My wife and I arrive on Sept. 13, don't know where we are staying yet.
We have checked out the web, looking for places. We are ready to buy on this trip. Just need some help and insight to the plus and negitives. Thanks for any help.
Buddy

We have some questions about purchasing a home in Aruba. Were there any unexpected problems?We understand that the water bills are high, and what about TAXES and INSURANCE?
WE are so excited but nervous. Do you feel the best way to buy a house is through a Realter? we arrive Sept 13
Thanks to all, BUDDY.

Best bet would be to go thru a realitor. I believe the realitors only sell their own listings, so you may want to contact a few. We used Absolute Real Estate. www.absolutearuba.com 1-866-978-4871. Here are a few others: www.remax-reality.com .. www.arubasunshine.com ... www.betterhomesaruba.com .. www.arubahouses.com .. www.casbon.net On the Cas Bon website, click on "info on faq" and it will answer your questions about taxes, water, elect. etc. Utilities are not too bad. Our water bill runs about $75/month & electric in $85/month when we are there. Our house ins. is $850.00/year. Both Cas Bon & Better Homes are also builders and have some nice developments started.

Our house is on leased land. The lease is for 60 years, which can be renewed or must be purchased back by the government at appraised value. The taxes are cheaper this way. There is also property land which you own for ever.

Do you have an area picked out you are looking to purchase in? As there are no street names in Aruba, houses are listed by area. I know of no good map that shows them all. I believe Absolute web site breaks them down a little. As an example, where our house is, the main road is about 3 miles long & the different areas include Bubali, Washington, San Miguel, Koyari, Gasparito & maybe a few more.

When looking at houses, make sure there are no problems with flooding. Check with neighbors about any problems. Our house is built up about 3 feet from road level.

Closings are handled by a Notary. They are independent business, but licensed by the gov. They charge a set % of the sale. The realitor can tell you how much. They will collect the gov. tax, do title search & so forth. A lawyer is not necessary. Also you can negotiate the exchange rate if paying in American dollars. It is possible to get over 1.80 exchange. Closing should take about 6 - 8 weeks.

We would be happy to answer any other questions. We would also be happy to run you around to show you the different areas. If you want, I'll PM you our US & Aruba phone numbers.

Good Luck!!!!!!

Tom & Karen
Next Trip:

Jan. 5 - Mar. 31

Tom and Karen have a lovely place in Aruba - they have done alot of the work themselves and it is sooooo nice. About 5 years ago, I bought land in Aruba and built a house there. And last year, we built an additional guest cottage on our land. I can give you recommendations for contractors for the house and wall and give you a referral for an architect if you decide to design your own home. Now is definitely the time to buy or build because house prices in Aruba are going UP UP UP! Lots of people are considering Aruba as an alternative to Florida for retirement. Why don't you all post your specific questions here on this thread and between TOM & Karen and I, we can probably answer most of your questions. I do not live on the Island but visit there every 2 months for 2 or 3 weeks at a time. In regard to the elctricity and water - it all depends on how much you use - I have airconditioning and a pool so I pay about $500 florins (about $300 US) a month for electricity and about $300 florins a month for water (about $200 US). But there are other expenses too - cable TV, pool maintenance, telephone, etc. etc. It costs about $1000 a month to maintain the house - no mortgage. In regard to food - there are many choices of foods to purchase in the supermarket - there are only a few things I miss when I am there so I bring a supply with me.

Hi:
My first post. I was surprised at Tom & Karen's comment regarding checking on flooding when purchasing a house. We are in the process of making an offer on a house in Montaña and after reading T & K's post went looking for information on flooding and/or flood plains. Nada so far. Can anyone comment?
Thanks

Hello all,

I have read the above post from Tom & Karen and followed their recommended link to Betterhomesaruba.com and now I am very interested in their company. Does anyone know anything about this company? Are they reliable? Their prices seem very reasonable. A nice two bedroom home with two baths is around $70,000 US dollars - add a plot of land they are offering at Tera Avila for another $30,000 US dollars for a total price of approx. $100,000 - Is this price correct? Does it seem too low? I have written the company an e-mail and I am waiting for their response.

My main reason to purchase a home is to rent it for most of the year and leave 2 months for myself.

How long does it take to purchase a home? If I go there with my finances in order, can it be completed in 2 weeks? I know it will take much longer if we decide to build a home - how would this situation be handled. Would I trust the real estate agent or builder to handle any paperwork when I cannot be there?

I know I have many questions but if anyone has any additional information, I would greatly appreciate it.

I too, fell in love with Aruba and I am now "Hooked" on the lifestyle. I cannot wait to return in the near future.

Thank you in advance,
David....

Hi Dm,

I hope you don't mind me asking but are you or anyone else you know living on the Ireland from the UK, I ask because my wife and I are (like many others !) are Keen to spend some time on the Ireland either short term or long ! We have been to Aruba only twice and was married in the Town hall last September ! We are returning in September to the New Riu Hotel and can't wait.. I have tried to find work via one telecoms company (Digicel) but fell at the last hurdle.. I feel trying to move from the UK is a hard task !! Any comments welcome..

Br

Nigel

We are Canadians wanting to put an offer in on a condo we saw when we were in Aruba a few weeks ago. Any information or advice you can provide would be much appreciated. Do you suggest we use a lawyer here in addition to working with a notary in Aruba?

Hellen

We are thinking of purchasing a condo to rent out as an investment and eventually living there 3 months of the year. If there are any Canadians who have done the same, we could really use your assistance in figuring out the logistics. Please contact me.

Hellen

I have owned one home in Aruba for 5 years and recently purchased another. No, you cannot purchase and close on a property in two weeks in Aruba - it takes several weeks and sometimes several months depending on the situation. And no, it would be of no benefit to have an attorney in the US to help with the closing on the house - it will only cost you more money. The notary is your real estate attorney in Aruba. The notary is paid by you to facilitate the closing and complete all the paperwork. Feel free to private message me with specific questions....Cheryl