What is a good resource to use regarding the above? Are real estate prices negotiable. Any recommendation of trustworthy realty firm from personal experience. Any particular rules on financing that stick out in anyone's experience? Thanks for any information or guidance.

James,,Welcome to BT! Personally I have (and still am) dealing with the folks at Sunbelt and find them to be an excellent resource. If you're looking to buy contact Anja who will assist you & answer any questions.
One difference between RE transactions in the states and Bonaire is on Bonaire no attorney is required..
PS..Personally I believe everything is negotiable!
Good luck..
http://www.sunbeltbonaire.com/

Rules re: financing--I don't believe you'd be eligible for any local financing. Banking rules are pretty strict here, and mortgages are usually available to only established, long-term full-time residents with a local source of income (with residency permits & work permits required). Typical mortgages for residents are 10 years and 12%, with a high down payment--not exactly a bargain.

Hi James,

I second Vince's vote for Anja at Sunbelt Realty. We bought a chunk of land several years ago and Anja was wonderful--and continues to be wonderful. She had the answers to just about every question we had and knew where to find them for the ones she didn't know offhand. Plus, she's just genuinely nice, which goes a long ways in our book.

greg

James, you can PM me for info. We just bought on the island.

Hi,

Me and my husband just bought a home in Bonaire and are moving there in 3 weeks. It is difficult to get a mortgage but not as diffcult as stated above: you can get a mortgage for about 60% of the value of the house (40% you have to finance yourself). The interest for a dollar mortgage right now is 7% (not 12). We got our mortgage from ORCO bank. They just opened their branche in Bonaire so they can use new clients...

forgot to add that we bought the house as a second home (with proof of source of income) and we got a mortgage for 25 years.

there is no self promotion on this board, please read the posting policies

(Message edited by modfreddie on November 13, 2010)

James -- we just bought a condo at Lighthouse Beach Resort, south of town. Bob Bartikowski at RE/MAX was exceptionally helpful. Process was very straightforward, nearly same (but not identical) as in the US. You will do better to obtain financing in the US at 4% or so vs. 7% (and 40% down) on Bonaire, but financing on Bonaire is available.

Hope this helps. PM me if you want specific details (or better yet, contact Bob).

Thanks -- KOB.

(Message edited by kob159014 on November 13, 2010)