fp Turks and Caicos

Today it seems that no one knows where to invest. The stock market looks like a jack rabbit jumping up and down being chased by day traders.

Remember when the investment philosophy was to put your money in the stock market and not look at it for 10 years? Does this still apply today? Investors are having some sleepless nights as there seems to be no sure bet for steady growth.

The economy will be forced to adapt to the new realities, and there will be some hiccups along the way. Businesses have learned that they were overweight and can mange quite well with fewer employees. Couple that with other methods for improving efficiency and the export of manufacturing and service sector jobs and we see significant unemployment or underemployment in the traditional industrialized nations.

A major concern affecting most developed countries will be the problem of an aging population and the social net failing because of the lack of contributions. Particularly in Europe where the social net supports the traditional lifestyle, there are growing concerns about the dramatic changes people, culture and government will have to face.

Most Europeans do not agree with the “Americanization” of their lifestyle. Most seem to believe there is an alternative way forward to keep European values and lifestyle in tact. Probably the solution in many countries will be taxes!

Many see huge tax increases on business and the wealthy as fair. After all, business is no longer supporting employment as it once did and profits from increased efficiency, so it must do more for the common good.

Other traditional venues to protect or grow wealth are all in question too. Gold has shot up and fallen, currencies are all over the place and real estate took a bath! However, if you are like most people, you do have a job, you do make a good living and you do have some assets.

There is a lot of money out there looking for a safe haven. We suggest that some select real estate in high-end destinations is now the place to be.

Consider this — prices are the best we have seen for a long time, and there are bargains to be had. The secret is to buy smart and buy for yourself.

If you have wanted a beautiful seaside condo or home in the sun, we have a great selection at great prices, and now is the time to act. The idea is for you to “buy to enjoy” at the bottom of the market.

What has changed here in Providenciales? We still have the sun, sea, sand, weather, great connections and all the other things that make this place an ideal vacation destination. The new hospital, airport extensions and government restructuring have enhanced this market in the last few months as well. The future will be steady growth as buyers return for the assets we offer.

Real estate has fallen and now offers the best potential for steady growth over the next years. There will be people in increasing numbers looking for oceanfront properties in an accessible destination like TCI as the baby boomers start retiring and people adapt to the new realities.

Couple the “buy to enjoy” concept with steady growth and you have the best option for your investment and personal future. Call us and come visit!

Jim Brown has worked in real estate in most of the Turks and Caicos Islands for 36 years. During that time he has helped many investors to find the right “fit.” Jim has five “Top Sales Associate Awards.” Contact Jim at the ERA Coralie Real Estate office, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 231-0587.