Oct 16, 2024 | Island News
Senator Samual Carrion, St. Croix, is working to write legislation to allow ride-sharing service to be licensed in the territory. The process will take some time. Ride-sharing, such as Uber and Lyft, is available in every U.S. state, but not in USVI. According to a recent St. Croix Source article, many people agree it would benefit residents, visitors, and the economy. The article also said One compelling reason in favor of ride-sharing is the lack of public transportation after 6 p.m., residents say. Taxi-vans do not run unless contracted by individuals for transportation. Workers cannot get home if they don’t have access to a vehicle. Visitors who want to see the island often say they don’t want to drive on the left side of the street or on two-lane roads littered with potholes. There have been reports of travelers stranded at the airports because visitors thought taxis or Uber would be available.
The article also said several people are setting up ride-sharing businesses, but have not actually begun operations. One company has already been providing the service.
Read the full article from St. Croix Source here.
For other stories about ride-sharing on St. Croix recently, check out:
VI Consortium’s May 2024 story about Digicab here.
WTJX’s September 2024 story here.
GoToStCroix’s Taxi & Rideshare page here.
Oct 16, 2024 | Island News
FEMA has announced a significant $3.2 billion investment in the U.S. Virgin Islands, with one of the most substantial projects being the island-wide road paving initiative in St. Croix according to the VI Consortium. $1.75 billion in funding is allocated to repair over 481 miles of roads, including the addition of ADA-compliant ramps, curbs, and culverts where required.
The article also said FEMA has allocated $1.25 billion to overhaul St. Croix’s potable water distribution system. This project will see the replacement of pump stations, water tanks, pipes, and fire hydrants in Christiansted and Frederiksted, modernizing the island’s water supply to meet current industry standards.
This is great news for St. Croix! There are additional projects such as electric metering replacement, upgrades to potable water and wastewater systems, and educational facility repairs. Read the full article here.
Photo courtesy of VI Consortium
Oct 2, 2024 | QA
Question: “What are some important features to consider in a St Croix home?”
Our Answer:
Consider the features which suit the needs of your lifestyle now, and what you see in the future
- Outdoor space. Because of the temperate climate, be sure to think about creating wonderful outdoor spaces. You’ll want enough space for you to relax and enjoy the view and breezes, plus space to entertain your friends and family.
- Air flow. Unless you intend to use AC all of the time, having cross breezes and ceiling fans are important. This will keep you cool, and the circulating fresh air will deter mold growth.
- View. What do you want to see when gazing through the windows?
- Activities. Do you like to be near diving or snorkeling? Do you like to hike or bike and want to be near places to do that? Perhaps you are an artist who would want to be near the Botanical Garden or historic buildings? If you have a boat, you may want to be close to where it’s moored. If you are a star gazer, you may want to be more in the in a rural area where the glorious moon, stars and planets shine more brightly.
- Pets. Like most people, our dog and cats are so important to us! We have enough space for all of us to live together. Although wild birds are not pets, they are important to us, too. We have several bird baths and feeders with sugar water or small seeds to feed the hummingbirds, banana quits, finches, and sparrows. We spread cracked corn for the doves, pigeons, and two peacocks. We love watching them! There’s always bird songs or peacock noises floating into the house!
Contact us with any questions about real estate on St. Croix!
Oct 2, 2024 | QA
Question: “What are the hidden costs of buying a home or condo?”
Our Answer:
In the excitement of finding your island home, keep these costs in mind:
- Inspections. An inspection by a licensed home inspector is key to any home or condo purchase. This will inform you as to the condition of the home or condo so that you better understand what you are buying. The owner will disclose anything they are aware of, but an inspector will give you a full detailed report. For a home or land, you will want a survey done. Often an appraisal is needed.
- Association fees. Condos have have HOA fees associated with them. Some homes do, too. These fees will be pro-rated for the year at closing.
- Maintenance, repairs, and decorating. Your monthly budget responsibilities could include landscaping, pool maintenance, pest control, garbage pickup, cable TV, and internet. There might be a few minor things for you to repair after closing. Also, you will want to make your new home YOURS. So, budget for decor, paint, landscaping, furniture, or anything else you may want to change. Sometimes just adding new decorative pillows will change the look of your living room and make it more personal!
- Utility bills. Don’t let budgeting for utilities get lost in your excitement. Think about the energy you will be using (water, electricity, AC, pool, washer/dryer, etc.), and add that to your monthly budget.
- Closing costs, prepaid fees and appraisal: If you are getting a loan, it does cost money. Plan on paying for your loan to be processed along with an appraisal fee. Closing costs and prepaid fees generally range between 3% – 5% of the purchase price.
Contact us with any questions about real estate on St. Croix!
Sep 18, 2024 | Reports
August 2024 sales data, inventory, and days on market for the St. Croix, USVI real estate market is available in our downloadable Coldwell Banker real estate reports. The is a report for each category: Homes & Condos, Condos, Homes, and Land!
If you are not familiar with with the implications of the data, please give us a call or email us directly with any questions. We are Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) and Seller Representative Specialist (SRS) and have the experience and local knowledge to help you in every step of the process. We can help you narrow down neighborhoods based on your priorities. We can also advise you on the market trends in your desired neighborhoods.
Open reports by clicking on links below:
Homes & Condos – August 2024 Report
Homes – August 2024 Report
Condo – August 2024 Report
Land – August 2024 Report
Note: The average sales price and the average days on market could be skewed greatly by only one sale or because of the small number of sales
