Well, we did it! We bought a house in the D.R.
With months of research from North to South, we made the decision to finally purchase in the North in a place by the name of Sosua.
It all began back in Jan. in Bayahibe. Having been in this area 4 times, I researched this area for real estate. Prices were high and my spirits were low until I got on this board for help. My research was redirected to the North Coast by JanH's thread on " Our experience in buying a home in Sosua ". Things were never the same again.
There were many contacts made with real estate agencies in this area and in Samana, but again with Jan's recommendation we contacted Dean Brown of Century 21. Dean provided us with outstanding service from the 1st phone call to the final escort to the airport. He was professional, thorough and honest, which made us feel comfortable with the decision we made.
With only 2 hrs of sleep, we arrived in Pop early in the morning and were net by Dean. He took us to our condo and gave us some time to freshen up before picking us up again for lunch. After having a wonderful lunch on the beach in Cabarete, he preceded to drive us through the areas of all the houses that he had scheduled for the next day. Our heads by this time was spinning and our sense of direction did not exist. He brought us back to the condo. Instead of resting, we ventured out to find a grocery store and buy everything we needed. We were certainly impressed with the variety and prices. Just like back home. Back to the condo, but this time for a snooze. We stayed at Condos Dominicanos, which was at our request to Dean that we stay there. We wanted to experience life in Sosua, and we did. "When in Rome, do like the Romans", or so they say. We ate at Rocky's that evening and also met Marco. I had already emailed Marco various times, and found him to be a great source of info. It was a pleasure to meet him that evening and even better, the garlic chicken we ordered. We came back frequently for breakfast and some El Presidentes on those hot afternoons.
Our 2nd day was spent viewing all the houses that were of interest to us. What a confusing day this was. All houses shown on the real estate web sites are one thing and when seen in person are another thing. The original house that we were in love with, turned out to be a disappointment. Live and learn.
I spoke with various people through email who had also purchased homes in Sosua, and all of them shared their experiences about their purchases. The one thing that seemed to be a priority to all was the area and some form of security to ensure piece of mind when back home in their country. To live there is one thing, but to own a vacation home requires a certain amount of security when not there. I also learned that a lot of these homes for sale are not occupied by the owners themselves, but by renters. Many of these renters are happy where they are and personally hope that the house does not sell. Dean even had a phonecall from one of the renters the following day after we viewed the house, concerned that we might have liked the house and he would have to move.
The original house that Dean had suggested in the beginning of our many phone calls and emails was the one that we in fact purchased. In the end, with all the homes that we viewed from Cabarete to Sosua, this home was the one all along. It is in a secure area called Escondido Bay (Playa Laguna), 5-7 min. walk to a beautiful secluded beach that has a pathway with steps cascading through coral rock walls and luscious vegetation. Just the walk to the beach brings serenity to the soul. It is a 4-5 min. drive into Sosua, and walking distance to a grocery store. It has a beautiful terrace along the entire back length of the house that overlooks a pool, a jacuzzi, a pavilion and a beautiful lusciously landscaped yard with privacy and just enough open space to catch those afternoon winds flowing through the house.
All the time spent researching and communicating with others, has certainly paid off. This was a dream of mine for many years. The D.R. had always felt right to me. The landuage, the music, the people abd the land are to me the most beautiful. Must be the Latin blood in me.
We have to thank the DR1 board for providing us with all of its information, as well as to all the members on the DR1 that responded back to my questions back in Feb. and March. We especially want to thank JanH, Ken and his wife, ecarignan, Jazzcom, Marco from Rocky's, Ron and Agnes for the condo they provided, Eddie from Condos Dominicanos, and of course Dean Brown from Century21 who is still in contact and helping us to set up. Also, to all those that are always reading these forums but never sign in. Thanks so much for your help in achieving THE DREAM.
We will soon have the pictures to show. We're going back the beginning of Aug. to set up what ever is needed to begin enjoying our place.
Thank you
Anabela and Alex
With months of research from North to South, we made the decision to finally purchase in the North in a place by the name of Sosua.
It all began back in Jan. in Bayahibe. Having been in this area 4 times, I researched this area for real estate. Prices were high and my spirits were low until I got on this board for help. My research was redirected to the North Coast by JanH's thread on " Our experience in buying a home in Sosua ". Things were never the same again.
There were many contacts made with real estate agencies in this area and in Samana, but again with Jan's recommendation we contacted Dean Brown of Century 21. Dean provided us with outstanding service from the 1st phone call to the final escort to the airport. He was professional, thorough and honest, which made us feel comfortable with the decision we made.
With only 2 hrs of sleep, we arrived in Pop early in the morning and were net by Dean. He took us to our condo and gave us some time to freshen up before picking us up again for lunch. After having a wonderful lunch on the beach in Cabarete, he preceded to drive us through the areas of all the houses that he had scheduled for the next day. Our heads by this time was spinning and our sense of direction did not exist. He brought us back to the condo. Instead of resting, we ventured out to find a grocery store and buy everything we needed. We were certainly impressed with the variety and prices. Just like back home. Back to the condo, but this time for a snooze. We stayed at Condos Dominicanos, which was at our request to Dean that we stay there. We wanted to experience life in Sosua, and we did. "When in Rome, do like the Romans", or so they say. We ate at Rocky's that evening and also met Marco. I had already emailed Marco various times, and found him to be a great source of info. It was a pleasure to meet him that evening and even better, the garlic chicken we ordered. We came back frequently for breakfast and some El Presidentes on those hot afternoons.
Our 2nd day was spent viewing all the houses that were of interest to us. What a confusing day this was. All houses shown on the real estate web sites are one thing and when seen in person are another thing. The original house that we were in love with, turned out to be a disappointment. Live and learn.
I spoke with various people through email who had also purchased homes in Sosua, and all of them shared their experiences about their purchases. The one thing that seemed to be a priority to all was the area and some form of security to ensure piece of mind when back home in their country. To live there is one thing, but to own a vacation home requires a certain amount of security when not there. I also learned that a lot of these homes for sale are not occupied by the owners themselves, but by renters. Many of these renters are happy where they are and personally hope that the house does not sell. Dean even had a phonecall from one of the renters the following day after we viewed the house, concerned that we might have liked the house and he would have to move.
The original house that Dean had suggested in the beginning of our many phone calls and emails was the one that we in fact purchased. In the end, with all the homes that we viewed from Cabarete to Sosua, this home was the one all along. It is in a secure area called Escondido Bay (Playa Laguna), 5-7 min. walk to a beautiful secluded beach that has a pathway with steps cascading through coral rock walls and luscious vegetation. Just the walk to the beach brings serenity to the soul. It is a 4-5 min. drive into Sosua, and walking distance to a grocery store. It has a beautiful terrace along the entire back length of the house that overlooks a pool, a jacuzzi, a pavilion and a beautiful lusciously landscaped yard with privacy and just enough open space to catch those afternoon winds flowing through the house.
All the time spent researching and communicating with others, has certainly paid off. This was a dream of mine for many years. The D.R. had always felt right to me. The landuage, the music, the people abd the land are to me the most beautiful. Must be the Latin blood in me.
We have to thank the DR1 board for providing us with all of its information, as well as to all the members on the DR1 that responded back to my questions back in Feb. and March. We especially want to thank JanH, Ken and his wife, ecarignan, Jazzcom, Marco from Rocky's, Ron and Agnes for the condo they provided, Eddie from Condos Dominicanos, and of course Dean Brown from Century21 who is still in contact and helping us to set up. Also, to all those that are always reading these forums but never sign in. Thanks so much for your help in achieving THE DREAM.
We will soon have the pictures to show. We're going back the beginning of Aug. to set up what ever is needed to begin enjoying our place.
Thank you
Anabela and Alex
I try to give information but sometimes I give it with tough love. Ask for me in Rockys when you get back to town. I will be there from the 16th of July to the end of August.