Caribbean Hotelier: Gregor Nassief of Secret Bay in Dominica on Luxury   

It wasn’t just the hotel that put Dominica on the map with luxury travelers — it was the one that helped turn Dominica into a luxury destination, period. 

When Secret Bay opened its doors back in 2011, it was the first-ever five-star hotel in Dominica, and a new kind of luxury resort for the Caribbean.

Today, the hotel is regularly recognized not just as one of the best hotels in the Caribbean but the best anywhere on earth. 

To learn more, Caribbean Journal’s new feature, Caribbean Hotelier, talked to Gregor Nassief, the proprietor of Secret Bay (and Dominica’s Fort Young Hotel), about his hospitality philosophy. 

What was the first hotel you fell in love with? Why?

My wife Sandra and I spent our long postponed honeymoon in 2003 at Luna Sonrisa, a boutique hotel in Valparaiso, Chile, where I was working at the time. It felt comfortable and familiar, a home we never knew we had. The hotel was the result of the owner’s love story which became intertwined with our own.  And history repeated itself, as our love story resulted in creating Secret Bay.

Gregor Nassief, CEO of GEMS.

How do you define hospitality? 

Hospitality to me is really about caring for others.  It’s about being a part of people’s lives in a meaningful, transformative and lasting way.

What makes hospitality unique in the Caribbean?

Hospitality in the Caribbean is largely defined by our people, our food and our culture. It’s inimitable. 

What is your philosophy on luxury? 

It’s the simple things in life that give us the greatest pleasure.  Simplicity is the new luxury, and simplicity begins with nature, with authenticity and with caring for our planet.

How has luxury changed in the last decade? 

Luxury has shifted from marble floors and butlers-in-waiting to “the simple things” that feel authentic and come without pretension. It’s also about attention to detail and very importantly making human connections that feel natural and sincere. 

What do you see as the biggest trends in hospitality right now? 

We’re seeing travelers wanting to have authentic, immersive experiences that allow them to build a connection with the destination, especially with its people. Regenerative and impact travel is also a growing trend; people want to feel like they’re not just taking from an experience, but giving something back. And, lastly, wellness travel is still pervasive, though it’s really evolving beyond luxe spa treatments and yoga – it’s about eating sustainably, doing activities that are inspiring and connecting with nature. 

What should a guest expect at your hotels? 

Guests can expect the luxury of time and space along with authentic experiences rooted in above-and-beyond  hospitality and service, along with knowing they’re supporting sustainable-minded operations. Our culinary programs are also outstanding, with the chefs focusing on local, seasonal and sustainable cuisine. And, we always come back to wellness in the sense of guests feeling like they have transformative experiences – whether that’s a rejuvenating waterfall hike, bucket-list activity like a lionfish expedition or swimming with the whales, or simply being pampered on property by our sincere and caring team. 

What do you want your guests to remember about your hotels? 

I want guests to feel reconnected with themselves, with the ones that they love and with nature. 

For more, visit Secret Bay.

Have an idea for someone we should feature in Caribbean Hotelier? Contact news@caribjournal.com with Caribbean Hotelier in the subject line. 

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6 Tips For Selling Your Home in Spring

Did you know that more than 5 million houses sold in 2020 in the United States alone? More and more homes are starting to sell in this booming housing market, and if you’re thinking about selling yours, now is the time to do it. Spring, in particular, is a great time to sell your house because it is precisely the time when people start looking to buy houses. 

But what kind of spring real estate tips should you follow to make sure you sell your house at a good price during the spring? Fortunately, selling a house in spring isn’t as hard as you might expect, but there are a few factors you will need to take into consideration. Keep reading and learn more about selling your home in spring fast and at a good price. 

Start Decluttering Your House

The last thing you want is for your home to be full of clutter when you’re trying to sell it. Keep in mind that you will need to have someone take pictures of the interior of your home. If the only thing that anyone can see is clutter, you can’t expect people to be all that interested in your house. 

More than that, excess clutter can alter the appearance of your home. In particular, it can make your home’s interior look much darker and smaller than it really is. This, of course, is not a great selling point for selling a house at any time of the year. 

While it might be difficult at first, it is very important to get rid of as much junk as you can when you put your house up for sale. You don’t necessarily have to throw it all away, but you should store it somewhere so that it doesn’t fill up your house. Ideally, you should only have the bare essentials in your house when you put it up for sale. 

This means that you should have a few pieces of furniture to set the interior such as a couch, some armchairs, a dining table, and so on.

The Details

These simple pieces of furniture will give your home just a bit of character while still rendering your house neutral for potential homebuyers. You could also clean out your house entirely if you plan on living somewhere else while you put your home up for sale. 

An empty house will showcase how spacious the house is. However, it is usually best to have at least a few pieces of furniture in the house, especially for real estate listing pictures. This is because a few pieces of furniture put the interior space into perspective and makes it more attractive. 

If you have a lot of clutter, it is a good idea to start decluttering long before you put your house up for sale. That way, you’ll have plenty of time to clean out your house and make it look like a model home. After you’re done with the interior of your home, you can start with the exterior.

Do Some Landscaping 

Since you want your house to look good when you put it up for sale in the spring, it only makes sense to make sure that your yard looks good as well. You might be surprised to know that curb appeal can greatly influence a person’s decision to buy a house or not. If your yard looks scraggly, cluttered, and if the grass is overgrown, it will cast a negative light on the rest of your house. 

Does this mean that you have to give your yard a complete makeover just to sell your house? Not at all! In fact, you’ll likely only need to make a few minor adjustments to improve the visual appeal of your property. 

To start, you should make sure that your lawn is mowed. There’s nothing worse than having a piece of property with scraggly, overgrown grass, especially when it comes to pictures for your home listing. Overgrown grass can make your entire property look unkempt and old. 

This is not to mention that this overgrown grass will only be more work for potential homebuyers to deal with in the future. A well-mowed lawn, on the other hand, is a different story. When the lawn is trimmed, you will find that the entire property will look much more spacious and fresh. 

This, of course, will translate well in property listing pictures.

What You Need to Know

A mowed lawn will also make your house look newer and more spacious. But of course, there are more ways to improve your lawn than only mowing the grass.

If you find that your lawn is looking a little dull, try to find ways to add a bit of spice to it. In particular, adding a few flowers to your front lawn will do a very good job at this. Keep in mind that you don’t need to spend an arm and a leg to do a bit of simple landscaping. 

After all, a few flowers or colorful plants at your local garden center won’t cost you very much. All you need to do is put them in the ground or in some decorative pots and you can call it a day. Putting some colorful plants out in your yard may not seem very effective, but it is actually one of the most effective things you can do to improve your house’s curb appeal. 

This is especially true if your lawn is relatively empty. An empty, drab lawn isn’t going to attract a lot of attention, even if your house has a lot to offer. You need to make sure that something about your property catches the eyes of potential homebuyers

Again, colorful plants and flowers are perfect for doing this. The natural splash of color that they add will contrast against the rest of your lawn. This will make people take a second glance at your property and check if it has anything interesting to offer.  

Clean the Windows, Floors, and Other Surfaces

Very few people are interested in buying houses that look dirty or rundown. If your house looks dirty, all that dirt and grime will make it look much older than it really is. So, if you’re looking for tips for selling your home, you should consider cleaning the majority of the house. 

This is especially true if you are having an open house or if you are still preparing to take pictures for the house listing. You will want your house to look as good as possible. Of course, if your house is several decades old, you’ll never be able to make it look brand new just with a bit of soap and water. 

However, making sure that the majority of the house is clean will make it look as good as possible. Starting with the windows at the front of the house is a good idea. After all, when people pass your house or look at pictures of it on the internet, the front of the house is the first thing they’re going to see. 

If the windows are covered in grime and handprints, it isn’t going to look very appealing. All you need to do is take some cleaning solution and wipe down all the windows in the house and make sure there are no spots of grime left behind. After the windows are as clean as they’re going to get, move onto the floors. 

Clean Everything

Whether you have hardwood floors, carpet, or any other type of flooring, you’ll want to make sure it’s clean. If you have carpet covered in stains, your house is going to have a harder time selling. You could always have the carpet replaced or you can try and clean it as best as you can. 

In the case of non-carpet floors, make sure you sweep away any excess debris and scrub away any spots. Clean floors will make your house look more spacious and new. Finally, clean off any other surfaces in your home. 

For example, don’t forget about your kitchen and bathroom counters. These surfaces tend to get covered in water spots, stains, and other debris. So, try to clean them until they’re as shiny as they’re going to get. 

All About Spring Real Estate Tips

If you’re looking for spring real estate tips to sell your home fast, you’ll need to make sure that your house looks the part. To do this, you’ll want to make sure that you declutter your house as much as possible. Then, amp up your curb appeal by mowing your lawn and adding some plants or flowers. 

Finally, make sure your house is clean. To learn more about selling your house using our iBuyers service, submit your address below and create an account. 

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    The Four Seasons Resort Nevis, a Caribbean Icon

    You can spend all day watching Nevis Peak.

    The green, daunting, cloud-crowned volcano is the towering core of this island, its energy imbuing itself into just about every moment of your day. 

    But Nevis Peak is watching you too. 

    It’s what makes this island just so magical. 

    And it’s the essential backdrop, the tone-setter and the heartbeat of one of the Caribbean’s truly iconic resorts: the Four Seasons Resort Nevis. 

    You see Nevis Peak the moment you arrive on the dock.

    It was the first-ever Four Seasons in the Caribbean when it opened just over three decades ago, a resort that began as a vision by Isadore Sharpe and became the model for what a Caribbean hotel can be, not just from a hospitality standpoint but for the way it sustains and connects with the island. 

    And while the resort has maintained its place as a Caribbean legend, it’s got a decidedly new look, thanks to a renovation project that kicked off in 2018 and, over several years, reimagined much of the property. 

    The large-scale transformation ranged from a new Crowned Monkey Rum Bar to an inspired new-look Great House to a sparkling, centerpiece infinity pool, along with a splendid redesign of the guest rooms and suites. 

    The magnificent Robert Trent Jones, Jr-designed golf course.

    What hasn’t changed is the marvelous, friendly, endlessly warm-hearted service, one that extends across the resort, from the beloved Mac Kee France, the property’s director of guest experience, to world-renowned mixologist Kendie Williams, whose Kendie’s Kick is the resort’s most delicious drink. 

    four seasons caribbean nevis
    The sparkling new infinity pool.

    And then there are the amenities: the almost mystical spa; what’s almost certainly the most impressive tennis center in the Caribbean, built by Agile Courts; the spectacular views and even better West Indian cuisine at the waterfront Mango; and a pool for just about every purpose, from adults-only serenity to family-focused fun (with a splash pad to boot). And then there are the experiences, whether you want to learn about Alexander Hamilton’s history in Nevis or spend a week at Sea Turtle Summer Camp.

    But there’s something more here, just as there always has been, something you feel the moment you step off the boat at the newly-expanded dock on Pinneys Beach (where there’s now a delightful sunset happy hour). 

    The adults-only pool.

    There’s a reason, after all, that this is one of those Caribbean resorts travelers always talk about reverentially, whether they’ve stayed there or know someone who has. 

    And it always comes back to Nevis Peak, whether you’re savoring the remarkably cool afternoon breezes the Peak sends your way even on what should be a hot summer afternoon, or scaling its foothills as you battle Robert Trent Jones Jr’s stunning 18-hole golf course carved into the side of the volcano.

    No matter what time of day, what you’re doing or where you’re going, it’s there, green with gravitas, pulsing with enchanting energy, breathtaking even stationary; you simply can’t move around the resort without looking at it. 

    And it’s always right there, looking back. 

    For more, visit the Four Seasons Resort Nevis. See more in the latest CJ Video at the top.

    The post The Four Seasons Resort Nevis, a Caribbean Icon appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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    The 8 Best Resorts for All-Inclusive Vacations in Aruba

    The story of Aruba’s all-inclusive resorts begins – but certainly doesn’t with — the Divi brand, founded on the Dutch Caribbean island in 1969 and named after Aruba’s iconic divi divi tree, helped pioneer the all-inclusive concept in Aruba. But a wide variety of hotel companies now operate all-inclusive properties on the island, including Spanish brands like Riu and Barcelo. Here are the top all-inclusive resorts in Aruba — as well as those offering special all-inclusive vacations.

    Holiday Inn Aruba It’s always been one of the best values in Aruba, and now the Holiday Inn includes an all-inclusive option. If you enjoy gambling, consider the all-inclusive package at this upscale Holiday Inn resort on Palm Beach. The package includes all meals and drinks plus accommodations, which range from one-bedroom standard rooms with mundane resort views to oceanfront suites. Kids under 18 stay and eat free when sharing a room with the adults.

    The post The 8 Best Resorts for All-Inclusive Vacations in Aruba appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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    How To Wholesale Real Estate in 7 Steps

    Real estate investing is a large umbrella containing several different income sources. Wholesale real estate is one of those avenues that can make you money and comes with the least amount of risk.

    For those who are experienced in real estate investing or those who are new to the industry, wholesaling may be a great idea to look into. So what is wholesale real estate, and how do you get started? Continue reading below to learn more about this investment option and who you can contact for more information if you’re interested in selling your home for cash. 

    What Is Wholesale Real Estate?

    Wholesale real estate is an investment strategy that works best for real estate investors who constantly look for undervalued properties. Wholesalers first find properties and enter into a contract agreement with the homeowner who wishes to sell.

    Once that is in place, the wholesaler finds a real estate investor interested in purchasing the property. Because they act as the middleman, the wholesaler charges the real estate investor a fee for finding the property. 

    How Does Real Estate Wholesale Work?

    As mentioned earlier, the wholesaler starts a deal with a seller who wishes to sell their home due to foreclosure or because the property is distressed. These motivated sellers typically want to sell their homes as quickly as possible without fixing them up. 

    The wholesaler then looks for cash buyers interested in buying and fixing the property. When the wholesaler sells the contract, they receive a transaction fee known as a “spread.” 

    How To Get Into Wholesale Real Estate

    To get into wholesale real estate, you must first set up your business. You can create an LLC in the state where you wish to do business. Each state has its own requirements for setting up an LLC, which come at a different price.

    For example, if you want to start an LLC in Texas, the fee is $300.Once you have your LLC up and running, you can start the wholesaling process. 

    1. Find a Motivated Seller 

    The first step after forming your LLC is to find a motivated seller who wishes to sell their home quickly. Most motivated sellers have distressed properties or homes they inherited from an estate they have no interest in keeping.

    These sellers typically wish to sell their homes quickly and don’t wish to go through the traditional means of selling a house because that process takes too long. It also requires them to go through inspections and appraisals, which they are most likely not willing to wait on. 

    When you find a homeowner ready to sell, making an offer below the property’s market value is recommended, so there is enough room to put the house under contract at a higher price. The difference between what you offer and how much you list the contract is your profit for the “finder’s fee.”How To Find a Motivated Seller

    To find someone with a distressed property or with a piece of real estate that they wish to sell quickly, you will have to advertise yourself. You can market via direct mail, word of mouth, or social media channels. The more people know of your services, the more homes you can list for contracts. 

    2. Negotiate a deal

    You must negotiate a deal with the homeowner when you find the right property. If you bid too high, you won’t be able to claim a profit when you sell the contract to a real estate investor.

    On the other hand, if you bid too low, the seller may reject your offer. To make sure that you make a fair offer, make sure you do your research. 

    When negotiating, it is best to come across as friendly, professional, and courteous. You want the seller to trust you, so ensure you are honest with them and open about your business and experience. 

    If the seller lets you in their home, take your time and look over to see if there are any improvements the home needs. Making the seller aware of what improvements the home needs up front makes it easier for you to negotiate a lower offer. 

    3. Create a Wholesale Contract

    With you and the seller in the agreement on the offer price, you will then need to draft up a wholesale contract. To create this agreement, you can do it on your own or enlist the help of a real estate attorney. If this is your first time doing this, you may want to reach out to an attorney to ensure that both parties understand the terms of the agreement. 

    4. Search for a Cash Buyer

    Once you have the contract signed and you possess the home contract, you will need to find a real estate investor or another cash buyer to purchase the home. You may not know someone directly, but you may know someone who may have a person in mind.

    Just like you used social media to find motivated sellers, you can use it to find the right buyers. There are also local real estate meetups you can take advantage of. 

    As you continue building up your business, you’ll eventually assemble a team of real estate investors who consistently come to you when they need to purchase properties. As long as you keep those relationships good, they can recommend you to other investors, further building your network. 

    5. Negotiate the Contract With Your Buyer

    Just as you negotiated the offer to the seller, you will need to negotiate with your buyer about how much you wish to sell the contract for. You will also need to negotiate your transaction fee. You can create a standard fee you use across all agreements, or it can be something you expressly agreed to with the seller. 

    6. Assign the Contract

    You must complete an “assignment of contract agreement” to transfer the contract you signed with the seller over to the buyer. The agreement states that you assign the contract to your investor for a certain agreed-upon amount.

    The amount indicated in this new contract will differ from the amount agreed with the seller. This is because there is an added transaction fee. 

    Once the buyer agrees to the terms of the contract and they sign, they take possession of the home. You have no rights to the house. 

    7. Close the Sale

    The final step is payment. This is where everyone signs the documents, and the deed gets transferred to the buyer. You don’t pay any money out of pocket.

    Instead, the buyer takes care of the closing costs and the home’s purchase price. Your job is to pass on the funds received from the buyer to the seller, less your transaction fee. 

    Advantages and Disadvantages of Wholesale Real Estate

    There are several advantages that come with getting into real estate wholesale. For example, you have the opportunity to receive the cash fast since you don’t necessarily take possession of the home. 

    Additional advantages of real estate wholesale:

    • You don’t handle renovations to properties
    • You can sell fast if you have a network of investors 
    • It does not cost a lot to get started
    • Credit is not a factor

    Although there are many significant advantages that come with wholesale real estate investing, there are a few disadvantages to keep in mind. For example, if you don’t have strong negotiating skills, you won’t be able to find a home seller willing to work with you. There is a chance you could go months without any income if you aren’t able to find properties or investors to purchase the properties from you. 

    Another disadvantage is the profit margin. You can receive a decent profit margin if you have a decent amount of properties to sell, but if you don’t, then you won’t have a high-profit margin like you would with other investment strategies. 

    Frequently Asked Questions About Wholesale Real Estate

    Wholesale real estate is a great way to make money without taking any properties into your possession. This could be an excellent way for beginners to start. As with anything you start, there are some questions you may have. Below are the most common questions people ask about wholesale real estate. 

    Do You Need a Real Estate License?

    You don’t need a real estate license to wholesale real estate because you are technically the home buyer. Your position in the sale is to either take ownership of the house or to buy it out and assign it to another buyer. You don’t represent either party because you are the buyer. 

    Should I Use a Real Estate Agent?

    You don’t need to use a real estate agent if you wish to wholesale properties. As a matter of fact, it is better if you don’t involve an agent because they will most likely charge you a fee for their services. As a wholesaler, you are merely the middle person acting as a connection to a network of real estate investors who don’t have the resources or the time to find properties to purchase. 

    How Much Can I Make Wholesaling Properties?

    Wholesalers make their money based on their “finders fee” or their “transaction fee,” whichever you put in the contract. On average, a wholesaler can make between $4,000 to $15,000 per home, depending on the verbiage on the contract.

    Income can be sporadic because it depends on how many homes you wholesale. Not only do you have to find a home to sell, but you also must find the right buyer.

    You may only sell a home or two each month or each quarter. It depends on your network and how good you are with negotiations. 

    How Do I Sell My Home?

    If you are in the process of selling your home and you wish to sell it quickly, you can sell it directly to a cash buyer. Several real estate investors are ready to take a look at your home and offer you cash on the spot. 

    Even if your home needs a lot of repairs or it is a property you’ve inherited, you can sell it for cash to companies such as iBuyers. iBuyers use high-quality technology and big data to create a cash offer on your home.

    The iBuyer will deduct those costs if your home requires repairs from your net proceeds. Once you agree to their terms, they will complete the sale, and you will have your money wired to you within a matter of days.

    Should I Sell to an iBuyer?

    The choice to sell your home to an iBuyer is up to you. Many clients who work with iBuyers enjoy the ease of the sale and how quickly they can close. The best part about working with these companies is the fact that you can choose your closing day. So if you wish to close within two days or sixty days, they can make it happen. 

    Sell Your Home for Cash

    Wholesale real estate is an excellent way for beginners and experienced real estate investors to make money. Not only can you make fast cash if you’re able to find a motivated seller and an eager buyer, but you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get started.

    Of course, there are a few disadvantages that come with wholesale real estate. For example, you could lose money instead of earning it if you don’t have good negotiation skills.

    On the other hand, several resources are available if you’re a motivated seller ready to sell your home for cash. Submit your property’s information today to find out how much you could receive as an all-cash offer. Our team is here to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

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