TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin SXM on TV again

This Sunday night

I've watched every show in that series. Will definitely check this one out.

Love it when SXM is on HGTV! Will definitely watch this Sunday.

Thanks Carol, We'll be watching it and will make sure our daughter will see it too. This will be her first trip there so she'll be that more excited.

This show is dedicated to the memory of my daughter, Erika. I can't wait to see it.

Yes, I saw that in the newspaper article. Hopefully the show will provide some exposure for Be the Change.

WOW!!! and double WOW!!!

Thanks Carol. I hope so

I will be in St. Maarten on those night. Arriving on Sunday. I hope I remember to set my VCR.

Just set up the process to record the show. Thanks for the advance notice.

Great!! I have my DVR set.

We will be watching <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" />

DVR is set & we'll watch as soon as the season finale of The Walking Dead is over.

Bump...

is this something that someone can record and post online??

Okay, then - I want the place at point Blanche. Sold!!

Nope, I'd do what they did and build!!

Me too Pat!

Patty, Sometimes they will post the full episodes here:

http://www.hgtv.com/shows/full-episodes

You couldn't pay me enough money to attempt to build down there. Between dealing with permits and governmental 'issues' and regulations, not to mention the utility companies and contractors there as an outsider, no way, Jose, would I consider building myself. But to each his own.....go for it, Kim. And we'll volunteer for site security details for you...... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

thanks Sandy

Years ago I looked at buying there and building there. I don't need/want the experience. I will just rent and have a relaxing vacation. Albeit the one villa had a great view of St. Barts but the ex didn't like it. Funny it ended up being a good decision.

SXM??? Wendell

It was fun watching about SXM while being here on SXM. After a nice dinner at Mark's place again, came home, flipped through the limited stations, and found it. Can someone explain to me though, how this couple picked the ''new construction''. If 390 was the top of their price range...and it was mentioned that it costs roughly 200 dollars a square foot to build....and the lot cost was 190k, and they wanted around 2,000 square feet, my cost calculation then is almost 600,000 dollars!!!! WAY OVER the price they wanted to spend. I agree with Pat....that condo in Pt. Blanche sounded like a great place settle! I could see us some day there.

Agree on the cost to buy a vacant lot and build. To stay within their budget they would have to settle on 1,000 sq. ft. of living space. But even more important is the issue of being literally right next to the airport. In a couple of the views shown the roof of the airport terminal could be seen just below the lot. The realtor said they could mitigate this by building a sound proof structure. That means any outdoor living area would be subject to the airport noise. But most importantly in my view is that they were going to be opening a bicycle rental business presumably based in Phillipsburg. This would mean they would be subject to frequent traffic delays during their commute between the airport and downtown. The Point Blanche property would have been ideal for them in my opinion.
Update: After a second viewing I see that they currently have a bicycle rental business in Washington but are planning to open an electric car rental business in St Martin. In this case being near the airport is probably a good choice. The idea of an electric car rental business is another matter.

Enjoyed the show. What were the two non-Point Blanche areas they looked at?

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> I totally forgot this was on!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" />

I was disappointed they didn't mention anything about "Be The Change" in the entire show. No reason why they couldn't have done that!

Perhaps there was a note on the screen at the beginning or the end? As otherwise, how could it be dedicated to Be the Change if there was no mention of it?

I watched closely, I thought, and saw or heard no mention of "Be the Change" and was more than a little disappointed. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

me too <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Sad.gif" alt="" />

Several years ago I was on a bus tour around the island and the driver said the reason there are so many houses--where the construction is not complete-- is that you don't have to pay taxes until the house is completed. Not sure if his comment is true-- but maybe they plan to partially construct the house and finish later.

That's the way it is in Mexico.

Part of the reason for the long construction times is the availability of financing. It is very tight and that is why you see one floor built and evidence that another one will be built. It may be a few years before they can come up with the money for the second story. This was told to me by a French woman who lives and builds and sells on the Dutch side. She builds on that side because it is easier to deal with the government and the tax structure, but she says that you have to be on site all the time or the builder will cut corners that wont be caught until too late.

The Dutch Side does not collect property taxes. More likely, the owner runs out of money and/or contractors go bankrupt and there is a gap to find a new contractor to finish the house.

I too was sad there was no mention of Be The Change.
Maybe it was an issue of editing for time.
Too bad.
i

I didn't think there would have been a mention of Be the Change since Be the Change was not involved. but perhaps a mention of Erika. it was Erika who put the 3 of them together.

Since I am currently right here in Maho, we went up to the ''lots'' today to take a view of where they are building. Honestly, as a REALTOR myself, have to admit...yes, the lot overlooks the airport, but the views were absolutely incredible. There are two homes currently being built there, so am assuming one of them is the one that is being built for them. The property is high enough, that you really don't get as much ''noise'' as i would've thought. but, having a phenomenal view of the planes coming and going, the view over to Saba, and overlooking the lagoon, and Simpson Bay beaches...would have to say I would consider living up there also!! I just don't get the budget they were trying to stay in....it's not going to happen up there. The camera didn't do the views justice.

The Daily Herald story said that the episode was going to be dedicated to Erika and/or Be the Change. I guess the story was incorrect..

Arun told me that HGTV seems to have edited that part out.
too bad, but then that's TV I guess

OK, sorry to hear that.

My wife was watching it and I was working (as usual) and she yelled to me to come see it. The Hideaway Villa was sold (the episode was shot many months ago)and we know the owner, who has redone the inside. It's absolutely gorgeous. I shot a bunch of pictures there since she (the owner is a young Antillean businesswoman with an MBA)plans to lease it out long term. Anyone seriously interested in pictures, PM me. I'm not on here every day so it may take a few days for me to reply.