A Czech who found a home in the Caribbean

Marek Vaňura comes from the Czech Republic, specifically from the town of Staré Splavy near Macha Lake. He has been playing sports since his youth, he was a competitive sailor and a member of the Czech national team. Thanks to this, he discovered the magic of travel and also had his first look across the ocean on his way to the World Championships. Today he is an entrepreneur and the man behind the Reality Roatan project.

After high school Marek graduated from university and started working. However, he felt it wasn’t right for him, so after six months he traded the corporate monotony for the call of the distant. Together with his girlfriend he travelled to the Dominican Republic where he successfully completed a diving course and obtained his instructor’s license. For the following years he made a living as a diving instructor and travelled extensively around the world, living for a time in Thailand, Greece, as well as Mexico and Malaysia. Thanks to diving he came to Roatán for the first time. At that time, however, he had no idea that this magical island would become his permanent home.

What brought you to Roatán and what made it enchant you?
I came to Roatán as a diving instructor when I came to run a dive base in a smaller resort. I was immediately drawn to the island and knew I would be staying longer.

What were your beginnings on Roatán and how did you adapt to the local conditions?
Having been on the road for three years now, the adaptation was fairly quick. I was used to change and starting from scratch.

What is your daily routine like in Roatán?
Nowadays I travel around the island a lot, looking for interesting land and new projects for clients. I spend a lot of time on the phone and in communication with clients. Of course, I find time to relax, have a good coffee and a meal and end the day with a glass of Caribbean rum.

How has your transformation from scuba instructor to real estate entrepreneur been?
It hasn’t been an easy journey, but with determination anything goes. I was also a bit lucky when I took over the running of the entire resort after a short period of time. My knowledge of English and Spanish helped me a lot. I am communicative and not afraid of challenges. After a few years I became interested in the real estate market and soon became a real estate agent. The key moment was the sale of the resort and my decision to manage my own time.

What are the biggest challenges you face in the real estate business in Roatán?
The challenges are ever-present. You have to get used to irregular income and respond quickly to client needs. The market continues to grow, and while many people want to become a real estate agent, not everyone realizes how challenging the job is.

Which project or job at Roatán was the most interesting for you?
Probably the Diamond Rock resort. I have done many interesting projects, from selling islands to development projects. I am currently assisting with the sale of the Diamond Rock resort, which I find attractive for Czech clients with great potential for the future.

How did you gain the trust of the local community and foreign clients?
The local communities have been quick to accept me, I love learning new customs and cultures, which is why they now call me “half-islander”. Gaining the trust of American and Canadian clients was easier due to my experience in running a resort where the main clientele came from those countries.

What advice would you give to people considering buying property or moving to Roatán?
I would advise people to consider everything carefully, come and see and try to live here for a while before they rush into buying a plot of land or a house.

In your opinion, what are the main advantages and disadvantages of investing in real estate in Roatán?
The main advantage is the affordability of the market; it is still one of the cheapest Caribbean islands.

What is the process of obtaining permanent residency in Roatán for your clients?
Obtaining residency offers several options, the most common being annuities and pensions. The rules are clearly stated and must be followed for five years, after which the client will obtain permanent residency.

How do you see the future development and potential of the real estate market on the island?
The island has huge potential and is constantly developing. It is a very interesting investment opportunity abroad. The key is to have the right information.

What types of properties are most in demand on Roatán?
It depends on the client’s expectations, but often the purchase of already built houses prevails.

How does the real estate market in Roatán differ from other Caribbean destinations where you have worked?
The difference is the accessibility for foreign clients. Acquiring property is a very simple and safe process.

How do you ensure that the properties you offer comply with local laws and regulations?
There is an association of real estate agents on the island that is governed by local laws and rules. We are also members of the American Association of Realtors. Everything is strictly controlled so that the client is not fooled.

What is your message to people who dream of investing in real estate in the Caribbean but are hesitant to take the first step?
I understand that it is not an easy decision. I recommend that they check all the information, contact a verified real estate agent and come and see for themselves that Roatán is their dream location.

What is the average monthly cost of living in Roatán?
This is hard to quantify, everyone lives differently, but personally I consider it comparable to Europe. You definitely save on gas and warm clothes. It would be an exaggeration to say that a month of living in Roatán is cheaper than the monthly cost of gas in the Czech Republic, and that includes quality rum.

How are property prices moving and what is worth investing in?
Prices vary, but compared to the Czech Republic you can buy a nice house here for the price of a small apartment in larger cities. It is worth investing in land where you are assured of a decent return if you consult experienced real estate agents.

Source: author’s article
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