Places & Spaces Volume 7

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VOLUME 7 March – June 2015

16 Charlton

Road

No Ordinary Residential Complex

Places & Spaces Developers & Realtors Market Listings

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PROVEN delivers 'Ei8ht'

University Chapel

Making ever y home stylish

Perils of buying or renting proper ty

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4

Publisher’s Note W hat an exciting year 2015 is shaping up to be! There are even more developments on track and more housing and real estate options

for the discerning buyer, both in the capital city and several parishes

across the island.

Places & Spaces continues to be relentless in its pursuit of quality, as by now

our readers expect no less than the very best in real restate options and articles, because for the past three years we have progressively made bold moves within the industry as we are committed to keeping stakeholders informed, intrigued

and in the loop with everything— from savvy market trends to new movers and shakers.

As we present lucky number seven to our readers, we will be featuring our

Capital city again. This time with twice the offerings for keen investors, as we not only highlight 16 Charlton Road as our cover story, a dream residence where tranquillity is guaranteed far from the maddening crowd, but we also feature

PROVEN’s super studios dubbed ‘Ei8ht’, thus ensuring that we have provided options for every preference as well as pocket.

Other articles examine your strata corporation, the perils of renting and buying property, how to start a container garden, chic ways to revamp your home in

2015, the benefits of eating less salt and how having an in-law suite may be a

viable option for your family. Also thrown into the literary mix are stories on how to have a successful yard sale, choosing great indoor plants for your home and how Home & Things Limited can help you make your home super stylish.

We know you appreciate Places & Spaces’ easy to navigate format as you get

the best development options, realtors’ listings and everything in between for a more informed choice. Continue your journey with us in 2015 as we cement our place in your hearts as your chosen local real estate guru, for as we always say ‘if we list it, you will love it’.

Michele Gabay

Managing Director MAPCO Printers Limited

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Places & Spaces

6

Be Inspired 33

MAKING EVERY HOME STYLISH – Home & Things helps outfit your home with top-line fittings & fixtures

38

THINGS THAT TRANSFORM A HOUSE INTO A HOME – Essential items

Be Knowledgeable 16

COVER STORY: 16 CHARLTON ROAD – This is no ordinary residential complex

Be Informed

University Chapel

24

UNIVERSITY CHAPEL – Uniquely significant architectural icon

40

D.C. TAVARES FINSON – A player in the Real Estate industry since 1921

94

GREAT PLANTS FOR THE INDOORS – Bring natural warmth into your living space

101

YOUR STRATA CORPORATION & YOU

106

THE PERILS OF BUYING & RENTING PROPERTY – You never know what you might be getting

Be Creative 28

5 CHIC WAYS TO REVAMP YOUR HOME IN 2015 – Advice from the experts at Spaces

Be Aware 43

REALTORS’ LISTING

67

DEVELOPERS’ LISTING

79

AFFORDABLE HOMES LISTING

Be Proactive 11

PROVEN DELIVERS MORE THAN ‘EI8HT’ reasons to invest in their new super studios

104

CONTAINER GARDENING – Grow (at least some of) what you eat

86

Be Energized

THE IN-LAW SUITE – An option for the extended family

89

HOW TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL YARD SALE

98

LOSE THE SALT

24

Places & Spaces

7

Features

16

16 Charlton Road

98

Proven ‘Ei8ht’

11

Lose the Salt

Places & Spaces

8

Credits Publisher

MAPCO Printers Limited

Editor

Nicola Cunningham, CPS

Contributors

Devine White Betty Phillipps Janelle Pantry Heather Fagan Raymond Wilson

Graphics

McMedia Graphics

Creative Director

Nicholas McClure

Cover Photograph

Karen Britton

Photographers

Karen Britton Fullon Properties Michael Williams Nicola A. Cunningham Joseph Myers

Printers

MAPCO Printers Limited

Advertising Sales

MAPCO Printers Limited 71-73 Montgomery Avenue Kingston 10 Tel: (876) 929-2623 Fax: 920-5158

Sales Associates:

Marsha McKay mmckay@mapcoprinters.com

Sheldon Skyers sskyers@mapcoprinters.com

Shelly-Ann Dunkley shelly@mapcoprinters.com

Eileen Dunkley-Shim eileen@mapcoprinters.com Distribution

MAPCO Printers Limited Sandra MacDonald

Ezine

www.issuu.com/placesandspaces and Jamaica National Building Society e-news jn.placesandspacesmag.com

Download Places and Spaces Magazine at

www.placesandspacesmag.com

The publishers of Places & Spaces accept no liability for the views and/or opinions expressed within this publication. MAPCO PRINTERS LTD makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of information presented but accepts no responsibility for errors, omissions or claims made in any section of this publication. All material is this publication is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws. No part of the publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form without written approval from MAPCO PRINTERS LTD. THIS MAGAZINE IS ENCODED WITH

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Be Proactive

PROVEN delivers more than

‘Ei8ht’ reasons to invest in their new super studios

I

n Jamaica, one sure investment you can

always bank on is real estate, which is why

investment gurus Proven Management Limited

sought to provide super studio apartments

that are to die for as they are packing style, sophistication and surprisingly… space.

P&S sought out Johann Heaven, Proven’s Senior Vice President of Investments about his company’s foray into real estate, as well as

a bit about the company itself and what it has to offer the discerning investor.

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…centrally located in Kingston’s cosmopolitan area…

Dubbed ‘Ei8ht’, a play on its location at number 8 Kingsway Avenue, it features thirty-one apartments, designed by architect Rivi

Gardner. The project which was a joint venture between Proven and

developers Matalon Homes, is block and steel construction which commenced in April 2014 and is set for completion by March 2015.

A complex with fabulous modern features said to be reminiscent of the nearby architectural splendor that is Devon House with its

uniquely breathtaking Georgian style, ‘Ei8ht’ boasts several high-

end amenities, including a spacious open-concept layout, wood cabinets with solid-surface countertops,

high quality porcelain

finishes, laundry facilities in each apartment, on-site generator for

units and common area, spacious parking and covered portico entrance,

The target market for these units are young professionals, persons looking for a starter home, and overseas individuals who need a

nice apartment in Kingston. These apartments can provide a highlyattractive level of rental income and a modern, comfortable living space as the complex is centrally located in Kingston’s cosmopolitan

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area within close proximity to all key facilities, including a

well-respected and efficient hospital. In the surrounding areas, you can easily source restaurants, malls, business complexes, supermarkets, churches and several schools in New Kingston, Half-Way-Tree and along Hope Road.

Already, more than a third of the apartments have been sold

as prospective buyers have cottoned on to the fact that for

this prime location in the heart of the city, the price is virtually a steal. Designed for functionality and ease of living in mind, there are three spacious units of 500, 560 and 770 square

feet which fetch a reasonable price of J$12.5M, J$13.75M

and J$14.25M respectively. Based on their estimation, ‘Ei8ht’

promises to be a considerable investment option for smart real estate buyers as the market value of nearby properties within the area appreciates by 3-5% annually.

Established in 2010, Proven Management Limited is not a financial institution but an investment company, as Heaven

explained to us. “We are not a financial institution in the

strictest sense, we are an investor of capital and so we look for the best opportunities to deploy that capital. We invest in three strategies: portfolio of international changeable

strategies, which is our core business and private equity investors in the financial sector and then thirdly, real estate.”

The name Proven, he said, is a pun that speaks to the

company that has proven track records with several of the

partners from the old DB&G team. Their next real estate

project is a new construction of 25 apartments set for later this year on Sullivan Avenue.

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Be Knowledgeable

16Charlton Road

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17

I

ts charm is so simple and elegant that its developers did not think the small development needed a pretentious name. Instead their intention was for its amenities and overall offering to speak for itself,

which it does adequately.

MJC Master Builders Limited & Fullon Properties offers up 16 Charlton

Road as the site of the latest residential premises for the discerning home owner, who wishes to be in the heart of the city yet far from the maddening crowd.

P&S sought to explore the property and find out what the buzz was about since those who have toured the premises all come

back excited and singing its praises as they instantly recognize its

immense value for money, which is why it is selling steadily with just a few townhouses left on the market.

Firstly, you need a remote to enter the complex as the electronic

gates operate on high technology remote controls powered from your cellular phone. Upon entering 16 Charlton Road, the remote

gate opens and you are immediately captivated by what you see. This

is no ordinary residential complex because at first glance your eyes

are immediately drawn to two main features. The grand house that is actually the original residence is now divided into two apartments, as

well as the gigantic cedar tree with the small pond at its base. Then you observe that the circular driveway also leads to buildings behind the main building.

Here is where the townhouses lie. There are only eight of them. Yes, you read right, only eight. On a huge property where the average developer would have cramped dozens of apartments all piled on

top of each other for the cute yet claustrophobic feel that is very common in most apartment complexes where you can smell what

your neighbor is cooking and even listen in on their conversation, you will never have those unfortunate experiences at 16 Charlton Road.

Talk about space. There is tons of space both inside and out as the town houses are sufficiently spaced apart from each other to ensure

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Each townhouse is two stories with 1,500 useable square feet…

maximum privacy. The construction phase lasted a year

and was completed in April of 2014 and sales have been going very well to date as both apartments sold quickly,

going for a cool $19M each, while the townhouses fetch a sweet $28M.

Each townhouse is two stories with 1,500 useable square

feet and features a large bedroom suite downstairs that can work as an office or ‘granny’ suite, plus two bedrooms upstairs. All the bedrooms boast a huge closet and bathroom. There is tons of storage space throughout the house and oh, the kitchen is a nice size as well,

Here, they installed drywall in case you wish to extend outwards which the covenant allows home owners to do.

There is also a large, open floor plan—living and dining area, laundry room and back patio.

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‌most times, the nosiest thing you hear is the birds chirping.

Other amenities include high wooden ceiling, metrotile

roof finish, double glazed UPVC windows, cedar wood

stairways and trimmings, porcelain tiles, a Juliette balcony off the main bedroom upstairs, 20,000 gallon rain water tank, double parking, mosquito meshed windows

and the home itself is energy efficient, so you never have to worry about feeling like you are in a sauna during the

summer months. The bedrooms also have end-windows

that prevent neighbours from looking over into someone else’s property, ensuring a greater level of privacy. All town

houses come with a solar water heater and all external lighting is also solar powered.

Despite being in a relatively busy community in Kingston, being so close not only to Constant Spring Road but on

a road where there are several other construction sites

nearby, there is little disturbance. In fact, most times, the

nosiest thing you hear is the birds chirping. They do make a little ruckus at times.

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The developers have kept most of the trees around the

perimeter and what had to be moved, such as the palm trees, etc. were dug and replanted. Near the front is the huge

communal pool and grill area with a gazebo for everyone to hang out and have gatherings if they so wish.

The architects Robin Baston and Associates retained the style of the main house in keeping with its original design

and architecture with balcony and shutters of that house also reflected in the townhouses, so all the buildings blend beautifully together.

…all the buildings blend beautifully together.

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Be Informed

University

Chapel

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W

e go there for weddings, sit in the pews for carol services and all love to pose for ‘selfies’ beside the

gigantic columns outside. Yet do we ever stop to think about its history and what went into its construction and overall design?

P&S sought to make a deeper inspection of the chapel on the grounds of the University of the

West Indies as its architectural design is unique and the significance it plays in so many of our lives is as good a reason as any to examine it in greater detail.

Known simply as ‘UWI Chapel’, the building

situated near the main gate of the University of the West Indies Mona campus, seems to be a throwback to a bygone era and that is exactly

what it is. Dating back to the 18th century, it was

once a place where rum was sold. Years later the physical hardware, mainly the stones, were carried to the Mona campus and re-utilised in the formation of the chapel.

Its origin began in Trelawny in 1799, as part of

a stately Georgian building on the vast sugar estate of Gale’s Valley.

More than 200 years

later, having served its purpose for rum storage,

it was deemed worthy for an entirely different

‘spirit’ and by 1955 a famous visitor by the name of Her Royal Highness Princess Alice, Countess

of Athlone, suggested to Mrs. Kelly-Lawson, then

owner of the Hampden and Gale’s Valley estates, that this fine example of West Indian architecture could be preserved for greater usefulness if

presented to the College for reconstruction as a chapel. Wiser and more practical words have never been spoken!

The transportation of the stones and its

transformation into an elaborate edifice was painstaking. The project was handled by the

college’s first resident engineer, Mr. A. D. Scott

who saw to it that the old building was taken down and transferred stone by numbered stone, across

the island. Some of the cost of transportation was absorbed by the then Custos of the Parish

of St. James. Through Princess Alice, a kindly, anonymous Canadian donor made a whopping

donation of 40,000 pounds sterling and the construction of the chapel began in April 1956.

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British architects Norman and Dawbarn, supervised the reconstruction

of the building, incorporating the original gorgeous Georgian style with the more contemporary functional design befitting an institution of learning. Another firm out of London designed the stained glass East

Windows, a gift from Princess Alice, which carries the central figure of the risen Christ. Later, a portico was erected at the west door.

Now the designers may have been British, but several countries have a

part in its overall composition and the finished products. Its impressive organs were made by an Englishman by the name of J.W. Walker; the

wood used in the interior was transported from the island of Belize and

the baptismal fountain was erected using Barbadian limestone, crafted

by Guyanese/Barbadian sculptor Karl Broodhagen. The marble chips used in the flooring, of course, had to be from nowhere else other than Italy. All along the north wall of the Chapel, just below the coping, can

Records show that the cornerstone was laid on June 5, 1956 by then

Governor of Jamaica, Sir Hugh MacIntosh Foot, and the first church

service was held on June 21, 1959. Months later, the Chapel was officially dedicated on February 14, 1960 and during the Service of

Commemoration days later, Princess Alice was officially installed as Chancellor.

The inter-denominational showpiece of the university, its elegance

both inside and out complements the overall prestige of the tertiary institution. The beauty of the architecture draws people through

its doors, who host scores of elaborate weddings, graduations, concerts, carol services, memorials and baptisms, etc. A few years

ago, the building was officially declared a national monument by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust.

be seen the inscription:

The basic pew seating accommodates just under four hundred

“Edward Morant Gayle Esquire 1799”

hundred. Refurbishing work was done in the late 1990s through the

Back at home, Jamaican influence is visible in the ceiling and in some of

the wood and flooring. Some artistic works are done by Alvin Marriott;

persons; with additional chairs this can be bumped up to over seven

university’s Endowment Fund on the occasion of the commemoration of the university’s 50th anniversary.

a concrete and steel statue of ‘The Sorrowing Christ’ was sculpted by Christopher Gonsalez, plus a painting by artist Ralph Campbell.

Adapted from: www.mona.uwi.edu

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Places & Spaces

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Be Creative

Places & Spaces

29

5 Revamp Chic Ways

to

your home in 2015

W

elcome to 2015. where the style forecast is bold, sophisticated, glamorous

chic… who does not love that? The modus operandi for most when a new year comes is to make changes in various areas… a new hairdo,

wardrobe updates, health and financial goals, but the home often gets neglected.

The good news is there are a number of cost-effective ways to make chic changes on the home front too. Spaces Ltd, purveyor of ‘Everything home…Everything style’,

shares five of-the-moment (and affordable) tips you can use to revitalise your home this year. Add one or two of these to your 2015 resolution list!

Fabric‘ate’ Changing your bed linens, comforters and curtains can instantly update your bedroom.

Extend this theory to another room and you have a whole new space if you swap out

your throw pillows for new ones, and if you want to take it a step further, there is also the option of reupholstering your sofa.

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Switch it up Step outside the box a little, just because a piece of furniture is prescribed for the bedroom or

another area, does not mean it cannot be utilised elsewhere. Using a dining room sideboard in the living room, for example, gives you cupboard

storage as well as surfaces to display books and collectibles, or a garden bench for extra seating

at the dining table or in the TV room. Do not be afraid to switch things up!

Consider all areas ‌especially if you are short on space, a good

strategy is to build things into the wall or even try fold-out furniture, such as futons. You would

be surprised at what new possibilities can exist when you add a few floating shelves in the

right place. Plu,s you will never go wrong with extra storage, so stylish boxes and ottomans

are a great way to modernise the look of your

home and simultaneously make it more storage efficient.

Nothing beats a good paint job ‌and if you are short on cash, you could always

go for the focal wall effect, i.e. paint one of the

walls in a room a different colour and use accent pieces to play it up. There are myriad colours available to choose from and a fresh coat of paint can give any room a totally different feel.

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Clean & Contain Let’s talk storage. Open shelving has become increasingly popular in recent years and why not? It is a great way to

display items and is super functional.

While open shelving is usually used

for displaying items, we often need these pieces to store more than just

the pretty things. Not all of the items that we put in our open shelving

and storage are things that we want

constantly on display for guests (or ourselves) to see. That is where storage baskets, boxes and bins come

into play! They are a fantastic way to store papers, photos, electronic components, magazines, wires, toys, DVDs, stuffed animals, linens, CDs, and any other miscellaneous junk you can manage to shove into them.

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Places & Spaces

33

Be Inspired

Making every home

Stylish “Brands you know…brands you can trust” …a statement Home & Things takes very seriously.

Why? It is because they believe that their customers deserve ONLY the best. That’s why they carry selective brands that offer not only style and affordability, but above all—quality!

O

ver the years, Jamaicans have become more ‘brand sensitive’. What does

this mean? It means that consumers will go out of their way to buy a specific brand with no compromise; even paying a little more to ensure top quality

is received. That’s why Home & Things will stand by every product they sell and believes that every product adds value to any space.

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When it comes to kitchen and bathroom accessories,

Home & Things has been the proud distributor, for over a decade, of top-quality brands such as American Standard and Sadosa Standard.

Known for its

sustainability, safety and integrity, American Standard kitchen and bathroom products (including fixtures &

faucets) are designed to make life safer and healthier for people. These ’everyday’ products are lead-free and

built to last. Therefore, when you buy American Standard products at Home & Things, it’s money well spent! As the largest distributor of American Standard products in

Jamaica, no one knows American Standard like Home and Things or can offer customers the selection of products or prices from this world-renowned brand.

Home & Things is also a distributor for Corona sanitary

ware and Moen Faucets; from kitchen and bathroom faucets to toilets, showerheads and other accessories that deliver innovation and lasting value. As a leading brand in faucets and bathroom accessories, both Moen

and Corona products definitely make a statement of style and quality.

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Even simple home décor items such as ceiling fans–Home & Things carries only the best

brands and they always offer customers a range of affordability - from high end to lower

end prices. Brands such as Hunter and Boston Harbor are both beautiful and durable, yet affordable. Home & Things also carries Boston Harbor lighting fixtures that will improve your space, whether at home or at work. Choose from a variety of chandeliers, sconces and lamps for that antique look or contemporary style.

Home & Things offers one of the widest selections of tiles with the largest inventory

available in Jamaica, boasting top tile brands from Spain, Brazil and the Far East. Brazilian brands such as Angelgres, Artec, Pamesa, Incopisos, and Itagres along with Spanish

brands GresFort and STN come together to offer consumers the best selection and value in floor and wall tiles in ceramic or porcelain.

From the widest selection of tiles and laminate flooring to construction finishes … Home

and Things understands exactly what their customers look for in a brand. It’s all about the brands they know and the brands they have come to trust. That’s why Home & Things can

confidently say that they have the best brands at the best prices - guaranteed! Go and see for yourself.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

VALUATIONS

ADVISORY Capital expenditure projects and total energy management solutions (TEMS)

Managing commercial and residential facilities

In-depth advice on property investments

Valuations and Auctions at the best rates and turn around time

Professional Realtor services

Large conference venues and event planning

Excellent food choices and catering services

We are committed to provide cost-effective, efficient and professional property and hospitality services

PROPERTY SALES & RENTALS Branch Office Head Office

New Kingston Business Centre Suite 42A, 30 Dominica Drive Kingston 5, Jamaica phone: (876) 906-0856 telefax: (876) 906-9762 info@lamaisonproperty.com www.lamaisonproperty.com

NEW KINGSTON CONFERENCE CENTRE

NEW KINGSTON DELI

Fairview Towne Centre Block 10, Suite 15 Alice Eldemire Drive P.O. Box 284 Montego Bay, St. James Jamaica phone: (876) 684-9542 phone: (876) 391-9079 telefax: (876) 979-8427

Jamaica National Building Society (Mortgage)

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Be Inspired

Things That Transform A

House

into a

HOME N

ow we all know that no two persons have exactly

the same taste or style, so your preference in how to decorate and make your home comfy

and liveable will differ based on your family needs,

personalities and even the point we are at in our careers, relationships and life overall.

Having said that, there are some things we all should

have that can make any space truly our own and make us want to run home every chance we get to our sanctuary and ‘zen dens’.

The following are said to be a few essentials that can transform any old space into one that not only puts a smile on your face every time you enter but will also have

your friends and family always seeking an invitation to come over.

Aromatherapy Candles. Who does not love the smell of

vanilla, orange peels, coffee, peaches and other exotic scents that can make any room feel fresh and festive?

Especially in small spaces like an en suite bathroom, candles can set the tone for whatever mood you are in.

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39

Mirrors. Mirror mirror on the wall is a great way to freshen up

a space; make it feel bigger or just come alive, especially if the mirror has a cool geometric design that just pops.

An accent wall. This is so true, especially in a large area like a living room or kitchen. Choose a colour that you find

awesome to look at for long periods of time and go for it, personalising your space even more.

A good tool box. The kind with flash lights and such. Yep, females should no longer play the damsel in distress in 2015.

Get your screw drivers, jumper cables, wire cutters, ropes, wrench, Pattex glue, Swiss army knife and other useful items.

A wine rack. Whether you have only a few bottles or an extensive array of wines from France, South Africa, Chile and

every serious wine valley in between, a wine rack signifies permanence and stability (not to mention taste).

A La-Z-Boy. What’s wrong with being lazy? Whether you get a great big one for your hubby to enjoy his games or if it is a part of your large sectional suite, at the end of the day

you can always curl up with a good book or the remote and literally just relax.

A good painting (or two). Art is not only a great investment

but it makes any room ostentatious and ‘rich’ looking. You

don’t even have to break the bank with your art pieces, as many good silent auctions or even garage sales will have a few nice items to choose from.

Surround sound. You need excellent speakers to hear all the action that goes down in your favourite movies and series.

Plus, how can you host a good party with an old, tired or weak sound system? Just inform your neighbours beforehand so that they can sleep on the other side of their house or better yet, invite them over to the party as well!

Good towels. I mean the good ones that are thick, lush and soft. They make any bathroom seem fresh, functional

and quite frankly they caresses your skin far better than the cheap stuff.

A good bed (with good linen and comforter). Now here is

where it gets serious. When it comes to a bed, pony up and invest in a good one as not only is your night’s rest important

but a lousy bed can give you not only sleepless nights, but a bad back and contribute to a lousy sex life as no one wants to

stay in uncomfortable surroundings longer than they have to.

Proper cutlery/utensils. No more plastic stuff. You are not

on a dorm anymore. Buy yourself some matching stainless steel knives, forks and spoons so that when you set your table everything matches.

An extensive first aid kit (essential if you intend to tackle any do-it-yourself projects on your own). We are talking Band-Aid, iodine, peroxide, rubbing alcohol, gauze, Panadol,

cotton, pain killers, smelling salts and tons of additional stuff

that can save you from having to visit the doctor in the middle of the night.

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Be Informed

D.C.

TAVARES FINSON

Places & Spaces

A

new year signifies new goals and objectives and for some companies, a new direction. D.C. Tavares

Finson is one such company that will be making bold

new moves in 2015 and beyond as they intend to take the real estate market by storm, armed with decades’ worth of experience and knowledge of the Jamaican landscape.

P&S sat down with Managing Director, William Tavares

recently as he shared his company’s vision going forward;

what they bring to the real estate table and how they intend

to play an active role in revitalizing the industry and breathe new life into it.

A player in the real estate industry since 1921, William shared that the company will now be turning more of its attention to

private real estate sales. “So what we are doing is making a greater push into the sales market, revamping the company

to meet the demands of a more competitive market and falling in line with the different requirements needed. What

we figure will happen is based on what the government is doing where compliance is concerned, there will be a fallout as that active competence input will be missing, making

it harder for some whose players will either stick it out or revamp. We intend to be here for the long haul.”

Tavares further stated that the real estate market which has been in a slump for a few years should be making a comeback

soon as with the recent IMF agreement obligations being

fulfilled, there is definitely more confidence injected into the sector.

“We have also seen a lot of overseas firms entering the local market and we are confident that a home grown company

should be able to compete, especially with the expatriate market as our name is synonymous with excellence. We are

also adding some new blood and for 2015 we will be infusing new people, both from within the family and others. We will

be boosting our sales force significantly. Presently, we have

Mona Watson who is active on the coast; Audrey Russell who focuses on auction sales and Kingston and St. Andrew, plus Karen Ramson who manages the sales department. Our goal

is to, by the end of 2015, have 15 to 20 knowledgeable and assertive individuals across the island. We don’t need a huge team, just one that is willing to work and give 100%.”

As William tells it, the company has a mass appeal to a

broad clientele demographic which they believe works in their favour. “We are not necessarily known for indulging

exclusively in the upper Norbrook market. We have a broader scope and focus largely on the middle market. While we do

the elaborate, expensive homes, we don’t intend to be an elitist firm.”

D.C. Tavares Finson is a full-suite company and they intend

to make this fact known. “We have access and listings from the hills of St. Catherine to the valleys of St. Elizabeth and I don’t think a lot of people are aware of all of this. Our interest

is not to push something on you. We intend to educate you and we are willing to even give some free professional advice and provide access to valuators, surveyors etc.”

Close to a century old, with a wealth of experience, the company was established when David Clement Tavares (William’s grandfather) returned from Cuba. Initially its offices were located in downtown Kingston until 1955 when William’s father married the boss’ daughter and became a partner.

Because they are associated with Thwaites Finson Sharp,

they are virtually one-stop providers of a range of services,

or as Williams aptly describes it: “We can help you buy, help you sell and help you insure and so on, so all your needs will

be met. And if you will be listing with us and you have no idea of pricing, we will be able to provide information with the professionals we have in house.”

41

Places & Spaces

42

Places & Spaces

43

Be Aware

Realtors’ Listing

W

e can all agree that every home purchased or built represents new hope and renewed faith in Jamaica land we love.

Despite its many challenges, there is really no place as breathtaking, as scenic or quite as inspirational as Jamaica.

Places & Spaces listings cover parishes in a comprehensive manner that facilitates readers having tremendous real estate options to make informed decisions. The following listings showcase our diverse and extraordinary topography showcasing everything from palatial homes in residential areas to beautiful and rich uninhabited acres of land in the countryside.

Head Office:

Suite #42A New Kingston Business Centre 30 Dominica Drive Kingston 5. Jamaica W. I. Phone: (876) 906-0856/0857/0858/0859/0860 Fax: (876) 906-9762

Branch Office:

Fairview Towne Centre Block 10 Shop #15, Alice Eldemire Drive P.O. Box 284, Montego Bay, St. James Jamaica W.I. Tele Fax: (876) 979-8427, (876) 684-9542 Mobile: (876) 391-9079

Email: realestate@lamaisonproperty.com • Web: www.lamaisonproperty.com

Your Property is Safe With Us. Gibson Drive, Hope Pastures, Kgn. 6 MLS# 11394

A Beautiful 2 storey fruited property sits on 11,993 sq ft of land comprising of a total of 8 bed rooms, 8 bathrooms. This includes the main building which totals 4,638 square feet. The main building is further divided in a Two Bedroom West side self- contained unit, which has its own kitchen, living and dining front and back verandah and breakfast nook. There is also an attached 300 sq ft flat comprising a one bedroom living/dining and kitchen.

AGENT: Cheryl Gray Tel: (876) 397-4474 email:cgray@lamaisonproperty.com

Justin Place, Graham Heights, Kgn.8 Rental Property MLS# 11834

Welcome to this masterfully designed new home located in the prestigious Graham heights community. On entry you are greeted with a large open spaced area encompassing the siting and sunken entertainment room. To the right of this is a large kitchen which combines elegance and functionality, blending granite counter tops with wood cabinets and porcelain flooring with comfortably sized social space encouraging casual interaction. This home has 4 bedrooms, 1 on the ground and the others, including the master on the first floor. All have en-suite bathrooms and high ceilings.

AGENT: Debbie Wynter Tel: (876) 579-4486 email:dwynter@lamaisonproperty.com

Paddington Terrace, Kingston 6 Rental Property, MLS# 11278

A spacious 3 bedroom 3 bathroom townhouse located in a highly sought after neighbourhood of Paddington Terrace. Gated complex with 24 hour security, clubhouse, and a swimming pool. This location is just a few minutes drive from banks, gas stations, shopping plazas (including Sovereign & Loshusan), and restaurants such as T.G.I. Fridays.

AGENT: Kesia Carey Tel: (876) 872-2602 email: kcarey@lamaisonproperty.com

Pines Boulevard, Kingston 6

MLS# 10927

A modern semi-detached three storey residence with a square foot print of approx.

2503sqft excluding a roof balcony of 377 sqft. The ground floor has living area, kitchen/ dining area, pantry, store room and powder room laundry room and verandah. There is also a one bedroom flat with kitchenette and bathroom en-suite. First floor has three bedrooms two bathrooms. Second floor has a family room, powder room gym and roof balcony. The general area of Mona and environs is a well kept area with ease of transportation in close proximity.

Hence the area ranks as a excellent choice for middle income families.

AGENT: Garth Graham Tel: (876) 403-2485 email: ggraham@lamaisonproperty.com

1-4 Red Hills Road, Kingston 19 MLS# 10814

LOCATION, LOCATION. This property is located along a major thoroughfare, and positioned perfectly for vehicular and pedestrian traffic and has been approved for a two story development. Building is fitted with a 340 sq ft cold room powered by 2 compressors and an 87 kva diesel electricity generator.

This property is across from Price Mart.

AGENT: Craig Brown Tel: (876) 544-4692 email: cbrown@lamaisonproperty.com

Head Office:

Suite #42A New Kingston Business Centre 30 Dominica Drive Kingston 5. Jamaica W. I. Phone: (876) 906-0856/0857/0858/0859/0860 Fax: (876) 906-9762

Branch Office:

Fairview Towne Centre Block 10 Shop #15, Alice Eldemire Drive P.O. Box 284, Montego Bay, St. James Jamaica W.I. Tele Fax: (876) 979-8427, (876) 684-9542 Mobile: (876) 391-9079

Email: realestate@lamaisonproperty.com • Web: www.lamaisonproperty.com

BLACKRIVER $15 Million BEACH FRONT PROPERTY!!!

Is living by the beach your dream? This could be your dream home attractively priced at a deal with room for negotiation.

This property features 3 bedrooms with 2 bathrooms on a ¼ acre of land.

INEZ TURNER

WILLIAMSFIELD $16 Million Well maintained home in excellent move in condition. With an open plan concept this property is complete with kitchen, living/dining room, automatic gate and garage. Situated in a family oriented neighborhood this property sits on ¼ acre of land space for backyard gardening and is easily accessible to shopping and entertainment facilities.

EAST INGLESIDE $25 Million 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms Situated in a desirable neighborhood. This three house is just minutes away from the town. Fully grilled for a secure and comfortable environment, this property sits amidst well-kept manicured lawn. Overlooking the hills of Manchester and its surrounding areas. This property is spacious and airy, built with a family in mind. There is also a 1 bedroom flat which can be rented as an income. If you are looking for a good investment this could be your dream home sitting on a ¼ acre of land space.

19A Midway Mall Telephone: 876-625-1350 or 876-625-0163

P.O. Box 1688, 17 Caledonia Road

Email: info@itrealestatejamaica.com

Mandeville, Manchester, Jamaica, W.I.

INGLESIDE $25 Million Two Townhouses consisting of (3) bedrooms and Two (2) bathrooms each.

Situated in the well sorted area of Ingleside this income earner is attractively priced at a deal tailored for a person wanting an extra income.

INGLESIDE $33 Million Two Floor House with 3 Bedrooms & 2 Bathrooms INEZ TURNER

This is a beautiful well maintained home conveniently located from the town of Mandeville. This property has a lovely yard space ideal for a couple wanting to raise family or a retired person. This superb family home has a double garage with automatic gate and automatic garage. This house is complimented with a lovely garden and the layout has being given a great deal of thought.

This is a great investment.

PARK CIRCLE $35 Million Beautifully architecturally designed home in excellent move in condition. This property features 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, sunken living room, dining room and automatic garage with a beautiful modern kitchen. A special feature of this property is that it has beautiful sophisticated finishes which creates an aesthetic appeal to its environment. This property also has a walkway which overlooks the living room.

Fully grilled this property is in close proximity to the town of Mandeville and all its amenities.

Fort George, Stony Hill A gem 2 storey (4,760 square feet building), consisting of 5 bedrooms, 4 1/2 bathrooms study, den, entertainment enclosed, fitted with sliding doors, helper’s quarters, basement, storeroom, 2 car garage upper and lower patios.

Well maintained landscaped garden.

JMD$45,000,000.00 Agent: Louise Wright 995-0072

High Hope Former home of Ambassador Walter Rice, former VP of Reynolds Metals. Also home to famous Selznick family. High Hope was built by Maffesanti Builders in 1968 and is over 6,000 sq feet of living space. Four large bedrooms, 2 additional bedrooms in helpers quarters, open floor plan, high end luxury furnishings, large kitchen, butler’s pantry, huge living area with baby grand piano and large bar. Spectacular views of Montego Bay. Sitting on 87 acres 1,200 feet above Montego Bay. Registered under Resort Cottages. Has 10 unfinished 2 bedroom cottages ready to be completed. Great opportunity. This property is a must see. Only 6 miles from Montego Bay.

USD$950,000.00 Agent: Maura Watson 413-2510

Waterworks, Kingston 8 Upgraded three bedroom, 3 1/2 bathroom townhouse with major appliances in a quiet , well maintained complex with 24 hour security. A family oriented environment with adequate green area for outdoor activities. Features and fittings throughout this townhouse include hardwood floors, porcelain tiles, granite counter tops, modern bathroom fixtures and air conditioning units and ceiling fans in each room.

For Rent: JMD$182,922.00 Agent: Audrey Russell 581-5050

Gloster Hall, St. Ann Nestled on top of the mountain range mid-way between the north and south coast is GLOSTER HALL RESORT, an emerald green recreational center and Eco resort. THE GREAT HOUSE, once the home of many famous BRITISH and JAMAICAN FAMILIES, is now available for the public to enjoy sitting on 50 ACRES OF USABLE LAND. Great House 6,000 sq.ft with restaurant, banquet facilities etc., 6 incomplete guest suites, 3 swimming pools, gazebos, changing rooms excellent for any event.

JMD$180,000,000.00 Agent: Louise Wright 995-0072

Mooreland, Mandeville Exclusive gated community with park, clubhouse sports field etc. 17,622 sq.ft lot.

JMD$5,000,000.00 Agent: Michael Dunn 371-4962

Abbey Court, Kingston Three bedrooms 2 bathrooms, second floor Apartment, Approximately 1,300 sq.ft. Well maintained swimming pool with large pool deck for tanning and relaxation The lush green garden is well maintained. There is a 24/7 security guard service year round.

JMD$18,000,000.00 Agent: Karen Ramson 276-5371

Office numbers are 926-7200, 968-8077 Fax: 869-5941 Email: dctf@cwjamaica.com website: www.dctfrealty.com

Elite

Nobody in the World Sells More Real Estate Than RE/MAX

Remax

$9,800,000 Joan Lee 876.871.0444 joanlee@remax.net US

www.remax-elite.com.jm Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated

Remax

Suite 60, Winchester Business Centre 15 Hope Road, Kingston 10 Tel: 876.908.3877 Fax: 876.908.3873

Unit 9, Summit Business Centre Freeport, Montego Bay Tel: 876.979.8349 Fax: 876.684.9522

remaxeliteja 2014-DL/263

Elite

Nobody in the World Sells More Real Estate Than RE/MAX

Remax

www.remax-elite.com.jm Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated

Remax

Suite 60, Winchester Business Centre 15 Hope Road, Kingston 10 Tel: 876.908.3877 Fax: 876.908.3873

Unit 9, Summit Business Centre Freeport, Montego Bay Tel: 876.979.8349 Fax: 876.684.9522

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Savannah Plaza MLS# 11477

FOR SALE: This 900sq. ft. shop space is located at the entrance of Savannah Plaza on Constant Spring Road. It is on the upper floor in a high traffic area.

J$17,500,000.00

Waterworks PID#10

FOR SALE: Spacious 3 Bed, 2 ½ Bath Townhouse in a gated complex conveniently located in the quiet neighborhood of Waterworks.

J$23,000,000.00

Marley Manor PID#3606

FOR SALE: Part of a centrally located complex, this cozy upper floor two bedroom apartment is waiting for the right owner. Amenities include water tank, air conditioner, ceiling fan, hot water, intercom system, swimming pool and 24 hour security. It is centrally located minutes away from hospitals, schools, shopping areas and entertainment spots.

Easy access to two major universities. Priced for a quick sale - price negotiable.

J$17,500,000.00

Queensbury PID# 8

FOR SALE: 3 Bed, 2 Bath recently refurbished single family home located in Queensbury. It comes equipped with Electronic Gate, Water Tank and also has a Study.

J$18,500,000.00

Ask Property Services 6 Richmond Park Avenue, Kingston 10, Jamaica, W.I. Tel: (876) 906-7640 (o) Email: askpropertyservices2014@yahoo.com

Website: www.askpropertyservices.com

Cherry Gardens PID#3611

FOR RENT: Beautifully maintained 3 Bed, 3 Bath Townhouse for rent located in the Cherry Gardens area. It is in a gated community and comes with detached helpers quarters and a swimming pool.

USD$1,800.00

Golden Acres MLS#11674

FOR SALE: This 18,190 sq. ft. Residential Lot is located in the quiet upscale community of Golden Acres in Red Hills. It gently slopes and has a commanding view of the area.

J$6,300,000.00

Mercury Gardens PID # 16

FOR SALE: 5 Bed, 4 Bath two family house, comes with a Master Suite with its own living area, ensuite bathroom and walk in closet. Suitable for returning residence, located in the quiet neighborhood of Mercury Gardens, St. Catherine.

J$14,000,000.00

Discovery Bay MLS#9413

FOR SALE: 1 bed, 1 bath Apartment located on the hill overlooking the Puerto Seco Beach in Discovery Bay in a gated complex with swimming pool.

J$7,500,000.00

“For All Your Real Estate Needs.�

The Tryall Club Sandy Bay, Hanover

USD$2,400,000.00 6 Bedrooms, 7 Bathrooms

AMENITIES INCLUDE: Garden Area, Water Heater, Swimming Pool, Cable, Stand-by Generator, 24 Hour Security, Furnished, Jacuzzi/Whirlpool

This stunning villa offers breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea and the Tryall Club estate.

Stylish interiors, attention to details, travertine marble, wooden floors and a gorgeous terrace with oversized swimming pool and large jacuzzi on the deck overlooking the sea make Villa Stella one of the most sought-after properties at Tryall Club.

Listing Information by:

Kishauna Henry Realtor Ph: 876-288-8107 Email kishauna_h@hotmail.com

Victoria Mutual Property Services 2 PARKINGTON PLAZA KINGSTON 10 Office Ph: 876-929-4358 Fax: 876-929-6199 Toll Free: 718-355-9617 Office Email joan.latty@vmbs.com Office Website http://www.vmps.com.jm

The gourmet kitchen has been completely refurbished and equipped with all the latest amenities including a woodburning pizza oven. The master bedroom is extremely spacious and features a queen-sized bed. Five other bedrooms have twin beds each which may be converted to king size, if required. All bedrooms have air-conditioning, cable television, DVDs and en-suite marble bathrooms equipped with waterfall showers. This villa consists of a huge game room, wireless internet, exotic gardens and complimentary golf cart for guests. Your private, welcoming villa staff is comprised of a cook, butler, laundress, housekeeper and gardener.

Tel: 876-960-3440 / 876-881-8495 | Fax: 876-632-9853 USA: (954)-369-1076 | UK: (01144)-207-078-0334 | CAN: (416)-628-8661 Email: cavendishrealtyjm@yahoo.co.uk | Web: www.cavendishrealtyjm.com

PRIME INVESTMENTS (FIDCO), TWICKENHAM PARK, ST. CATHERINE Prime Commercial Land formerly known as Fidco. 14 Acres ready to build. Ideally suited for a Shopping Plaza, Medical facility, University Satellite Campus, Wellness Center, Mega Church Convention Center, Hardware Super Store, Warehousing complex or a Retail Distribution Center. Centrally located, adjacent to the Twickenham bypass and 2 minutes from Highway 2000 provides easy access to the capital city and the rest of the island.

USD$7,500,000

MLS#12372

GOLDEN SPRING, ST. ANDREW Located in the cool hills of St. Andrew, this prime investment consist of 11 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms plus a 2 bedroom cottage. It is situated on approx. 3.5 acres & is well fruited with even a river running along the boundary.

This deluxe asset is suitable for an Exotic Flower Nursery, Nursing Home, Hostel or a secluded Retirement Community.

JMD$30,000,000

MLS#9486

Tel: 876-960-3440 / 876-881-8495 | Fax: 876-632-9853 USA: (954)-369-1076 | UK: (01144)-207-078-0334 | CAN: (416)-628-8661 Email: cavendishrealtyjm@yahoo.co.uk | Web: www.cavendishrealtyjm.com

FEATURED PROPERTIES MANDEVILLE, MANCHESTER A true stately home with all the bells and whistles, no expense spared in upgrades, just bring your suitcase.

The Upper level consists of a 20x20 fully marbled Master Bedroom, 2 Bedrooms which opens into private balconies with shared Bathroom.

The Ground floor comprises a Guest Bedroom, large Eat-In Italian Kitchen with state of the art appliances.

Leading onto a large entertainment Patio is a Dining Room and sunken Living Room.

The Ground floor comprises a Guest Bedroom, large Eat-In Italian Kitchen with state of the art appliances.

Leading onto a large entertainment Patio is a Dining Room and sunken Living Room.

The Lower ground floor contains a Helper’s suite, entertainment Kitchen & a Garden, 2 Car Garage with up and over doors and a storeroom.

USD$695,000

MLS#11120

LONG MOUNTAIN COUNTRY CLUB, KINGSTON 6 Long Mountain Country Club is a great family oriented complex with 24-hour security, swimming pool and play area. This lovely 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bathroom Townhouse offers a partial view of the city, it is centrally located to major Universities, High Schools, Prep and Primary Schools and Hospitals. This beautiful home awaits you!

JMD$25,000,000

MLS#12361

Ask Property Services

6 Richmond Park Avenue,, Kingston 10, Jamaica, W.I. Tel: (876) 906-7640 (o) • Email: askpropertyservices2014@yahoo.com

Website: www.askpropertyservices.com

Meet The Team Antoinette Knight-Gonsalves (Broker) Antoinette is a goal oriented and organized professional with over Fourteen (14) years sales experience. She is self motivated, prides herself in giving excellent customer service and very passionate about Real Estate. She is the Founder and Broker/Dealer for ASK Property Services. A qualified licensed Realtor, with over Eight (8) years experience in Real Estate Sales. She was attached to a Prominent Real Estate Company for over 7 years and during her tenure, proved herself to be a valuable team member winning many awards as “Sales Rep. Of The Quarter.” Antoinette has always aspired to improve herself within the industry. She is a member of the Realtors Associates of Jamaica (RAJ) and by extension the National Association of Realtors (NAR). She is ready to be of service to you, contact her today!

Tel: (876)770-7814 (cel) Email: antoinette_askproperty@yahoo.com

Nancy Wilson-Walker She is client focused, dedicated and committed to any task undertaken. Her client’s success is hers and ultimately that of ASK Property Services. Nancy has Twenty (20) years experience in the mortgage industry and therefore has a great knowledge of loans procedures, which makes her an asset to this organization in the dissemination of relevant information to our clients. She achieved a number of awards for excellent customer service and has a passion for real estate. She enjoys being a Real Estate Agent and receives great satisfaction from assisting persons to realize the most important goal of owning their home. It is equally rewarding when her clients realize other goals such as the rental or sale of a property be it residential or commercial. She is a member of the Realtor Associates of Jamaica and a licensed Real Estate Sale Agent. Let Nancy assist you with your real estate needs and experience customer care with a difference.

Contact her today!

Tel: (876) 782-9086 (cel.)

Email: nancy_askpreperty@yahoo.com

Simone Knight An individual who goes the extra mile to ensure her client’s needs are met. With over Seven (7) years sales experience, she has developed a keen interest in Real Estate Sales. After successfully completing the Real Estate Salesman Course at the University of Technology, she joined ASK Property Services, where she adopted the company’s long and short term objectives; to effectively meet the demand of Jamaica’s Real Estate needs as well as provide quality services. Simone feels this Company’s successful strategies and strong values, have equipped her to take on any challenge she may be faced with within the industry. She is a member of the Realtor Associates of Jamaica and a licensed Real Estate Sale Agent who looks forward to being of service to you. Contact her today!

Tel: (876) 328-0947 (c) Email: simone_askproperty@yahoo.com

COMPANY PROFILE

TESTIMONIALS

ASK Property Services is a unique, innovative and trend-setting company determined to ensure complete customer satisfaction. We know that every transaction represents the most important purchase, sale or rental; therefore, we are here to guide our clients throughout the process, as well as provide occasional updates on the status of their transactions.

Lincoln: My name is Lincoln and I wish to share my experience with ASK Property Services. Some time ago, I had a three bedroom house for sale. I thought that selling a house needed no special skill, so I tried to sell the property myself. However, after placing several advertisements in the daily papers for months and showing several persons, most of whom claimed they liked it, but.... no sale was made.

Our staff overall has years of experience in the Jamaican Real Estate Market and we commit to all our clients a 100% effort in finding the proper solution to their Real Estate needs. Our mantra is “to deliver professional high quality service” by establishing an honest and open relationship with our clients, while building relationships one by one. This we believe, through customer satisfaction, has resulted in much appreciated referrals and recommendations.

During that time I was bombarded with calls from many agents wanting to find a buyer for me, but I refused believing that I needed no help from any sales agent to sell my property. Then I met Mrs Wilson-Walker of ASK Property Services, who persuaded me to have her company assist me in finding a buyer. Of course, I was reluctant at first, however, after Mrs Walker explained all the things they were willing to do to get the property sold, I finally consented to give her the listing. Today I am very happy to say that ASK Property Services found a buyer for me, who was already pre-qualified, so I had no challenges with delays etc. Thanks ASK Property Services and Mrs Walker for a job well done!

We ensure that our properties are robustly marketed not only through local advertisements, but aggressive online marketing campaigns via social media, other real estate websites (not only ours) as well as network with other Agents to reach the largest audience possible. This we achieve via the use of the Multiple Listing System (MLS) a platform that all the Realtors locally and internationally use to market and find properties for there clients..

Visit us at www.askpropertyservices.com Let us know how we may help you. Contact ASK Property Services “For All Your Real Estate Needs.”

Craig: My name is Craig Grant and I have bought and sold a property through Ask Property Services and was very satisfied. I most unreservedly recommend their services to anyone who needs assistance with their Real Estate Needs!

LISTINGS BY:

Tanya Sue Brice Realtor Associate

Mobile: (876) 401-9046 • Tel: (876) 931-4471 E-mail: tanyasue@vlarealtors.com Web: http://www.vlarealtors.com

PALMS AT DURHAM (Artist’s Impression)

VISTA DE VALENCIA MLS#11888

MLS#11297

Just one block from Sovereign North, enjoy entertaining from the expansive rooftop terrace or by gazebo in the landscaped garden complete with BBQ. The property features 20 units and amenities include, hot tub, gym, solar powered common area lighting, guardhouse and electronic gate. Call soon, only a few units remain. Estimated delivery August 2015.

Only a precious few residences remain at Vista de Valencia situated just off the Waterloo corridor.

Amenities include a pool, large terraces, covered parking, solar powered common area lighting, reserve water, electronic gate, guard house and intercom system.

Kingston 6

Kingston 10

J$13.5M 1/1.5 BR – 650 sq. ft.

J$23M 2/2.5 BR– 1400 sq. ft.

J$13.5M – 650 sq. ft.

J$21M – 1300 sq. ft.

GATES OF DRUMBLAIR Rental

KINGS MANOR Rental

MLS#10203

MLS#11865

This sprawling 4,200sf residence will impress you with its high ceilings and elevated doorways, designed for truly comfortable living with large inviting rooms and adjoining balconies throughout.

Other features include the high quality cedar wood kitchen with granite slab countertops, dedicated dining room, patio, helper’s quarters, enclosed garage, solar water heater and reserve water.

Refined and well-appointed, this 1400sf fully furnished unit offers everything today’s experienced tenant demands. Attractively located steps away from the Loshusan shopping centre, the recently completed Kings Manor features a gym, pool, covered parking, elevator and 24 hour security with video surveillance.

Stylish, elegant rooms, fully equipped kitchen, amazing views, private balcony....an ideal base to call home!

Kingston 10

Rental – US$2500/Month

Valerie Levy and Associates Ltd.

134 Constant Spring Rd., Suite 23, Mid Spring Plaza, Kingston 8, Jamaica http://fb.me/ValerieLevyandAssociates

Kingston 6

Rental – US$2500/Month

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Developers’ Listing

Forest Ridge

WIHCON announces the start of Forest Ridge Development – a gated community conveniently located just five minutes from the foot of Red Hills.

The property conveys a sense of calm and serenity and is further enhanced by a captivating view of Kingston. The development will comprise in total 67 apartments and condos strategically located on 8.5 acres of land.

Apartments‌

A breath of fresh air in Red Hills!

67 apartments and condos on 8.5 acres

The apartment block will have 29 studios ranging in size from approximately 635sqft. to 800sqft., and 14 two-bedroom apartments each approximately 950sqft. . The development will also include 12 three-bedroom condos each approximately 1675 sqft. and 12 two-bedroom condos each approximately 1012 sqft.

Forest Ridge development has been designed to meet the needs of young couples who are establishing a family home and upwardly mobile young single professionals seeking to invest in real estate within the Kingston and St. Andrew area. The architects, Plexus Limited have sought to incorporate a modern approach to what might be considered a

traditional look by integrating shed roofs, arches, textures and bands. Potential purchasers will have the option to choose from a variety of functional floor plans that will each include high quality interior fixtures and finishes.

Forest Ridge development is projected to be completed by March 2016, and with units priced between app. $14million and $28 million this beautifully landscaped development with amenity features such as a club house and multi-purpose courts will announce your arrival home.

Proudly Presents

An exclusive gated community at Drax Hall. St. Ann Just 10 minutes away from the resort town of Ocho Rios.

www.kemtekjahomes.com

Model Units open daily 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Project approved by: St. Ann Parish Council (November 2012) Real Estate Board (March 2013) Mortgage Financing by: National Housing Trust Jamaica National Building Society Victoria Mutual Building Society National Commercial Bank Scotia Jamaica Building Society Attorneys-at-Law: Nunes Scholefield DeLeon & Company Shope 6E Pompano Commercial Complex, Tower Isle P.O., St. Mary Phone: (876) 975-4576, (876) 975-4762 Fax: (876) 975-4794 sales@kemtekjahomes.com

In House Features:

Development Amenities:

French Windows Solid Wood Cabinets in Kitchen & Bathroom Granite Counter Tops 20x20 Porcelain Floor Tiles Stone Coated Metal Roofing Solar Water Heater Paved Driveway

Club House Swimming Pool Multi-Purpose Court Children’s Play Area Parks

The Best of

Living

Inspired by

Nature 1/4 to 3/4 acre lots J$3.8 – $5.5 Million

Moorland Development is one of the most experienced real estate development and management group in Jamaica. Founded in 2001, the Company offers a comprehensive range of services that distinguishes itself from traditional Jamaican builders and developers.

Moorland Development currently has two significant projects in Manchester, Jamaica –

Features to Include

Moorlands Estates and Moorlands Manor

Property reserved for Commercial Centre to include: Supermarket Restaurant Food Stores

Club House Games Room Lounge/Gym Meeting Room Sports Park Multipurpose Sports Field

Park Area Kiddies playground to include swings, sand box and jungle gym.

Landscaped parks and gardens throughout the development.

Security A gated community with electronic access and security cameras throughout the development with 24-hour monitoring.

Lot 1 Moorlands Estate, P.O. Box 1974, Mandeville, Manchester, Jamaica Email: moorlandsestate@yahoo.ca • Website: www.moorlanddevelopment.com Tel: (876) 963-8047, 625-2298 • Cell: (876) 869-5410 • Fax: (876) 961-4327

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Be Aware

Affordable I Homes

t is arguably the biggest investment that an individual or a couple can ever make in their adult life and there is a lot that goes into ensuring the decision made is a sound one.

P&S offers more than just advice as to how to design and decorate your homes, we also facilitate you making good judgments that will bring you long term happiness.

One of the best judgment calls to make is knowing your price range and staying within budget. Not everyone can purchase a ten bedroom mansion overlooking the Caribbean Sea, but maybe a modest two-bedroom starter home is more in keeping with your pocket at this period in your life.

Here’s to finding the ideal, affordable home that speaks to you.

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80

POOR MAN’S CORNER, YALLAHS, ST. THOMAS, 35 MINUTES FROM KINGSTON

2 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom House - 740 sq. ft.

Average Lot Size - 4000 sq. ft.

For:

J$7.95M* 6% Deposit $477,000 Closing Costs $301,700 Expected completion date: February 2015 *Subject to certified escalation.

Model Unit now open for viewing!

Mortgage financing available to those qualified through NHT, SJBS and JNBS.

Features include:

Places & Spaces

Developed by: H. Mahfood & Sons Limited

• Solar water heater • Recreational park

Contractors & Administrators: Subdivision & Housing Limited

• ALU sheeting roof • Ceramic tiles

Quantity Surveyor: Davidson and Hanna

• 6’ wide front porch

Commissioned Land Surveyor: Lofters & Associates

• French windows

Attorneys-at-Law Hart Muirhead Fatta

• Gated community • Fitted kitchen

• Huge lots for expansion

Approved by: St. Thomas Parish Council, NEPA and Real Estate Board.

Our Suppliers Tropicair, our exclusive Manufacturer and Supplier of all UPVC windows and Alu-Steel Roofing (876) 923-8621-5

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Exclusive provider of all paints, Trowel-on, Flat & Semi-gloss emulsion & Sure Cote (876) 901-3030

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Be Creative

The

In-Law – an option for your extended family

D

Suite

o you know that one of the hottest trends in real estate now is the in-law suite? Yes, those often very cute homes that people are adding on their properties seem to be

popping up everywhere these days and when family members move on or out, these

buildings can eventually provide extra rental income.

The in-law suite refers to accessory dwelling units, or ADUs which are secondary living

spaces created on a lot with an existing house. The building can be attached to the main house at the back or to the side. They are also called granny flats or studio apartments and offer a less-expensive housing option for a relative, like your mother-in-law (hence the name).

Most are self-sufficient or self-contained so no one will be walking through your living room

to get a glass of juice and if you wake up groggy at four in the morning, no one will be in your bathroom to give you an unexpected, not to mention, unpleasant surprise!

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Though we have no local statistics on ADUs, in the United States it is reported that some 3.9 million homes have 3 or more generations living together, consisting of either younger

family members living with able-bodied parents to pool their finances in a bad economy; grandparents who help

with babysitting, or older children who have gone through a divorce, lost a job or are simply in transition.

A well designed in-law suite can make sharing a household way more enjoyable as everyone is not living on top of each

other and not only are there separate entrances, but privacy is key if you do not want to see them every single day.

The layout of the suite is very important, especially if it is for

an individual who is older as they will want to enjoy a level of

autonomy and be comfortable in their own space. The unit

should ideally be fully functional with a kitchen or kitchenette,

bedroom, bathroom and if space allows they can even have their own living room to entertain, enjoy their hobbies and show off their mementos and pictures of their grand children.

With older family members you have to ensure that the suite is

at ground or lower level as stairs may become a problem for them to navigate as they advance in age. The bath should also be such that they can get in and out easily, so a sunken tub is

not ideal. A walk-in tub or a trackless shower would be a good

addition and forget about vinyl as this can be slippery and cause serious injury if they fall. Also, an elevated commode

would be desirable as a traditional toilet seat may not be easy to use, for those with severe arthritis. It is essential as well to install grab bars in the bathroom.

Create a cute little nook or space for them to look out of, or

plant a little garden for them to tend, and try to incorporate

a lot of natural light. Some persons, when retired, do fall into depression and the more light and sunshine they get, the better. As much as you know they value their privacy, check

up on them to make sure they are managing well and if they are keen on the idea, get them a pet to take care of as animals offer a source of comfort to a lot of people.

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Be Creative

How to have a successful

Yard Sale W

hether you are moving house, getting out of a bad relationship or just regular spring cleaning to

part with stuff you no longer use, it is always fun and practical to have a yard sale. There’s no good reason not to make a few extra dollars off items to which you do not mind saying adios.

So what do you need to know and do to have a great sale? Well, first of all you need a good location as

this is what will determine how many people see your signs and how many will turn up at the appointed

day and time. You need foot traffic such as people going to and from the supermarket, hairdresser, shopping, etc. who will take the time to stop, browse, shop and leave their last dollar with you.

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Pick a good day for a sale. Consult with your friendly weather man for the forecast and plan it on a sunny but not too hot day. Forget

about holidays as most people will be out of town. Saturdays are the best days for a sale of any kind.

When making flyers/posters advertising the actual yard sale, use bright festive colours, preferably neon ones if you have them and

make the print big so that people who wear glasses can read them easily. Make the flyers funny and ensure the time and date

stand out by highlighting those areas. Send emails to all your friends and ask them to forward it to like-minded persons who love a good bargain.

At least two days before the big sale, organise your items appropriately. For example, all electronic items, all toys, all

clothing, games and books should be grouped because people

tend to browse among what they already have an interest in.

Hence, book worms will feel right at home at the book station while antique seekers will gravitate toward your grandmother’s china right away.

Now no matter how you think you are over something, do NOT put

things in the sale that have sentimental value. You will regret parting

with them afterward or be unable to part with them at all and find excuses when confronted by buyers who are interested in them. Do everyone a favour and just put them to one side in the house.

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Price everything beforehand so as not to cause any confusion

but still expect a few people to haggle over the prices stated.

If you really want items to go, do not make them expensive.

Remember, the whole aim is not to load all that stuff back IN the house at the end of the day

Make sure you go to the bank and get lots of change in coins and small denominations so that creating change for shoppers is not an issue.

Establish a ‘no return’ and ‘if you break it you’ve bought it’ policy on all items. You don’t want people coming back for

their money days later when they have buyers’ remorse. All sales are final.

Get help. There is no way you can man all stations and keep an

eye on all the things you have on display, so have a few friends or your family members volunteer to help out and you just keep your eyes firmly on the cash pan.

For stuff that you have a lot of, give discounts or have a ‘buy three-get-one’ offer so that they move fast.

Be upbeat, smiling and courteous. Nobody wants to shop where the ambience is dull and the sales person has a sour face. We

already know that customer service in Jamaica is poor at times so do not add to that general sentiment. Courtesy goes a far way in making people purchase and sending others your way.

Have an added incentive for people to stop by. That is, draw

people to the yard sale with music, a few balloons out front and the ‘piece de resistance’ - some free lemonade or cookies.

Yep, we all know Jamaican people love freeness! The more fun people have, the more money they will spend!

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Great

Be Informed

Plants

for the Indoors S

o you have painted, installed the perfect lighting, bought an awesome piece from your favourite fine artist and thrown in a nice rug that you can kick off your shoes and just sink

your feet in. However, something seems missing. Like a touch of green, so maybe some foliage is in order.

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House plants are awesome and a good way to bring warmth and homeliness into your living space and yes, there is a perfect plant just for you. They are also a great dĂŠcor feature. Be advised

that with children and pets you do have to take some things into consideration and be mindful of how our tropical climate affects these plants as well.

Growing and caring for plants indoors does not have to be difficult

or something you face with trepidation as most are easy enough to care for. With some thought and creativity you can make it seem

like a little indoor green space with your own floral focal point, especially if you incorporate a mini water feature nearby.

Caring for plants indoors does not have to be difficult‌ 1. Lucky bamboo plant. From the Dracaena species that was originally favoured as an office plant, it can survive in tough conditions with little

water and varying weather conditions. Considered

to be a lucky charm, this plant is said to bring its owners an abundance of positive energy.

2. Croton Plants are gorgeous and like many rainforest plants, have shiny, sleek leaves and can make any space attractive. With adequate light and high humidity, they will be right at home in your space.

3. Amazon Elephant’s Ears may be common,

but they are nevertheless distinctive and rather regal with huge, arrow-shaped green leaves. They

thrive well indoors and offer up seasonal displays of wonderful foliage.

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House plants are‌ a good way to bring warmth and homeliness into your living space Anthuriums are very tropical and valued for their

stately, bright flowers. They may at times be challenging to cultivate but the rewards are immense as they make

any room almost an oasis. Anthuriums need bright, but not direct sunlight.

‘Dumb Cane’ or Dieffenbachia is a magnificently

beautiful plant with pointed, broad leaves in a variety of

combinations of green and white. A large, well-grown

Dieffenbachia can reach five feet, with leaves of a foot

or more. The so-called dumb cane gets its name from its milky sap, which is a mild irritant and should be kept from bare skin.

Spider Plant or Chlorophytum Comosum is actually a flowering perennial herb that is native to tropical and southern Africa, but has become naturalized in other

parts of the world. It is not particular about its watering schedule or the weather and is best suited as an

ornamental dangle mainly due to the variety of colours that are perfectly displayed in a hanging position.

Bromeliads are a species rated high amongst the best house plants that require full sunlight. They require a

lot of warmth, a regular watering schedule and high humidity. While a bit tricky to manage at first, it is worth pursuing to see those extravagant flower spikes.

Well, I really don’t know what else to do!!!

You lock up the house and leave the yard unattended. This is a common mistake of absentee property/home owners. It doesn’t take too long before the yard is overgrown and the house attains that unlived-in, abandoned dullness. This type of situation is slowly ringing up the ‘ka-ching’. Minor repair problems can quickly grow big – seriously depreciating the sale and rental value of the property. Beyond the damage by weather and related decay, unmonitored and unmaintained properties are at a much higher risk of being burglarized or invaded by squatters.

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Be Energized

Lose the

Salt

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L

et us be honest right away: Jamaicans have a love affair with salt. From

sprinkling our Avocado and dousing our June plum, to shaking it all over our breakfast eggs, we just cannot seem to put the salt shaker down.

And we need to, as cutting back on our salt intake will go a far way in lowering our

blood pressure and therefore lengthening our lives. We take more sodium into our

bodies than we should and some health experts recommend us having less than 1,500 milligrams (mg) of sodium each day. That is less than a teaspoon from all your meals and snacks. Wow, talk about a serious cut back!

What is so dangerous about salt anyway? While a little bit is essential, a diet high in sodium can cause strain on the heart. When we consume excess salt, it stays

in our bloodstream, attracting water and creating a greater volume of blood. That,

in turn, increases blood pressure as the heart has to work harder and the arteries

endure more to move more blood. High blood pressure increases the likelihood that a blood vessel will rupture, causing a cardiac event.

Our diet plays a large part in our blood pressure level, and those whose are excessively high are twice as likely to suffer a stroke compared to those who have consistently normal (a reading of 120/80) blood pressure.

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Now letting go may not be easy for some and you may need to

give your body and taste buds time to adjust to the change. Many of us have developed a preference for salty flavours due to years of eating manufactured foods with a high salt content as well as the use of salt as seasoning. Initially when you reduce your salt

intake foods tend to taste bland, but after two or three weeks you will start to taste the real and delicious flavour of natural food. You

would also be surprised to find out which foods add the most salt

to our diets. Everyday foods which push up our salt intake include

bread, salads, sandwiches, soups, processed and smoked meat, fish, cheese, cooking and table sauces.

The following methods are proven to lessen our salt intake as we

all want to enjoy a healthy life as we advance in age, otherwise we well ‘salt’.

Let go of the salt shaker. That is the first habit you have to break

– automatically reaching for the salt shaker every time you sit down to a meal. Table salt is about 40% sodium, so avoid it at all cost.

Read your food labels carefully. When you are in the supermarket make sure you have your glasses on and read the back of boxes and cans as most processed foods have sodium galore.

Shop natural. Why not just go to the market and get your produce fresh. It is better for you, your overall diet and your heart. It will

thank you profusely. By cooking your own food you absolutely control what is in it.

Cut back on the fast food purchases. Seriously, do you know how much salt you ingest when you go to KFC or other quick service restaurants?! Those foods that our palates have become

accustomed to are loaded with sodium, not to mention fats and other things that are detrimental to us in the long run. Avoid them.

Make it a once in a while thing and not a daily meal.

Always add salt afterward. When preparing your own food, always add salt at the end. This way you add less.

Go with the sea. Yes, sea salt is a healthy option to use.

Flavour your pot with herbs and spices. Forget the powdered seasoning as they are all about sodium and its many varied ‘cousins’ lurking in disguise. Chop up those onions, garlic and

tomatoes and slowly stir for the best effect. They taste even better than salt and are good for you.

When dining out ask about your salt options. You can ask that the chef prepare your food with low or no salt. If the restaurant is of any quality, that should not be a problem.

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Your

Be Informed

Strata

Corporation and You

T

he Registration (Strata Titles) Act was enacted to regulate the relationship between the registered proprietor and

the strata corporation. The Act was amended in 2009 to

establish the Commission of Strata Corporations responsible

1. To insure the building and keep it insured for the value of the replacement cost;

2. To apply the insurance money received in respect of damage to rebuilding and reinstating the building;

for monitoring, regulating and supervising the actions and conduct of the strata corporations. Further amendments under the 2009 Act included detailing the duties and responsibilities

of the corporation when seeking to and exercising its power of sale.

A strata corporation consists of the proprietors of all the

strata lots contained in any strata plan upon registration of the strata plan. The corporation must then, within ninety days

after becoming a body corporate, make an application to the

Commission for registration under the Registration (Strata Titles) Act and pay the fee to be prescribed from time to time.

The strata corporation is a legal entity capable of suing and being sued.

Upon attaining the status of a body corporate under the Act and

being registered by the Commission, the strata corporation has the following duties under the Act:

3. To maintain the common property and keep it in a state of good and serviceable repair; and

4. To comply with any reasonable request for the age and addresses of the members of the executive committee.

The Act empowers the strata corporation to: 1.

Establish a fund for administrative expenses for the control, management and administration of the common property and for the payment of any premiums of insurance;

2. Determine from time to time the amount to be raised for

the fund and to raise amounts so determined by levying contributions on the proprietors in proportion to the unit entitlement of their respective lots;

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Recover from any proprietor, by an action for debt in any court

of competent jurisdiction, any sum of money expended by the

corporation for repairs to or work done by it, or at its direction in complying with any notice or order by a competent public or

local authority in respect of that portion of the building which constitutes or includes the strata lot of that proprietor; 4.

Enter any strata lot and effect repairs and;

5. Exercise a power of sale. The strata’s right to exercise a power

of sale is its greatest power. Where a registered proprietor

fails, neglects or refuses to pay, all or any part of the stipulated contributions for more than thirty (30) days, the corporation is entitled to exercise its power of sale.

Prior to exercising its power of sale, the Corporation must satisfy the Commission that it

has taken all reasonable measures to

recover the sum owing and has acted in accordance with the Act.

The Registration (Strata Titles) (Amendment) Act 2013 has

significantly extended the power of the corporation when exercising its power of sale.

Prior to the Registration ( Strata Titles) ( Amendment) Act 2013,

a corporation had to first obtain an order for vacant possession of the property before exercising its power of sale. The 2013

amendment to the Act has removed the mandatory requirement that the corporation apply to the Court for such an order before exercising its power of sale.

The most significant amendment to the Act is that it now allows for the cancellation of the existing Duplicate Certificate of Title and

facilitates the issuing of a new one. The Corporation may apply to the Registrar of Titles to cancel the Certificate of Title (“former

certificate of title”) for any strata lot within the corporation’s responsibility and request the registration of a new certificate in the name of the registered proprietor or an intended purchaser, in

The corporation must ensure that:

place of the former certificate of title and duplicate.

1. The proprietor has been in default for more than thirty days (30);

An application for a new Duplicate Certificate of Title can be made

2. Notice in writing is given to the proprietor, his agent (if any)

the corporation has never been in possession of the Duplicate of

and the mortgagee (if any) of the outstanding sum and interest

accruing on that sum and the period for which said sum and interest is outstanding. This outstanding sum must be set out in a statement of account.

3. The notice must be in writing and is considered proper notice if it is given to the registered proprietor or an agent personally,

left on some conspicuous part of the strata lot; or sent to

the registered proprietor, via registered mail, to the address

provided by the registered proprietor or the address on the Duplicate Certificate of Title.

4. The registered proprietor must be given thirty days after the date of the notice to pay the outstanding contributions;

5. If the proprietor fails to pay within thirty days after being notified

where the corporation has or intends to exercise its power of sale, Certificate of Title and requires it to produce title to the purchaser, or the corporation has requested the title from the registered proprietor

mortgagee or any other person with custody of the title and the title is not produced within 14 days.

What does this mean for a registered proprietor of a strata lot? A

registered proprietor of a strata lot must ensure that his contributions are up to date and that he receives and retains the necessary proof

of payment. A registered proprietor who has failed to pay the relevant

contributions for more than 30 days and continues in default 30

days after he is properly notified of the default is at risk of losing his rights to his lot, as the Strata Corporation now becomes entitled to exercise its right to sell his lot. Such a sale can now legally proceed

even if he is still living in the lot or if he refuses to provide the strata corporation with the Duplicate Certificate of Title.

of the default, then the corporation has a right to sell by public treaty or private auction;

6. The proprietor is allowed to lodge an appeal, which will halt

the sale, but can only do so if he has paid at least 50% of the amount reflected in the corporation’s statement of account as being outstanding.

Where the Commission is satisfied that the necessary steps were taken to retrieve the sums owing and that the appropriate notice was

given, it issues a certificate to the strata corporation allowing it to

proceed with the sale. The corporation may only exercise its power of sale where it has received a certificate in the prescribed form from the Commission.

Devine White

Attorney-at-Law Associate

Hylton & Hylton

Attorneys-at-Law

19 Norwood Avenue Kingston 5

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Be Proactive

Container

Gardening

101

F

or many of us urban dwellers, a backyard

is a luxury. The good news is that there are many edible plants that grow well

in containers. You don’t need acres of land.

There are few things more satisfying in life than planting and growing your own food. A meal that has been prepared with fresh ingredients

grown and gathered from your own backyard just tastes better.

What you need to get started: Containers

The pots you choose for your garden should be at least 10” in diameter for vegetables and 6-8”

for herbs. Make sure there are drainage holes

in the bottoms of the pots. If you are using a decorative ceramic pot, you can drill holes in

the bottom or use a plastic pot liner with holes so that the water can drain properly.

Soil

One of the biggest challenges a container gardener will experience is compacted soil. To

ensure that the soil stays light and arable, use a mixture of vermiculite, peat and compost.

Small rocks or pebbles

Proper drainage is very important to a successful

container garden. Before planting, place at least 1” of gravel in the bottom of the pot.

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Full sunlight

Peppers

Melon

need at least 6 hours of full sunlight. Choose

vegetable, Peppers require minimal space

climbing vines, however, there is a variety of

For vegetable plants to produce a crop, they a sunny location on your balcony, front stoop, picture window or even your roof-

top. That said, containers heat up quickly

and the soil can dry out if the plants are overexposed to direct midday sun. Be sure

to check your plants at least twice daily to see if they need water.

As stated earlier, practically any plant can be

grown in a container. You can either start your plants from seeds or you can purchase young

starter plants from your local nursery. Here is a list of some home gardening favorites!

By

far

the

most

popular

homegrown

vegetable, Tomatoes come in many different varieties. Try planting a number of pots that

include Cherry, Plummy and slicing Tomatoes.

The larger varieties may need the additional

support of a stake or trellis once the Tomatoes start coming on.

and yield a large crop. From sweet Bell Peppers to fiery Scotch Bonnets, try growing a variety.

Like Cucumbers, Melons typically grow on

midget Melons that take up less space. One plant will yield several sweet Melons that look and taste like Cantaloupe.

Cucumbers

Herbs

variety of Cucumber that makes an excellent

with common kitchen herbs. Some favorites

Typically a climbing vine, there is a bush container plant.

Plant Options for your Container Garden:

Tomatoes

Probably, the second most popular garden

Scallions

Most of us associate container gardening include: Basil, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Mint, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, and Thyme.

The shallow roots of Scallions make them

Edible Flowers

Unlike Onions or Garlic, Scallions never form

too! They are sure to brighten up any meal.

a perfect choice for container gardening. a bulb and will grow in a compact space.

Greens

From Callaloo to Cabbage, greens are easy

to grow and make an excellent addition to your container garden. Most greens including

Swiss Chard, and many varieties of Lettuce, prefer cooler weather and shade. It would be wise to plant your greens in the fall and winter months.

Flowers are not just pretty to look at, but tasty

Most edible flowers have a peppery or spicy taste like Nasturtiums and Marigolds. Others

offer a sweet or mild flavor such as Lavender and Basil flowers. Squash blossoms from the Zucchini plants can be stuffed with your favorite filling and then fried.

Remember to have fun in your garden!

Grow plants that you love or plants that you are curious about. If you have questions or

concerns about your garden, add a comment or visit your local garden center. There are also some wonderful resources on the internet.

Happy Growing!

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Be Informed

W

hen you begin your search to purchase a home it is a must that you look past the initial presentation of the property.

This applies not only to stand-alone homes but also

townhouses and apartments. In some instances there are flaws,

defects or damages which are not readily identifiable. Take a closer look! Most times, these are known of by the vendor (the person/s selling) but not necessarily disclosed to the real estate agent. In

these cases, the vendor tries to cover up the problem. The agent

should however have taken the time to do a proper inspection of the property prior to your introduction. Unfortunately, this is not done in

all cases. Therefore, since you are the one purchasing, the onus is also on you to ensure that “What you see is what you get�.

Look for any visible water damage on the ceilings, in the bathrooms, under

Perils Buying & The

of

Renting

Property

the basins, inside of cabinets, under the kitchen sink, inside the kitchen

cupboards and in the laundry room. Keep an eye out for insects, for example ants and roaches. Look for ant nests, roach droppings or roach

eggs. Where roaches are seen in bathrooms or bathtubs it is usually an indication that they are possibly coming up from a cistern, sewer pipe or

manhole. Believe it or not, look also for rat droppings inside the property or holes in the yard indicating nests and/or breeding places. There may be unwanted occupants in possession.

Enquire if the property has a pit or is connected to central sewage. If there’s a pit, ask when it was last emptied. Walk around the yard, look at

the boundary fences or walls to see their condition. If cracks are evident in the foundation or the exterior walls, you must engage the services of an engineer to assess the situation. It could be something as simple as the settling of the earth in a dumped up area or a lot worse, like the shifting

of the foundation. Look up at the roof (where possible) for any lifted or missing shingles or tiles indicating damage or recent repairs done. You will notice the difference in color as the older shingles would have faded.

If it is a slab roof (concrete) have it professionally inspected.

A serious problem is termites. Get a Pre-purchase or pre-renting Termite

Clearance report done. In Jamaica termites live above ground in ceilings, behind walls, underground in soil, on trees and in furniture.

Brown trails or grains can usually be seen on surfaces,

trails are often seen going up walls, coming from ceilings or protruding from walls. And remember, termites that survive

standard treatments, even in walls, can regenerate new

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nests within months. If termites are present, the property will need to be treated by a professional in that field. Untreated termites attack not only wood but will go through your books and papers at an alarming pace and will then move

Trained Roof Crew

DAY

on to your clothing. Termites are extremely destructive.

1

Don’t get stuck with additional unseen expenses along with your purchase.

Very safe air and living space fogs and baits

When renting you also need to go through the same motions. You may not be buying, but you will be occupying the property for the mutually agreed term. This

Walls & Furniture Detail Crew

agreed by both parties, for example a month-to-month

Special air/skin safe formulas

agreement comes in the form of a lease, unless otherwise

tenancy or a short term lease. If the property you rent/

lease is furnished make sure you are provided with a full

inventory of the contents which must be checked off by

DAY

2

Take a close look at the condition of the property which is being presented, both inside and outside, depending

on the type of property which is being rented. This will provide you with a clear indication of the Landlord’s or the Strata’s upkeep of the property.

Expert Floor Crew

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both yourself and the landlord at the time of the signing.

3

FREE ESTIMATES!

Inner floor & outer trench subfloor chemicals and pegs

DAY

4

Once a tenant has moved in, some landlords will not readily

Trees & Fences

do or want to do repairs which may be required during the

Outdoor weatherresistant formulas

occupation. Not acceptable! These people are considered

‘Slumlords’. Believe it or not, there are persons out there who put properties on the market for rent knowing of infestations and other problems and will also deny or not disclose that they exist. If you happen to be unfortunate and find yourself

renting from one of these persons, you may be forced to

share your abode with unwanted squatters until you are able to relocate. Vermin like rats, roaches and ants don’t show themselves until you have moved your groceries in. There’s nothing on the menu until you set up the buffet.

If you find yourself in this kind of situation your best option is to contact the Rent Board. They will provide you with the assistance you need to get the fair treatment which is due to you.

Whether you buy or you rent, you are entitled to get what

you pay for. I have provided you with a basic checklist to guide you on your way to finding your suitable residence.

Good luck with your search!

Betty Phillipps

realtyvenus@gmail.com

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Thank You P

laces & Spaces wishes to express its sincerest gratitude to

those individuals and companies that continue to make our work

possible. We invite all of our stakeholders to keep supporting our

efforts in 2015and beyond as we endeavour to deliver more value for money to you our faithful advertisers.

Advertisers

Active Traders Alcor

Architectural Windows & Doors CaribPest Courts

Creative Building Finishes

Eden Gardens

First Global Bank

FosRich Group of Companies Hardware & Lumber Home & Things HSB Security

Developers

Fullon Properties Gore Homes

H. Mahfood & Sons Limited

Kemtek Development & Construction MJC MasterBuilders Limited Moorland Development

Richmond Development Company West Indies Home Contractors Selective Homes

Treboeth Developers Ltd.

Hylton & Hylton

Realtors

Jennifer Messado & Co.

Cavendish

NCB

DC Tavares & Finson

Spaces Limited

Inez Turner

Victoria Mutual Building Society

Remax

Jamaica National Building Society

ASK Property Services

La Maison

Century 21

New Look Kitchen & Interiors

GM Realty

Spectrum Systems

La Maison Property Services

Victoria Mutual Property Services

Valerie Levy

Don’t Miss an Issue!

Places & Spaces offers readers only the best in real estate intelligence for the island of Jamaica. Distributed to subscribers islandwide, and

available at leading newsstands, pharmacies, supermarkets, as well as at numerous high traffic locations, this publication is a must-read for those seeking cutting-edge information to guide their investment decisions, and informative articles on a broad range of topics including trends, destination features, renovation advice, and general tips for buyers, sellers and investors. Also available from Realtors islandwide.

Also available in Digital Format

Published by 71-73 Montgomery Avenue, Kingston 10 Tel: (876) 929-2623 • 929-6089 Fax: (876) 920-5158 E-mail: info@mapcoprinters.com Web: www.mapcoprinters.com