Oct 25, 2022 | Island News
This is big news for Virgin Islanders planning to be first-time homeowners! On October 20, 2022, Governor Albert Bryan introduced a new home loan program for moderate income Virgin Islanders. Governor Bryan said this new VI Slice Moderate Income Homeownership Program will help first-time homebuyers secure financing to become homeowners through a partnership between the Government of the Virgin Islands (GVI) and local banks that will be administered through the Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority (VIEDA).
Oriental Bank, FirstBank VI, Bank of St. Croix, Banco Popular, and Merchant’s Bank are part of the program. Governor Bryan emphasized in the announcement that the program is part of his administration’s effort to turn more Virgin Islanders into homeowners.
The program will provide up to $200,000 in gap financing to Virgin Islanders who qualify for a conventional mortgage through any participating bank and meet the other requirements of qualification for the program. According to the VI.gov website, applicants must be first-time homebuyers who meet established household income requirements; attain a commitment letter for a mortgage loan based on underwriting standards of the primary financing lender; be able to make a minimum earnest money deposit of $5,000; and be a resident of the territory for the last three years prior to the signing of a sales contract, with the exception of those applicants who were prior residents of the territory for at least 10 years and have now opted to return, or whose birthplace is the U.S. Virgin Islands.
More information about the program, read the program fact sheet from the official Virgin Islands government website here.
You can also read more on St. Croix Source, VI Consortium, and the VI.gov website.
Photo from VI.gov
#homeownership #homebuying #realestate #usvi #stcroix #stjohn #stthomas #virginislands #mortgage #banking #caribbean
Oct 21, 2022 | Island News
When owners Damon and Yonka Maynard purchased Cafe Fresco in 2011, they never imagined the impact they would have on the community. Now 11 years later, the husband-and-wife team are reimagining their restaurant with a revamped name in a new location.
Originally opened in 2005 under previous owners, the Maynards became the owners of Cafe Fresco in downtown Christiansted in July 2011. “We have worked in the restaurant industry for over 30 years,” said Yonka. “The opportunity to purchase the business presented itself and everything came together in a way we couldn’t imagine.” Noting it to be an easy transition, Yonka and Damon made the restaurant their own with delicious lunches made to order and exceptional service customers have come to expect and enjoy. Located on King Street in downtown Christiansted, Cafe Fresco’s welcoming space in the courtyard of the historic Penthenny Building saw a multitude of people over the years. A physical sign hung over their door with the phrase “enter as strangers, leave as friends.” The Maynards shared they have made more friends than anyone could ever deserve, which is why they are excited about welcoming friends into the next chapter.
October 28th will be the last day in their current location in downtown Christiansted. In December 2022, Cafe Fresco will officially become Fresco’s Kitchen & Pub House at their new home in Gallows Bay. Customers can expect much of the same they’ve grown accustomed to with a few new details. This larger space will include indoor and outdoor seating for up to 90 people alongside a full bar. Their indoor air conditioned space will have a sports bar feel with several TVs throughout the space playing your favorite sports games. The outdoor seating in the new courtyard features ample shade thanks to the large mango tree. Expanded hours will include evenings and weekends and a larger space means a bigger kitchen. “We’re most excited about that,” said Yonka. “We’ll be able to have more help and create new dishes, which was a challenge in the previous location.” Customers will be happy to know that menu favorites will be available in the new location with new fun additions to the menu, not to mention a full bar with new cocktails, drinks and desserts. They also plan to host a weekly Sunday brunch that will segue into Sunday football.
The Maynards will use the month of November to get the new space ready for old friends and new ones. Interior designers Twila Wilson and Kobie Nichols are managing the decor and all the finishes in Fresco’s Kitchen & Pub House where guests can look forward to a warm, welcoming space perfect for the entire family. “While we are changing the name slightly and moving to a new location, not much else is changing other than a renewed energy being injected into the restaurant.”
Get a taste of Cafe Fresco before they close their doors on King Street on October 28th. For all the up-to-date details on the restaurant, follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/usvistcroix.
Article written by Anquanette Gaspard (agaspard@cruzanfoodie.com) for Coldwell Banker, St. Croix Realty
#stcroix #restaurant #cooking #culinary #local #stcroix #virginislands #foodie
Oct 14, 2022 | Reports
Making decisions based on good data sources and analysis is important for consumers and in real estate, this is no exception. Working with an experienced agent in the area can also help give you an edge in buying or selling a home. Do you currently have questions like: Is it a buyer’s or seller’s market? How much should you list a home in the current market? How much should you offer for a condo of this particular condo complex?
As Coldwell Banker agents, we offer area reports that compare recent and historical sales activity for all property types; single family homes, condos, and land. The reports are available below and we encourage you to take a look at them. If you have any questions, please give us a call or email us directly. We would love to work with you to list your property for sale or help you find a paradise home on St. Croix.
Open reports by clicking on links below:
All Property Types – September 2022 Area Report
Single Family Homes – September 2022 Area Report
Condos – September 2022 Area Report
Land – September 2022 Area 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.
#stcroixusvi #usvirginislands #virginislands #realestate #realtor #coldwellbanker #caribbean #caribbeanhomes
Oct 4, 2022 | QA
Published on our September 2022 Newsletter
Question: “What are some different things in your land listings recently?”
Chris’ Answer: “We are now including annotated photographs and animated drone videos. These make it easier to envision the shape of the lot. They include the names of the roads and some land marks. Without these innovative visual aids, you would just be looking at overgrown undefined parcels with no reference points.”
Image from our listing MLS #21-1480, 86 South Grapetree. View listing here.
#realestatemarketing #sellingland #landsales #realestate #realtor #coldwellbanker #islandhomes #caribbean #stcroixusvi #virginislands
