WRITTEN by JOHN MORRIS
What is your reason for buying on Roatan?
There are many reasons to dive into island living – warm weather, white sandy beaches and a truly laid-back lifestyle… far different than most of you lead.
But those are the obvious.
As realtors, the reason we ask this question is to fine tune what you are looking for because the real motives vary greatly and this beautiful island offers a variety of scenarios.
Let’s play a game of ‘Family Feud’ and look at the top five answers to this week’s question.
Why do YOU want to buy and/or move to Roatan? I am imagining Richard Dawson though most of you may think of the current host Steve Harvey.
And the answers are…
#1 Retire and do nothing
#2 Hide
#3 Build a new life and start the business you’ve been dreaming of
#4 Purely investment
#5 Snowbird – three months here to escape brutal winters at home – vacation rental the rest of the year
All are great answers and Roatan offers solutions for every on of them. Of course, budget is a driving factor but unlike many Caribbean islands, Roatan pretty much has something for everyone.
As you fly into our international airport, you will be amazed by the amount of green space below you. Roatan is only about 30% developed so opportunity abounds.
Sure, things are changing because the island is growing and progressing, but we still have a long way to go… and that is a good thing for you, my fellow dreamer.
So back to the question and some guidance on all five answers:
Answers #1 and #2 are easy because this could apply anywhere on the island though the east end tends to attract these folks. It is much more relaxed and less developed, which suits the wandering, lost or hiding souls.
Scott Haynes’ musical revue about life on Roatan, A Sunny Place for Shady People comes to mind. No comment on that one!
Answer #3 usually requires a town or desirable tourist area and there are lots of possibilities. You can finally realize your dream and open or take over an existing restaurant, B&B or even a dive shop – all of which are currently on the market.
Answers #4 and #5 require basically the same thing to be successful – find a place where you can walk to the beach, can do without a car, cute, clean and comfortable, and near restaurants and beach bars.
Do I have you island dreaming yet?
You have come to the right place if any of the above answers describe your motivation. And you can peruse my earlier posts where I have covered the logistics and answered many of the more common questions.
It might sound like a scary leap… but it’s easier than you think.
We always say that Roatan – or for that matter island life anywhere – is not for everyone, but it is for a lot of folks who come here from all over the world.
There is a good reason you are looking at Roatan or even reading this, so hit that buzzer, define your own reason and come on down to paradise.
After all, there’s no hurt in looking, right?
P.S. If you are gazing out your window and you see snow, you are definitely in the wrong place!
This Week’s Related Links:
Sign up for our weekly blog!
