Wanna Live for Free?

Listen people, this is not for everybody, however I did it with a clear focus, living modest, and working extra shifts.
Some distractions along the way, because this is life, and it was a long term plan of mine, to live rent free, and in a couple of years, I will have achieved it. The year of my focus is the year 2022.

Living free, and pay no rent, that sounds so great, but it is not easy at all to achieve it. At this moment I still pay a little to live in a tiny house (32m2/ 300 sq.ft. apartment) however in some years that will be reduced to o.

How did I start and how can you create this life too?

I found myself a full-time job, on a location where I knew I could spend my weekends on the beach, and enjoy time outdoors every day of the year and spend tropical years on an island, without winter, snow, and cold weather, all the way South in the Caribbean. No desire to go on vacation since I had my ideal beach located within 10 minutes drive from my house (a rental).

I only knew 2 people in Aruba, and that was enough for me. I knew that during my days off, I wanted to enjoy, have fun, and work towards something for the future.

From my salary, which is not high at all in the Caribbean, I tried to safe some money each month, which was hard, and did not go as fast as I expected.
During that time I kept my costs low, no smoking, little alcohol every now and then, no Starbucks, no gym membership, no pedicure, no children and so on.

Once I saved enough after many years, to put a down payment to buy a small piece of land, I asked the bank for a loan, and showed them my pay slips, proof of savings, and a letter from my employer, and they approved.

I was over the moon happy. It is all about making choices in life, and this is what I choose to do for me.

fixxer upper in Aruba

For the next 4 to 5 years, after I sign the loan agreement, all money earned I lived from, plus put into paying off that bank loan for that plot of land, so each month I wired a little extra to the bank, to be done as soon as was possible in my situation. The bank allowed me pay of the loan sooner without extra penalties, so a great opportunity for me.

Once I paid of the loan for that parcel of property land, I spoke to a mortgage specialist, to request a mortgage in order to build a house on my land.

The deposit for that mortgage, was my land.

So no savings used, only during the first 4 to 5 years, paid of the land, used that land parcel to use as down payment for a mortgage to build a house.
It takes time, I know, but you do have the time. As long as you want this as bad as I wanted this, and have an income, you can do this too.

result of the house built on that parcel of land

Do you want to read to rest of the story and learn more? 

Please leave your email address in the link on the top of this blog, and I will send you the rest of the story.

I am here to assist you, no costs, free of charge.

2020 March update from Aruba

This morning at 8am I went to visit the Palm Beach hotel area, to take some pictures of the ocean, and surroundings and I kept my distance from anyone around me, just in case..
That time of day is always my favorite time to go for a walk; is not too hot, not too crowded, and very quiet. All things I need to stay sane.
Shops were open as usual, people were jogging, restaurants all open, and hotel-/ beach staff was present at work. No sight of gloves, masks, nor any other indication that these are scary times in the world.

Hospital currently holds 2 people in quarantine for around 2 weeks, these men arrived to Aruba from the U.S.A. and have tested positive on the Corona virus.
Yesterday the Aruba government closed the flights from Europe to Aruba, till the end of this month.
by then will re-evaluate the situation.

 the tel. nr. (+297) 2800101 is the number to call when being in Aruba "one happy island" in case you have a fever and have problem breathing. Do not go to a doctor if you suspect you have Corona virus. Just call that number, they will explain you what to do, and stay where you are, in isolation.
Be safe, wash your hands, use common sense, take care.

A very happy 2020

2020; there is something in these numbers that speak to all of us;
roundness, similarity, chances & challenges, and for me;
another year to write about Aruba, post pictures of the beautiful beaches and sunsets, sell homes and condo's, help people find their dreamhome and perhaps even move to this happy Caribbean island.

Always wanted to know what it takes to be able to move to Aruba, rent or buy a place and enjoy the sunshine and calm life, let me know.

I am here to assist. 

Email me your questions/ comments to miriam@arubahouses.com

and I will get back to you shortly.

Have a good one!

 

Real estate buyers, read this

Lots of information and tips about investing in Aruba, for first time buyers on the #onehappyisland of #Aruba
See link;
http://www.arubahouses.com/Useful_info.htm
If you have any comment/ question please contact me at; miriam@arubahouses.com

Disney cruise stops in Aruba, come and join Mickey and his friends

Aruba is so happy to welcome all Disney lovers

See below the link to the Disney cruise website 

https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/list/?filteredPort=ports_aruba

Greek night in Bistro Suikertuin Aruba

Greek night in Bistro Suikertuin Aruba.
See link to make a reservation;
https://www.facebook.com/suikertuin/

Located in Oranjestad, just pass Que Pasa and walk towards El Gaucho.
Indoor and/or outdoor breakfast, lunch/ brunch, dinner.

+297 582 6322

Such a fun morning, Aruba mermaid photoshoot, getting over my shyness

 @zwemmenmetleo

 Leo also teaches children to swim with a mermaid tail

Rumor has it; Mermaids will visit Aruba

Today I hope to witness a Mermaid sighting.
Somewhere in Aruba on a sandy beach, location is a secret, there is a change we will be able to see a Mermaid in the ocean. Mermaid sightings are very rare nowadays, because less people believe in them. I believe, so I have a chance in spotting them. I will wear anything I have Mermaidy, to see if my sisters will come to shore.

I will bring my camera too and will post anything interesting here on this blog, once mermaids are seen. If this week they do not show, I will go back tomorrow and update you.

Real Estate tips for buying in Aruba

Buy land, a condo or a home on Aruba.

Very often we hear from our clients that they were told that non-residents cannot buy land, a condominium or a home in Aruba. We can tell you that these stories are not true. All non-residents can buy land or a house in Aruba going through the same process as the Aruban residents. They can buy a home on property land as well as on long lease land.

Long Lease land

Besides property land you can buy a house which is built on lease land. This land is owned by the Land of Aruba and the lease is for 60 years.

A yearly fee is paid for these lease rights. After the 60 years, the lease period will automatically be extended with another 60 years. The only thing that might happen when the lease period is extended is an increase in the yearly fee.

Most of the houses situated in Arashi, Malmok, Tierra del Sol, Topaz, Safir, Esmeralda, Ruby, Opal, Salinja Serca and Palm Beach are built on lease land. Many non-residents have bought there and will keep buying in those areas although the homes are built on lease land!

The reason they keep buying houses in those areas is because of their locations. These areas are close to the spas, golf course, tennis courts and shopping malls. Another huge advantage is the distance to the ocean.

Condo projects

Currently there are several condo projects in development on Aruba. For more information about these projects, you can contact us and we will be more than happy to assist you. 

Taxes

The most attractive fact when you are thinking of buying a house in Aruba is that the costs related to the ownership of a house or land are very low.

The only yearly tax you have to pay is called land tax. This land tax is usually based on the selling price. The first USD 34.000 is free of tax. On average you pay USD 4 per USD 1.000.