U.S. and Canadian homebuyers looking to purchase a second or third home for winter retreats or those who prefer a steady diet of sunshine and fresh sea air can start enjoying a Lucaya Grand Bahama Island home right away. Shoreline Bahamas reports that among their remaining inventory, Homes #38 and #29, with their ocean views and direct access to the beach, are ready for immediate move-in. Interested real estate buyers willing to wait for Bahamas real estate can choose from Lots 39, 48, 49, 50, 61 and 63, some coming with ocean views.

Shoreline on Grand Bahama Island offers 5 different floor plans for 3, 4 and 5 bedroom homes, (http://www.shorelinebahamas.com/thehomes.asp) ranging from 2610 sq ft to 4560 sq ft. The community provides three tennis courts, a community infinity edge swimming pool with hot tub, lap pool, ocean views and a clubhouse with fitness center that is near completion. Residents are afforded easy access to local restaurants, an upscale marketplace, shopping, the Our Lucaya Beach and Golf Resort, casinos, quality hospitals, schools, golfing and the marina.

“I have traveled all over the world, but have never seen any place like Shoreline that combines the beauty of the ocean and a wonderful, secure and relaxed community,” says Shoreline Homeowner Andrew Chernyavskiy. “I am still working, but my dream is to retire at Shoreline. Every time I come back to the island, I continue to be impressed with the lavish and nicely maintained landscape, the luxury of the homes and the friendliness of the people living in this community.”

InvestGrandBahama.com (http://www.InvestGrandBahama.com) lists many competitive advantages to making a move to the island such as the planned city Freeport, which has become a major investment center. Other advantages to Grand Bahama real estate include tax-free status for residents, a highly skilled workforce, advanced telecoms, utilities and support services, a perfect climate and a welcoming population.

About Shoreline

Shoreline at Fortune Beach is Grand Bahama real estate’s newest master-planned community with single-family homes under $2 million. Homebuyers choose from ten different floor plans of Bahamian-style layouts ranging from 2,610 to 4,560-square-feet that are constructed in less than nine months. Homebuyers also have the option of purchasing one of Shoreline’s “turn-key” homes that are ready to move in to today.

Each Shoreline home is constructed with architectural delights such as volume ceilings and balustrade balconies, using a variety of marble, stone and granite. Modern luxuries are available such as high-speed Internet, seven swimming pools, including an infinity-edge pool with adjacent hot tub, waterfall, and barbecue, as well as tennis, and basketball courts.

To sweeten the deal, guests who book the Buy One Get One Free Package for a minimum of four nights are eligible for free companion airfare with the resort’s Companion Flies Free Offer. Air transportation must be purchased at time of booking and must be completed through domestic tour operators or online travel agencies by May 10 for travel through December 22, 2010.

Families, couples and friends alike will find a variety of activities at the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort to keep busy throughout the day and night. Guests can relax at the resort’s three freshwater pools or on the 1,000 foot stretch of Nassau’s white-sand beach, or get active with a variety of complimentary non-motorized sports activities, such as kayaking, snorkeling, and wind surfing. Also nearby and available to guests are the Crystal Palace Casino and Cable Beach Golf Club. Guests can also enjoy nightly entertainment at the resort’s Telegraph Bar.

Families traveling together can take advantage of the resort’s Love Your Family program, which offers various complimentary, family-focused activities each day, including fireside storytelling, stargazing, ‘dive-in’ movies, and exclusive experiences indigenous of the Bahamian culture and heritage, such as the Junkanoo Jamboree, a festival featuring authentic foods, dance and music. For parents who wish to have a day or night out for themselves, the Sheraton Adventure Club, provides youngsters with daily and evening counselor-led activities and hands-on educational programs that will keep them entertained and energized during their vacation experience.

For more information or other reservations, call the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort at (877) 782-0149 or visit www.SheratonNassau.com.

Disclaimer: Buy One Get One Free Package is not applicable for groups. Tax and resort fees apply. Subject to availability. Companion Flies Free Package is not valid March 19 – April 10, 2010, and does not include applicable government and airline taxes/fees, except for Florida residents. Florida residents require a three-night minimum stay. Companion Flies Free offer is not available for residents of Hawaii or Alaska and is not valid for purchase of First and Business Class tickets or group bookings. Both airline tickets must be purchased on same flight/same itinerary and cannot include stopovers. Limit of one Free Companion Airfare offer per booked room. Management reserves all rights.

About the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort

Situated on a 1,000-foot stretch of one of Nassau’s spectacular white-sand beaches, the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort is set on seven exquisite acres of stunning waterscape, including three freshwater pools with flowing waterfalls, a swim-up bar and oversized whirlpools nestled among tropical landscaping. The resort houses six restaurants and lounges serving a variety of island specialties and international cuisine.

The 694-room Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort offers accommodations featuring a large private balcony or patio. Rooms are equipped with high-speed Internet access, LCD flat-screen televisions and the signature Sheraton Sweet Sleeper™ Bed – a multi-layered creation adorned with voluptuous down pillows, sensuous cotton sheets and a signature blanket and duvet.

The Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort is 15 minutes from Nassau’s Lynden Pindling International Airport, which is serviced by a number of domestic and international carriers.

But that doesn’t have to be the case, according to Bahamas Real Estate expert Rachel Pinder, principle broker of Island Living Real Estate, a Bahamas realty agency.

“Having some basic information at-hand as you go into closing can mean the difference between feeling like a bundle of nerves or feeling at-ease because you know exactly what to expect,” Pinder, the principle broker of Island Living Real Estate, a Bahamas Condos for Sale agency, said.

There are several tasks that must be completed prior to closing. Among those items is a title search, according to the First Time Home Buyer Center Web site. A mortgage lender requires this to ensure that there is a clean title.

In the Bahamas, title search fees can cost between $250 and $500, according to an article written by Mario L. McCartney.

Title insurance also is required, as well as a termite certificate that shows the home has been inspected for termites and is free of termite infestation and damage. A home inspection is recommended to avoid any other problems that may not be visible.

Mortgage lenders require homeowner’s insurance and life insurance, Pinder, the executive of Island Living Real Estate, a Bahamas Property agency, said.

Closing

When purchasing Bahamas property, the real estate transaction usually involves a purchaser and a seller, each of their attorneys and a real estate broker, Pinder, Bahamas Rental Property expert, said.

Once the sales agreement is executed, a copy of the conveyance is held in escrow until the sale is completed.

The seller is paid on closing day and the buyer sends the conveyance to the government registry to be recorded.

Buying a home typically involves a down payment of 5 to 10 percent. Stamp duty fees also are due at closing, and the amount of stamp duty charged depends upon the cost of the property. It is common for the seller and the buyer to each pay half of this fee.

The Bahamas has fees that apply to buyers who aren’t Bahamian citizens, McCartney said. Foreigners typically must apply to the Bahamas Investment Board to obtain approval to purchase Bahamas real estate for sale.

For non-citizens, there is a requirement to complete an application to the Ministry of Finance. Non-citizens also must purchase an Annual Homeowners’ Residence Card, McCartney said.

“Knowing all of this information going into closing means the home buyer is prepared and likely won’t face any surprises,” Pinder, Bahamas Luxury Property expert said.

Read the full article titled”Bahamas Real Estate Agent Offers Tips to Avoid the Closing Crunch”.

Learn More

If you would like more information on purchasing Bahamas Investment Property and the closing costs that are involved, or you would like to learn more about the services offered by Island Living Real Estate, please visit their Web site: http://www.islandlivingrealestate.com/.

About Island Living Real Estate

Rachel Pinder is the principle broker of Nassau Realty agency. Along with her team of brokers, Hazel Wicky, Brenda Knowles and Anthony Wells, the company has more than 25 years of experience in real estate sales and development throughout the Bahamas.

Island Living has Nassau Realtors available to assist buyers and sellers with all their real estate needs.

Island Living’s main office is located in one of Nassau’s oldest historic buildings on Bay Street, named “Red Roofs.” Red Roofs was built in 1896 and has been home to various families, a Gourmet Deli and now Island Living.

The Islands Of The Bahamas have just announced the season’s hottest offer – FREE companion airfare to a Bahamas island destination of choice. Travelers who book by March 3rd receive free companion airfare for bookings of four nights, allowing for an inexpensive tropical getaway in the middle of the frosty winter months. Choose from more than 40 participating properties throughout Nassau/Paradise Island, Grand Bahama Island and the Out Islands, each offering idyllic crystal-clear blue waters and soft white sand.

In the Out Islands (known for barefoot elegance, endless beaches and pure relaxation), participating hotels include the Abaco Club on Winding Bay and Treasure Cay Hotel Resort & Marina. On Grand Bahama Island (home to assorted ecological wonders and soft adventure activities), participating hotels include the Radisson Our Lucaya Grand Bahama Island and Pelican Bay at Lucaya. Participating hotels on Nassau/Paradise Island (which offers family-friendly activities, fine dining and glamorous nightlife) include Atlantis Paradise Island, the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort and Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island. Travelers can visit Bahamas.com or call 1-800-BAHAMAS to learn about the full listing of participating hotels and to get additional information on how to book the offer.

Life in the 700 Islands Of The Bahamas just keeps getting better. And it’s easy to see why. With world-class diving and fishing, miles of picture perfect beaches, and gorgeous turquoise water, visitors have the opportunity to do everything or nothing at all. From Exuma, Eleuthera and Abaco to exciting Nassau/Paradise Island and Grand Bahama Island, this tropical paradise is as culturally diverse as it is vibrantly beautiful. For more information on travel packages, activities and accommodations, call 1-800-Bahamas or visit www.Bahamas.com. Join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bahamas. To purchase one-of-a-kind items and mementos from The Bahamas, visit www.eshopbahamas.com.

Bahamas Company Formation allows you to set up a limited duration company which is similar to an International Business Company but it is limited to a life of thirty years.

You can also start a domestic limited company which is a good option if you are interested in starting a local business in the Bahamas. To set up this kind of business, you need a minimum of two directors. The company’s returns will have to include details about the members and will be accessible to the public. For this type of company, you do not have to go through an annual audit as long as the shareholders agree to this. Financial statements are not required as well. Unlike other companies that require you to have a par value on your shares, this business does not.

Bahamas Company Formation also allows you to set up a public company. It is also limited by shares but unlike the private companies, you have to go through an audit each year. This type of company requires a minimum of three directors. All the managers, directors and officers in the company will be included in the public records.

Another form of business you can choose from during your Bahamas Company Formation is a company limited by guarantee. You will be required to have at least two members and a statement has to be provided to show how much debt the members will guarantee. The share of the liabilities and shares can vary from one member to another. The advantage of this type of company is that details about the members do not have to be provided in the annual returns. The members can also control the assets even if they do not have shares. If you are interested in setting up this kind of company, you should consult a Bahamas Company Formation professional.

One of the most common types of companies most international businesses settle for during Bahamas Company Formation is an international business company. This kind of company is like a private business that is limited by shares. For this type, you will have to provide details about the company’s officials, beneficial owners and directors. An international business company requires one director and one shareholder. These individuals do not have to be Bahamas residents. No minimum capital required and the shares can be issued in any type of currency. The company does not have to keep accounts and if you decide to keep any, they do not have to be audited. A register of the shares has to be kept and when you have any meetings with the directors and shareholders, you can be in any country. The only documents that will be available in the public records for this type of Bahamas Company Formation are the articles of association and memorandum.

Those in the market for a second home in the Bahamas will find themselves with a variety of options to choose from right now, said Rachel Pinder, principle broker of Nassau’s Island Living Real Estate and an expert in Bahamas homes for sale .

A variety of new communities are either in the works or recently have been completed, including Baker’s Bay on Abaco, Columbus Cove and Palm Cay on Nassau and Ocean Place on Paradise Island.

Before jumping into second home ownership, however, there are some factors to consider, Nassau Bahamas Realtor, Pinder said.

Can You Afford It?

First, it’s important to know whether owning a Bahamas Property makes sense financially. Second homes need to be sound financial moves, Pinder said. This is the case with any home purchase but is particularly true for a second home. Consider possible expenses and extra costs involved with second home ownership.

For example, if you don’t live in the area, you will most likely want to hire a property management company to care for the property when you’re not there, and possibly to rent out the home when not in use by you.

Try Before You Buy

Some second home buyers prefer to rent before they purchase. This is particularly helpful when buyers are considering purchasing in a community that offers amenities to residents.

“A lot of communities nowadays provide security, swimming pools, restaurants, water sports and other opportunities,” she said. “Renting in the community gives potential home buyers a chance to use the amenities and make sure everything is up to their expectations.”

The longer you’re able to visit, the better the insight, Pinder said.

Don’t be afraid to visit several times before making a purchase, she said. This holds particularly true for out-of-country home buyers. Because a second home frequently serves as a vacation home, it should be in an area that provides opportunities for the recreational and leisure activities you enjoy.

These new markets offer travelers a variety of options from Miami:

Eleuthera, Treasure Cay and Governor’s Harbour, Bahamas - Known collectively as the “Out Islands,” these three new destinations offer absolute relaxation and endless unspoiled beaches. In addition to American Eagle’s current Bahamian service to Nassau, Freeport, Marsh Harbour and Georgetown, these new destinations provide more choices to the Bahamas than ever before.

“As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of our Miami hub, we are delighted to launch service to these cities. With these additions, American and American Eagle will operate 276 daily flights from our Miami hub, the most flights ever from Miami,” said Peter Dolara, American’s Senior Vice President based in Miami. “Connecting small and medium-sized cities to American’s global network is one of Eagle’s key missions, and these new flights are sure to benefit customers in South Florida and throughout American’s network.”

“New service is always welcome, since it expands our reach into the marketplace and further strengthens Miami as a destination,” said William D. Talbert III, President & CEO of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. “The strength of the destination continues to be our domestic and international appeal as a tropical and cosmopolitan destination and our role as a critical gateway to the Americas. We fully recognize the importance of American and American Eagle in Miami, and we are making significant investments to ensure their continued growth and are truly appreciative that they are continuing to invest in our community as well.”

“We’re grateful to our Bahamian staff that has worked diligently on our Scheduled Authority that will allow Locair to bring new nonstop service to Family Islands that have limited & expensive air lift. The tremendous support of the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation is appreciated, as our company plans on serving Bahamians and tourists for years to come,” says Nathan Vallier, General Manager of Locair. “Add to that our ability to carry over 2,000 pounds of luggage & cargo, travelers can rest assured their bags WILL arrive with them in The Bahamas. Cargo will finally get to fly when you need it to go, not when the airline has room. All flights will be operated in our comfortable, pressurized U.S. built Fairchild Metro III turboprops, with two pilots, offering the fastest flights to The Bahamas.”

Service to Stella Maris, Long Island, begins tomorrow with a sold out flight, Abaco flights commence this Friday, November 20th, and St. Petersburg-Tampa Bay flights start December 18th. Locair is also planning on adding more new flights, starting in April, linking more islands to the United States, providing much needed lift for Bahamians and cargo.

To launch these services, Locair is offering an Introductory fare of $79* each way, plus taxes from Ft. Lauderdale to Abaco. These discounted tickets must be purchased by November 30, 2009 and require roundtrip purchase. Passengers on Locair will enjoy pressurized aircraft, allowed 3 bags up to 70 pounds total, and simple change fees as low as $25.

Fare is one way based on roundtrip. Fare is nonrefundable, any voluntary changes (including name change) is $25 USD plus applicable taxes when completed 24 hours or more before departure and $80 for all changes within 24 hours of travel. Fare does not include all international taxes & fees, including 9/11 Security fees, U.S. International & Departure taxes, customs & immigration fees, and airport user fees totaling up to $60 on some itineraries. Locair requires all passengers pay a $15 Bahamian Departure tax at their Bahamian departure point.

LOCAIR, INC. operates under FAA authority as an air-taxi, providing on demand passenger & cargo service to United States and Caribbean destinations. Locair flights are operated with a 9 & 19 seat pressurized, twin engine turboprop, US manufactured Fairchild Metro III commercial aircraft with 2 pilots out of Florida, Baltimore & Washington D.C., Kentucky, and West Virginia. Customers interested in purchasing travel or charter can log-on to Locair.net 24 hours a day for instant bookings or call 877 FLY 4160 in the US and 800 205 0730 in the Bahamas, between 7:00AM and 10:00PM Eastern during the week and reduced hours on the weekend. We accept American Express, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa payments.

The Nassau Bahamas shark dives is a two tank dive that heads out to two out of four shark dive destinations. The first of the two dives is a free dive, where divers will swim in areas populated by Caribbean Reef Sharks. While being up close to these predators of the sea can get one’s heart pumping, divers need not fear any attack from these fascinating and misunderstood creatures.

The second portion of the dive is the feeding portion. Instead of going on a free-swim dive, here divers kneel on the sandy ocean bottom and form a semi circle while a professional Bahamas shark feeder feeds the creatures. The display is quite impressive and one that few people ever get to witness first-hand.

The Freeport Bahamas dives are very similar. Both dives are being offered at the introductory low prices of $99 for the Freeport Bahamas shark dive and $140 for the Nassau Bahamas dives.

“Scuba divers who come to the Bahamas love that we can offer so many different kinds of scuba diving experiences,” says Best On Bahamas office manager John Mauricio Mendez. “There are not too many divers around that can say they’ve actually swam with wild sharks.”

Best On Bahamas has already been sending their dedicated customers on these one-of-a-kind Bahamas scuba diving trips. To learn how to book a spot on these excursions or to find more information on many other Bahamas tours and Bahamas attractions in both Freeport and Nassau Bahamas, head to BestOnBahamas.com. You can also call 1-800-688-5871 to speak directly with one of the center’s Bahamas specialists.

The islands of the Bahamas are a paradise full of fun. Whether you are interested in water activities like SCUBA diving and skiing or if you are interested in staying on land and soaking up sun, there is something for every beach-lover in the Bahamas. Retirement should be a new adventures, not a dreary settling down. BestRetirementDestinations.com wants to ensure you know exactly where the fun is.

These Top 30 Bahamas Retirement Communities are determined to get your attention:

1. February Point Resort Estates- Nassau
2. Shoreline Grand Bahama Island- Grand Bahama Island
3. Old Bahama Bay- Grand Bahama Island
4. Valentines Resort and Marina- North Eleuthera
5. Chub Cay- Berry Islands
6. Romora Bay Club & Resort- Harbour Island
7. Blue Marlin Cove Anglers Club- Grand Bahamas
8. Ocean Club Residences and Marina
9. Fortune Cay- Grand Bahama Island
10. Discovery Bay- Grand Bahama Island

Each destination was reviewed using evaluation criteria for Bahamas retirement communities. These criteria include: Residential Options, Visual Appeal, Recreational Activities, Social Networking, and Safety/Security.