Buying or selling a home involves a lot of things, it also raises questions. In this column ‘Ask Bob’, real estate expert/broker Bob Bartikoski of RE/MAX Paradise Homes Bonaire answers a real estate question from a reader. This time:
Question: I was on Bonaire on vacation a few weeks ago and I tried to see some properties that are for sale. I was told we couldn't go in because they were rented, or the owner wasn't available that day, but I could see them "next week." How can I see properties when I'm not going to be on the island the next week?
You're right, this can be challenging. We always encourage our buyers and sellers to be as flexible as possible. Like you, we get frustrated when we can't arrange a showing. It may be because the buyer only wants to see properties in the afternoon after they have finished diving, or the seller only wants to have their property shown on a certain morning. It may be because there are vacation renters in the property and the owner does not want to disturb them. Sometimes, the buyer calls at the last minute. We often get calls in the morning from potential buyers who want to see properties the same day, before they leave the island.
We advise sellers to be as flexible as possible with showing times. Our advice to you as a buyer is to contact us a week in advance of your arrival so we can discuss the properties you want to see during your trip. Most of our listings have virtual 3D tours that you can view online before your arrival so we can schedule viewings for the ones you are most interested in. We also suggest that buyers spend two weeks on Bonaire if possible, to give them the best chance of seeing everything they want.
Call or email us before your next trip, we would be happy to help!
Do you want to buy or sell a house in Bonaire, or do have a real estate question for Bob? email him at: [email protected]. Call for free from the US: 1-866-611-7362 or Bonaire: +599-717-7362. See all our listings here.