Researching Real Estate in GTC from States

[vamartha]

In going through some of my fathers papers (he is still alive, but has some stroke related dementia), we have come across evidence that he purchased a lot on Green Turtle Cay in the 1960's. There isn't a deed that we can find and am wondering if anyone has suggestions as how to proceed (find out if he really still owns it) without hiring legal counsel?

Here in the states (North Carolina) I can research online to find out who owns property - the tax rate, current value, adjoining property owners, etc.

We know where the lot is located and we have a letter from the lawyers office stating the account is paid in full and the deed was forthcoming. That is dated in the 1970's.

Any ideas? Anyone with access to property records?

Thanks!
(dreaming of an Abaco vacation)
Martha

[flyingdogs]

Start with the lawyers office, if it still exists. Next I would suggest a title search, might cost a couple hundred. Stewart Title did a search when we bought, here is a link to title agents from the bahamas website. Nothing online at all. Good luck.

http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/bahamasweb2/home.nsf/vContentW/BC9E048452E0305206256ED1007EE754

[vamartha]

Thanks for the reply!

I am wondering if anyone has any knowledge or memory of a planned subdivision in the 1960's just off of Cocoa Bay. The plat shows it called "A Subdivision of Lots off Cocoa Bay, Green Turtle Cay". The lots were offered by James Frew Limited, of Miami. A Mr. John V Crockcroft was an owner of a second home in the immediate area, he was from Charlottesville Virginia and may have been connected to the University of Va. I was able to find his wife's obituary and GTC was listed as one of the several areas where she lived.

Beyond my fathers file, I cannot find out much history. I'd be interested in hearing why the "subdivision" didn't really take off. It's kind of amazing to me that a 60 lot development in a dream location never flourished. I am probably glad that it didn't since it left a beautiful unspoiled island with a much more pristine environment, but for the prices these lots were offered - I just can't figure out why it didn't become more poplulated with at least second homes.

More than any monetary gain (utilizing or selling the lot) I'm much more intrigued by the history of the island in the 60's. What was the mood of natives to foriegners purchasing and building on their homeland? I can imagine that building in that era was much more of a burden. While life may have been simpler 50 years ago, the logistics of building a second home on an island must have been a nightmare.

What was/is the area around there like? The approx coordinates are
26 47'9.40"n 77 20'0.40" w and the area still appears to me from the satellite photos I can find to be largely wooded? My mother is able to tell me that she has always been under the impression that the area was marsh land but that may have been what my father told her as she never visited.

Was the 1960's a happy time in Abaco or was there turmoil as there was in the states? I am too young to have had any knowledge of that time - I was alive but too young to have been interesed in any current events at age six! :D

On the other hand - if I am poking where my nose doesn't need to be or am asking way too many questions, just let me know!

[Guana Beach Cottages]

I don't think you are stepping on any toes and you should be curious. You might want to check with the suveyor. Their name should appear on the plat map. They probably have some of the better real estate records and might show if there were any subsequent surveys indicating a sale.

They might also be willing to tell you who the adjoining landowners are. If your father made many trips to GTC, they might have some stories to tell.

Good luck!

[haziewaller]

There's been a lot of construction in the Coco Bay area in recent years. I think a trip to GTC is in order, to conduct a fact finding mission!!

[JJ]

Maybe one of the local real estate agents could help you. I noticed that Kathy Bethel has some property listed for sale in that area. Her company is Oceanblue Properties.

[vamartha]

Thanks again for all the advice!

[Cold Beers]

I talked with a older gentlemen at the green turtle club in June that said he had lived on GTC since the 1950's (I think). I wish I could remember his name, but he told me he was the telegraph operator for the island until they got phone service. I am sure if you asked around the Green Turtle Club somebody would know who he is. I saw him there a lot. I would think he could help you with any questions you have.

[Pile On]

VAMartha, I don't know anything about property or Laws anywhere really. But what I do know is that if your family doesn't have evidence of paying property taxes on an anual basis right up to last year, you don't have any property. The goverment will sieze the property and put it up for sale to get their tax money due and insure a future stream of revenue with the next buyer. I think that's the way it is in most parts of the world. I belive property taxes went up significantly in the early 70's when the Bahamas gained it's independance, when I wasn't old enough for kindergarden yet.
Anyone have any more details on tax policy in the Bahamas?

[MaggieD]

There has been a fair amount of development in the Coco bay area in the past few years and it is still an absolutely perfect spot. I may be a bit biased having just built our dream house there. My husband bought a tract a land running from the ocean road to Coco Bay in the '80s and another large tract was sold off about 4 years ago and a dozen or so houses have/are in the process of going up.
To get more information you may want to contact a local realtor. Kathy Bethel at Ocean Blue has been there for ages and may know the history.
If you would like, PM or email for more info.

[BahamaAngie]

MaggieD....Mantoloking - NJ?

[MaggieD]

yup! flying back up there tomarrow!