Selling Land: What’s different about your land listings recently?

Selling Land: What’s different about your land listings recently?

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

What are the QR codes on your signs?

What are the QR codes on your signs?

Published on our September 2022 Newsletter

Question: “The QR code on your land signs is new. When it’s scanned, what would I see?”

Christie’s Answer: “The QR code takes you directly to our listing of that particular land parcel. When you see one of our signs with the code, scan it, and you will see all of the details pertaining to that lot, including the price, acreage, and any documents we have connected to the parcel. These may include a survey, topographical map, and map geo map. It’s great to have all of that information at your fingertips while you are actually looking at the lot!”

#sellingland #landsales #realestate #realtor #coldwellbanker #islandhomes #caribbean #stcroixusvi #virginislands

Building a Future for Historic Trades on USVI

Building a Future for Historic Trades on USVI

Back in April 2022, we shared a post about the National Trust’s Hands-On Preservation Experience (HOPE) Crew team traveling to Estate Little Princess (which is part of the The Nature Conservancy) on St. Croix for a special project. This former sugar plantation and hospital became a space for teaching the practice of stone masonry restoration to five local Crucian participants. The estate serves as the primary location for Virgin Island coral restoration efforts.

The partnership between The Nature Conservancy and Crucian Heritage and Nature Tourism‘s (CHANT) Invisible Heritage Pre-apprenticeship Program was created to train the local workforce in preservation trades skills so they can work on historically and culturally important sites in their own community such as this one on the estate. See the photographs from the project and read and great article about it here. Under the tutelage of masonry expert David Gibney, the participants learned about mortar analysis, inappropriate parging removal, repointing, stone carving, and resetting on the site’s old hospital building.

All participants excelled, adopting the new preservation trades skills, and allowing HOPE Crew to connect them with future employment opportunities.

#stcroix #historicalbuildings #preservation #usvi #heritage #nature

Will there be a Zero-Down Payment Mortgage Program in USVI?

Will there be a Zero-Down Payment Mortgage Program in USVI?

This is WONDERFUL news for Virgin Islanders! Zero-down mortgages can open doors to homeownership for buyers with limited savings and free up cash for expenses.

Earlier this month, Governor Albert Bryan and his administration announced their preparation for a program that utilizes federal dollars for zero-down payment mortgages with the aim of making it easier for Virgin Islanders to own a home. Governor Bryan said the program would be similar to what’s being offered by Bank of America in 21 states according to the VI Consortium. The traditional mortgage requires a 20% down payment of the cost of the home. This is commonly a major hurdle for aspiring homeowners. Governor Bryan will be meeting with banks to discuss this program which will help more Virgin Islands families to become first-time homeowners. Read the full article here.

The Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority has several programs that can help aspiring homeowners. The VIHFA has assisted many low to moderate Virgin Islands families to become first-time homeowners. Visit their website to learn more.

#stcroixusvi #virginislands #usvi #caribbeanhomes #homeownership #firsttimehomeowners #zerodownmortgage #mortgage

Plant Based Skincare: Cultured Naturals Body Care

Plant Based Skincare: Cultured Naturals Body Care

Plant based skincare is what Cultured Naturals Body Care is all about! Marrying nature with science, Cultured Naturals Body Care (CNBC) sources ingredients from local Virgin Islands and Caribbean farmers to make high quality handmade products that smell amazing while boasting topical and aromatherapeutic benefits. Founder and CEO Ramone Reid Ventura launched the company back in 2015 after being diagnosed with cancer. “CNBC accidentally started as part of my selfcare and healing journey after my diagnosis,” said Reid Ventura. “People became interested in my products and that started the journey of creating items for sale.” Reid Ventura shared the importance of product research and development. “In the infancy of the business, I would sell products in a health food store and ask customers for ongoing feedback.” This is how she began refining product formulas, getting them to the point where customers started incorporating them into their self-care and wellness regimens.

There are several things that make CNBC a unique brand. First and foremost, it was created by a healthcare professional with extensive knowledge about biochemistry, Caribbean plant life and naturopathic remedies. The brand’s focus is centered on creating safe, toxic-free products that can be enjoyed by the entire family. Functional and effective, all items are made with ingredients that aid with minor hair and skin concerns such as acne, eczema, hyperpigmentation and much more. The company prides itself on being purposeful within their community. “We are intentional in working with our farmers and other artisans to also amplify their businesses so that we can all build and strengthen our local economy together.”

CNBC offers a wide variety of products for the face, hair, skin and home. Lovingly formulated with care, some of their products include plant powered ingredients and essential oils such as lemongrass, aloe vera, noni, papaya, neem, peppermint, lavender and virgin coconut oil. Additionally, CNBC offers private parties and events where attendees can make their own candles, face masks and learn about the art of history and power of the headwrap. Cultured Naturals Body Care is located at #55 Company Street in downtown Christiansted. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 10am to 6pm. Visit their website to learn about their products at www.culturednaturalsbodycare.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CULTUREDNATURALSBC.

Article written by Anquanette Gaspard (agaspard@cruzanfoodie.com) for Coldwell Banker, St. Croix Realty

#skincare #bodycare #natural #naturalskincare #stcroix #virginislands #beauty