A Brand New Day...
As America enters a Brand New Day with the inauguration of President Barack Obama, DR4Sale proudly celebrates our 1 year anniversary. As world leaders openly celebrate the coming change in American policy, citizens of these very same nations continue to travel and move to the Dominican Republic in record numbers.
It seems that the reaction to Obama, so far, is favorable and we can only hope that the road to recovery is around the corner. I was surprised at how many people in the DR had approached my wife and me prior to inauguration and made extremely positive comments. For the inauguration ceremony, many people packed into the local restaurants to watch the event. People seem to be embracing the approach of the new administration and excited to see America return to prosperity.
While the GDP growth for the United States has contracted for the last 2 quarters of 2008 with continued contraction thus far in 2009, the Dominican Republic GDP has continued to grow at a slowing pace of approximately 5% for 2008. The DR has enjoyed double-digit annual GDP growth in the previous 5 years. While millions of jobs are being lost in the United States, the Dominican Republic continues to add employees in all sectors, including the Travel & Tourism, Education, Medical, Energy, Telecommunications, Construction, and Call Center industries. This increase in employment opportunities illustrates the advances that are being made as far as English speaking and technical training of the local population.
Here in the Bavaro, Punta Cana area we continue to see the opening of new stores and amenities that make life increasingly easier. Recently opened are both Mailboxes Etc. and Radio Shack. Though these don’t sound like major announcements, we now can easily, quickly, reliably, and affordably get mail between North America and the DR. As for all of those phone, computer, and television connectors that we always needed to purchase while visiting family in the States, we can now go to Radio Shack for all of our needs!!
Other recent additions include Webster Hall, an NYC style nightclub, and the Photo Bar, a popular beach bar and restaurant that serves excellent Argentinean food at very affordable prices while listening to popular American music and/or live music. Under construction is the new Jumbo, a Walmart-style mega superstore and department store all in one that will offer an unbelievable selection at unbeatable prices. I am a complete Mountain Dew addict and he is happy that we can now order Mt. Dew by the case at many of the local grocery stores.
You could hear the sounds of kick-off EVERYWHERE this year as the Super Bowl continues to be an event that grows in popularity due to the increase in Americans living in the DR both permanently and temporarily. Tony Roma’s, the Hard Rock Café, El Pulpo Cojo, the Beach Bum, and Highwave are just some of the establishments that sponsored Super Bowl parties to watch the Steelers take on the Cardinals. The nail-biting ending made this event even more enjoyable as the food continued to be served and the Presidente continued to be poured. Congratulations to the Steelers winning their record-setting 6th Super Bowl victory 27-23 and to Santonio Holmes, the Super Bowl MVP.
I would also like to take a moment to share with you our 1st experience with Hospiten, the local hospital located in Veron. Due to a pretty serious car accident that my son and I were involved in, we needed to go to Hospiten to have everyone checked out. Fortunately, everyone is OK with only some minor bumps and bruises. My son and I were in the hospital for about 2 hours, received first rate medical care, I was given X-rays and a CT Scan, and the total bill to the insurance company was less than US $600. Because we have full medical coverage for our family, at a cost of about US $1,800/year, we didn’t have to pay for anything!!
Our family is now going on 3 years living in the DR and we have still yet to look back. With all of the continued growth and improvements that are being made, I can only imagine what life will be like in another 3 years!! If you have ever thought about making a CHANGE in your life, now is a great time to consider making such a move. Though moving to a foreign country can seem intimidating, we did so saying ‘Yes we can’ and so can you!!
Take a moment to review our offerings on our Hot Deals webpage to see listings by our most motivated Sellers. As there are very few mortgages in this country, there will NEVER be the widespread collapse that we have seen worldwide. Come see why your investment in the Dominican Republic will be both safe and profitable over the coming years before the global economy recovers and prices begin to again appreciate significantly.
Thanks and we’ll talk to you soon….
Chris