort of your own home. Listings with detailed floor plans, photos, and even 3D virtual tours are being the norm for many real estate agencies to market their properties. You can easily browse listings in the Caribbean and contact the local agent with any questions about a listing that piques your interest.

Before getting too attached to a destination, it is important to research the foreign real estate laws. For example, in Mexico, foreigners are not allowed to purchase coastline property and instead would have to do a long-term leasehold instead. One of the reasons Roatan is considered the ‘new’ Costa Rica is the ease in which foreigners can purchase land. An individual can buy up to .74 of an acre of land and more if a proper corporation is formed.

Once you have a destination in mind and have explored listings and options online, the best course of action is to book a trip to explore the location in person. If possible, it can be helpful to rent for several months before buying so that you can get a true feel for what the local lifestyle is like and have time to discover different communities and neighborhoods to find which will suit you best. If you have been corresponding with a real estate agency online, once you arrive you can meet your realtor in person and learn more about the location as you view properties.

Understanding the Process

A sign of a good realtor in a foreign country is one that takes the time to explain exactly what you should expect from the buying process. A few other things to consider is that mortgages are typically not available for most Caribbean real estate although financing may sometimes be a possibility.

Be sure to get references for the realtors you are planning on working with as well as lawyers involved in the purchase process. Be sure to only work with licensed professionals to avoid potential scams or title issues. Also, inspection contingencies are typically not a common part of negotiations.

If you’re ready to start exploring real estate in Roatan, get in contact with our team. We’ll be happy to review what your tropical dream home is and get to work on helping you make owning a home in the Caribbean a reality.

 

At some point in our lives, almost everyone has had the dream of living on a tropical island – especially those of us who have to put up with bone chilling winters.  While annual island vacations can help recharge the batteries and refresh the mind, they don’t quite hold the same cachet as owning a property on the beach and swimming in the ocean every day before breakfast.  Roatan has fast become more popular among tourists and aspiring expats alike.  If you’re wondering about the benefits of buying beachfront property in Roatan, we’ve compiled a list for you here.

 

Easy Access To The Second Largest Reef System In The World

If Roatan is known for one thing, it’s its proximity to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, second in size only to the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia.  This proximity has garnered Roatan worldwide acclaim for its scuba diving and snorkeling sites.  If the thought of stepping outside your home and being among some of the most lush coral reefs in the world within a few short minutes appeals to you, you might want to look more closely into buying beachfront property in Roatan.  If you’re a passionate scuba diver, snorkeler and ocean lover, this little island might be just the right fit for you.

 

Affordability

Roatan isn’t quite as developed as many of the other Caribbean islands, but that’s quickly changing.  More and more people are becoming familiar with this little gem off the north coast of Honduras and it’s subsequently enjoyed considerable growth over the past few decades.  If you’re looking for affordable property that has growing potential, Roatan can offer much better value than many of its more popular Caribbean neighbors.  The cost of living is also very likely much lower than you’re used to back home.  If you’re looking to stretch out your bank account with oceanfront property, the day to day expenses in Roatan can make that dream a reality, especially in up-and-coming East end neighborhoods like Camp Bay and Port Royal. 

 

Are Foreigners  Allowed To Buy Property in Roatan?

When it comes to buying Caribbean real estate, many countries do not allow foreigners to buy property directly which can create a quasi-legal market with middlemen and shell companies that increase the potential for fraud.  However, in Honduras, foreigners have been legally allowed to own property outright since 1991.  For residential addresses the limit on land size is less than three quarters of an acre.  Buying bigger properties is definitely also possible but more paperwork will be required.

 

Easy Access 

Getting to Roatan and back home is easy.   And it’s becoming easier with every passing year.  The island’s airport, Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport, currently has direct flights to five countries including the US and Canada.  You can be in either Miami, Atlanta, Houston, Dallas or Toronto on a non-stop flight in less than five hours.  Flights and ferries to the Honduran mainland are also fast and frequent.  Even though you’re on a tropical island, the rest of the world is at your fingertips.

 

A Well Developed Expat Community

There’s a well developed and active expat community in Roatan that can be a very welcoming presence for newcomers.   It’s always reassuring to know there are people who have already  been through what might seem like an intimidating process.  Becoming involved with the expat community can give you access to advice and peace of mind when it comes to making the transition from being a tourist to a local property owner.  

 

Rental Potential

Maybe you’ve got the money for a beachfront plot, but you’re not ready to make the full transition of living in Roatan.  Beachfront properties are highly sought after by tourists and could be the answer to a secondary income.  If you’re not willing to put in the effort that comes with high turnover tourist rentals, because of the prime location you’ll still have no problem securing long term rentals from those already living on the island.  Renting your property can establish a toehold in the property market without having to make immediate life changes.