Expatlife4us
American looking for information about Dominican Republic
Forum posts
63
Contacts
2
About me
American
Lives in Cabarete, Puerto Plata
Speaks English, learning Spanish and French
Registration: 25 May 2018
Immigration and Overstay Issues by planner
We are posting this more prominently so people do not miss it. We can confirm that tourists are being turned away at the entry points who have "overstayed the tourist visa multiple times". Please be aware that this might happen to YOU! At ...
Thanks Uncle Buck, it worked when I tried it again and selected English, then the drop down options appeared. As for coming and going and staying longer, I may try the overstay next year when I am retired and have more time, but I have mixed ... Read More
Immigration and Overstay Issues by planner
We are posting this more prominently so people do not miss it. We can confirm that tourists are being turned away at the entry points who have "overstayed the tourist visa multiple times". Please be aware that this might happen to YOU! At ...
I should say it will not let me proceed without completing the other two fields. Read More
Immigration and Overstay Issues by planner
We are posting this more prominently so people do not miss it. We can confirm that tourists are being turned away at the entry points who have "overstayed the tourist visa multiple times". Please be aware that this might happen to YOU! At ...
Wow, the form asks for the province, Municipality and Sector, but once I enter Puerto Plata as the province, there are no drop downs for the other two and the filed will not accept typing in Sosua or any other nearby city and it will not let me ... Read More
Immigration and Overstay Issues by planner
We are posting this more prominently so people do not miss it. We can confirm that tourists are being turned away at the entry points who have "overstayed the tourist visa multiple times". Please be aware that this might happen to YOU! At ...
Thank you!!! Read More
Immigration and Overstay Issues by planner
We are posting this more prominently so people do not miss it. We can confirm that tourists are being turned away at the entry points who have "overstayed the tourist visa multiple times". Please be aware that this might happen to YOU! At ...
It has been a while since our last trip to the DR so I am sure things have changed. We are flying into Puerto Plata at the end of next month. We are not planning to overstay on our this trip, but I have a question that is not quite on topic, but I ... Read More
WillieWeb Has Passed by UncleBuck
I just read on another blog that WillieWeb has passed. He had been battling cancer, and a new lump showed up in his jaw/throat. He was not seeking treatment for this particular issue.He was a very active and informative contributor, with a ...
Yes, very sad and he will be missed. I too found his insights helpful and had hoped to meet him in person next year after we retired and could spend time there in the DR. Read More
CONSTRUCTION BUDGET/ESTIMATION by Guest6873
Is there a prevailing rate - $ or pesos/square meter - for new home construction in the DR. Will this rate vary depending where in the DR the house is being built? People never give a fixed fee - always some additional fees somewhere. Very ...
Thank you, good ideas and I don’t plan to use those who charge those exorbitant fees. another wanted 70% down payment. i have already been burned once by paying before work was completed or not completed properly before I could inspect the ... Read More
CONSTRUCTION BUDGET/ESTIMATION by Guest6873
Is there a prevailing rate - $ or pesos/square meter - for new home construction in the DR. Will this rate vary depending where in the DR the house is being built? People never give a fixed fee - always some additional fees somewhere. Very ...
and I had another one quote me $29,000 USD to manage the process, but they were Russian, not Dominican. Read More
CONSTRUCTION BUDGET/ESTIMATION by Guest6873
Is there a prevailing rate - $ or pesos/square meter - for new home construction in the DR. Will this rate vary depending where in the DR the house is being built? People never give a fixed fee - always some additional fees somewhere. Very ...
@TippjThanks, I have been asking those doing the quotes about making sure they have contingencies built into the budget and nobody has put those in as yet, so I have to hold back some money in my budget to account for that myself. So far, the quotes ... Read More
CONSTRUCTION BUDGET/ESTIMATION by Guest6873
Is there a prevailing rate - $ or pesos/square meter - for new home construction in the DR. Will this rate vary depending where in the DR the house is being built? People never give a fixed fee - always some additional fees somewhere. Very ...
i appreciate the added detail. i am not sure if we can wait for him, especially if is a little on the high side compared to locals. we just need to fond the best combination of quality and affordability.thanks! Read More
CONSTRUCTION BUDGET/ESTIMATION by Guest6873
Is there a prevailing rate - $ or pesos/square meter - for new home construction in the DR. Will this rate vary depending where in the DR the house is being built? People never give a fixed fee - always some additional fees somewhere. Very ...
@2VPsoldierThank you, we were able to Google his number then connect on WhatsApp, nice guy, but he is tied up for a while on projects. Thanks for the referral ! Read More
CONSTRUCTION BUDGET/ESTIMATION by Guest6873
Is there a prevailing rate - $ or pesos/square meter - for new home construction in the DR. Will this rate vary depending where in the DR the house is being built? People never give a fixed fee - always some additional fees somewhere. Very ...
@2VPsoldierthank you for the reply, he sounds like he might have the capabilities I am looking for. Read More
CONSTRUCTION BUDGET/ESTIMATION by Guest6873
Is there a prevailing rate - $ or pesos/square meter - for new home construction in the DR. Will this rate vary depending where in the DR the house is being built? People never give a fixed fee - always some additional fees somewhere. Very ...
@Tippj Thank you for the reply. The work I need to have done is pretty substantial, but I would be interested in getting his info. Read More
CONSTRUCTION BUDGET/ESTIMATION by Guest6873
Is there a prevailing rate - $ or pesos/square meter - for new home construction in the DR. Will this rate vary depending where in the DR the house is being built? People never give a fixed fee - always some additional fees somewhere. Very ...
Hi everyone,Can someone recommend a builder that does quality work at a fair price in the Sosua area. I need to redo what my previuos builder did wrong and then finish our house. Thanks, Read More
DR Real Estate Market by rlwoodz
I have watched the real estate market there and see a surge in new construction prices. I've also talked to agents who say the same thing. Driving prices are both demand and increased materials costs. My focus has been on primarily ...
@mrbreal55 I would be interested to get information about your builder. Read More
YOUR COMMENTS ON VILLAS IN CASA LINDA REAL ESTATE PROJECT IN SOSUA by thunderbird14
Hello, I am a Quebecer speaking French and English, living in the city of Terrebonne in the suburbs of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. I am 58 years old and my wife is 56 years old and we have been married for almost 32 years. I work as an Actuary in ...
I am using Jesus Garcia Tallaj to help me get a builder I have been working with to finish what he started (I am building in Sosua Ocean Village) and so far he seems to be doing a good job. Read More
What is happening to Cabarete Beach?? by brodies2013
I've been hearing things about Cabarete's beach being adversely affected recently...posts on FB, e-mail from friends about it. What's going on and is it a cycle...I've known many 'come and go' beaches...but, I didn't ...
unfortunately it was business, but worked out okay. Read More
What is happening to Cabarete Beach?? by brodies2013
I've been hearing things about Cabarete's beach being adversely affected recently...posts on FB, e-mail from friends about it. What's going on and is it a cycle...I've known many 'come and go' beaches...but, I didn't ...
Oh wow, that is what happens when you spend 2-3 weeks traveling in Asia in September - sorry everyone! I wish I could blame my idiocy on a time warp, but alas, no! That being said, my wife and I did notice the time line was off last year; glad it ... Read More
What is happening to Cabarete Beach?? by brodies2013
I've been hearing things about Cabarete's beach being adversely affected recently...posts on FB, e-mail from friends about it. What's going on and is it a cycle...I've known many 'come and go' beaches...but, I didn't ...
Reply Quote Here are two examples, but they all look this way to my computer and my wife's iPad. Today is September 7, 2019, below shows Uncle Buck's post on Septermber 8, 2019 and ChristieE's post on September 9th ... Read More
What is happening to Cabarete Beach?? by brodies2013
I've been hearing things about Cabarete's beach being adversely affected recently...posts on FB, e-mail from friends about it. What's going on and is it a cycle...I've known many 'come and go' beaches...but, I didn't ...
My computer recognizes my post at the time I made it, but others show into the future. Read More
What is happening to Cabarete Beach?? by brodies2013
I've been hearing things about Cabarete's beach being adversely affected recently...posts on FB, e-mail from friends about it. What's going on and is it a cycle...I've known many 'come and go' beaches...but, I didn't ...
Does anyone else think it odd that these replies today are logged in the system as happening either tomorrow or 2 days from now? Read More
YOUR COMMENTS ON VILLAS IN CASA LINDA REAL ESTATE PROJECT IN SOSUA by thunderbird14
Hello, I am a Quebecer speaking French and English, living in the city of Terrebonne in the suburbs of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. I am 58 years old and my wife is 56 years old and we have been married for almost 32 years. I work as an Actuary in ...
I would say use a realtor that is not tied to any one area. After a lot of research online and even renting a villa for a short while in Perla Marina, my wife and I thought for sure we would buy or build in either Casa Linda (CL) or Perla Marina, ... Read More
Temporary Resdidencia - first steps! by planner
As a regular person, not applying for work visa or a retirement special status recidencia, you can apply for the temporary residencia. The principal difference is that you will require a local sponsor to vouch for you and your family when applying ...
Thanks, although it sounds like Residencia is the first step for us gringos. Read More
Temporary Resdidencia - first steps! by planner
As a regular person, not applying for work visa or a retirement special status recidencia, you can apply for the temporary residencia. The principal difference is that you will require a local sponsor to vouch for you and your family when applying ...
What is the advantage, or disadvantage od getting dual citizenship vs. residencia? Read More
Temporary Resdidencia - first steps! by planner
As a regular person, not applying for work visa or a retirement special status recidencia, you can apply for the temporary residencia. The principal difference is that you will require a local sponsor to vouch for you and your family when applying ...
Apostille and Notarized are not the same thing. You can log onto your state or province's web site to find locations that will provide you with an Apostille Read More
YOUR COMMENTS ON VILLAS IN CASA LINDA REAL ESTATE PROJECT IN SOSUA by thunderbird14
Hello, I am a Quebecer speaking French and English, living in the city of Terrebonne in the suburbs of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. I am 58 years old and my wife is 56 years old and we have been married for almost 32 years. I work as an Actuary in ...
Hi Yves, Your total cost depends on what lot you buy. Building with nice finishes like granite counter tops in bathrooms and kitchens, nice tile floors, with a pool will cost you between $800-$1000 per square meter, or $74 to $92 per square foot, ... Read More
YOUR COMMENTS ON VILLAS IN CASA LINDA REAL ESTATE PROJECT IN SOSUA by thunderbird14
Hello, I am a Quebecer speaking French and English, living in the city of Terrebonne in the suburbs of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. I am 58 years old and my wife is 56 years old and we have been married for almost 32 years. I work as an Actuary in ...
Hi Thunderbird14, I think the Sunseeker model is very nice, as well as the Villa Turquesa, or Tranquila model. We were looking at a Villa Ultima with a partial ocean view as the alternative that almost got us to buy in Casa Linda. I think CL has a ... Read More
The CONFOTUR LAW and its benefits by Kat11
When looking in Punta Cana at New Villas or condos there is a law that applies...the CONFOTUR Law No.158-01 which is "Promotion of Tourism". The law is aimed at projects in tourist real estate destinations in order to encourage tourism in ...
Hi Kat, I believe the developer has to apply and then the tax exemption is only available for a certain period of time for the entire development, but they can also pass that on to whomever they sell the lots or units as long as these units were not ... Read More
YOUR COMMENTS ON VILLAS IN CASA LINDA REAL ESTATE PROJECT IN SOSUA by thunderbird14
Hello, I am a Quebecer speaking French and English, living in the city of Terrebonne in the suburbs of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. I am 58 years old and my wife is 56 years old and we have been married for almost 32 years. I work as an Actuary in ...
Hi Thunderbird, We also looked at Casa Linda (and other communities) and while it was a very hard choice with one particular house in Casa Linda, we chose Sosua Ocean Village and bought a lot. For us, it was just about the feel and style of SOV and ... Read More
Uncle Buck = TV Star by Mark and Al
My wife and I watched the new episode of Caribbean Life last night starring Uncle Buck and his wife. VERY interesting to watch, Congratulations!
We enjoyed seeing Uncle Buck and his wife last week and our realtor from when we were there in February on last night's episode. We hope to start building on our lot in Sosua Ocean Village in a few months. Read More
renting/buying in Casa Linda and Sosua Ocean Village by Expatlife4us
I was wondering if anyone on this chat had any experience either renting or buying in Casa Linda or Sosua Ocean Village, or just information you may have heard about either of those developments. We have toured both and they both seem very nice.
Thanks, we ended up buying a lot in Sousa Ocean Village. Read More
renting/buying in Casa Linda and Sosua Ocean Village by Expatlife4us
I was wondering if anyone on this chat had any experience either renting or buying in Casa Linda or Sosua Ocean Village, or just information you may have heard about either of those developments. We have toured both and they both seem very nice.
Hi Planner, was that an email address you provided? I could not get it to work. I also tried using @ for where you put [at] and Garcia instead of harcia after the [at], but could not get any to be deliverable. Read More
renting/buying in Casa Linda and Sosua Ocean Village by Expatlife4us
I was wondering if anyone on this chat had any experience either renting or buying in Casa Linda or Sosua Ocean Village, or just information you may have heard about either of those developments. We have toured both and they both seem very nice.
Thanks, lets see if he responds to my email. Read More
renting/buying in Casa Linda and Sosua Ocean Village by Expatlife4us
I was wondering if anyone on this chat had any experience either renting or buying in Casa Linda or Sosua Ocean Village, or just information you may have heard about either of those developments. We have toured both and they both seem very nice.
Can anyone recommend a good lawyer on the North shore? Read More
renting/buying in Casa Linda and Sosua Ocean Village by Expatlife4us
I was wondering if anyone on this chat had any experience either renting or buying in Casa Linda or Sosua Ocean Village, or just information you may have heard about either of those developments. We have toured both and they both seem very nice.
I appreciate your referral, thanks? Read More
renting/buying in Casa Linda and Sosua Ocean Village by Expatlife4us
I was wondering if anyone on this chat had any experience either renting or buying in Casa Linda or Sosua Ocean Village, or just information you may have heard about either of those developments. We have toured both and they both seem very nice.
Hi, we decided to buy a lot in SOV, one line further back from Villas Marinas, but on a corner so we can get an ocean view from our second floor when we build. Who is your developer since you are so happy with them? Read More
renting/buying in Casa Linda and Sosua Ocean Village by Expatlife4us
I was wondering if anyone on this chat had any experience either renting or buying in Casa Linda or Sosua Ocean Village, or just information you may have heard about either of those developments. We have toured both and they both seem very nice.
Thanks, that is good to hear! Read More
renting/buying in Casa Linda and Sosua Ocean Village by Expatlife4us
I was wondering if anyone on this chat had any experience either renting or buying in Casa Linda or Sosua Ocean Village, or just information you may have heard about either of those developments. We have toured both and they both seem very nice.
Hi Unclebuck, thanks for your thoughts. Have you experienced any loud night time partying since you have been there and how long have you actually lived there? Read More
renting/buying in Casa Linda and Sosua Ocean Village by Expatlife4us
I was wondering if anyone on this chat had any experience either renting or buying in Casa Linda or Sosua Ocean Village, or just information you may have heard about either of those developments. We have toured both and they both seem very nice.
Thanks we are looking at the Ocean Deluxe villas so hopefully it would happen less rheee. We own a condo in the El Cortecito/Bavaro are of Punta Cana and we have had issues with our renters doing the same thing. These ladies also tend to take things ... Read More
renting/buying in Casa Linda and Sosua Ocean Village by Expatlife4us
I was wondering if anyone on this chat had any experience either renting or buying in Casa Linda or Sosua Ocean Village, or just information you may have heard about either of those developments. We have toured both and they both seem very nice.
Oops, typos. I was commenting that rental rates at Sosua Ocean Village are more than CL, but what they include is spectacular. Also asking why CL villas stay on the market so long before they sell and why Sosua Ocean Village front two lines have ... Read More
renting/buying in Casa Linda and Sosua Ocean Village by Expatlife4us
I was wondering if anyone on this chat had any experience either renting or buying in Casa Linda or Sosua Ocean Village, or just information you may have heard about either of those developments. We have toured both and they both seem very nice.
Thanks for your insights! I have heard that even SOV had a renter that brought in a chica. If we did CL, we would use Peggy from Caribbean Dream Vacations. Someone else on this forum recommended her, we met with her and were very impressed. She also ... Read More
renting/buying in Casa Linda and Sosua Ocean Village by Expatlife4us
I was wondering if anyone on this chat had any experience either renting or buying in Casa Linda or Sosua Ocean Village, or just information you may have heard about either of those developments. We have toured both and they both seem very nice.
Thanks, we look forward to hearing. Read More
renting/buying in Casa Linda and Sosua Ocean Village
I was wondering if anyone on this chat had any experience either renting or buying in Casa Linda or Sosua Ocean Village, or just information you may have heard about either of those developments. We have toured both and they both seem very nice. Read More
Temporary Resdidencia - first steps! by planner
As a regular person, not applying for work visa or a retirement special status recidencia, you can apply for the temporary residencia. The principal difference is that you will require a local sponsor to vouch for you and your family when applying ...
Thanks to everyone for being so helpful! I am sorry to reply so late, but I have been swamped at work. Read More
Temporary Resdidencia - first steps! by planner
As a regular person, not applying for work visa or a retirement special status recidencia, you can apply for the temporary residencia. The principal difference is that you will require a local sponsor to vouch for you and your family when applying ...
Hi Steverino, I clicked on the link you provided, but could not find "Immigration" listed anywhere on this PC airport site. Read More
Temporary Resdidencia - first steps! by planner
As a regular person, not applying for work visa or a retirement special status recidencia, you can apply for the temporary residencia. The principal difference is that you will require a local sponsor to vouch for you and your family when applying ...
Thanks for your prompt and detailed reply! For us, retirement is still 5-6 years away and I know a lot could happen between now and then. we will keep our fingers crossed for a longer tourist visa stay. Read More
Temporary Resdidencia - first steps! by planner
As a regular person, not applying for work visa or a retirement special status recidencia, you can apply for the temporary residencia. The principal difference is that you will require a local sponsor to vouch for you and your family when applying ...
Hopefully when things change, they will catch up with other countries and have longer temporary tourist visas of 5-6 months. But can anyone tell me for now 1) what are the fines to overstay 5 months beyond the tourist visa? 2) can you avoid the ... Read More
Temporary Resdidencia - first steps! by planner
As a regular person, not applying for work visa or a retirement special status recidencia, you can apply for the temporary residencia. The principal difference is that you will require a local sponsor to vouch for you and your family when applying ...
I think I need a refresher on why we should get residency status if we only plan to live in the DR part time after we retire. I am hearing from some on this forum and other sources that many expats don't bother and just pay the fine for ... Read More
Temporary Resdidencia - first steps! by planner
As a regular person, not applying for work visa or a retirement special status recidencia, you can apply for the temporary residencia. The principal difference is that you will require a local sponsor to vouch for you and your family when applying ...
I think I need a refresher on why we should get residency status if we only plan to live in the DR part time after we retire. I am hearing from some on this forum and other sources that many expats don't bother and just pay the fine for ... Read More
North Coast Discovery Tour by GuestPoster8927
Checking out the North coast this winter for a couple weeks has anyone went on the North Coast Discovery Tour. Pick us up at the airport and places to stay when were there, sounds good whats your thoughts??
The Discovery Tour sounds similar to a video I saw that seems to promote or favor the Cabrera area, but it may not be the same. Their videos are helpful and interesting, and give some good and somewhat balanced advice. I believe the gentleman who ... Read More
Buying property with IRA owned company? by brodies2013
I've heard quite a few people are using their IRA to purchase property via a company formed in DR or formed in US but registered in DR. Does anyone have personal experience with this process?
Oh and some property management firms like “Go Punta Cana” Real Estate are 30% Read More
Buying property with IRA owned company? by brodies2013
I've heard quite a few people are using their IRA to purchase property via a company formed in DR or formed in US but registered in DR. Does anyone have personal experience with this process?
Great explanation by ddmcghee for the process. We did the same thing to buy a vacation rental property in El Cortecito/Bavaro, but used a company called IRA Trust Services to set up our self-directed IRA. W also set up an LLC so I could have ... Read More
Considering N. Shore for villa purchase-how to avoid the expat price? by Expatlife4us
Hi everyone, I am new as a member of the forum, but have found it helpful and wanted to be more active. My wife and already own s vacation rental property in the El Corticito/Bavaro area near Punta Cana. The condo is very nice 3 bedroom, 3.5 baths 2 ...
Do you have been picked up from Santiago, what is a reasonable price to pay? Read More
Considering N. Shore for villa purchase-how to avoid the expat price? by Expatlife4us
Hi everyone, I am new as a member of the forum, but have found it helpful and wanted to be more active. My wife and already own s vacation rental property in the El Corticito/Bavaro area near Punta Cana. The condo is very nice 3 bedroom, 3.5 baths 2 ...
Do you fly into Santiago or Puerto Plata? We are flying into Santiago in February Read More
Considering N. Shore for villa purchase-how to avoid the expat price? by Expatlife4us
Hi everyone, I am new as a member of the forum, but have found it helpful and wanted to be more active. My wife and already own s vacation rental property in the El Corticito/Bavaro area near Punta Cana. The condo is very nice 3 bedroom, 3.5 baths 2 ...
Thanks for the recommendation. It is good to have choices to see where we can have the best fit. Read More
Considering N. Shore for villa purchase-how to avoid the expat price? by Expatlife4us
Hi everyone, I am new as a member of the forum, but have found it helpful and wanted to be more active. My wife and already own s vacation rental property in the El Corticito/Bavaro area near Punta Cana. The condo is very nice 3 bedroom, 3.5 baths 2 ...
Thanks, we appreciate the advice! Read More
Considering N. Shore for villa purchase-how to avoid the expat price? by Expatlife4us
Hi everyone, I am new as a member of the forum, but have found it helpful and wanted to be more active. My wife and already own s vacation rental property in the El Corticito/Bavaro area near Punta Cana. The condo is very nice 3 bedroom, 3.5 baths 2 ...
Thank you Planner for the legal tip and I look forward to your info on Realtors. Read More
Considering N. Shore for villa purchase-how to avoid the expat price?
Hi everyone, I am new as a member of the forum, but have found it helpful and wanted to be more active. My wife and already own s vacation rental property in the El Corticito/Bavaro area near Punta Cana. The condo is very nice 3 bedroom, 3.5 baths 2 ... Read More