January 2006
NEW year
Looking forward to the future wishing you a healthy, safe and happy new year!
Kees & Renée van Dartel
Amanda Castan
NEW financial opportunities
Although the number of home owners increases and the prices for real estate keep rising, mortgaging is still not as common on Bonaire as it is on other Caribbean islands, Europe or the United States of America. The standards for mortgaging are different on Bonaire and specially the amount of the mortgage therefore it can be disappointing to some.
However, over time some very good mortgage possibilities have become available with very good conditions, especially for Bonairean standards. It is absolutely possible to obtain a mortgage for a second residence for non residents under certain conditions possible. The main requirement is proof of income in the country of origin. The applicant’s age is one of the main aspects for the determination of the duration of the mortgage. On Bonaire it is customary that the mortgage is fully redeemed at the age of 65. As a supplemental security for the granted mortgage a life insurance will always have to be concluded.
On Bonaire one can choose between two different kinds of mortgages.
The annuity mortgage. With this form one pays interest plus redemption monthly. This way the gross mortgage burden remains the same for the duration of the mortgage, but because since the tax benefits decrease over time, the net monthly costs will slowly increase. The monthly mortgage burden will be calculated in such a way that at the end of the duration of the mortgage a full redemption will have been reached. It is obligatory to take a life insurance to cover the risk of death. For such a mortgage form it is possible to obtain a mortgage interest rate of 7,25 %.
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The mortgage life insurance. With this form one only pays interest monthly, and one also needs to take a life insurance policy that will fully redeem the mortgage at the end of its duration. So with this mortgage form one pays interest plus the premium for the life insurance policy. The great advantage of this is that the monthly costs will remain the same for the complete duration of the mortgage and that the tax benefits remain unchanged. Furthermore one does not need to take out a separate life insurance. The typical interest rate for such a mortgage form is 6,50 %.
If you would like to know your mortgage possibilities, please contact us!
NEW listing: Caribbean style villa >>
Court 19 is located in the upper class residential area of Sabadeco on beautiful Bonaire. This Caribbean style villa is a unique architectural design not found yet on the island. The distinguished entrance leads to the L-shaped perfect breezy porch, from which an astonishing view over the sea along the coast side of Bonaire. The huge porch combined with the pool deck creates spots for the easy layback sunshine lovers in the inviting lounge chairs. Sunset view guaranteed! The villa is built only recently with first class materials and is in excellent state of repair.
It is really an architectural design with the fine 'gingerbread' details.
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<< NEW in Kralendijk Restaurant Mezani
Daniëlle van Nes has been living and working on Bonaire since 2002 after coming here initially for only one year. She gained the necessary catering experience working in two well known restaurants in Kralendijk, that which she has done with great enthusiasm. So when she was recently offered the opportunity to start her own restaurant she took it with both hands, resulting in the opening of restaurant Mezani, meaning dining room in Swahili. Daniëlle welcomes her guests in a cozy atmosphere with an international cuisine, of course not forgetting about her little guests with a special kids menu.
The menu offers great variety, from meat to fish, from soup to snails...all prepared with great care and eye for detail. Of course the vegetarians among us have also been thought of. And what to think of the delicious home made deserts, an absolute must... Also if you just want to have a drink with friends and listen to some music take a seat at the bar where Daniëlle will be happy to serve you. So find out for yourself and enjoy all of Mezani.
Mezani is situated in an authentic Bonairean building, next to the MCB Bank at the Kaya L.D. Gerharts, Kralendijk. Opening hours from 06:00 PM till 12:00 PM, kitchen opened until 10:00 PM. For your reservation please call : 00599 - 717 8454
Statement of 2006:
Thinking of buying or selling a home, do not let another year slip by! Contact your one-stop broker on Bonaire; Harbourtown Real Estate!
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