Macao Hills Phase 2

@Karin1 we have spent many, many years traveling to Dominican Republic, thank you. We are not at the point in our life that we can stay and rent for weeks or months. We are simply inquiring and investigating properties for investment purposes and future retirement.

You have stated a strong case as to why not to purchase. Any advice or shared knowledge is welcome.  However, I am not interested in “renting”, perhaps some direction as to where you think may be a good area to purchase or start looking.

The contracts are written to protect the developer/builder, not the buyer.  Remember, this is not Canada or USA.The sales people make a good living telling stories and they are not accountable and the courts cant help you if something goes wrong.  Think carefully about this before you depart from your funds.      -@Karin1

Agreed. I think it helps to envision yourself walking around here with a big dollar sign printed on your shirt. Front and back. That's how many locals, and many ex-pats here, see you; simply as a source of money for them. That often accounts for the big smile on their face.

Most folks migrate here from a very controlled consumer based culture, not to mention a much wealthier one. Need to change your thinking or you're going to end up being swindled, like many of the stories you read. Don't think "it won't happen to me". Sorry for sounding "preachy", but y'all need to put on your game face when you step off the plane.

BTW, anybody can call themselves a lawyer too.   Anything goes here. You want to trust the lawyers presented here by people who have only posted 19 times.  Think carefully.

@Karin1 I have been warned plenty, thats all I have  received so far. I have a fantastic lawyer and international realtor. I appreciate the concern genuinely, but I am looking for feedback and guidance on positive experiences and wise purchase practices.

@mills2912

My wife and I purchased a 2 Br in the first stage. We're excited about the project .

@tammynucci buy Gesproin or Noval, you have the best chance of geting what you think you  are getting within a year of the promise date. I bought in CapCana from Gesproin, project called Wave Garden, send me a private note and we can talk old school on the phone

    @tammynucci buy Gesproin or Noval, you have the best chance of geting what you think you  are getting within a year of the promise date. I bought in CapCana from Gesproin, project called Wave Garden, send me a private note and we can talk old school on the phone
   

    -@rfmaurone

About Noval, have you read this thread?

https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=1039721

@edisherre62 they haven't started to build, does this concern you? Im just curious. They also said Phase 2 was sold out but there are actually several still available.  How has your experience been so far?   

@RockyM

Yes, thats a really good visual to remember and so true.

@tammynucci

Hi Tammy

This seems like a good place to find what you are looking for, and I hope a bunch of people come forward to tell you about a good purchasing experience.   For sure there must be some.  I wish everyone who buys had a great experience and I hope its for you too.  Just remember, you are wearing the invisible shirt with dollar signs all over it and so you are being targeted by the best in the business.  Ever heard of the movie THE STING?

Karin

@rfmaurone

When I get back in town I will contact you and we can have an old fashioned live chat!  Would like that very much.  Keep smiling!

    @tammynucci buy Gesproin or Noval, you have the best chance of geting what you think you  are getting within a year of the promise date. I bought in CapCana from Gesproin, project called Wave Garden, send me a private note and we can talk old school on the phone
   

    -@rfmaurone

Just curious why you chose this one as so much development going on in the area.

@RockyM

Yes that is right. want to test the game face theory? At SDQ Airport, have your exit strategy already in place. But observe how many sharks circle you when you step out of the airport. As soon as you approach the doors to get to transportation. They are watching you.  The word you have to use to get past them is NO!! Be firm. Game Face engaged!

@Karin1 thank you. That would be nice!

@@paradiselife

Hi can you send me a message at [link moderated] I will like to talk to you about the project Macao Hills

Thanks

@Harris Levinson hi did the lawyer find out for you if the builder has all the permits in order ?

@@paradiselife  Hello.  I plan on going there in Nov ready to buy.  Can you share any information I should know beforehand?  Thank you. Cynthia Rosario ***

Once again, you cannot post personal contact info on open forums!

Hi  do you have any updates on the project Macao hills ?

@Angiearias85 all these concerns are addressed and negotiated in the legal contract with your RE attorney.

@Iristabora this is what I posted on an earlier date.

We are as of now reviewing information and discussing with real estate agent for Macao Hills phase 3.

Guys, as of now, now of these phase I, II and III and built. just an empty lot 4.5 miles away from Macao Beach.

these 3 phases comprise of approx. 500 unit. Phase 3 has 145 units. both 2 & 3 BR Villas.

close to this lot they have a cave with natural waters. and UTV excursions.

it has potential and the base prices are fair...

regards, from Crime infested Los Angeles lol

@Harris Levinson  what is the typical cost of an Attorney to review a real estate contract?

@sumeer01 $5,000 USD attorney fees.

That's ridiculous, to review a contract?  Hell no.

5k dollar? Heck doulble heck NO!

I would think between 8k to 15k PESO

Depends on contract

My opinion.

My attorney charged 10k peso

@planner

everyone's legal fees will be different based on a number of factors. In our case we did a lot of contract revisions and went through a number of contract versions back and forth with the developer. There was verbiage in the contract that left ambiguity in timings and the payment structure was not equitable enough for us in terms of being in the buyers best interest. We also went with a very highly rated attorney (25+ years in business and several post graduate degrees, multi lingual) as I have read about nightmares people have had in the DR as far as property purchases, contracts, titles, etc. We also went with someone local to the area which was important to us. I am sure you could spend less, but we did not feel that this was an area we wanted to save money or be frugal. Or attorney was very through, very prompt and did an excellent job. So for us it was money will spent. In other boards we noted that 1-1.5% of the purchase price was the range people had spent so that is right in line with what we paid.

If you were comfortable and had no issues paying 5k dollars then sure. However, my opinion only here in the DR 23 years and overtime working with many top lawyers/firms in the DR "its high way robbery" for any type of contract review. That equates to approx 290,000 pesos.....again, just my opinion. Hope all works out and good luck with your housing journey in the DR

@CHRISTOPHER DAVID56

I quoted what we paid for legal services which was more than just a contract review. I noted that this will vary need on your specific situation, location, etc. I find it very rude that you commented negatively on my situation without knowing all the details involved in my transaction. We have a saying where I live. Opinions are like a**holes. Everyone has one and most stink.

@Harris Levinson my opology if you took it that way or misunderstood or again if I misunderstood. I just gave my opinion and yes everyone has one...as i mentioned in my message, I hope everything works out for the good in your housing journey in the DR Have a blessed day!

@RockyM i am not a  fan of  the ”game face”  I believe in research fax opinions, and conversation and then I take those things as if they’re pie ingredients mix them together. Bake it and then execute. I am a firm believer in my Yes meaning  yes and my no  meaning no,  no gameplaying someone asked me a question. I will answer honestly. I look for a good deal or some people call a fair deal doesn’t have to be the best deal ever it just has to work for me and the person I’m negotiating with if we can both shake hands and smile exchange funds for goods or services that works.

You will find here this applies to the very few.

You can be a good cook baking great pies but when the ingredients are different you need to change your cooking…

Honesty is of little value in the DR. I think I developed a secondary mindset to deal with that and to keep my original values safe. You have to be informed and prepared for any deal and never show the back of your tongue. As much as I like to stick to my values it doesn't work here. Play the game or it will play you. It is what it is.

@planner I hear you, i don't need or want a large circle.

@Karin1

Thank you...so true..I am speaking to an agent past couple weeks...  they dont even have permits for Phase 1 done..??? Ground has just been wiped but no construction yet??? I am so scared to start shelling out deposits and they are non refundable

@ddmcghee

They DO not have permits!!!!

I will not sign any contracts nor put money down...its non refundable

People!!!!!!  No PERMITS

Listen to this man and all the posts warning you...phase 1 doesnt even have permits yet...

Just checked today with agent

@rayc1234

They still have NO permits

..unbelievable

@Angiearias85 i have this same worry.

@Angiearias85 i have the same concern.

@@paradiselife please advise how that not above 7% was added.

@mills2912 hello, I brought in Macao Hill Phase III. I leaving for DR Thursday, July 28th will provide you an update on the progress. What was your completion date?