Sabrina, with the requirements you have for the house itself and also location ( that is a tourist area ) Iīm afraid too 700 would not be enough.
Thatīs around 20 000 pesos, and is "considered" nothing in the tourist areas..
You know, it is not about getting "tricked" in to something, most realestate companies that also do lettings, are all following/keeping the same price range for the various options of living there is.
In Puerto Plata you get a 2 bedroom apartment that is gated, without pool, for that money, or a house in residencial area, non gated community and no pool, for anything from 10.000 and up to 20-30.000 depending on what part of the city.
Sosua has generally higher prices in rent, so itīs more about how the prices look over-all than about "dominican ways", as your requirements are that.
The best, and most secure way, to not get "tricked" would be to contact a real estate company as they work in letting as well, that knows the law, understand your requirements etc etc.
Good luck though!!
