Ok, Things are cinching up here in the US nicely for my family to move to the DR for awhile to see if it may be a permanent home. Remote contracts are in place for me to telecommute 3-4 hour work days for my American company from which I have resigned effective in February. Our finances are in place as we begin marketing our home. We are busy selling the furnishings and whatnot we don't have strong sentimental attachments for.
We want to move from the US for the cultural experience, not just a financial motivation. Where we land permanently may still be undecided, but we are willing to invest a year of our lives to see if D.R. is it for us.
That being said, my wife and I are visiting the North Coast area for the first half of November. We have rented a villa and made the travel arrangments for the 2 week excursion. Our interest is to "feel out" the area, meet many of the regular posters on this board and to scout locations for our "permanent move staging ground".
On the advice of many, we are comfortable investing a year of our lives in a rental situation before seriously contemplating residential buy or construction. We have a 6 year old son that will attend the ISS, as well as 2 large canine family members. We will be looking for long term rental of 1 year, as well as condo/apartment purchase opportunities that are less than $50k net expense. We are looking for advice or pointers on the specific following question: Should we buy a small condo or or simply rent for 1 year? If we rent or buy it would need the some of the amenities I will list. My guess is that a place like what we would want would rent for $1000 a month (Correct me if I am wrong) after all the fees and what not. (Not including electricity or other utility variables)
As we have a small son, large pets and ourselves. We are looking for a 2 bedroom minimum configuration. High speed internet access will be a priority and there will of course be stong plus marks for the following amenities:
* Walking distance from: 1) Beach, Grocery, social gathering venues, any parks or public spaces that are relatively clean.
* very short drive distance from ISS for our son (don't want him on the road much)
* Secure but not feeling like we are in a prison
*** Huge plus for an ocean view, especially if it is on a hill or elevated.
It can be physically small, but prefer it to not "Feel" small. Balconies, High Ceilings, Open floor plan all contribute to a sense of space.
So, if we were to rent, it would be very difficult to find a place that would accept our dogs, even if we contractually are obligated to return the space to original or better condition. Renting a place would be fine, I just have always had an aversion to it. Seems like I throw away $12,000 that way. We are committed mentally to give it one year to really evaluate and not be faint of heart after a few months, but we certainly don't want to be miserable either.
Any advice or words of wisdom? I especially am keen on hearing from members that actually live in DR and have property investment advice pertinent to my question.
Thanks!
Gary
We want to move from the US for the cultural experience, not just a financial motivation. Where we land permanently may still be undecided, but we are willing to invest a year of our lives to see if D.R. is it for us.
That being said, my wife and I are visiting the North Coast area for the first half of November. We have rented a villa and made the travel arrangments for the 2 week excursion. Our interest is to "feel out" the area, meet many of the regular posters on this board and to scout locations for our "permanent move staging ground".
On the advice of many, we are comfortable investing a year of our lives in a rental situation before seriously contemplating residential buy or construction. We have a 6 year old son that will attend the ISS, as well as 2 large canine family members. We will be looking for long term rental of 1 year, as well as condo/apartment purchase opportunities that are less than $50k net expense. We are looking for advice or pointers on the specific following question: Should we buy a small condo or or simply rent for 1 year? If we rent or buy it would need the some of the amenities I will list. My guess is that a place like what we would want would rent for $1000 a month (Correct me if I am wrong) after all the fees and what not. (Not including electricity or other utility variables)
As we have a small son, large pets and ourselves. We are looking for a 2 bedroom minimum configuration. High speed internet access will be a priority and there will of course be stong plus marks for the following amenities:
* Walking distance from: 1) Beach, Grocery, social gathering venues, any parks or public spaces that are relatively clean.
* very short drive distance from ISS for our son (don't want him on the road much)
* Secure but not feeling like we are in a prison
*** Huge plus for an ocean view, especially if it is on a hill or elevated.
It can be physically small, but prefer it to not "Feel" small. Balconies, High Ceilings, Open floor plan all contribute to a sense of space.
So, if we were to rent, it would be very difficult to find a place that would accept our dogs, even if we contractually are obligated to return the space to original or better condition. Renting a place would be fine, I just have always had an aversion to it. Seems like I throw away $12,000 that way. We are committed mentally to give it one year to really evaluate and not be faint of heart after a few months, but we certainly don't want to be miserable either.
Any advice or words of wisdom? I especially am keen on hearing from members that actually live in DR and have property investment advice pertinent to my question.
Thanks!
Gary
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