Jamaica Real Estate

You would expect that Jamaica real estate prices would be quite high, considering the posh hotels and resorts, the elegant restaurants, and quite frankly, just the brand name 'Jamaica', but actually it is not so!

Leading realtor, Andrew Issa, was quoted as saying that currently purchasers get more 'bang for the buck' on real estates as opposed to other Caribbean islands. Meaning that you get a lot more real estate for the money in Jamaica.

There should be no surprise therefore, of the increasing number of foreigners who are showing heated interest in Jamaican properties. I recall a recent article in one of our notable newspapers, the Jamaica Observer reporting that over 55% of all real estate transactions in Jamaica are completed with overseas clients!

General Manager of JN Real Estate Signature Homes and Properties, Jacqueline Peat-Smith, not so long ago stated that "demand, especially from people returning home from Britain wanting to build primarily in Trelawny, St James, St Ann, St Thomas, St Catherine, Manchester, St Mary and St Elizabeth, was far outstripping supply.

Admittedly, we had some concerns of bureaucracy in the past, but with concerted pressure on the government from real estate developers, tremendous work has been done and the process has gotten a lot smoother.

Very soon, it is expected that Jamaica will solidify its position as having the best real estate properties in the Caribbean. Mr. Issa identified the huge investments that are being made in the country's infrastructure as the driving force.

He stated that "the infrastructure upgrade that is taking place will drive our market. The airport upgrades, the highways and the new water system for the North Coast all are coming together to improve the country", "plus, we are blessed with the most beautiful island in the Caribbean. We have an authentic history, culture, and people."

In terms of the high-end resort market, the Palmyra Resort development in Rose Hall, Montego Bay and the Chris Blackwell's development, Goldeneye in Oracabessa, St. Mary stands out.

Jamaica real estate is still the jewel of the Caribbean, and will remain so as we propel our country forward.

Aspire to The Spire - The Pinnacle of Chicago Real Estate

Home to the first modern skyscraper, Chicago has always rivaled New York as the city for skyscrapers. Oh, sure, New York has the Empire State, the Chrysler Building (that relic? I hear you saying), and, by 2011, Freedom Tower, but Chicago - which has one of the tallest skylines in the U.S. - also lays claim to the Aon Center, the John Hancock Center, and the mighty Sears Tower: the one that finally put New York out of first place. However, the year 2010 will see another monumental silhouette added to Chicago's imposing skyline: the 2,000 foot high Chicago Spire. While the Spire will be the tallest building in North America, it will NOT be the tallest in the world; Dubai's Burj Dubai will outstrip it by up to 1,000 feet. However, The Spire claims a distinction that has Chicago Realtors bubbling with excitement: in 2010 Chicago will be home to the tallest all residential building in the world.

Hampered for so long by height restriction laws, it wasn't until 1960 - 3 decades AFTER the construction of the Empire State Building- that Chicago was able to really compete with New York in the building of skyscrapers. The city did make up for lost time with buildings like the Sears Tower and the John Hancock Center, and seems now to be in the midst of another skyscraper building boom. Since the beginning of the millennium, dozens of 50 story (and over) buildings have gone up in Chicago, and construction is underway on a number of "supertalls" (buildings over 1,000 feet). Some of these include the Waterview Tower (1,047 feet) Trump International Hotel and Tower (1,362 feet), and finally, the magnificent Chicago Spire at 2,000 feet.

Without a doubt, the most striking feature of the Chicago Spire - even more so than its immense height - is its spectacular 'twisted metal' or corkscrew-like design. A computer rendering of the Spire depicts it as a massive platinum drill bit twisting up and out of the earth. Renderings also show that although the Spire will dominate the Chicago skyline it will certainly complement it beautifully. For many, the most exciting feature of the Spire will be the chance to own part of it. In fact, you can do more than own part of it, you can LIVE in it - in addition to a magnificent 4 story-high lobby and a residents-only observation deck that affords vistas of four states (you may see Iowa on a clear day, that's five!) the Spire will comprise 1,200 very exclusive condos, in a variety of styles and tastes. They'll be ready in 2010, but don't wait until then if you're interested - they are sure to sell at record speed, the ones on the higher floors going, of course, for TOP dollar.

The Homeowner's Guide to Living Greener

It can be quite overwhelming for most of us to think about helping the environment; it's too big, too vague. But it is in all of our hands to make a difference, and there are very simple ways to do this. Start in your own home.

Homeowners can take small steps that will have a big impact on the environment. Start by shutting off lights when you leave the room. You'll lower your electricity bill and use up less of the world's limited power supply. It's also a great idea to change over to compact fluorescent light bulbs. They last longer and use up a lot less energy.

Unplug your appliances when they're not in use. Things like entertainment systems, fans, and coffee makers are only in use part of the time. Leaving them plugged in is just a waste.

When you leave your computer, put it on standby if you're only walking away for a while. Turn it off completely if you're done for the day. And don't forget to turn off the monitor; every bit of energy you can save, helps.

To save water, turn off the taps while brushing your teeth. Low-flow showerheads have been around for a while, but in the past they didn't have the water pressure that most homeowners needed. Today however, they produce a jet that is comparable to standard showerheads.

Consider purchasing a "low flush" toilet, which can save you one to four gallons per flush. If you're not in the market for a new toilet, but would still like to save water, try placing a couple of filled water bottles in your tank. Put a bit of sand or place a few stones in the bottom of the bottles before filling with water in order to weigh them down and reduce their buoyancy. Using this method, you can potentially reduce up to 30% of your toilet's water use.

Only use the washing machine when you have a full load, and if you're thinking about buying a new one, consider getting a front loading washer. Also be sure to hang clothes to dry whenever you can. Again, your power bill will thank you.

Surprisingly, running a full dishwasher uses about one sixth the amount of water that traditional hand washing does. Dishwashers are also being made to be as energy efficient as possible, so consider investing in one to save on power and energy. Your hands will also thank you!

During winter months, be sure to pick up an affordable weatherizing kit. These usually include weather stripping for doors, outlet covers, and shrink wrap for windows. Anything you can do to minimize heat loss will reduce heating bills, and provide for a much more comfortable home.

Purchasing a programmable thermostat is a smart move any time of year. It saves you the hassle of always adjusting the temperature, and prevents heat waste. Think of how many times you've forgotten to turn the heat off at night. Accidents like these send your heating costs through the roof.

In the summer, try to cook on the barbecue as much as possible. Not only will you be saving energy, but you'll also avoid heating up the house on warm days.

These steps are simple and affordable ways that you and your family can start living a greener lifestyle. You may ask "What's in it for me?" Lower utility bills for starters. Having an energy efficient home is good for your wallet. But there's also the benefit of knowing that you are doing your part to take care of the planet.

We take the earth for granted every day, yet it is our most precious commodity. Without clean air, we develop breathing problems. Unsanitary drinking water leads to a plethora of intestinal issues. The toxicity levels are rising, and if we don't all make some simple, cost-effective changes, our children and grandchildren will inherit a poisoned earth. Remember, this is the only home we've got.