We just finished building a beautiful 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom house in a new development in Aruba. Since we can't be there full time, (we live in Boston), we are renting. If you would like to see pictures or book a week, visit our web site at www.ipsimaging.com/aruba We have a property manager who will meet you at the airport, arrange car rental, make dinner and activity reservations for you, and will be available by cell phone if you have any special needs at the house during your stay.

My husband and are were interested in purchasing a home in Aruba, what are the specifications and what does it cost to have one built? thanks.

In all things, it depends on what you are looking for. Property land cost more than lease land. Location, size of property, dirt road versus paved road, etc. House size and quality of workmanship all play a role not to mention the tiles, plumbing fixtures, etc. that you choose. If you are interested in building a house, you can contact our contractor directly at jesminedivecchia@hotmail.com. His name is Giovanni - tell him that Cheryl told you to contact him. He also has a full time condo for sale in Aruba on our website at www.ipsimaging.com/aruba/forsale if you are interested in looking at that. Best wishes on fulfilling your dream. It was our dream to build this house and we are very happy with it.

Cherly, thank you for the info. We're looking at least a small place to call home away from home, and possibly a place to retire in the future. Not sure what the cost of house is with the basics, but we do do not want to spend to much. Around how much do you think? Are there several developments on the island to chose from? Where exaclty is the one you own located?

Our home is not far from the airport - just about two minutes in a development called Wayaca Residences. There are several new developments on the Island. The first one we went to see was in Pos Chiquitos (heading toward St. Nicholas). They had two bedroom homes for as little as $60,000 US dollars. We chose Wayaca because it was closer to Oranjestad and the beaches that we like. We also wanted our home to have two bathrooms. When we were there this past week, we met several other Americans who are having our contractor build homes for them in Aruba. The land at Wayaca is property land and runs about $25,000 US dollars. Perhaps you want to start with purchasing a piece of land. In fact, there are a few lots left on the same street as our home. Once you have the land, you can decide what kind of a house to put on it. There are houses of all sizes in the development so if you just want something small, I am sure that you can get something built for about $70,000. Good Luck and feel free to contact our contractor - he is really nice and deals with American customers all the time.

Cheryl, thanks again for the info. We are considering look into it. How is the financing processed? Are there any other expenses you need to worry about once the home has been completed. Maintenance fees?

Dear Maria,

We have a beautiful house for sale in Noord, a few minutes drive from beaches and Oranjestad. The askingprice is afl. 255000,- ($143000)and it's ready to move in! We're selling it because we're moving to spain. The house is built with excellent building materials and very well maintained.When you're interested, we can send you more info and pictures.

Regards,

Sabine de Jonge

Sabine, if you could please send me some info or pictures. How many bedrooms and bathrooms? Where exaclty is the location? We're going next month and maybe would like to make plans to see it.