Hoping to buy in Aruba

We had a laundry list of things we must have versus things we could live without versus things we couldn't stand.

First, we rented villas in different areas - we knew immediately we didn't want a condo so that narrowed things down quickly

Re condo versus house: Aruba is different from where we're from as you pay a premium for condo living here because a lot of them are on the beach... houses are cheaper when you look at the price per square foot.

We wanted to live away from the tourist areas and wanted our own pool so that threw condos out immediately. We did consider a sort-of compromise at Tierra Del Sol but didn't really see anything that suited us so we ended up buying inland. And we haven't regretted it.

If you do opt for a house, be aware that some chunk of your time here and away will either be spent repairing things (the salt air is brutal on homes) or coordinating repairs. Constantly.

We knew what we wanted in a vacation home both of us having spent a lot of time in Florida growing up. For us, it was all about the weather and we'd just roll with whatever challenges came our way. It was important for us to start laying down roots as soon as possible.

We knew the minute we landed on our first trip in 2008 that Aruba was the right place for us. We came from minus 25C to 33C in five hours (it was rainy and cold in Florida that day).

But, if you're not "sure", I agree with the above posts: rent a few places in your target areas before you pull the trigger. And get a good real estate agent who understands the ins and outs of purchasing in Aruba and the notary process.

Good luck! Keep us posted!

You're also going to need to become familiar with and used to "Island Time." This is where things work at a much slower pace than in North America, Europe etc. Someone posted earlier on that it took them three weeks before they got their internet connection arranged and up and running. You will experience other things like long lines in the bank especially at the end of the month, the day when all the pensioners go in to do their banking, and of course Credit Card day; when everyone rushes into the bank to pay their credit card bill(s) on the final due date. On those occasions best to take along a book(or two) crossword puzzle or suduku to pass the time. You make arrangements with someone to undertake an installation or repair job at your place on a Tuesday at 10:00 am, they will most likely show up wither hours later or the following day. Just know that Island Time on Aruba is not as bad when compared to the other islands( I live on one of them and island time is a fact of life here). Hope that your search is going well.

Hi robin,

We just closed on a two bedroom condo in Aruba. We searched for a year and rented a similar unit in the complex before we made an offer. I can second the advice that vallond gave. You have to be prepared to operate on island time. Our offer was accepted on October 20, and it took four months for the paperwork to be completed. It was, however, very much worth the wait. If you are still looking, let me know. I would be glad to help out.

Thank-you. We made an offer on condo and signed the paperwork on our anniversary (just worked out that way) on Dec. 16. We are waiting to hear when closing will be-we expect late April or early May. We are really excited.

Robin... what condo development did you end up purchasing in?

Good luck Robin!

We are buying a two bedroom unit in the Palm Building at Oceania. We make settlement the last week of March. We never thought we could buy there, but we got a very good deal from someone very eager to sell.

congrats!!!

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Originally Posted by robin

We are buying a two bedroom unit in the Palm Building at Oceania. We make settlement the last week of March. We never thought we could buy there, but we got a very good deal from someone very eager to sell.

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Awesome Robin! Congrats!

Very nice. It's a great location. Congrats!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by robin

We are buying a two bedroom unit in the Palm Building at Oceania. We make settlement the last week of March. We never thought we could buy there, but we got a very good deal from someone very eager to sell.

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