Web video creates best image

Since publishing my blog entitled Film As A Marketing Tool, 2008 I have received several email and telephone enquiries asking me about the effectiveness of corporate video production and web video and whether it was very expensive and most importantly cost effective?  In answer I have said that in marketing, you always have to be that one step ahead and unless you keep up with the very latest technology, you will never keep up with the competition and your business will not realise its full potential.  The brand image of your Company is sacrosanct and I have received an excellent response from people looking at the video my web site about safe buying filmed in the tiny village of Maro in Southern Spain by Raya Films

It is the same old adage - you only ever get what you pay for.   I have just visited a very large International Property Company’s web site which was impressive until I clicked on to their video and unfortunately it ruined the image immediately.  It was obviously filmed by an unprofessional film company and consisted of the Sales Director sitting in a chair being asked questions which were boring after a couple of sentences.  I have no doubt that this company will have paid a lot of money for the video which was not only wasted but has completely ruined the company’s image.

These amateur video companies are unfortunately not only spoiling the image of the Company they are filming but also spoiling the reputation of the excellent film companies who are qualified, experienced and professional and charge fairly under the rules and regulations of the governing bodies they belong to.

Web streaming is a fairly recent development but its effectiveness within the corporate world is extremely powerful.  It enables users to access video on their computers by ’streaming’ it over the internet and viewing it on a variety of software driven video players.  It is now becoming widely accessible within peoples homes in the same way that television did in the early days, so with this in mind, the marketing potential of this medium speaks for itself.

I have tried to answer all the emails I have received asking about corporate video production and the very latest web streaming technology but for those who would like more information I suggest visiting the Raya Films web site

until next time

Eugenie

Beachfront Condo-Hotel for Barbados

Since I published my blog dated April 15th entitled Condo Hotels Come to Europe I have researched this popular innovation with interest and I have to say, some trepidation, in view of the fact that I was involved in the marketing of timeshare in the early eighties very successfully until the concept was ruined by bad marketing on the part of some unscrupulous developers and marketing companies giving timeshare a bad name.

Unlike timeshare, with condo hotel ownership, you are the only owner possessing whole-ownership and receive an actual deed to your property.  At a timeshare vacation destination you are a very small owner with only a right to use.

I have concluded  that the concept of condo-hotel ownership is a good one and is ideally suited for investors and homeowners who want the flexibility to decide when they want to visit their overseas home without the problems of maintenance and in the knowledge that a good rental income can be realised whilst their investment is growing.  Many investors like the idea of the property being centrally managed and hassle free plus the luxurious amenities with many having tennis courts, spas, restaurants, bars, saunas, swimming pools etc.

Most people unknowingly have stayed in a condo-hotel on vacation as they are typically large high-rise luxury hotel buildings.  Each condo-hotel unit is sold to individual investors who may use their unit for a specified amount of time, and when not used the investor has the option of placing it into the in-house rental programme.  Rental revenue is shared with the operator and helps defray the unit owner’s expenses. 

This idea has now been taken up in many parts of the world including the beautiful island of Barbados with units currently being sold at pre-construction prices and proving to be very much in demand.  There will be a share ownership structure, which is common in Barbados and individual owners will be the shareholders giving exclusive ownership of a particular residence.  There will also be the opportunity to exchange time with other owners of private club residences or condo-hotels throughout the world, so it really is an exciting safe concept.  The residence will be governed by a Management Agreement whereby necessary services will be carried out such as reservations, check in, check out, issuing room keys and any other management functions needed to operate the hotel.  Mortgage options are available.

This unique concept means that investors and holiday makers alike can purchase luxury accommodation in one of the most beautiful islands in the world at very affordable prices with the opportunity to enjoy the same luxury in many destinations throughout the world.  For details of preconstruction prices do visit the section listings on our web site and dont hesitate to blog or contact us for fuller information of what is available and exact location.

Views welcomed and contact us for further information.

Eugenie

Create a little magic in your life

I have been involved in the marketing of many developments in the Caribbean over the years, but one small residential development on the South Coast of Barbados has it all.

I was privileged to meet up with the lady Developer who is a fully qualified Chartered Surveyor whilst on my last trip to Barbados and we enjoyed a delightful meal in Champers Restaurant - one of the excellent restaurants to be found on the South Coast.  Unusually it was raining but we were escorted into the restaurant by the porter under a huge umbrella. 

Clear blue skies greeted us once more as we left the restaurant and headed towards the development namely “Springcourt”.  I was immediately impressed by the setting amongst tropical gardens extending up the hill at the north of the site nestling under the Rendezvous Ridge - an oasis of tranquility.

Located in a quiet residential area, this small exclusive development is stylishly designed and I was impressed with the high standard of construction and choice of different styles of accommodation, from luxury three bedroom apartments, two and one bed duplexes to spacious studios.   Certainly I felt there was a wide choice for either investor or people wishing to retire or purchase for holidays.

Barbados is one of my favourite islands and I have visited many times over the years and have met many of the Bajan people either on business or socially.  People from all over the world have settled on the island and there are many lovely areas to choose from.  However, the old adage ‘caveat emptor’ still applies (buyer beware).   Safe Buying takes priority on my list of advice to people purchasing abroad as can be seen from the video on my web site and I can wholeheartedly recommend this delightful little development to anyone who wants to create a little magic in their life in Barbados.

Eugenie

Grand Bahama Island for sound investment

Providing those who wish to settle in The Bahamas invest in property, retire or open a business, then permanent residence can be applied for.  Those applying though must be of good character, show evidence of financial support and put in writing that they wish to live permanently in The Bahamas.  Therefore, this is a great place to invest and live.

Freeport and Lucaya on Grand Bahama Island was developed in the 1950’s and has become an extremely popular area with miles of beaches, nature preserves and is full of little villages and cays showing evidence of the various cultures of the Grand Bahama residents. All the conveniences of the city are to be found in the Freeport area whilst being located just a short distance from the uncrowded beaches.  It is interesting to note that this is a duty free zone and there is no property tax. Freeport has easy access with numerous flights to the Miami area as well as flights to other American cities and some European cities.

It is hard to believe that Grand Bahama was uninhabited for approximately 300 years and that it was quite notorious as it is said that it was known to famous pirates such as Blackbeard and Henry Morgan as it was an ideal spot for pirates to run aground, tactics used by most pirates in those days.  The name Grand Bahama originated from the Spanish “gran bajamar” (great shallows) lying approx 75 miles off the coast of Florida and is the fourth largest of the Bahama Islands.

Back to present days, there is tremendous activity for those wishing to invest in property on the Island or merely visit on holiday.  The Annual Grand Bahama Sailing Regatta held in June attracts yachting enthusiasts from all over the world.  Other activities include diving, fishing, private flying, water sports, and much more.  There is an abundance of fine restaurants to choose from as you will find French, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Bavarian, Japanese, English and American restaurants along with local establishments serving spicy, flavourful Bahamian favourites.

The Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas is committed to building an economic environment in which free enterprise can flourish and thus a politically stable environment is conducive to private investment - an environment in which freedom from Capital Gains Inheritance, Withholding, Profit Remittance, Corporate Royalties, Sales, Personal Income, Dividends, Payroll and interest taxes is ensured.

I have more information about investing in The Bahamas for serious investors.

Eugenie

Connecting with nature in Costa Rica

Have you ever thought of getting away from it all and living in another world away from the stresses and strains in modern life today?

I have been looking at various countries which offer the perfect lifestyle for all ages.   There is never a utopia but I think Costa Rica comes near.   Widely recognized for it’s wildlife and magnificent landscapes more and more people from around the world are investing in real estate in Costa Rica.  It is not only individuals who seek to retire to a peaceful lifestyle close to nature, or those who wish to purchase purely for holidays and investment, but serious business investors.

 

The political stability, good economy and commercial freedom are ideal for people wanting to invest in real estate.  Costa Rica is certainly one of the most stable countries in Latin America for foreign investment, and attractive tax and other incentives are offered by the Government.  Another incentive for the businessman is the frequency of direct flights from the US, Canada and Europe as well as excellent flights and transportation within Costa Rica.

It is not just the wildlife that attracts people to invest, as there are so many places to see and things to do despite the fact that Costa Rica is geographically a small country.  There are more than fifty beaches set along 800 miles of seashore divided between two coastlines - the Caribbean and the Pacific.   More than 160 parks, reserves and conservation areas.

For the major investor seeking to buy whole projects from $2.5 million USD for 170 acres with prime ocean view to $5.94million USD for 750 acres of prime real estate located within minutes of the most popular tourist destination in Costa Rica, there are details under listings on my web site.  

For individuals or the smaller investor prices range from US$80,000 to US$135,000 for varying acreage size. 

More information about connecting with nature in Costa Rica is available on request.

Eugenie

Colorado USA has it all

I enjoy nothing more than discovering interesting properties in various countries throughout the world and was intrigued when I was approached to market an historic building incorporating a luxury home and Western style Store situated in one of the old gold rush towns in Colorado USA.   I have sold a tremendous number of properties of all types and descriptions over the years in many parts of the world, but this one really does capture the imagination and I hope that somewhere out there will be a purchaser who will fully appreciate the character and history of this most unusual property which is offered at a very realistic price.  Details can be found on our web site under listings. 

Colorado definitely seems the in place to be at this time and has some of the grandest landscapes in the United States with a rich and historic culture.  Winter and summer offers every sporting opportunity with 26 ski areas and 25 scenic and historic byways.  It strikes me as being the ideal location in which to live work and play.  For those who revel in the great outdoors there is an abundance of healthy activities to enjoy during both summer and winter.  Hiking, mountain bike riding, rock climbing and swimming in a glacier formed mountain lake and horseback riding are just a few of the summer activities, whilst during the winter months there is even more choice, as Colorado is a haven for skiers and snowboarders.

For horse lovers Colorado has everything.   Did you know that the Sound of Music was filmed in Colorado?  The scenery is breathtaking and I was surprised that filming took place there as most people think it was filmed in Austria.   Here in this delightful location I have discovered two fantastic opportunities for those horse lovers who would like to have the pleasure of owning a ranch without any hassle on acres and acres of land and just thirty minutes from a fabulous ski resort. Details can be seen under listings on our web site.

I have never been to Colorado, but it is certainly on my list to visit as it offers so much, from vast prairie grasslands to the majestic Rocky mountains and cosmopolitan cities to historic mining towns… it has it all.

Eugenie

Fascinating Grand Turk Island

No wonder people from all over the globe are looking at the possibility of investment or living in the Turks and Caicos Islands.   I have been catching up with events in Grand Turk the capital of the islands and was amazed to read about the history and the fun events happening there all year round.

I was fascinated when reading that on February 20th 1962 astronaut John Glenn in the Project Mercury Space Programme became the first American to orbit the earth and his space capsule splashed down in Grand Turk waters and was brought to the island for a medical check up and post flight de-briefing.  This was of particular interest to me as my husband worked for NASA in the 1970s at the Satellite tracking station in Haartebeesthoek, South Africa during the time the Apollo 13 space craft experienced problems and had to return to earth which was quite dramatic as he was listening to the conversation between Houston and the astronauts.  I visited the Space Station many times with my three children which was a fascinating experience.  Also co-incidentally we lived in Ohio USA for three years which was the astronaut John Glenn’s birthplace so Grand Turk has a special interest for me.

Information about The Project Mercury/Glenn Flight can be seen at the Turks and Caicos National Museum as well as the whole of human history in the Turks and Caicos also featuring the Molasses Reef Wreck dating back to 1505 which is considered to be the oldest European wreck in the Western Hemisphere.

There are many fun activities happening every summer in Grand Turk.  In July the Island plays host to the annual Grand Turk Heineken Game Fishing Tournament which is very much enjoyed by the locals as well as visitors to the island who come to enjoy the party atmosphere.  It is a far cry from the days when donkeys, horses and cattle were the only transportation, although some can still be seen wandering around the streets of Grand Turk.

For the sports enthusiast Grand Turk is the place to be for diving, snorkeling, fishing and sailing and is rated among the top ten dive destinations throughout the world.  The Island is six miles long and just over one mile wide and is blessed with pristine beaches, fabulous views and stunning Bermudan British Colonial Architecture.

No wonder there is such interest in this fascinating island amongst discerning buyers seeking a wonderful environment in which to live or for holidays or purely investment.

I will be adding details of a couple of interesting commercial ventures on Grand Turk Island to the listings on my web site amongst residential properties in all the Turks and Caicos Islands which will be of interest to those people who seek an adventurous lifestyle. 

all for now

Eugenie

Film as a marketing tool

A couple of years ago, I was invited by a Television Production Company to appear on a programme promoting the sale of overseas property.  I was dubious at first, as although I had appeared on television a couple of times in the USA promoting a book I had written which was totally unrelated to anything to do with the sale of property, I was not sure whether my appearance in a reality property show would do much to enhance my business.

However, I decided to give it a go and together with a couple who had previously purchased a property through my Company on the Costa del sol, Southern Spain and were now looking for a holiday home in Mallorca we embarked upon this unfamiliar journey into the world of television.  Luckily filming took place in March before the onset of the tourist season and so there were relatively few people around so we could work in privacy.

Mallorca is a lovely island and reminded me in some ways of Barbados, possibly because it had that island feel.  The film crew consisted of just three people who knew what they were about and were very helpful.  I chose four villas to be shown in the film which were on my listings at that time and the beauty of the island was captured in the film so the whole exercise was very worthwhile.

Returning to the UK and having seen the programme shown on television, I began to think about the advantages of a professional film for the promotion of overseas property.  I realised that it was essential to use the services of a company that had experience, qualifications and professionalism in filming as there are so many companies who make videos who do more harm than good and indeed I have seen some of the very top developers in overseas property making the most terrible mistake of going for the cheapest option with the result that the film they have spent money on has ruined their image.  I must admit that there are also some video companies who charge horrendous fees to their clients and still make a bad job of it.  It is very important, therefore, I feel to make sure the Company you deal with is a member of the main governing bodies in the filming industry and have a good track record.

I made sure that the Company I commissioned to film in Spain for me had all the essential criteria and I was subsequently delighted with the results.  The film ”Safe Buying” on my website is the product of a professional production company based in Dorset namely Raya Films who are twice award winners for best documentary and members of IOV and IVCA… and it didn’t break the bank either.

Would like to hear from others who have experience in filming.

all for now

Eugenie

You can mix pleasure with business!

One of the advantages of the job I do, is that I can mix pleasure with business as I travel frequently to different parts of the world.  A lot of my travelling has involved trips to various areas in Spain and some years ago, my husband decided to sail to Spain across the English Channel and then taking the mast down motored through the heavenly French Canals when I accompanied him.  We did this in brief hops as we both had to work.   We eventually left France and sailed through the Gulf of Lions in a very heavy swell when our engine packed up and we drifted eventually into a lovely little bay named “Port Ligat” on the Costa Brava.  Friendly French fellow yachtsmen helped us repair the engine and we continued to sail to Empuriabrava (Bay of Rosas) where we were to moor for a year.   No sooner had we moored up than I received a phone call from England from a couple who had been looking at the possibility of buying a property on the Costa del sol, so I put my ‘property hat’ on, hired a car and drove to Barcelona airport and bought a ticket to Malaga where I met them in and proceeded on a three day inspection trip with them.   They bought a lovely property and became our good friends.
 
I am off to Spain again this week where our yacht is moored in a delightful yachting Marina in Almerimar near Almeria and will be involved in business during this time, but these days it is not necessary to be chained to an office desk with the advent of mobile phones, lap tops etc.  My UK office sends a text message if there is something which needs my attention and it is easy to send an email or phone from my mobile phone whilst sitting enjoying a sun-downer on board a yacht watching the sun go down.
 
All for now from sunny Spain!
 
Eugenie

Brand new investment near St Lawrence Gap, south coast, Barbados

There’s a great party atmosphere at St Lawrence Gap which is the main strip for restaurants and nightlife and is the most developed area of the South Coast of Barbados.  I have visited St Lawrence Gap many times over the years and have seen some changes but it is still a laid back place with wonderful beaches.  I always head for Dover beach which is close by and patronise the many interesting restaurants within a short walking distance.   Here compared to the West coast, prices in restaurants seem to be more reasonable.
 
If you are lucky enough to be in St Lawrence Gap during the last week in April you can enjoy the Congaline Carnival where daily shows of mostly local music including soca, reggae, steelpan and calypso take place at Dover pasture.  If you are still there in May there is the May Day parade through Bridgetown to enjoy from the Garrison Savannah to the Spring Garden Highway.
 
The discerning purchaser is buying property in this area either for investment or for luxury vacations.  One four star development which is worth consideration is going to be situated in a peaceful location but not far from the activities taking place at St Lawrence Gap.   Those who purchase at pre-construction stage will reap the benefits of being able to choose between a one or two bedroom apartment with ocean views.  Full details about this particular development will be listed on my web site soon.
 
Keep watching!
 
Eugenie