Arizona Fitness Pros Want to Escape the Heat by Buying a Second Home in Fiji
Region
Oceania
Country
Fiji
http://www.koroisland.org/koroisland/
Highlights of location
Climate
Mid 80s in the winter and 70s in the summer with the humidity and precipitation being the primary difference. Remember that the seasons in Fiji are opposite from those in the states. Summer from November to April is the rainy season and prone to Cyclones. Winter from May to October is the dry season with less humidity, generally 70% and cooling breezes.
Geography/Topography (mountains, seashore, city)
Volcanic tropical island, sixth largest island in Fiji.
Attractions
Snorkeling, diving, fishing, village cultural events such as the turtle calling ceremony. Koro Island is working hard to be self sufficient from outside sources of power and encourage green homes.
Links
http://www.koroonline.com/koroonline/
Names of Buyers
Nichole and Jeremy
Where are they from?
Chandler, Arizona
No children and very flexible jobs.
Jeremy is a writer so would like inspiration from a mountains or ocean view. He also has an online fitness business. Nichole is a personal trainer.
Very hot climate which they would like to escape during the summer months.
4 Bedroom + 2 Bath home in 2100sf
Small dog.
Why are they buying a home internationally?
People are friendly in Fiji. Climate is fantastic for escaping from the Arizona summers.
Wish list
400K
Koro Island
Need a good kitchen since they eat 6-8 times a day.
Want a lot of light and windows.
Names of Realtors
- Dean Studebaker, Agent, Compass Group International
Website: www.compassproperties.net - Joe Soecker, Fiji Real Estate and Taveuni Development Company
http://www.fijirealestate.com/fijirealestatecom/
House Search
House #1
Large Two Storey
Two storey house with 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths in 3500sf.
Size
Just under an acre
Listing Price
$350K
Special Features
The house features dual master bedrooms on the top floor, high ceilings in the living room, a very open floor plan and great views of the water and a sandbar.
Local Influence
There is a Rooster that can be used as an alarm clock at no extra charge. Pine is native to the island and is used in the living room columns and for the kitchen countertops.
Pros
Great decks and ocean views.
Cons
No stove/oven in kitchen. Exterior isn’t much to look at.
House #2
Javanese Style
$350K
This historic 300 year old Joglo house sits high above the trees on Four acres of land and consists of one large open space with one bedroom sectioned off by a carved mantle. The bathroom is in a separate building next to the house.
300 year old house brought from Bali and put together piece by piece.
All of the furniture is included.
Special Features
The house was brought from Bali and put back together piece by piece. The Joglo is the center ceiling which supports the house. The mantle separating the bedroom from the rest of the space was carved in 1883.
Pros
Lots of personality and history in this house.
Cons
Only one bedroom and bathroom.
House #3
On The Waterfront
$350K
This 2 bedroom, 1 bath home in 1550sf sits steps from the water.
Special Features
The living room is very open and bright with white ceilings and exposed beams. There are solar panels and a back-up generator providing power.
Local Influence
River rock from the local river was used in the kitchen and bathroom rather than tile.
Pros
The house sits right near the water with spectacular views from the bedrooms.
Cons
The wall in the bathroom doesn’t go all the way to the ceiling leaving the occupants feeling a little out in the open.
The sitting room faces the hillside rather than the ocean.
Which house was selected and why?
Chose #1
Gorgeous decks. Enough space for family and friends plus offices. Bought for $325.
Final remarks?
Do morning workouts with new friends. Added some local flowers and some personal furniture touches. Go kayaking, walking on the beach, very active. Use the grill rather than a stove and that has worked out very well.
Official House Hunters Intl website link
http://www.hgtv.com/video/fitness-pros-buy-in-fiji-video/index.html
House Hunters International Blog 