[antonyandruleit]

Welcome,and it's refreshing to see you doing your "Homework"!
I "Teach" a few classes about the REAL DR,here on DR1!
First,your observation about "security Measures" are again right on!
HOWEVER,if I may?
You say you have little to steal from your proposed residence?
"OK",but the thieves don't know THAT,until they get in.(Or,as in many breakins,your maid/gardener,handyperson,has "Ratted You Out First!)
And when you are "Out & About",as a "Gringo Couple",you just look like you are "Ricos",and that alone makes you a target.
I have lived here since "95",and visited for 10 years prior to that.
Am I afraid when I go out,"Hell NO!",I SCARE THE DOMINICANS!"
But also,I would not go to many areas where I once walked freely,drunk,at 3am.
One exception, driving the coast highway between Puerto Plata and Cabarete after dark,that scares the "$HIT" out of me!
If I travel after midnight,I carry two "Rolls" with me.
Now,even more dangerous than thieves,and late night driving here,are "Real Estate Agents"!
Sure you may have formed a "Bond" with one,but they are in business to sell houses,that's how they make their living.
They have MANY friends.....and THAT to is how they make their living!
When I purchased here in Arroyo Hondo,I just drove around the neighborhood,(Where I Had RENTED for a whole year)
looked at what was for sale,then did MY homework.
Talked to the owner,got his best price, and drove/walked around talking to the neighbors.
I saw a guy leaving a really nice house,in a new "Yepeta".
We Talked for awhile about the area,which I knew from living there,and,to make a long story short,I bought HIS house,which was not even on the market!
He was a recently divoced father of two,needed $$$$$$$$$$$ for his divorce settlement,A VERY "Motivated Seller"!
Real estate agents make you a "Friend" first,then sell you a house.
You want a good deal on a house you love,NOT a "Friend" who sells houses to make a living!
If you make a post here on DR1,asking,of homeowners here,
"Should I Buy here after a few visits,or should I rent for 6 to 12 months?
I think in your "Heart-of-Hearts" you already know what you should do.
I like to remind those who are contemplating,the former,that:
Decisions made in haste,can be regreted at leasure, and,"Buyers Remorse" is a horrible disease to suffer from!
What is wrong with taking several months to make the right decision on a home here?
By-the-way,you can rent a "Dream House" on the North Coast cheap,(From those who can't resell,the "House of THEIR dreams" and keep your principal safe at the same time.
No one,including me,are telling you not to buy here!
We have just seen too many examples of those who bought a "Pig-In-A-Poke",and lived to regret it!
Waaaaaaay To Many!
CC