What Can you do to Stay Worry-Free in Real Estate?




Thanks for visiting with me again, everyone. I just want to take a moment today to talk a little bit about the psychology of the property market and how to keep your emotions stable as you go through the buying and selling processes.

I'm not claiming to be a counselor and I don't give out advice on life, but I want to say this: It's important to keep a level head and remain unemotional when you are making a decision as it relates to buying or selling a property. 

It's understandable to get frustrated when things get stressful and unravel somewhat. It's also understandable that you want to keep the memories of your home intact, but you have to remember that you are trying to sell the home for a very practical reason. Equally we have to be mindful of timing so we can be organized for moving day well in advance...this removes the stress more than you may think.

The key to buying or selling property is all about keeping calm and carrying on. I have been doing this long enough that I can help guide you through the process without any stress, making things as smooth as possible.

If you have any questions for me at all, please feel free to send me an email or give me a call. I'd be delighted to hear from you.

Why has 2014 Been so Great in The Cayman Islands?





Hi everyone. I just wanted to send a quick message your way before the holidays to say thank you so very much for all the support this past year, even the constructive criticism regarding my videos. 

2014 has been a tremendously positive year here for real estate in Cayman and the projections are pointing to a fantastic 2015 as we strive further and further away from recessionary times. 

More importantly, I wanted to take this opportunity to wish you and yours the happiest of holiday seasons and New Year celebrations. This time of the year is always a very special time for families, so enjoy the time you get to spend with your loved ones this holiday season. Happy Holidays!

How Does Real Estate Operate in The Cayman Islands?



Cayman Islands Real Estate AgentToday I just want to take the time to explain a little bit more about the real estate association here in the Cayman Islands. It is called CIREBA, which stands for Cayman Islands Real Estate Brokers Association. It was founded over 30 years ago, and is comprised of 31 different agencies and 179 different agents.

We are a very well managed and monitored association that has very strict rules and regulations. We have a board of directors, elected annually, that monitor and manage all of the different agents in these fair isles.

CIREBA offers us agents many things, training for example, but the most important thing they provide us with is a multiple listing system, or MLS; something that investors from Europe may not understand if they haven't purchased a home on this side of the world. The MLS is a database that houses all the information on every listing that goes on the market in The Cayman Islands. The important thing to remember is that for access to our MLS, you just need 1 agent. 1 agent has access to ALL the listings, and makes life a great deal easier for you as a property investor.

If you have any particular questions, or would like further clarification about anything to do with the Cayman Islands property market, feel free to give me a call or send me an email. I am looking forward to hearing from you soon!

What Are the Closing Costs Here in Cayman?





I'm often asked lots of questions about real estate, so today I thought I would answer one I get a lot: What are the closing costs when buying and owning property in the Cayman Islands?

The closing costs in Cayman can vary - it depends on your particular relationship with your bank, as well as your ability to come up with deposits. For example, if you're a local you may only have to come up with 5%, whereas if you're an overseas investor and you're not living in the Cayman Islands, the bank may require you to put down as much as 30%. It's always going to depend on your relationship with the bank.

There is a one-time stamp duty, which is our transfer tax, or our version of a one-time property tax. You also have other costs - legal fees will cost you around 0.5% and the bank will require an evaluation and life insurance, which could cost you anywhere from $500 to $1,000, again, depending on the property. Lastly, the bank and government commitment fee will be about 1% to 1.5% of the purchase price.

As you can see, there are a lot of different fees involved in the closing cost. If you don't have a lot of experience with the process, you may end up spending more than you want to. That's why I highly recommend contacting me, so I can do a specific analysis for your particular scenario.

I would love to help you pin down what your actual costs are going to be, which could range from 14% to 40% of the purchase price. Give me a call or reach me online for the assistance you deserve. Thanks, and have a wonderful week!

How Do You Know How Much Your Home Is Worth?



If you're planning on selling your home, I recommend that you get an impartial, independent property appraisal done by one of the professional companies here in Cayman. I have some fantastic partners in the business I would be happy to refer you to.

Also, you might want to have a real estate agent (or multiple agents if you're still interviewing for the right fit) conduct a comparative market analysis on your property. Having the opinion of multiple people will help you in knowing how much your home might be worth.

 
If you have any questions about your home's value or the real estate market in our area, don't hesitate to reach out to me. I would love to be your Cayman real estate resource.
 

What's the Point of a Home Inspection?



A common question we get here at Property Cayman is, "What's the point of a home inspection?" The truth is, a home inspection can save you a lot of time and stress regardless of what side of the real estate transaction you are on.


  • Sellers: A home inspection is beneficial for sellers because you can almost ensure the buyer won't have an opportunity to negotiate the sales price after their inspection, which is usually part of their conditions when they submit an offer. Ideally, you want to get mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) inspections to make sure everything is up to code. Examples of problems you might find are mold in the ducts, redundant electrical sockets or leaking pipes, and so on. The same goes for a structural evaluation - you want to make sure you have the latest hurricane strapping and that there aren't any hairline cracks on the exterior of your home. This will protect you from a buyer justifiably trying to get a lower price on your home.



  • Buyers: Inspections are, in many ways, more important for buyers. You can quantify your purchase price based on any defects discovered. An inspection will also give you peace of mind knowing the home you are about to purchase is structurally sound and passes an MEP analysis. The comfort of knowing everything is in working order is invaluable when making such a big investment. 

  • As you can see, home inspections play a useful role on both the buying and selling sides of a transaction. If you want to learn more about inspections, or have any general real estate questions, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We would be happy to help your real estate experience go as smoothly as possible.

    Impressive Kitchen Designs Can Add Value to Your Home



    Are you looking to improve the value of your home? The worth of your home is often dictated not only by the quality of your floors and bathrooms, but by the quality of your kitchen as well. Investing in your kitchen is typically a safe bet - when the time comes to sell your home, a beautiful and up-to-date kitchen will go a long way towards attracting buyers to your home.

    Some of the trends we've seen here in 2014 include green design, elements of nature, and cool, vibrant colors. You need to be careful, however, when designing your kitchen in accordance with current trends - what's 'in' now may not be in the future. We suggest looking at the latest home design magazines, checking out current trends, and adopting the ones that fit your taste.

    Lately, we've also seen dark and exotic finishes coming back in. Layered lighting is also popular and probably not a bad investment, since cool, useful lighting never goes out of style. Smart and savvy appliances are also worth investing in, as they are important in the eyes of buyers. Glass tiling for kitchen backsplashes, alternative countertops, and open shelving are also quite popular at the moment, as contemporary styles are making more of an appearance. 

    As you can see, there are quite a few options to explore when upgrading your kitchen. Explore recent trends and decide what best fits your taste - just be sure to remember eccentric and exotic designs may not be wise if you are planning on selling in the future
    If you would like some advice on which renovations will add value to your home, please give us a call. We've been doing this a long time and would be happy to help!
     

    How Can You Improve the Value of Your Home?



    Home improvements are always a good idea. To a point, that is...

    We typically caution people against making expensive upgrades if they are planning on selling their home in the near future. On the other hand, if you plan on keeping your property for 5, 10, or 20 years, don't hesitate to do what you like with the place. Feel free to rip up the carpet and put in those expensive marble floors you've always wanted.

    You're unlikely to get your money back if you make huge upgrades before moving. If you add tens of thousands of dollars to your asking price because you install an unnecessary home theater, you're going to scare buyers away. Rather, you should do little things that add up in a big way if you want to get a return on your investment.

    Instead of putting in luxurious marble floors, lay some 16-inch tile or something else that will maintain the value of your home. Increase curb appeal by investing in landscaping, cleaning the gutters and roofs, and painting. Inside your home, you may want to consider upgrading your countertops, faucets, appliances, and kitchen cabinets. Something as simple as changing the handles on your drawers and cabinets can make a huge difference.

    In short, you need to be strategic with your home improvements. If you want to attract buyers and up the value of your home, do a bunch of little things instead of one huge thing.

    If you would like more advice on how you can get your home ready for the market, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We would love to be your source for real estate information here in Cayman!
     

    Cayman Islands Real Estate Market Update for 3rd Qtr 2014



    Hello again, everybody. We want to give you a live market update right now for the 3rd quarter of 2014. "How's the market?" Well, the market is, in fact, doing very well as we transition further to a Seller's market...and without a doubt has been the busiest summer I've had since 2008.

    There is a general feeling of confidence that has come back to the market
    . The recession is now behind us and tourism is picking up very well. Most of the condo owners I have talked to are all booked up throughout this year and into next. The various private and public projects and developments continue to pick up steam including the airport, hotels, condos, commercial and even private houses.

    There is a sense that the population is growing and since we live in a small place, that trickles down to everybody. I can definitely say it's been a busy summer.

    If you have any particular questions about your property or how the market may affect you, I'd be glad to help. 

    What Should You Do First After Moving In?



    When moving into a new home, people have a lot on their mind. This can lead to forgetting some pretty logical tasks every new homeowner should attend to. Because the 'stress' of the situation can divert your attention away from other important tasks, we're here to help you keep some things in mind:
    • Change the alarm code: You want to be the only one who has the ability to disarm your security system. It's an easy way to help sleep well at night. 
    • Change the code for the garage opener: Again, you want to be the only person who has easy access to the interior of your home.
    • Replace the batteries in smoke detectors: There is no way to know how much longer the batteries will last. It's best to play it safe. 
    • Replace the AC filter: This is for hygienic purposes, as well as to ensure your system is operating efficiently. 
    • Re-key all external locks: You have no way of knowing how many people have access to keys for the locks on your new home. Re-key the locks so you can... yes, sleep well at night!
    These are just a few basic things that often get pushed aside for the more pressing tasks upon moving to a new home. If you would like to chat about some other small things people often forget about, we're always available to chat. Give us a call or shoot us an email for the assistance you deserve! 

    How Can You Save for a Down Payment?



    Many people ask us how they can save for a down payment for their new home. This is a tough one because the answer isn't what people typically want to hear. The truth is, saving means sacrificing. Sometimes, you have to forgo the things that bring instantaneous gratification so that you can afford the property that will keep you happy for a long, long time.

    Closing costs in Cayman range anywhere from 15%-50%, varying in large part to what the bank requires you to put down for a deposit. So it's hard to know exactly how much you'll need until the time comes. The problem reminds us of a concept learned at a seminar: the "latte effect." When you think about going to your favorite coffee shop for a drink early in the morning, it makes perfect sense; but when you look at it in the long run, spending $7 five days a week ($1,820 a year) is a fair amount of cash that could be allocated to better use...

    Saving for a down payment comes down to making a series perhaps of small and large compromises. Instead of indulging at the coffee shop every morning, save money by brewing some at home or ween yourself off it altogether. I'm not trying to micromanage your finances - we just want you to start thinking about the little things you spend money on that could be going toward a more worthwhile investment.

    The key is to focus and be patient. You may even find that these little compromises make you feel better!

    Don't Shy Away from a Home Just Because It's Been on the Market a While



    We're often asked whether the amount of time a home spends on the market affects its value. Many people feel that if a home or condo has been on the market for an extended period of time it's probably defective in some way. In the Cayman Islands, this is certainly not the case, not always at least. Homes are often on the market for an average of 465 days before being sold, while condos are typically on the market for about a year.

    This high number of days on the market is not because these homes and condos have something wrong with them. Rather, it is entirely normal for great places to remain on the market for long periods of time here in Cayman. So don't hesitate on a great property simply because it has been on the market for what seems like a long time - know that the market works a bit differently here. In main part we only have a population of 60,000.

    Now, if a vendor really wants to sell their home quicker, that is of course possible - but it's a matter of reducing the asking price accordingly as well as incorporating some great sales techniques and incentives. It really comes down to a fine balance between your specific timing and your financing parameters. If you want to get top value for your home, you should anticipate it to be on the market for quite a bit longer than it would be in North American jurisdictions.
     

    If you have any questions about this topic, feel free to give me a call or shoot me an email. I would be more than happy to explain a little better or guide you in other respects.
     

    There's a lot going on in West Bay, Cayman Islands



    If you're thinking about buying, renting, or investing in property in the Cayman Islands, you need to make yourself familiar with West Bay as one of the options. Here's just a handful of what this beautiful area has to offer:
    • Cayman Turtle Farm: Wildlife Encounter is the only facility of its kind in the world. Over 200,000 people visit annually to swim with turtles in a lagoon full of colorful marine life, come nose to nose with sharks, and explore a free flight zone filled with local and exotic birds. The Turtle Farm is a wonderful adventure for the whole family. 
    • Another one the kids will enjoy, the Cayman Motor Museum is a museum dedicated to automobiles housing 80 rare, exotic, and classic cars and motorbikes.
    • Spirit of the West offers horseback rides to give visitors a unique view of the Cayman Islands by beach, trail, or even the shallows of the Caribbean. Whether you want to go on a nice family ride or moonlit stroll with the one you love, Spirit of the West has something for everyone.
    • You can also visit Hell. Not literally, of course - but you can check out the distinct limestone formations that make up this attraction. If you've always wanted to send a postcard from "hell," this area made famous by its hellish jagged lava rock is the place to go.
    • Kittiwake Shipwreck and Artificial Reef was made in 2011 to give visitors a scuba diving and snorkeling experience like no other. Explore the sunken ship or enjoy the colorful marine life on an adventure you won't soon forget.
    • There is also a collection of fantastic restaurants. Osetra Bay is a sophisticated and fashionable, elegant yet relaxed restaurant that has a world cuisine menu with Caribbean flair. Calypso Grill, famous for their dishes and yes, the sticky toffee pudding. The Cracked Conch is a Cayman classic that offers breathtaking views of Seven Mile Beach, an exciting menu, and a tiki bar to boot.
    As you can see, West Bay has something for everyone. It's an area of Grand Cayman brimming with excitement and adventure - why wouldn't you want to join the fun? If you are interested in buying or investing in property in this spectacular area of Grand Cayman, give me a call or shoot me an email. I would love to help you get a slice of paradise.
     

    Enjoy the Many Benefits of Owning Property in the Cayman Islands



    Nobody likes paying taxes. Yes, they're something we have to live with, but it is possible to minimize their impact on the strength of your investments! If you invest in Cayman property you have the ability to protect the growth of your wealth. Seriously! With no annual property tax, just a one time stamp duty - or transfer tax - on the purchase of property. It is a fixed rate at 7.5% of the purchase price after the value of furniture and chattels are deducted. 

    How does that compare to the U.S. and other jurisdictions? They have an annual tax anywhere from 5-7% of the property value. Here in the Cayman Islands, there's no tax on the income, selling, inheritance, or capital gains on the home - it's a one time duty. There are no restrictions of foreigners purchasing in Cayman...What could be a safer investment?

    There are different values associated with the "tax" according to your particular purchase. If you have questions pertaining to a specific home or location, or are interested in knowing about the various options and opportunities, then please call or email for more guidance. We would love to help bring you to paradise.

    Enjoy the Best of Both Worlds at Prospect Point and Red Bay



    Today I would like to show you around Prospect Point and Red Bay, which are located at the center of the Grand Cayman Island.

    Prospect Point and Red Bay are situated in a fabulous area. To your west you have the vacation resorts and lots of other offerings that tourists will find amusing, but to your east you will find the more pristine side of the island with many beaches and wildlife reserves.

    Also next to these two locations are Omega Bay and Patrick's Island, which are exquisite communities for you to anchor down in.

    You will find the Cayman Island Sailing Club in these locales, as well as the Black Pearl skate park and surf club. These are only a few of the nearby attractions.

    This area will cater to people with a variety of lifestyles, because whether you're young or old you will always be able to find something to do. These locales are also conveniently located if you want to do some traveling around the island to get the full Cayman experience.

    As always, if you ever need any help finding real estate in the Cayman Islands to buy or sell please don't hesitate to contact me.

    Ironwood Development Looks to be a Stellar Investment for the Cayman Islands



    Today I wanted to speak with you about the Eastern District development and all the exciting things that are happening out there such as the Ironwood development. This is great news for investors, and this will also be good for those of us here in the Cayman Islands. 

    The Ironwood development is a $360 million development that will cover 600 acres and will be a commercial, tourism, and residential community. It will have stores, hotels, boutiques, a grocery store, a sports training complex, and an Arnold Palmer signature 18-hole golf course. The site will be modeled in the West Indian / Spanish Colonial architectural themes which should blend in well here in the Cayman Islands. It's going to be absolutely amazing, and I think it will benefit our community significantly.

    The good news that comes along with this is that there will be a 10-mile extension of the East-West Corridor from Hirst Road to Frank Sound Road, which will make the area much more accessible. Denise Gower of Fountainhead Business Development was quick to outline the importance of this project to the local economy:  “The development of Ironwood and the continuation of the East-West Corridor is the catalyst for more development in the area as it provides the nucleus of infrastructure needed to develop beautiful East End and North Side in a responsible and sustainable way”. 

    I'm guessing that in 5 or 10 years, many people will be thinking that they should have invested in the East End. I know I'm a real estate agent and it's my job to sell property, but I am trying to be very clear here: even I am looking into this development because I have a lot of confidence that this will pan out extremely well. 

    Aside from this development, there will also be an all-inclusive beach-front resort in the Eastern District and there will likely be an agreement with developers and government to connect the Frank Sound East-West arterial going into East End, and this will just open up the area even more. 

    Ironwood is a great sign of renewed confidence that has come into the area, and I am looking forward to the prosperity it will provide. This will benefit our community significantly by bringing in foreign investments, creating jobs and opportunities, reducing commute times, facilitating future opportunities for development, and much more. 

    If you would like more information about these development and investment opportunities, then please feel free to contact me. Don't forget that I can always help you find properties to buy or sell here in the Cayman Islands.

    Have a great day!

    You can find the real Cayman experience on the North Side




    Welcome to the North Side of the Grand Cayman!
    Today I will be showing you Rum Point, Starfish Point, and the Laguna Kaibo.

    Rum Point is a great destination for families. Children will enjoy the shallow waters that are clear and blue, which make for fantastic snorkeling. It's also close to many different hotels, so it is a convenient destination no matter where you're staying on the island.

    Starfish Point is nearby and is a beautiful, secluded beach. It is situated at the end of a finger kai and is home to starfish that naturally live in the shallow, crystal-clear waters. This is a great spot for beachcombing, swimming, relaxing, sunbathing, young children, non-swimmers and picnics.
     

    Kaibo is another tranquil retreat on the North Side of the Grand Cayman. Kaibo represents one of Grand Cayman's few genuine retreats. It is completely removed from full scale development, and the owners of Kaibo pride themselves on giving visitors the opportunity to experience Grand Cayman as it appeared decades ago. It features a five-star restaurant, but you can also find more affordable food and drink nearby. Cruise passengers are not bused in, and there is no admission charge to enter. You don't have to worry about crowds here!

    I hope you know that there is much more to see here than this video has to offer. I look forward to seeing you in the Cayman Islands.

    As always, please do not hesitate to contact me with any of your questions or concerns about real estate in the Cayman Islands.

    The Cayman Islands are Great for Family Life



    What's It like Living in the Cayman Islands?
    Today I will be answering more of your questions in order for you to make better decisions regarding real estate.

    I will try to be fair when answering about life in the Cayman Islands, but to be honest, it is absolutely fantastic. My opinion may be a little biased because I was born and raised here, but I would tell this to anyone.

    The Cayman Islands are actually a very good place for young families because there are many opportunities and activities here for kids. We have something like 150 different sporting agencies, so we have anything you can imagine: squash, tennis, scuba, fishing, sailing, underwater hockey, roller hockey, tag football, rugby, soccer, etc. The list goes on forever.

    There are about 55,000 people living here and cruise ships can add an extra 15,000 to our population during the winter months.

    There are also direct flights to all the major US cities from the 3 airports that we have here
    .

    I try not to sound corny or inauthentic when I say this, but the Cayman Islands really are a great place to call 'home'. I do lots of boating, scuba diving, fishing, and much more. To get away I sometimes take weekend trips to Little Cayman or the East End. There are endless things to do here. Also, there are no taxes and no pollution!

    Thanks for tuning into this blog. If there are any particular questions that you would like to have answered, please feel free to contact me and I would be glad to set aside some time to accommodate you. 

    Find Your Private Getaway in the Eastern districts of Grand Cayman


     

    East End and Frank Sound: Off the Beaten Path
    Today I have a little video for you about the East End and Frank Sound, which are both located on the east end of the Grand Cayman. Both of these parts of the island are much less densely populated than the west end, which is home to Georgetown, the major metropolis on the island.

    If you want a vacation home, but don't want to deal with tourist attractions and lots of foot traffic, then the East End or Frank Sound may be the perfect place for you! On this part of the Grand Cayman, you'll find that you're more off the beaten path, and the natural beauty of the land around you is always a stark reminder of that. 

    Although you're out of the way from the more populated parts of the Island, there are still many things to do. You can visit the Wreck of Ten Sail on the Maritime Heritage Trail, or you can sit by the ocean and watch the Blow Holes which can reach heights of 20 feet. These can be found just 1 mile east of Frank Sound Road. 

    Also, Clifton Hunter High School just opened a new campus on Frank Sound just a year ago if you're looking to relocate for a longer period of time.

    If you want all the amenities of an island getaway, but without the hustle and bustle, then Frank Sound or the East End would be perfect for you!

    If you're interested in discussing Cayman real estate, then please do not hesitate to contact me. I am always willing to find a home that will suit any and all of your needs.

    Building Wealth Through Real Estate: Think About the Future Today



    Building Wealth Through Real Estate
    People often ask me how to build wealth with real estate. This is a pretty big question, and the only things I could recommend would be...patience and time. Particularly with the market that we have here in the Cayman Islands, you cannot buy a property and flip it for lots of money in a few days. It's not as simple as putting on a coat of paint and selling the property for an extra $20,000. 

    Here is some other information that I have written down about investing in real estate:
    • Location, location, location: This is the most important thing to consider when investing in real estate. 
    • To get back to the main question about wealth-building, you have to buy real estate in a key location where you can sell it off in the future to upgrade, or where you can sell it to invest in more properties. 
    • There is also the stepping stone approach, which I took for about a decade. 
      • Over the last 10 years I lived in a 1 bedroom, sold it for barely any profit, and then moved into a 2 bedroom. Next I moved into a 2 bedroom with a den, and now I'm in a 3 bedroom on a canal with a boat. However, this took a very long time. (The better part of 10 years)
    • There seems to be a recurring theme when I'm guiding clients through this process. 
      • The theory is that you secure tomorrow with today by sacrificing and compromising the wonderful things in life for your future benefit.
      • There is a fine line to this, you can't take all the enjoyment out of your life. However, you need to be forward thinking and plan for the future today. 
    If you would like to discuss real estate investment with me, I would be happy to answer more of your questions. As always, I am here to help you with any and all of your real estate needs here in the Cayman Islands.

    You can call me at (345) 926-6784 or email me at michael.joseph@remax.ky

    Discover Your Ultimate Island Getaway at Seven Mile Beach



    Seven Mile Beach & Governor's Harbor
    Today I'll be showing you Seven Mile Beach in the Cayman Islands. This beach is one of many reasons why the Cayman Islands are thought of as the epitome of an exotic island getaway, and also the reason that Caribbean Travel + Life named it as one of their "Ultimate Beaches". 

    Situated on the western shore of the Grand Cayman, this public beach is one of the most well known on the island and serves as home to many luxury resorts. The fact that it is a public beach is especially nice because you're able to walk or jog the length of it, no matter where you might be staying. 

    As you can see, the beach is home to clear-blue waters and white coral sands. Visitors can relax in the shade and even pick grapes from the sea grape trees (which ripen around June and July). Aside from the amazing waterfront, there are also lots of public restaurants and bars dotted along the coastline. There are a variety of activities to partake in, from sand volleyball to snorkeling to para-sailing. You can also rent jet-skis if you like being out on the open water. This spot is sure to please all ages of visitors. 

    Within Seven Mile Beach is another popular spot called Governor's Harbor. It is named as such because the governor's house sits right in front of the shore on Seven Mile Beach. This is a popular spot for families and tourists. You can find all the amenities of the Seven Mile Beach at the Governor's Harbor. 

    If you would like more information about this fantastic district in the Cayman Islands, then please contact me. You should always consider me your #1 resource for real estate in the Cayman Islands. 

    If you would like to contact me, please call me at (345) 926-6784 or email me at michael.joseph@remax.ky

    Attract Buyers with these Emerging Home Designs



    Today I'm going to take a moment to keep you updated on kitchen design in 2014. I have a long list of things to keep in mind and I probably will not get through all of them, but there is something you should know before I tell you all of this.

    Kitchens can be a huge selling point in a home (along with flooring and updated bathrooms), so it is critical to keep them updated. The return on a kitchen renovation can also be very high, so that is another reason why your kitchen should always be outfitted well. 


    Some popular ideas right now are green or eco-friendly design, elements of nature, and cool, vibrant colors. It's also important not to go overboard with these ideas because and you don't want to stick yourself with an expensive and unfashionable design. Fashions come and go, so there needs to be a balance in your decisions. Sometimes it is best to look through the newer home design magazines and find something that matches your tastes. 

    Other trends that are currently emerging are: dark & exotic finishes, and multiple layers of lighting. What I mean by 'multiple layers' is when you have more than just an overhead light in your kitchen. People want lights underneath cabinets, in drawers, in grates, and wherever else you can imagine putting them. The goal is to have light come from all angles so that shadows are nearly eliminated.

    Smart, savvy appliances are becoming popular as well, which relates to the eco-friendly trend. Glass tiling is currently a popular selection for backsplashes right now, as well as alternative counter tops.

    One trend that I like in particular that is found in a lot of contemporary homes are long, open shelves. It looks eclectic and artsy, and it can help to open up a room. These open cabinets can act as places to showcase glassware, and can also give your home a professional, restaurant-type feel. 

    So, these are just a few of the trends that I wanted to share with you. If you'd like to know more or would like to speak with me about real estate in Cayman, then please contact me. You can call me at (345) 926-6784 or you can email me at michael.joseph@remax.ky