Build, buy, or invest. Affordable, authentic Caribbean living awaits. If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a home in the Dominican Republic, this webinar will show you just how achievable that dream really is. Join Michelle Bourdeau, RealtorDR’s North Coast specialist, as she walks you through Palmeras Cabarete—an emerging community where modern design, nature, and true Caribbean charm come together.
In this session, you’ll learn:
✅ Why Palmeras Cabarete is one of the most promising new communities on the North Coast
✅ How to build, buy, or invest safely and affordably — with lots starting at $54K and homes starting at $230K
✅ What makes Cabarete one of the Caribbean’s most desirable destinations for lifestyle, rentals, and long-term investment
✅ Insider guidance from a trusted local expert, plus a full Q&A section answered during the live session
Key Presenters and Their Backgrounds:
- Michelle Bourdeau (0:30-1:51): A realtor with RealtorDR, originally from Canada, who has lived in the Dominican Republic for 26 years and is a homeowner herself. She also coordinates the Cabarete Butterfly Effect, an event empowering girls and women through water sports.
- Leurys Jimenez (1:56-3:22): CEO of Inverion Gold Century and Constructor Line, with 15 years of experience leading teams in various industries. He is described as a visionary with a strong dedication to the community and his projects. (Note: He experienced technical difficulties and was unable to join the live session).
- Roy and Giselle (3:24-4:09): Dominican-American technology consultants who were drawn to their heritage and decided to invest in real estate in Cabarete. They are part of the featured developments and plan to make Cabarete their part-time, and eventually full-time, home. They share their personal journey and why they chose to invest in Cabarete (18:28-19:49).
Who is this webinar for? (5:12-6:04) This webinar is for individuals who:
- Dream of owning property in the Dominican Republic but don’t know where to start.
- Want to understand the safe process of buying real estate as a foreigner.
- Are seeking high-potential investment opportunities in sought-after Caribbean locations.
- Desire insider access to exclusive construction projects at competitive prices.
- Have questions about investing in Cabarete and seek expert insights.
Why the Dominican Republic and Cabarete?
- Dominican Republic Overview (6:13-8:32): Described as an amazing country with a vibrant culture, warm weather year-round, and significantly more affordable compared to other Caribbean islands. It boasts a diverse international community, the fastest-growing economy in Latin America, and the largest growing tourism numbers. Affordable healthcare and good international schools are also highlighted.
- Cabarete Specifics (10:32-15:39): Known as the “watersport capital of the Caribbean” (7:51), offering wind surfing, kite surfing, and traditional surfing. It has a unique mix of active lifestyle and laid-back atmosphere (10:41-11:19). Key reasons to consider Cabarete include:
- Strong multi-high season (11:40-12:40): Due to wind sports, it attracts tourists year-round, not just in winter.
- Good return on investment and rental yields (12:44-13:06): Consistent short-term and long-term rental potential, attracting digital nomads and retirees.
- Affordable entry prices (13:08-13:17): Properties are available at accessible price points, around $250,000.
- Walkable convenience (13:21-13:45): Most amenities are within walking distance, reducing the need for a car.
- Rapid infrastructure growth (13:49-14:17): The area is experiencing a boom with new developments and improved roads connecting to Santiago.
- Safe and welcoming community (14:19-14:46): A close-knit community where people look out for each other.
- Easy access and ownership for foreigners (14:46-15:17): No restrictions for foreigners to own property, making transactions simple.
- Lifestyle and investment appeal (15:20-15:39): A “super cool surfer town” with international restaurants, rental profitability, tropical living, and long-term growth potential.
Featured Real Estate Projects in Palmeras Cabarete: The webinar highlights developments within Palmeras Cabarete, located just east of Supermarket Janets and a couple of minutes walk from Cabarete Bay (15:44-17:00). It’s a gated and secure community (17:20-17:30).
- Sunset Cabarete Townhomes (17:59-37:08):
- Location: Directly to the left upon entering Palmeras Cabarete (20:00-20:01).
- Units: Six total townhomes, with five currently available (20:05-20:10). Unit 1 has already been sold (34:31).
- Features: Three-story units (20:24-20:26), not suitable for those with mobility issues. They include a living room, dining room, kitchen, and half bath on the first floor (21:45). The second floor has two bedrooms, each with an en-suite bath (21:48-21:54). The third floor features an amazing outdoor living space with a jacuzzi, pergola, outdoor sink/fridge setup, and another half bath (22:07-22:49). Most units offer ocean views (22:53-23:00).
- Pricing & Incentives:
- Units 2, 3, and 4 are currently listed at $250,000 (25:44-25:47).
- Unit 6 (240 sq meters, 20% larger, with an epic ocean view) is listed at $280,000 (25:51-26:04).
- Special Holiday Offer: The next two townhomes (from units 2, 3, or 4) will be sold at $230,000, a $20,000 discount (27:54-28:06). This offer is valid until December 5th (29:17-29:20).
- Financial Details (for a $230,000 unit) (29:56-34:00):
- Estimated Closing Costs: Approximately 3% for transfer tax and legal fees (around $6,900) plus 1% for legal fees (30:39-30:55).
- Completion Costs: An estimated $25,000 to furnish and add appliances (30:58-31:11).
- Rental Projections: High season nightly rate up to $170, low season less (31:42-31:58). Average occupancy around 60% (32:00-32:03).
- Estimated Monthly Expenses: Around $150 for HOA fees (security, common ground, garbage, backup power generator) (32:16-32:33), $51 for property tax (32:37-32:54), and $150+ for electricity (32:56-33:11). A repair fund and property manager fee are also included in estimates (33:15-33:26).
- Payment Structure (35:20-36:43): $5,000 initial down payment, followed by 50% upon signing the promise of sale (within 30 days, likely combined with the next 20% due to advanced construction), and the final 25% upon key delivery. The last portion of the payment will be held in escrow until the individual property title is ready.
- Construction Status: Almost finished with doors and windows, with the first unit to be fully complete by the end of the year (35:07-35:16).
- Palmeras 5 Phase 1 (Single Family Villas) (37:13-40:20):
- Units: Three-bedroom, 2.5-bath single-family villas (37:32-37:38). Three out of six units are still available (39:10-39:16).
- Features: 145 sq meters of construction on a 200 sq meter lot (37:39-37:41). Each has a private yard and a small, fully tiled pool (37:44-38:00). Includes two covered parking spots, a carport, and a fob-activated security gate (38:02-38:17).
- Pricing: $285,000 (38:22-38:24). This is highlighted as the best-priced three-bedroom brand-new home in all of Cabarete (38:50-39:00).
- Location Advantage: Very close to the beach, with prices tripling just across the road (39:19-39:45).
- Design: Modern, minimalist design with fixtures, yakitiva wood doors and cabinetry, and solid wood doors (39:47-40:20).
The webinar emphasizes contacting Michelle Bourdeau directly for more information and to take advantage of the current incentives (28:40-29:02).