Eager to know the top cites in America where one can safely invest? Here are the best real estate markets in the entire country according to a recent report from Business 2.0 Magazine. The November 2006 edition of the magazine lists the top ten cities that are ideal to buy a home. These are – Panama City and Vero Beach in Florida, Bridgeport in Connecticut, Lakeland in Florida, McAllen in Texas, San Luis Obispo in California, Wilmington in North Carolina, Manchester in New Hampshire, Fort Collins in Colorado and Atlanta in Georgia. The report cites the appreciation rates of home prices projected over a period of five years.

Florida enjoys the status of having three of the top four cities to invest in. Panama City, which tops the list of best places to buy real estate is expected to have a real estate appreciation of 72% over the next five years. Major real estate development projects such as the building of a new airport and low property prices are expected to boost the economy and the housing market.

Vero Beach, projected to have an appreciation of 64%, comes second for its excellent weather, low property taxes and a lower cost of living. Lakeland, with a 59% projected gain in home prices is a tempting option with homes selling for a fifth less than the national median price.

Buying a home in Bridgeport, CT is a bargain now with median home prices at a very low $280,000 compared to the rest of the Fairfield County. Home prices in McAllen, TX which holds the fifth place, are expected to soar by 57%.

It is estimated that homes in the McAllen, TX area may appreciate 57 percent with an increase in the median home price from $70,000 to $109,000.

Homeowners making an investment in San Luis Obispo, California, today, are expected to get a good appreciation (40%) on their homes over the next five years.

The median home price in Wilmington, NC is expected to increase to $297,000 by 2011, up from the current price of $217,000, an increase by 37%.

Manchester, NH, which has twice been rated as the ‘best place to live’ in America by Money Magazine, sits at eighth place with an expected appreciation of 35%.

Fort Collins and Atlanta follow in the ninth and tenth places of top cities for real estate investment in the USA. Fort Collins, one of the most popular cities in America, has been ranked as the ‘No.1 small city’ this year by Money Magazine. Recent price reductions in the housing market makes ‘now’ the best time to buy a home or condo in this city with an estimated property appreciation of 28%. Atlanta is poised for a significant appreciation too with an expected rise of up to 24% in home prices over the next five years.

So, if you are a prospective homebuyer set to take a plunge into any of the top ten real estate markets, it is the right time to enlist the services of a good real estate agent who can guide you through the complicated home buying process.

The Most Incredible Weight Loss Supplement ever discovered.

Certified South African Hoodia Gordonii Here!

It is in a way extremely unfortunate that Hoodia Gordonii works as well as it does. Like many effective products that are introduced on the market there are dozens of fakes introduced to capture unsuspecting consumers. Even worse is when these consumers are caught by these counterfeit products and the resultant claims where the real authentic one is labeled with the same reputation.

What is Pure Hoodia Gordonii and which one is the real McCoy

Real Certified Hoodia pronounced (Hoo-dee-ah) is a powerful and completely natural appetite suppressant which has recently been highly praised in the media. Well known figures and institutions like 60 Minutes, Oprah, Today, and In-Touch have positively claimed this product as a wonderful and very effective means of weight loss. The only real Hoodia is a cactus plant actually a succulent in real terms that grows extensively in the hot climate of the Kalahari Desert in Southern Africa, There are other areas where it can be sparsely found in the semi-desert regions of Africa such as Angola and Namibia.

This Hoodia succulent consists of spiny tubular cucumber likened shapes that makes it look similar to a cactus. This cactus plant takes from 5 to 10 years to mature like many other succulents in the family do, which results in it being expensive and also protected. People serious about losing weight will find that the real pure Hoodia is their final and lasting solution to their desired weight loss.

How does Hoodia Gordonii work in weight loss?

If you buy certified Hoodia Gordonii you will have a powerful and extremely effective appetite suppressant. When taking Hoodia Gordonii in any form you will feel full and have no desire to eat or snack in between meals. When you follow the instructions carefully Hoodia Gordonii allows you to shed those pounds and also train your body into new eating habits.

After placebo-controlled studies done by Phytopharm between two different groups of people, it showed unbelievable and certified proof that Hoodia Gordonii resulted in weight loss for those that were not taking the placebo. Remarkably those that were taking Hoodia reduced their calorie intake in excess of thousand calories or more per day. Why this is very significant, is the fact that average people consume up to 2500 calories per day in normal circumstances. What is even more exciting is the discovery that pure Hoodia Gordonii varieties can in some also lower blood pressure and even treat erectile dysfunction. However this is still under ongoing research.

The San Bushmen of the Kalahari desert in South African have been using Hoodia Gordonii for centuries when on extended hunting trips with no ill effects to date which is proof enough of the exciting properties of Hoodia Gordonii

Following a regimen of Hoodia Gordonii from South Africa allows you the discipline of following new eating patterns you will certainly shed those pounds just like thousands of others who have used it; and continue to do so to reach desired goal weight loss.

Why does Hoodia work for people that wish to lose weight?

P57 is the name that was give by Phytopharm for the active ingredient in Hoodia Gordonii, and it is this molecule that affects the hypothalamus area of the brain that controls your appetite and hunger. P57 works in the identical way that glucose you gain from food does in that it triggers a “satisfied and full” feeling after ingesting a meal. The huge difference here, is that P57 is about 10,000 times more powerful than glucose or in layman’s terms (blood sugar), so even small amounts of P57 in Hoodia Gordonii will trick the hypothalamus into signaling the brain that you are not hungry because you are full.

Hoodia Gordonii Dosage for weight loss

The correct dosage of Hoodia Gordonii will vary from person to person according to body mass and other factors. During tests of Hoodia, select doses ranging from 80 mg to 2400 mg a day were given to volunteers. They discovered that some people needed as little as three 100 mg pills a day to produce the desired appetite suppressing effects. The majority of suppliers of Hoodia Gordonii suggest 500mg three times a day. This can be increased until you have the desired effect. It has also been found that the effects of Hoodia will kick in from as little to 20 minutes after taking a dose but in some cases it can also be a little longer as well.

The recommendation is to take Hoodia an hour before meals but people taking it should still ensure to drink plenty of liquids though they also may have no desire to either.

Does Pure Hoodia Gordonii have any Side Effects

After many different studies it has been shown that there are no side effects at all from taking Hoodia Gordonii as a weight loss supplement, and naturally weight loss is the result. Taking fewer calories per day and eating less will obviously result in you shedding unwanted pounds gained by unhealthy eating habits and snacking. It is pertinent to discuss any weight loss program first with your doctor. Diabetics must consult with their doctor when using this appetite suppressant. It works so well that the alarm signals that you need sugar are suppressed, and this could be dangerous for diabetic sufferers.

Certified South African Hoodia Gordonii Here!

Have you dreamed of owning a beach house in the Bahamas but assumed only a mogul could afford one? If so, the bargains below will show you otherwise. In order to maintain objectivity, I have not included any properties in which I have a personal interest. Selections were based solely on exceptional value. For more information on a property, email me for the name of the relevant broker.

Great Abaco: 15 Acres with 630 Feet of Oceanfront

With scores of uninhabited cays and extraordinary fishing, yachtsmen consider the Abacos to be among the world’s finest cruising grounds. This parcel has 630′ of oceanfront on the Sea of Abaco, including a stretch of beach. For all of you yachtsmen, there is sheltered anchorage of 20′ depth in front of the property. One-acre harbor-front lots in the area routinely sell for $400,000. The subdivided retail value of this 15-acre parcel, therefore, is in the $5 million range. The asking price? $1.2 million.

Berry Islands: Four Bedroom Beachfront House

Before I wrote this article, I would have told you it was impossible to buy a beautifully maintained and landscaped four-bedroom house right on a secluded beach for under $1 million. Not only do I stand corrected, I stand double-corrected. This house on Sugar Beach, Great Harbour Cay, comes with two beachfront lots, for a total of 185′ of beach frontage and almost an acre of land. The price? $790,000. And if that’s too much for you, sell off the extra lot. There’s one on the market nearby for $300,000.

Berry Islands: Almost-on-the-Beach Lot for the Price of an SUV

This quarter-acre lot on Great Harbour Cay is right across the street from a beautiful white-powder beach. The sticker price of the lot is $45,000. Ocean and sunset views are included at no extra charge-a bonus you’re not likely to get with the SUV.

Cat Island: Beachfront Lot at Half the Price

Fifty miles long and with a population of 1600, Cat Island is a place for people who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of, for example, rural North Dakota. Cat has miles of deserted, pink-sand beaches, and you can buy 100′ on one of them for $179,900. How is that possible? This quarter-acre lot is actually 150′ back from the sea, but the parcel in front is a reserve that can never be developed. Walk right across it to the beach.

Eleuthera: Four Bedroom Duplex Overlooking the Atlantic

With sixty miles of beaches and only a few dozen hotel rooms, Eleuthera is a paradise for beach lovers who enjoy privacy and unspoiled natural beauty. Coral Reef is a two-story house on an elevated lot directly across the street from the Atlantic Ocean. Each floor consists of a two-bedroom, two-bath apartment with a bright, modern interior and an open plan. Coral Reef, which was built in 1986, would cost at least $400,000 to build today, not including the price of the land. The asking price for the property is $250,000.

Freeport/Lucaya: Canal-Front Home for Half the Price

Fortune Bay is a stylish canal-front community a few minutes by car from the shops and restaurants of Port Lucaya. A typical three-bedroom house with a pool would sell for $1.2 million. The house I found for you has four bedrooms and sits on an oversized half-acre lot with 120′ of canal frontage. The kitchen and baths need updating, but the overall condition is excellent. $100,000 for interior upgrades and a pool would turn this into a million-dollar house. The asking price? $625,000.

Nassau: New Three-Bedroom Townhouse for $249,000

I had to put this price in the headline or no one would believe it. Renaissance East is a small gated development of a dozen 2 ½ story townhouses with a pool. The units have three bedrooms (including a large loft), 2 ½ baths, private patios, stainless steel appliances, and granite countertops. Construction on the islands costs upwards of $200 per foot and these townhouses have 1300 square feet of living space. There are only three units left, so I guess I’m not the only one who can divide $249,000 by 1300.

North Eleuthera: Private Island

Just because David Copperfield has a private island in the Bahamas doesn’t mean you can’t afford one, too. Located off the northeast coast of Eleuthera near Harbour Island, this 3.5-acre retreat is surrounded on three sides by deep water and on the fourth by a beach. A concrete pier and a wooden dock are already in place. Electricity comes from the main Eleuthera grid. David Copperfield paid $45 million for his island. The price for yours? $1.5 million.

Wood has always contributed towards bringing in the warm and cozy feelings in and around our homes. Adding outdoor furniture crafted beautifully from exotic woods is another passion which one can enjoy without harming our environment. Teak wood is something I would suggest and strongly recommend for all outdoor setting to beautify  your patio, garden, balcony, or porch.

The fact that teak is so beautiful a wood; that once placed wherever around house, creates an ambience of welcome and grandeur.

Teak is an environmental friendly wood. Teak is found in tropical forest of India, Thailand, Burma and Malaysia. Teak has long been declared a rare species in India and Burma, but the central government of Indonesia takes its production very seriously than any other country.  The government forestry branch; PT Perhutani maintains teak plantations and harvesting. Each year a predetermined number of trees are felled and replaced with a new one on the plantation. Teak furniture is made from forest cultivated teak timber. Teak trees can grow in dry area so harvesting teak trees in responsible way do not affect the rain forest thus the environment.

The best wood that is used for good quality furniture is cut only after they are mature which takes mostly forty to eighty years. The teak is an excellent wood material which is highly prized above your average length of pine or oak. But why is that, exactly? The answer lies in the natural oils and rubber found in the teak.

The teak wood contains an abundance of natural oils and rubber locked right into the tight grain of the wood. All the woods, maple sap or tea tree oil, contain oils that protect the tree. But Teak is not like other woods, once felled and processed teak retains its oils and rubber. Because of this, teak has greater naturally weather-resistant properties than just about any other type of wood. That is the reason it is called the wood of sea as it is popular in making of ships and boats. Early teak furniture makers recognized these weatherproof advantages when British sailing ships were decomissioned but the teak was still salvageable. The illfated Titanic is still lying in the deep ocean as it was made of teak.

Teak is a perfect material for outdoor deep seating set . As it weathers over time, the wood goes from a honey brown color to a silvery gray. Today’s teak furniture market is driven by consumers who know and appreciate the qualities and longevity of teak furniture. but teak is also fashioned into outdoor decking, indoor tables and chairs. Although teak is expensive, you can take the money you would have spent on annual waterproofing, breakage repair, or painting of any other material used for furnture, and apply it to buying of teak outdoor furniture. Since teak is a strong and highly durable wood, a teak patio owner can expect ones purchase to last for many years. Another example of teak’s long life is found in the caves in Westen India, where objects made from teakwood more that 2,000 years ago have been found intact — astonishing for untreated, uncared- for wood. This also offsets costs of teak, especially once you consider furniture replacement costs almost every few years.  Surely you will have to pay a high price for your teak furniture, but you’ll likely be satisfied with your purchase over the long haul.

Teak furniture is the best option for any outdoor setting making it more appealing and welcoming. With its rich warm color and satin smooth surface brings in the refined and luxurious feeling. Enjoyt your teak furniture as it weathers naturally to gray tones or you can retain the original color by applying annual coats of teak oil.

Having evergreen teak patio or garden furniture is something to be proud of.

If you are looking for the best property to invest in for capital gains or pleasure, Slovenia has much to offer. In this article we look at the advantages of buying property in Slovenia…

Slovenia is a small country (about the size of Switzerland) and has borders with Austria, Croatia, Hungary and Italy. The country is one of the newest members of the European Economic Union and is strategically placed at the very heart of Europe. The country has a well trained workforce and one of the best performing economies of the new member states. The country has a young dynamic workforce, good infrastructure and with the arrival of cheap budget airlines, more people are visiting than ever before, as the tourism industry expands.

The country has numerous attractions including:

Soaring mountain ranges, rolling hills, beautiful alpine valleys, mighty rivers, beautiful lakes, historic and cosmopolitan towns and a beautiful stretch of unspoilt coastline. Many people buy skiing property, as it’s more competitive in price than its nearby neighbours of Austria and Italy. An additional advantage is you can ski in all three countries on just one pass. There is much more to Slovenia, than just skiing though and there are many other properties to buy in diverse areas.

Property prices in the Ljubljana the capital have good long term growth prospects, as more people discover this delightful city which has been described as a less crowded and more intimate version of Prague. The second city of Maribor is also popular and the little known sea port of Piran, which lies just across the Adriatic from Venice, is a overseas buyers favourite.

For those wanting other outdoor pursuits other than skiing, Slovenia and popular places to buy include near the picturesque lakes of Bled and Bohinj and in the Soca valley. Whatever type of property you want, Slovenia can offer you a variety of real estate, from property in lively and historic towns, to get it away from it all retreats in unspoilt countryside.

There are many Slovenian estate agents which specialize in helping overseas buyers. These estate agents can help you find the property which is just right for you, in terms of budget and investment aims. With finance options available and a law which protects both buyers and sellers, Slovenia will continue to see overseas buyers come to and buy property in Slovenia.

Carnival!

When Antiguans say carnival, they mean it! An eleven-day celebration of music and dance, the Antiguan Carnival is an explosion of sights, sounds and smells that definitely speaks of its African traditions with European touches. And it’s an opportunity to shake your booty, too!

Beaches

Antigua is purported to have 365 beaches all around the island. Now, if you can explore one beach in a day, you will be staying in Antigua for a whole year. But who’s complaining? Definitely not you in your two-piece bikini soaking up the sun, sand and sea for the perfect tan!

Water Sports

Not surprising, this one. Antigua’s pristine Caribbean waters provide for the best venues to engage in water sports from jet skiing and windsurfing to snorkeling and diving. Go for the eastern seaboard for the best diving sites especially the deeper portions that can be reached by a boat.

Fig Tree Drive

Fig trees in the Caribbean, you say? Well, not really because the Fig Tree Drive is a 20-mile countryside rough road lined by mangoes, coconuts and bananas as well as the occasional quaint thatched-roof fishing villages. Fig, by the way, is the local name for bananas. Don’t ask why.

Devils’ Bridge

No, not the bridges in Europe alleged to be built by the Devil himself although this is also alleged to have the Devil’s hand. The Devil’s Bridge in Antigua is a rock arch shaped by natural forces that features many blowholes. According to folklore, many slaves threw themselves overboard in acts of mass suicides.

Casinos

Well, this might not be your cup of tea during holidays. Still, for a little gambling fun, Antigua offers many gaming establishments where you can blow money or win money depending on Lady Luck.

Hospitable People

The Antiguans are one of the friendliest people on Earth especially when you are a visitor to their island. They are so proud of their heritage that you can almost always get a free lesson in local dance and music from the locals! Lost? No worries as locals will point you in the right direction.

Sunniest Weather, Ever

Well, with the exception of the Sahara and Gobi Deserts, of course. Antigua enjoys the sunniest and driest weather in the Caribbean that visitors are assured of 365 days of sun, sand and sea! Alright, qualify that with an exception during hurricanes that, fortunately, has only directly hit Antigua just 6 times in the last 50 years.

History

Antigua has a rich history stretching from the Ciboney Indians, its discovery by Christopher Columbus, European colonization and slavery, to its administrative independence from Britain. Historical monuments abound in the island, the most notable of which is Nelson’s Dockyard. And of course, the general atmosphere of the island combines its rich African heritage with its European colonial past.

Low Cost of Living

Generally speaking, living in Antigua even for just a short holiday is like being transported to a time when living and loving in luxury was an affordable undertaking. It’s the best place to be for your honeymoon without draining the honey from the hive!

Antigua, you ask? More like Paradise in the Caribbean!

When you think of the Bahamas, do you think of luxury beachfront hotels, casinos, and colossal resorts like Atlantis on Paradise Island? If so, you can be forgiven for thinking that only the very wealthy can afford an oceanfront home in the Bahamas. In fact, the islands of the Bahamas have real estate bargains that will surprise and enchant you. Especially now, with the real estate market soft and sellers getting nervous, you can find a bargain that will put you on the beach.

How to find a great deal from among the thousands of listings available? Easy: I’ve done that for you. In order to maintain my objectivity, I have not included any properties in which I have a personal interest. Nor can I earn a commission or any other kind of fee from properties mentioned in this article. Selections were based solely on exceptional value for the buyer. If you would like more information about any of these properties, contact me and I’ll give you the name of the real estate agent handling it.

Let’s take a look, now, at the best bargains the Bahamas has to offer.

Abaco: 15 Acres with 630 Feet of Ocean and Beach Frontage

Abaco is known as the sailing capital of the Bahamas. With scores of uninhabited cays and extraordinary fishing, yachtsmen consider the Abacos to be among the world’s finest cruising grounds. A few miles north of Treasure Cay, a private seller is offering 15 acres of land with 630 feet of oceanfront on the Sea of Abaco. The parcel has elevations to 65 feet. A portion of the oceanfront is beach, and more could be converted to beach without difficulty. For all of you yachtsmen, there is sheltered anchorage of 20 feet depth in front of the property. Harbor-front lots at nearby Green Turtle Cay and Guana Cay routinely sell for $400,000 an acre. The subdivided retail value of this 15-acre parcel, therefore, is in the $5 million range. And the asking price? $1.2 million.

Berry Islands: Four Bedroom Beachfront House

Before I wrote this article, I would have told you it was impossible to buy a beautifully maintained and landscaped four-bedroom house right on a secluded beach for under $1 million. Not only do I stand corrected, I stand double-corrected. This house on Sugar Beach, Great Harbour Cay, comes with two beachfront lots, for a total of 185’ of beach frontage and almost an acre of land. Use the extra lot for a guest house or a pool. Great Harbour Cay has a superb harbor with a marina, plus a nine-hole golf course for us landlubbers. The price of this fully furnished beach house? $790,000. And if that’s too much for you, sell off the extra lot. There’s one on the market nearby for $300,000.

Berry Islands: Almost-on-the-Beach Lot for the Price of a Loaded SUV

This quarter-acre lot on Great Harbour Cay is right across the street from a beautiful white-powder beach. On the west, it borders a salt water creek, so you can get your feet wet without leaving your property. Electricity is available at the site, and a well could be dug for water. The sticker price of the lot is $45,000. Ocean and sunset views are included at no extra charge—a bonus you’re not likely to get with the SUV.

Cat Island: Beachfront Lot at Half the Price

Fifty miles long and with a population of 1600, you can almost hear your echoing footfalls on Cat Island. This is a place for people who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of, for example, rural North Dakota. Cat Island has miles of deserted, pink-sand beaches, and you can buy 100 feet on one of them for $179,900. How is this possible, with beachfront in the Out Islands routinely selling for two to three times that amount? This quarter-acre lot is actually 150 feet back from the sea, but the parcel in front is a reserve that can never be developed. The owner of the lot can landscape the reserve, trim its trees, and best of all, walk right across it to the beach. Just don’t try to build on it. The lot has 30’ elevations, so a house could have expansive ocean views. And when you’re deciding what to do with the $170,000 you saved, don’t forget the guy who gave you the tip.

Eleuthera: Four Bedroom Duplex Overlooking the Atlantic

The island of Eleuthera is 110 miles long with a population of just 8,000. With sixty miles of beaches and a few dozen hotel rooms, Eleuthera is a paradise for beach lovers who enjoy privacy and unspoiled natural beauty. Located in Eleuthera’s Rainbow Bay community, “Coral Reef” is a two-story house on an elevated lot which looks out over the Atlantic Ocean. Each floor consists of a two-bedroom, two-bath apartment with a bright, modern interior and an open plan. The units are fully furnished. A separate structure to the rear houses a double garage. Coral Reef is solidly built of concrete block and stucco and painted an orangey shade of yellow which isn’t my favorite—but then again, no one comes to me for decorating advice. Coral Reef sits on the landward side of Ocean Drive, about 300 feet from the Atlantic. There’s a beach almost directly across the street from it—two lots to the right, actually, about 500 feet from the front door. In theory, the lot which is directly across the street from Coral Reef could be built upon, partially blocking the view of the Atlantic. In fact, however, because of salt spray and other problems, the lots on the ocean side of the street are essentially unbuildable, and your view is safe. Coral Reef, which was built in 1986, would cost at least $400,000 to build today, not including the price of the land. The asking price for the property is $250,000. If it’s still available when you read this, don’t waste anymore time–take out your checkbook and make a deposit.

Freeport/Lucaya: Canal Front Home for Half the Price

Fortune Bay is a stylish canal-front community on the southern coast of Grand Bahama, just a few minutes by car from the shops and restaurants of Port Lucaya. As noted in my book, How to Buy and Sell Real Estate in the Bahamas, “A typical three-bedroom, three-bath house with a pool on one-third of an acre [in Fortune Bay] would sell for $1.2 million.” The house I found for you has four bedrooms and two baths and sits on an oversized half-acre lot with 120 feet of canal frontage. The large back yard has plenty of space for a pool. The kitchen could use updating, but the overall condition of the house is excellent. An investment of $100,000 for interior upgrades and a pool would turn this into a million-dollar house. The asking price from the motivated sellers? $625,000.

Nassau: Four-Bedroom Cliff House in Tusculum

This spectacular three-story house on West Bay Street sits on a cliff facing the ocean. Designed by a noted architect, it has 4000 square feet of living space. Features include a den which could serve as a fifth bedroom, a formal dining room, a breakfast nook, multiple balconies and patios, and a private yard with a pool. The house comes fully—and very tastefully—furnished. A comparable house is listed nearby for $1,295,000. This one is on the market—briefly, no doubt—for $995,000.

Nassau: Canal Front Lot with Dock in Sandyport

Sandyport is a gated community on the edge of Cable Beach, close to the hotels and casinos along that strip. Sandyport has 500 homes, seven pools, five tennis courts, four restaurants, three beaches, and a partridge in a pear tree. It also has its own shopping center, the Olde Towne Mall. The lot I’m recommending has both canal frontage and beach frontage, and comes with a dock. It is unusual to see any Sandyport canal front lot offered for under $500,000, never mind one with beach frontage. At $450,000, this lot is a rare find—even without the pear tree.

Nassau: Three-Bedroom Oceanfront Townhouse on Eastern Road

New Providence’s Eastern Road runs from the city of Nassau east along the coast. It is home to many fine oceanfront residences, most priced between one and two million. I found one for you for under $500,000. This three-bedroom, three-bath townhouse has two stories plus a loft, for a total of 1581 square feet of living space. The attractive, modern layout features soaring ceilings, floors of tile and wood, and a wall of sliding glass doors facing the sea. Outside space includes a large balcony and a patio, both with an ocean view. Built in 1999, the townhouse is located in a gated community with a pool and a small private beach. The price: $439,000. You won’t find a better bargain on an oceanfront townhouse in Nassau.

Nassau: New Three-Bedroom Townhouses for $249,000

For this bargain, I had to put the price in the headline or no one would believe it. Renaissance East is a small gated development of a dozen two-and-a-half story townhouses with a pool. The Victorian-inspired design is very pleasing to the eye. The units have three bedrooms (including a large loft), two and a half baths, and 1300 square feet of living space. Amenities include private patios, stainless steel appliances, and granite countertops. Given that construction on the islands costs upwards of $200 per foot, you would be hard-pressed to find a better deal. There are only three units left, so I guess I’m not the only one who can divide $249,000 by 1300.

North Eleuthera: Private Island with Three-Bedroom House

Just because David Copperfield has a private island in the Bahamas doesn’t mean you can’t afford one, too. Located off the northeast coast of Eleuthera near Harbour Island, this 3.5-acre retreat is surrounded on three sides by deep water and on the fourth by a beach. A concrete pier and a wooden dock are already in place. Electricity comes from the main Eleuthera grid. The three-bedroom house is in need of extensive renovation, so set aside a couple hundred thousand to personalize your space. Even so, David Copperfield paid $45 million for his island. The price for yours? $1.5 million.

A Final Word

Someone is going to notice this, so I might as well come and admit it: that was eleven bargains, not ten. I tried to choose one to cut but was paralyzed by indecision. The quickest way to shorten the list, I decided, is to publish it. You can decide which property should get off the list and into the “sold” column first.

Copyright 2008 by Matthew Simon.