Wow check this out!

Copyright 2006 World Markets Research Limited;All Rights Reserved World Markets Analysis January 30, 2006 IN BRIEF 327 words Tourist Arrivals Set New Record in 2005 in Dominican Republic Juan Pablo Fuentes Tourist arrivals by air increased 7.9% in 2005, thus reaching a new yearly record. Indeed, the number of tourist arrivals reached 4,081,295 in 2005, up from 3,783,628 people a year earlier. Of that total, 3,088,247 (or 76%) represented foreign tourists; the rest were either foreigners living in the Dominican Republic or Dominicans (both resident and non-resident). Foreign tourist arrivals grew by 7.5% year-on-year over 2005. The arrival of Dominican residents (either nationals or foreigners) increased at double-digit rates in 2005 thanks to improved economic conditions and stability of the exchange rate. By region of origin, 47.1% of foreign tourists came from North America (mostly the United States and Canada) while 45.2% came from Europe (with Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and the U.K. leading). View the rest of the Story here: http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=616&topicId=12552&docId=l:349780157&start=14

It isn't hard to see that building is booming on the North Coast especially in the Sosua/Cabarete area because you can't help but notice. This has to do with the LOW price of real estate here in my opinion. If you compare the DR to any other Island in the Caribbean NONE are as diverse nor as beautiful as the Dominican Republic with possibly the exception of Cuba but I don't even consider Cuba because of the present type of government.

Compare the price of the DR to any other place and this place is a BARGAIN. Prices have gone up pretty dramatically in the last couple of years but still below the prices here many years before that. I purchased a condo that originally sold for close to 200k for 60k and now it is worth about 150k but soon to go to 200k in my view. This place feels like it is about to Rocket!

I retired from the Real Estate business in the US 6 years ago and am playing around a little here in the Dominican Republic now. Feels just like the early 80's in NY right now here. It is pretty exciting and it seems that everyone who is involved is doing well.

I also see real estate quiet down when tourism is slow here and pick up when the area is busy. I don't know if they are directly related but it is very noticeable.

Hasta Pronto!