Playa Laguna Real Estate is located right between Sosua and Cabarete on Highway 5, just up Playa Laguna Road and right next to the famous Playa Laguna Hotel.   Playa Laguna Real Estate has Villas, Condos, Lots, and Rentals available to view today.    We also provide Construction contracting services if you plan to build.   Visit the website today or give us a call at 809-901-3959.   From the USA or canada call us toll free at 1-866-459-5596.    We’d like to make Playa Laguna Real Estate your source for Real Estate in the Dominican Republic.

Officials have ordered that cabs be identified by the standard color to regulate the business and ensure passenger safety.

The government has bought a fleet of new yellow Toyota Corollas to be used as taxis in the capital of Santo Domingo and the northern city of Santiago. Several banks and a state institution issued a $129 million loan to buy the cars. They start circulating Wednesday.

Taxi drivers have the option of painting their current cab yellow or buying one of the new ones and receiving a tax break.

The government said Friday it also plans to certify drivers.

NASA is sending a radar-equipped jet to Haiti to make 3-D maps of the deformation caused by the magnitude 7 earthquake on Jan. 21 and multiple aftershocks that continue to occur.

The Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle Synthetic Aperture Radar, or UAVSAR, was already scheduled to head to South America aboard a modified Gulfstream III to study volcanoes, forests and Mayan ruins. NASA added the island of Hisapaniola to the itinerary to help study faults in both Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

“UAVSAR will allow us to image deformations of Earth’s surface and other changes associated with post-Haiti earthquake geologic processes, such as aftershocks, earthquakes that might be triggered by the main earthquake farther down the fault line, and the potential for landslides,” JPL’s Paul Lundgren, the principal investigator for the Hispaniola overflights, said in a press release Wednesday.

“Because of Hispaniola’s complex tectonic setting, there is an interest in determining if the earthquake in Haiti might trigger other earthquakes at some unknown point in the future,” Lundgren said, “either along adjacent sections of the Enriquillo-Plantain Garden fault that was responsible for the main earthquake, or on other faults in northern Hispaniola, such as the Septentrional fault.”

uavsarThe UAVSAR, which left NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center in Edwards, Calif., on Jan. 25, will flyover Hispaniola multiple times this week and again in early February.

Since November 2009, the radar has been mapping the San Andreas and other major faults in California. The 3-D data will help scientists better understand the state’s seismic risk.

UAVSAR works by sending microwaves to the ground from a pod under the aircraft flying at about 41,000 feet and recording the return signal. The differences in the times it takes waves to return from points on the ground to the plane gives information about the topography. By hitting the same target from different angles as the plane flighs overhead, a 3-D image can be made. Very precise details about ground motion can be calculated by flying over the same area later, giving scientists information about strain buildup on a fault.

The Hispaniola data will be made public in a few weeks. The Dominican Republic flyovers could help scientists understand future earthquakes on the Septrional fault.

“The 52 exquisite Founder Residences are moving along at a rapid pace most recently reaching the rooflines,” stated Luis Jose Asilis, CEO of Group Metro. “The 18-hole Greg Norman Signature Golf Course is also progressing at a steady pace. The irrigation system has already been completed for the first nine holes and we expect them to be ready for grassing before the end of the year,” he added.

Spanning 580 acres along the coastline of Juan Dolio Beach, just twenty minutes from the Santo Domingo International Airport, Costa Blanca is a billion dollar development that will encompass luxurious residential homes, retail, a full-scale marina, an 18-hole Greg Norman Signature Golf Course, and other sporting components. The private golf clubhouse will feature the Hole 19 Bar, fine dining restaurant, cigar lounge, pro shop, and more.

The General Manager of Banreservas, Daniel Toribio, confirmed that by approving this loan their Board of Directors is committed to the growth of the real estate market in the Dominican Republic. More specifically in the tourist areas, and therefore they are pleased to partner with Group Metro, a respected company in the real estate and construction industries, to complete the first phase of Costa Blanca in Juan Dolio.

The Founder Residences have enjoyed tremendous success, with 45 of the 52 Villas already sold. Residents of the Founders are part of the exclusive Founder’s Club, which presents numerous benefits. The Founder’s Club package includes a luxurious 4,500 sq. ft. private villa with golf, bay or marina views, as well as two condominiums, a private boat slip in the marina, and membership to the prestigious golf club. Members will also enjoy VIP treatment in addition to various properties and onsite amenities.

About Group Metro

Group Metro has established a formidable international reputation throughout its four decades of experience in transportation, tourism and real estate. From its landmark property, Metro Country Club, to the oceanfront condominium developments of Costa del Sol, Marbella, Costa Blanca and Las Olas, Group Metro is the definitive company for real estate and tourism in the Dominican Republic. Led by CEO, Dr. Luis Jose Asilis, the company has played an integral role in putting the Dominican Republic on the map as a top Caribbean destination. Please visit www.groupmetro.com, www.metrocountry.com or www.costablanca.com.do.

Caribbean Sea and is 288 square miles with a population of 71,242. The beautiful landscape and the temperate climate are two of the things that make Dominica real estate so attractive to investors. Average temperatures in the daytime range from 75F to 85F but in the mountains the temperatures are even cooler. July through October marks the rainy season and January through April are the dry season. The island has their hurricane season from September through November.

Dominica real estate can range from the beachfront home to the estate in the mountains. Its natural beauty is a feature that is sought after by those who wish to get back to nature, whether it is in a vacation home, rental property or a fine inland estate. With tourism and agriculture being the mainstays of the island’s economy, Dominica real estate is still somewhat untapped.

Life in Dominica
Relocating to Dominica places you in a life that is not so different from living in the States or Europe. The government is democratically elected, but some of the political parties are not the same as in the States. For instance, the May 2005 elections voted the Labour Party in to a second term of office.

The cost of living in Dominica makes Dominica real estate very appealing because it is comparable and usually lower than living comfortable in the United States. Dominica real estate is very reasonably priced and rental properties and lower than many US properties. Additionally, most supermarkets in Dominica carry most of the same food items as those in the United States and Europe. Finally, Dominica is considered to be one of the safest countries in the Caribbean.

Building, renting and purchasing in Dominica

Dominica real estate is very inexpensive when compared to real estate in the United States. The most common home structure is concrete. The approximate cost for building your own concrete home ranges from $55 to $63 per square foot of living area. The price, of course, can go up, but a home built from wood is generally less expensive.

It does, however, require a great deal of work. Rentals in Dominica are very reasonable and are average or comparable to rent in the United States. The price does increase in certain areas, but the average is around $650 per month.

It would be a real treat to live in such a lush, splendid, mountainous area. A location that is perfect for snowbirds, Dominica is a little paradise tucked away in the Caribbean. Its mild, temperate climate is a major attraction for tourists and home owners alike, although you can expect somewhat heavier rains the farther you go inland. If you are a naturalist and love rain forests, mountains and natural beauty, then Dominica is the home for you.

The authenticated Contract of Sale is then taken to the nearest Internal Revenue Office for payment of the appropriate taxes .The property purchaser will have to pay property purchase taxes in the region of 7.5 property tax (IVSS) on the value of the property above that amount.

The Contract of Sale and the sellers Certificate of Title are deposited at the Title Registry Office in the jurisdiction where the property is located, and the sale is recorded. The Title Registry Office issues a new Certificate of Title in the name of the purchaser and cancels the old certificate issued in the name of the seller; this may take a few days or a few months depending on the Title Registry Office where the sale is recorded.

Your agent in the Dominican Republic will make sure that this process is done smoothly, making sure that all of the following are checked out before closing .
1 Copy of the Certificate of Title to the property
2 Copy of the survey to the property or plat plan
3 Copy of the seller’s identification card or passport
4 Copy of receipts showing all taxes being paid should they be required (IVSS) or the copy of the certificate stating that the property is exempt from the IVSS tax
5 If the seller is a company, copy of corporate documentation authorizing the sale and a certificate from the Internal Revenue showing the company is current with its income tax returns.

Your agent will also make sure of the following,
If the property is part of a community (condominium)
1 Copy of the community declaration
2 Copy of the community regulations
3 Copy of the approved construction plans
4 Certificate from the community showing all dues are paid
5Copies of the last three community meetings

If the property is a house
1 Copy of the approved construction plans
2 Inventory of furniture etc
3 Copies of utility bills, and receipts showing the seller is current with his payments
4 If there are works being carried out on the property he will make sure that all the people involved are paid off buy the seller, and the workers have their legal severance papers, otherwise the buyers may find themselves liable for payment later.

These guidelines are meant for guidance only and describe a straightforward purchase scenario. However this information is not meant to replace proper legal advice, which we always insist you take.

Popular areas for buying property for sale include Puerto Plata, Sosua and Cabarete on the north coast and, on the east coast, around Punta Cana, where several major luxury resorts are being built, notably Cap Cana, the biggest development in the Caribbean. Covering 14,000 hectares, the resort will see 10,000-holiday properties built over the next ten years along with six golf courses (including three Jack Nicklaus signature courses), five hotels and the biggest marina in the Caribbean. Prices of property for sale in the Dominican Republic start at 230,000 and go up to several million pounds. Next door is Caso de Campo, another luxury development, where Oscar de la Renta has a property. Prices of property for sale in Caso de Campo start at 250,000 for apartments.

It is hard to get hard and fast figures for capital growth experienced in the Dominican Republic, but most people suggest prices of property for sale in the Dominican Republic are going up by ten to 20 per cent a year, and rental yields can be as high as eight to ten per cent in prime locations. There is a one per cent property tax, 25 per cent capital gains tax and a six per cent exchange tax; but, like Antigua, some of the bigger resorts are negotiating lower rates of tax in Cap Cana, for example, there is a ten-year exemption on property taxes and no capital gains tax when properties are sold.

The Dominican Republic is a good place to look into investments because the country encourages foreigners to come and buy property. They have made the buying process very simple for any buyer that is interested regardless of their citizenship. There are an endless number of Dominican Republic investment real estate properties available. Whether the buyer is searching for a vacation or rental home, apartment complex, or business there is an endless amount of properties to choose from. The prices of Dominican Republic investment real estate properties are very reasonable and are below average when compared to similar properties in other parts of the world.

This is a great time to take advantage of Dominican Republic investment real estate properties. With the increasing economic boom it has become easier to rent out properties. Oceanfront homes and businesses have become increasingly popular and they are relatively easy to rent. Most Dominican Republic investment real estate properties are great money making opportunities when utilized properly. However it is important to research the area that is being considered and make sure to be well informed before undergoing any business ventures. Before buying take into account any maintenance or other things that may need to be taken care of. If the buyer is not going to reside on the island full time he or she must make sure to hire dependable people that can take care of any problems that may arise. For those who are going to reside on the island and run their business it is important to find a good area to establish oneself. Properties in high tourism areas generally garner more attention and more amenities are available to produce a thriving business. These are things that may help to determine if an investment property is a good idea.

Dominican Republic investment real estate properties have several advantages that make them worthwhile. If a person chooses to rent out their properties the income obtained from the rent is tax-exempt which can make buying investment properties very appealing. The buying process is not complicated and positive results are usually obtained. There is no restriction on what foreigners may buy or sell and the government encourages foreign investors. Land permits are also easy to obtain however one should be knowledgeable of the rules and regulations that do exist. For example in some areas construction cannot take place within so many yards of the beach. Things like this should be taken into account before purchasing a Dominican Republic investment real estate property. The tourism market shows no sign of slowing down so as long as the weather and the beaches stay beautiful their will not be a shortage of patrons.

People flock to this island to take advantage of the beautiful scenery, peaceful atmosphere and friendly people. The Dominican Republic real estate market has something to offer everyone. The cost of living is not very high in most areas so generally beautiful property can be located regardless of ones budget. He or she can find or build their ideal residence and rest assured that they will be pleased. Prices of brand new properties in the Dominican Republic real estate spectrum, when compared with other places are usually a fraction of the price. The majority of the properties are oftentimes more spacious and luxurious than their counterparts in other countries such as the US.

There are generally four steps that must be completed before ownership of a Dominican Republic real estate sale can be finalized. First the potential buyer along with the person who is selling the property must sign a document known as a Contract of Sale. The signing of the document must take place in the presence of a licensed Notary. This binding contract describes the details of the sale such as the description of the property, the agreed upon price and any stipulations that are a part of the sale. The signed contract must then be taken to the local Internal Revenue Office and the buyer must pay any applicable taxes. Another plus about Dominican Republic real estate is that the property taxes are extremely low so the taxes owned are generally small.

After completing the payment of taxes, the Contract of Sale and the sellers Certificate of Title are taken to the Title Registry Office and the sale is recorded. The paperwork must be taken to the office in the jurisdiction where the property is located. Lastly the brand new owner is given a new Certificate of Title by the Title Registry Office in their name. The previous Certificate, which is in the name of the seller, is promptly canceled.

It is a relatively simple process for foreigners to buy Dominican Republic real estate. However the process does differ from other places in the world such as the US so it is important to know exactly what to do. Anyone making a Dominican Republic real estate purchase especially foreigners should get as much information as possible upfront. Dont be afraid to ask questions or ask for explanations if there is some confusion.

Why should you decide to seek out property investment in Barbados? The answer is obvious. We all know that this is a tourist hotspot, a destination that millions of people seek out ever year. Investment property becomes a pleasure here, as there is an increased demand for accommodations. The tourist industry develops at a fast pace and the opportunities are simply too great to pass them on. For anyone who is looking to make a profit on the real estate market, Barbados like many other popular tourist destinations is a great idea.

Like Barbados, the Dominican Republic or Thailand offer some pretty amazing property investment opportunities. The real estate market is stable and the need for accommodation increases with every day. Investment property becomes an option for more and more people, as they realize the returns that can be offered. They prefer to use the Internet in order to sign up and become members of property investment clubs, thus being informed about discounted properties situated in the above mentioned locations.

We have mentioned that some of the best investment property offers are to be found overseas. However, despite the recent economic changes, the UK real estate market can provide some interesting opportunities for property investment. For someone who is looking for discounted properties, the UK real estate market is a great place. There are many developers out there providing discounts for their properties; other offers are represented by mortgages or distressed sales.

Whether you prefer overseas property investment or you are more attracted to UK real estate, there is one thing that you have to understand. In order to get the best discounts, you need to be in contact with a professional company. The best way to do that is to join a property investment club and ask them to send listings of various properties through email. They have the necessary relations, including with developers, to provide that kind of information without wasting too much effort or time. If you are looking for good investments, then this is the place to start.

Take advantage today of the opportunities presented to you and become a member of property investment club. Check out their offers for investment property and start building a portfolio. You can find properties that were recently built and are now offered at amazing discounts. There are also distressed homes, properties that have been repossessed and those that are found overseas. The offers are diverse and the expected returns guaranteed.

Now the circumstances are completely modified and a number of opportunities are there to define international property market. You can find very exciting overseas property sales over there. Presently, there are numerous new faces of the international property marketplace.

In famous regions which are specified, have much suitability as they are preferred property investment destinations. International property sales offer so you unique rural flavor realestates and in some areas this is hastily being enwrapped in urban packaging which is a hit with some overseas investors. UK investor loves to make a research and experiment with several kinds of investment properties, so they get abundant of options in many regions to swap their old property with the new overseas property from the international property sale. These can be refurbished for the desired look.

If you are planning to invest in international properties then you can easily find them remotely through the internet access. Through research you can make sure they offer the best rate of return and proposals in real high yield investment returns for their customers. Overseas property investments requires some research work and that is why all international realestates and overseas property constructions have widespread due assiduousness checks carried out to make sure that only the best and 100% safe overseas property developments in the international property marketplace are made available to the online investors.

Budding property markets by their very nature presents some of the best off plan international property openings but it is very important for buyers to understand when a property market end to become a rising market and move on to the next emerging property market. If you’re looking to invest in the booming overseas property market, expand your portfolio and maximize your return, search online to go through the process from start to finish.

The mesmerizing Dominican Republic in the waters of the vast Caribbean Sea is known for its charming villas, waterfront apartments, and stylish rentable homes. The properties in the Caribbean islands are exquisite just like Sosua which is located just 10 minutes from the Puerto Plata Airport in the Dominican Republic close by to the Playa Dorada world class golf course. A location like Sosua offers stunning ocean views and a vacationing experience travelers will remember for a lifetime

When you are staying at the villa of your choice, you will notice that perhaps one of the most delightful part of the day is the sunrise, when the warm rays of the sun fill up the room and wakes you up from your slumber. If you begin your day early you will be able to enjoy these magical mornings especially at the Villa de Cap Cana since it spectacular beach views from its many balconies. This setting offers a unique and breathtaking sunrise experience.

In addition to awesome views and golf courses there are abundance of local activities; yachting and country clubs to exclusive spas, great restaurants, exciting nightlife, elegant boutiques and a casino; all you expect of a luxury rental villa.

Villa de Cap Cana is located on the 14th hole of the Punta Espada golf course providing an added depth of experience for golf enthusiests. While staying at the villa you have access to a live-in maid service including cooking and wash. The villa also features a private pool and and access to Cap Cana’s exclusive beach club. The villas staff will even pick you up from the airport as well.

No matter where a traveler decides to stay, it is always worth investigating local vacation properties for rent in the area. Many are often surprised to find out that they can easily afford to stay at one of these propoerties and have an experience far superior to that of staying at a hotel.