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An assignee relocating to Barbados will experience a wide spectrum of emotions. There is always the initial excitement and challenge of a new country coupled with the apprehension of leaving family, friends and the familiar behind. There are reservations of facing the unknown – from the simple apprehension of driving on our unique roads to the more complex matters of learning to live with a totally different culture. Locating the right new home is probably the single most important component of the relocation process.
Certain steps should be followed to ensure this process is successful: defining the type of home that the family needs, considering the option of shipping personal effects, understanding locations and distances on the island, managing service costs and defining what is important to the family.
The old saying “a man’s home is his castle” has a heightened significance when relocating to a new country where everything around is strange and unusual. Barbados offers a wide variety of home choices; single standing dwellinghouses, townhouses, apartments and condominiums. The island offers gated communities and planned residential neighbourhoods. It is worth noting that property type categories may have different meanings depending on the assignee’s country of origin. The same real estate terminology could have different nuances: a cottage – a small house; a cottage – a small holiday home with limited amenities. There are also property designs that have different names depending on which part of the world you are hailing from. What is a duplex? Is it a semi-detached property? As such, a wide variety of properties should be viewed based on a layout description rather than on a type.
We also strongly recommend that as part of the home finding trip, the assignee should see an ample selection of all properties to develop a good understanding of the product range and Barbados landscape. Based on the feedback given to the relocation agent by the assignee a short-list will subsequently emerge through an elimination process. The assignee should consider the housing options and amenities that are important to their lifestyle.
Knowing these answers can make the process significantly easier and less time consuming.
Many assignees are undecided as to whether they should ship their personal effects. Many wish to maintain some sort of familiarity with the importation of the family furniture. The impact of the unfamiliar is reduced if the house is filled with personal bits and pieces brought from their home country. Often times, the furniture of the country of origin is not suited to the tropics or the assignee’s home in the country of origin is rented furnished during their assignment. If importing furniture is not an option or feasible, a smaller shipment of personal items such as photos, paintings, ornaments, lamps, books and linens can meet this objective.
When younger children are relocating, the transition to a new location can be smoother with the accompaniment of their toys and decorative items. These are some other personal items to consider importing – artificial Christmas trees and decorations, favourite small kitchen appliances, barbeques, sporting equipment and beach paraphernalia. The definition of personal effects by the Custom and Excise Department allows for items for the individual or household to be imported duty free once the items are a year or older and are imported within the first three months of arrival. It is recommended that a customs broker be retained to receive the shipment.
Location, location, location. These words have always been important to the potential purchaser of real estate but are of equal importance to a potential renter. Although our island is small – only 166 square miles - the winding roads and traffic congestion can create long drive times. Many assignees are accustomed to long drive times in their home country yet find a similar drive time in Barbados a different experience. Prime time bumper-to-bumper traffic and being stuck behind a cane truck is not the same as a relaxing drive down a straight major six-lane highway listening to your favourite music.
If school children are part of the equation, the transportation in the morning and afternoon needs to be carefully considered. Most of the elementary schools are located in either one congested location on the south coast or in the countryside. The extracurricular activities are generally located on the south coast as well.
The assignee’s work location needs be considered in relation to the home location. We strongly recommend test-drives to work and schools during the traffic rush-hour before signing a lease. The security of the house and the neighbourhood is also of paramount importance. Although Barbados does not have a high crime problem, necessary precautions need to be taken. An informed evaluation of the area and review of the security of the home is required before the final decision on the home is reached.
Many assignees choose a home that offers a tropical garden and a pool as part of their Caribbean experience. The costs associated with maintaining these choices must be fully investigated and negotiated prior to signing the lease. It is preferable for both the assignee and the landlord that these items remain the responsibility of the landlord by having the costs included in the monthly rental amount. These services are usually fixed costs under a service contract and the amount of weekly service times should be agreed on beforehand. Furthermore, it is prudent to avoid any misunderstandings and disagreements at the end of the lease on the status of the pool and garden on handover. It is also recommended to ask for a utility bill review of the past three to six months of other variable costs such as electricity and water so as to avoid being surprised once the tenancy commences.
Finally, the specific needs and comforts of the assignee and his or her family are what count. We recommend the assignees create a checklist with their families prioritizing the important characteristics of the ideal new home. The list would include home design, neighborhood characteristics, commute time to work and schools and proximity to amenities. There will be compromises but understanding and rating the important points will maximize the success of the assignee’s home finding mission.
Relocating to a foreign country should be a unique and fascinating experience. The proper planning and management of the home finding aspect will result in a successful and enjoyable relocation experience for the assignee and their family.
Article prepared for The Pink Pages - The Red Book 2011
By Susan Freer
Senior Director of Client Services
Corporate Relocation Details Inc.
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