Leonardo Blair, Staff Reporter
JAMAICAN POLITICIANS, doctors, lawyers and several other prominent professionals have been investing millions of dollars in real estate in the sunshine state of Florida in the United States.
"We are getting very good responses both locally and internationally. One prominent doctor here already owns five lots," said Steve Clarke, marketing manager of the Canadian-based Wembley Developers company. The company is now promoting sales of lots on a 10,000-acre property in Florida ranging in prices from $650,000 to $900,000.
Mr. Clarke who represents one of several international real estate companies scouting Jamaican buyers for Florida land says he has sold nearly 100 lots to Jamaicans since he started advertising them here in local newspapers several months ago.
"I have people here who are going up (to Florida) next week (this week) to look at the property," said Mr. Clarke.
And according to Nicola Riettie, a realtor with the Wongsam Group of Coldwell Banker in Weston Florida there are several reasons why more resident Jamaicans are investing in Florida real estate.
"Many of them (buyers of houses or land) travel to Florida a lot and they need a place to stay. Some of them have children going to university while others see it as an investment. There are also people who are moving there," she said.
One 70-odd year-old Jamaican immigrant, Renwick Tobias who retired to Florida nine years ago said, "Florida is attractive, if Jamaicans come up here and buy property it gives them a better foothold in the country."
Despite the rush, however, Sunday Gleaner sources noted that there have been reports of persons buying land in Florida from Jamaica only to discover later that the land they purchased is of a lesser value than the selling price. Now, realtors are warning potential land buyers to check out their purchase before letting go of their money.
"In anything you are doing, I recommend to everybody to deal with a reputable realtor. Check out the company that is advertising and be cautious anytime you are giving money to anybody," said Mrs. Riettie. "Ask your realtor for a comparative market analysis to find out what similar properties are being sold for. You should also check out the area where the property is located," explained Mrs. Riettie.
Mr. Clarke says that he hasn't heard anything about persons buying overpriced land, however, like Mrs. Riettie, he warns that persons should check out the real estate before paying for it.
