Bill and Betts Passmore of Airdire

Purchased: 2-bedroom, ocean view villa in a lovely gated subdivision

Purpose: Personal use and rental investment property

Bill and Betts are two of our favourite people. Bill just retired from a world-wide courier company and Betts is a safety professional. They have grown up children (although not out of their house or their wallets), and were ready to take the plunge into the holiday/investment property arena.

We originally met them at a trade show in Calgary. After many emails of information giving and discussions about what they were looking to do both short and long term, Bill and Betts came down to the Dominican and began their property search.

They decided to build a new villa with a very reputable developer that has an outstanding rental management program. They came a few times and watched their new home as it was under construction.

They have owned their villa for about a year now. Their sea views are amazing! They have been very happy with the rental management and occupancies on their new property.

Betts says, "We love the DR and are so happy with the choice we've made. It is a beautfiul, safe country with wonderful people. We feel we've made an excellent investment that our family can also enjoy for many years to come. The rental income is icing on the cake"

On a selfish note, we enjoy when Bill and Betts are in the DR. They, like all our clients, have become good friends. We actuall did an episode of House Hunters International with them this past September.

Darryl and Melanie Wilvers of Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada

Purchased: 3-bedroom, ocean side condo in Sosua Ocean Village

Purpose: Personal use and rental/investment property

Darryl and Melanie were originally mortgage clients who found out how great investment real estate was in the Dominican Republic and asked for more information. They both love to escape winter for a few weeks per year, and wanted a property that they could use for vacation, but also have as an investment and rental unit while they were not there.

We showed them many properties, but they settled on a beautiful, 3-bedroom condo in Sosua Ocean Village. In addition to executive finishing, the development offered use of 3 swimming pools, onsite Italian restaurant, Gold's Gym, children's aqua park and playground, as well as full management and rental program. The private beach was also a nice touch!

Darryl and Melanie have owned their condo for about a year now. Their only complaint is that they haven't been able to use it themselves as much as they'd like! They have enjoyed great rental occupancies and have been very pleased with the outstanding amenities Ocean Village has to offer, especially since it is a development that is very appealing to holiday renters.

Darryl says,

"We have been extremely happy that we chose the DR for investment. We appreciate that our condo is a "lock up and leave" property and that it's totally looked after for us when we aren't there"

An interior decorator by trade, Melanie was particularly happy with the furnishings and general feel of the condo. She says that the finishing's are of excellent quality and will last.

Of their buying experience overall, Melanie says,

"Our purchase was pretty much flawless. I found the system to be very similar to Canada, we had excellent help from Colleen and Mel on the real estate side, and good direction from our property lawyer. We own several investment properties in Canada, and the DR has been less headaches and stress comparatively. Also, there is no way we would earn anywhere near the same rental income in Canada that we do in the DR. It's just a win win situation all around."