The Tribune

Buyer demand for Abaco homes is increasing with properties selling at about 50 percent of their pre-Dorian value, a Hope Town-based realtor.

Jane Patterson, a Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty estate agent, said: “Most of the buyers I have been working with since Hurricane Dorian are people who are here, on the ground. They’re people who have been coming here for years and have a true love for Hope Town.”

She added that, immediately following the category five storm, persons were not as enthusiastic about the prospect of purchasing storm-damaged homes. However, as second homeowners returned to the island to check on their properties, they saw the restoration efforts and resilience of the community.

“We’re taking it day-by-day, but progress is happening,” Ms Patterson said. “Our beaches are beautiful, people are friendly, and everyone wants to come back. There are more and more people out there who are up for a project; who just want to be a part of this incredible community and are up for the adventure.”

With homes selling at about half their pre-Dorian values, she revealed interest has been so high that she has placed six homes under contract since December. Ms Patterson has also listed two new properties on the north and south ends of Elbow Cay.

“I am constantly getting e-mails from people asking about the status of Hope Town and Abaco in general,” she said. “Abaco isn’t desolate like they’re saying. Certain parts of Abaco are fine. And here in Hope Town, resorts and restaurants are re-opening the closer we get to season. Right now, we’re looking at having a season in June or July.”

As of January, Abaco Inn and Turtle Hill are accepting guests, while the Firefly Sunset Resort is looking towards a March reopening.

“Everyone wants to come back and visit,” Ms Patterson said. “Abaco is not going to go away.”