New members of the Dominican Republic forum, introduce yourself here — 3rd quarter of 2015

Bones123 Active member

25POSTS

10 years ago

Hello, all

We are Lorne and Donna and we are from Saskatchewan, Canada. Feb. 2016 will be our 4th trip to the DR. We have and will stay at an AI, but probably for the last time and then we will be looking at renting a condo to get a better feel for life in the DR.
We have noticed a company called Reliable Realty, offering a Real Estate Assessment Tour which, according to them, will be beneficial and informative in helping us with our decision re: making the DR our home --- would welcome your thoughts/opinions on this???
Also, we've heard some horror stories of people buying a condo only to have the condo maintenance fees jump up in cost once the ink is dry on the purchase documents and/or get hit with other "hidden" costs -- would welcome your thoughts/opinions on this???
Many thanks!!

gypsy401 Serial expat

659POSTS

10 years ago

#162

Almost all of these tour operators will be touting the places they represent, so maybe you will be getting a biased tour. Wait & see what the others post, maybe they know of a good one.

planner Dominican Republic Expert

17779POSTS

10 years ago

#163

Welcome to the forums. Read read read and you will start to get the picture. Gypsy is spot on - this "tour" will only show you what is in their best interests.

What area of the country are you interested in???

Bob K VIP Member

7675POSTS

10 years ago

#164

Let me add my welcome. Most of these tours are scams and do not show you what is really available. We have had many clients I the past who got caught up in these "tours" but managed to escape.

You need to read and then search the area you are interested in on your own or with a reputable agent who does not represent one product.

We were involved in real estate sales here for many years so please feel free to contact me via PM. Note that we no longer doing sales but still like helping folks to protect themselves.

Bob K.

Bones123 Active member

25POSTS

10 years ago

#165

Thanks, Gypsy, Planner and Bob

So what does someone who is truly interested in the country do about learning and seeing; where to shop, what property is best to buy, where to even start looking at property, how do you find a trustworthy person to show you property, what is available in our price range, etc. If we decide to rent first is it better to go thru an agency or to trust HomeAway?
Thanks for any and all help!!

Bob K VIP Member

7675POSTS

10 years ago

#166

First tell us what part of the country you are looking at>

Bob K

Bob K VIP Member

7675POSTS

10 years ago

#167

On the north coast I have lots of contacts and ideas. We sold real estate here for the first 6 years we lived here.

Bob K

planner Dominican Republic Expert

17779POSTS

10 years ago

#168

Never heard of Home Away.....your best bet - book into a hotel for a few days, get your boots on the ground and start searching the areas you are interested in (First read the various threads here for info on renting etc) Find a rental and live in it for 6 to 12 months while you get to know the area the culture and the real estate market and then find what you think might be the best place for you.

Bob is a wealth of knowledge on real estate, I am less so but I do understand the legalities of it all and the cultural issues. I've live in Puerto Plata, Sosua, Santo Domingo and now La Romana if that is any help to you!

Bones123 Active member

25POSTS

10 years ago

#169

Not sure where is best for us to live -- that's the type of trustworthy info. we need.

Planner, since you have lived on both sides, north and now south, perhaps you can offer some pros/cons of each??

Bob, since you are well acquainted with the north, perhaps you can steer us to a specific area?

We have been reading a lot lately and the info. in some cases seems to be contradictory, for instance:
- don't rent a car and drive (well then how do we, on our own, check out different areas)
- (not that we would know where to go, where it's safe to go alone, etc.)
- don't go to gated communities, they're often targeted for robbery
- even with 24 hr. guard, often guards are in on a robbery, etc.

And the list goes on

Not sure I'm using this site properly -- why do my posts wait an hour before going thru??? (first time being part of a blog)

planner Dominican Republic Expert

17779POSTS

10 years ago

#170

Bones, I am going to ask you to start a thread. Call it whatever and ask all your questions there. That way we keep it all in one place for you! As soon as you do I will start posting some info for you.

Bob K VIP Member

7675POSTS

10 years ago

#171

This requires a long post and I am a bit rushed this afternoon. I will post a complete reply in the morning.

Bob K

Kazza44p Member

2POSTS

10 years ago

#172

Hello All,
My daughter & I are moving to DR THIS Friday morning, it is Wed here in Australia now & I am reading this blog in bed 6am.
I am excited & also when thinking of the 5 legs of our journey; a shuttle & 3 flights then bus trip I will be pleased when it is over.
My daughter & I have a lot of STUFF to deal with before arriving with all baggage & persons intact

I read the conversations on weather back & forth & am warmed to see people have the time to chat

I am looking foward to stepping off the "Merry Go Round of Life" and relaxing and taking more time to smell the roses (and the coffee)

Post/mail Delivery
I have questions on the most efficient modes of receiving parcels.
Planner mentioned using CPS Miami.
Something to check out upon arrival.

Anyway, I finally found the post button today to introduce myself.

TKS all for the helpful info!
Cheers
Kazza44p

planner Dominican Republic Expert

17779POSTS

10 years ago

#173

Welcome Kazzza, good luck on your trip, let us know when you land and we will be here to answer your questions. I did answer your private message as well!

Safe travels!

Kazza44p Member

2POSTS

10 years ago

#174

Thank you Planner. I am still familiarizing myself with the website.... I was not sure that PM went through, hence the next one

Kazza

Bob K VIP Member

7675POSTS

10 years ago

#175

Kazza welcome to the forum.

Where are you relocating to?

Please keep us posted and let us know if you have questions we may be able to help with.

Bob K

DingoElGringo Active member

90POSTS

10 years ago

#176

Kazza44p wrote:
Hello All,
My daughter & I are moving to DR THIS Friday morning, it is Wed here in Australia now & I am reading this blog in bed 6am.
I am excited & also when thinking of the 5 legs of our journey; a shuttle & 3 flights then bus trip I will be pleased when it is over.
My daughter & I have a lot of STUFF to deal with before arriving with all baggage & persons intact

I read the conversations on weather back & forth & am warmed to see people have the time to chat

I am looking foward to stepping off the "Merry Go Round of Life" and relaxing and taking more time to smell the roses (and the coffee)

Post/mail Delivery
I have questions on the most efficient modes of receiving parcels.
Planner mentioned using CPS Miami.
Something to check out upon arrival.

Anyway, I finally found the post button today to introduce myself.

TKS all for the helpful info!
Cheers
Kazza44p

Kazza, which city are you landing in? I am available to drive you around if needed. 8 passenger van.

planner Dominican Republic Expert

17779POSTS

10 years ago

#177

She is going to Las Terrenas.....

DingoElGringo Active member

90POSTS

10 years ago

#178

planner wrote:
She is going to Las Terrenas.....

Thank you. I do POP and STI, but Las Terrenes is lejos de mi. Thanks D

planner Dominican Republic Expert

17779POSTS

10 years ago

#179

Siempre

Tamtam001 Member

3POSTS

10 years ago

#180

Hi, I'm Tammy from Kingston, Ontario, Canada and love the DR. I have visited the Punta Cana/Bavaro area several times and also Las Terranas but that was well over 20 years ago.
My husband and myself are going to be relocating to DR in 2 years. It seems far away, but yet very close. I will be moving there first so I think I would simply rent until he arrives on a permanent basis. He retires 2 years later than me, but I'm not hanging around that long! :-)
I would appreicate any input of areas that you think we should consider. Ideally, I would like an area that has a good expat community, access to medical, restaurants, shopping, banking, pharmacy, and an easy drive to the airport for my many friends that will come visit during the winters!

I don't want to be too close to the touristy areas as they seem to be quite pricy. I would love beachfront (or very short walk to beach) on a nice quiet beach with good swimming. Any suggestions? The La Romana area looks beautiful. I am hoping to make some friends through this site, so when I do arrive I have some people to make contact with.
Thanks for any help/advice on where I should start focusing my energies on!

planner Dominican Republic Expert

17779POSTS

10 years ago

#181

Welcome Tammy from Canada. Where in Canada??? SO my first advice is to read read read........there is a lot of info on the various forum topics. Once you read threads ask the questions you might have either on the threads or start your own as needed!

Sounds like you have a good plan and we are all about making new friends!!!

Tamtam001 Member

3POSTS

10 years ago

#182

Thanks Planner. I updated my post... lol... Kingston, Ontario. I love the looks of the Bayahibe area - that's where you are right?

planner Dominican Republic Expert

17779POSTS

10 years ago

#183

I grew up in Windsor Ontario...... I am in La Romana, 20 minutes from Bayahibe.

Tamtam001 Member

3POSTS

10 years ago

#184

Awesome! I'm actually from St. Thomas, Ontario... not too far from Windsor. How is the expat community where you live and housing prices?

planner Dominican Republic Expert

17779POSTS

10 years ago

#185

La Romana has a smaller expat community, less touristy and prices reflect that. Bayahibe is close, more expats and a bit more expensive.

Bob K VIP Member

7675POSTS

10 years ago

#186

Tammy welcome. As planner said read read and then read some more. Lots of good info here from those of us who have made the "move"

We moved to the north coast and enjoy the beautiful beaches and the community is a good mix of locals, expats and tourists.

Keep asking away!!!!

Bob K

lancecullen53 New member

6POSTS

10 years ago

#187

Hi Bob K, I see you know a lot about getting good TV and Internet Service on the North Shore. I am moving to Cabrera in late November and I want to get all my USA channels and fast internet,who would you recommend?

stephlo New member

5POSTS

10 years ago

#188

good afternoon,

My name is Louis Stephane , i have 1month in the Dominican Republic especially in santo domingo , i'm working in a call center , i speak english , french and creole i was working like assistant manager in hotel in haiti before and i see your many post on the blog , and i decide to write you in private because i want to move to la romana or punta cana somewhere who have more tourist and i can work with my skills and i don't know if you can help me with that or give me any suggestion . thanks already

brodies2013 Serial expat

513POSTS

10 years ago

#189

Let us know what you learn about internet and tv in Cabrera, we're in the process of buying a house there too...

brodies2013 Serial expat

513POSTS

10 years ago

#190

Windsor?! We're in suburban Detroit!...so, I know you KNOW what an improvement your DR life is compared to this area's gray winters and hectic life style...it's beautiful here right now...but, I know what's just around the corner!

1 member reacted to this post

Bob K VIP Member

7675POSTS

10 years ago

#191

lancecullen53 first off welcome to the forum

As to Cable and Internet on the north coast every area has their own service. I am not sure as to the local cable company in your area. However for internet you can use either your cable system or Claro and orange (the two phone providers) for internet and in some cases Claro for TV as well

We use DISH and you need a provider as well as a dish (5 foot dia or so) to get it and it is very expensive. If you want the contact person we use who may be able to set you up as well just let me know.

Bob K

Bob K VIP Member

7675POSTS

10 years ago

#192

stephlo Welcome to the forum.

I live on the north coast so won't be able to help you. Perhaps Planner can give you some advice as she is in your area.

Good luck in your search.

Bob K

dreamtime Serial expat

271POSTS

10 years ago

#193

Forget dish. All you need is the Roku box. Through that you can get everything in one interface. Netflix, Showtime, Amazon Prime, and hundreds of other channels including news from all over the place. No sense to get local cable unless you want lots of channels in Spanish including local news. Of course you need decent internet so you can stream the movies.

I pay no attention to local news. I guess that's why I think everywhere is safe

planner Dominican Republic Expert

17779POSTS

10 years ago

#194

Welcome to the forums. Work - without a cedula it's next to impossible.

Detroit - I remember it well!!!

Jeff Sheriff Member

14POSTS

10 years ago

#195

Hello all,
I just wanted to introduce myself. We are looking at purchasing a new build in Punta Cana and relocating. Lots and lots of questions, most important....does anyone regret the move?

I will review as many threads as I can and will probably have some questions from there.

Second most important question.... how expensive is good golf for residents?

Priorities Lol

meuns38 New member

4POSTS

10 years ago

#196

hello jeff!
do you speak french?

Jeff Sheriff Member

14POSTS

10 years ago

#197

Unfortunately no even though I was born in Quebec. Why?

planner Dominican Republic Expert

17779POSTS

10 years ago

#198

Welcome Jeff. I can say I have absolutely no regrets at all! If you get a golf membership once here then each member course will have a better rate for you. I don't remember the name of the organization but Bob will.

Jeff Sheriff Member

14POSTS

10 years ago

#199

I feel so overwhelmed with all of the things to get done. How about medical insurance and service there? Have you had an experience with doctors or hospitals? Have you given up your Canadian medical benefits?