House Hunters International follows me to Punta Cana. After 15 years of traveling back and forth, I decided to relocate from Miami to the Dominican Republic to kick-start my real estate business into high gear and to return to my Caribbean roots.
I had set up shop and the only thing missing was to find a condo in the high-end beach district of Punta Cana, known for its white sand beaches and luxury hotels. My main priority is location- I'd love to be able to walk to the beach. I also look for a two-bedroom place so I can have a separate office and more storage, and a pool on the premises would be nice. Colleague, real estate agent and friend Frances Pimentel is going to help me on the search for the right place.
The first condo that Frances shows me is La Joya Cocotal a one-bedroom, one and a half bath condo right on a golf course. It's listed for $195,000 unfurnished and is 1,100 square feet. I was is impressed with the high end details and the luxurious pool area, but I am concerned about the lack of office space and that it's a bit further from the beach than I would like.
Next up is Santa Maria del Mar, a two-bedroom, two-bath, fully furnished condo selling for $140,000 that's only five minutes from the beach. It's a bit larger than the first at 1,200 square feet, and I love the second bedroom and the rooftop terrace, but the fixtures are older and it might need some updating.
The third place, Arenas de Bavaro, is a two-bedroom, two-bath 1,100 square foot condo priced at $135,000 unfurnished. I love the fact that it's brand new, but not thrilled with the ongoing construction close by. I am also impressed with the huge private roof top deck, but the unit is a little bit further from the beach and it's a little bit smaller than the other two-bedroom condo.
After seeing three terrific options, I need to make a decision. Which condo will become my new Caribbean home?
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