Get hooked on world-class offshore sport fishing on St. Croix with Captain Cook Charters! Since 2016, Captain Colt Cook and his seasoned crew has offered half-day and full-day fishing charters aboard their 33-foot long sportfisher boat, Hook n’ Cook. Made by Pursuit Boats, Hook n’ Cook is used exclusively for offshore fishing of mahi-mahi, wahoo, tuna and marlin. Inshore trips are also available as the company uses spinning or fly-fishing tackle to catch tarpon, snook, bonefish, snapper, mackerel and jacks. With accommodations for up to 6 people, offshore trips are available in 4-, 6-, 8- and 10-hour durations departing from Green Cay Marina on the island’s east end.
For as long as he could remember, Captain Cook has always considered fishing as a way of life. “I’ve always had a passion for salt water and marine life and knew I wanted to fish for a living,” said Cook. His love for the ocean steered him to the University of Texas at Austin where he earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Marine Biology. His vast marine world knowledge, many years of experience and countless hours logged on ships of all sizes is what sets Captain Cook apart. A scuba diving and free diving enthusiast, Captain Cook puts his heart and soul into making sure that each group has an unforgettable experience. He shared that there’s a high possibility that each charter will catch something. “We go out on each trip with a plan and use various methods to get some fish on the line.”
Beyond the catch, Captain Cook and his crew offer free, professional fish cleaning services. Once they’ve cleaned and bagged the charter’s catch, a hot grill or pan is all that stands between guests and their dinner. If an adventure trip is more your speed, Captain Cook Charters offers on-the-water outings that consist of snorkeling, sunset booze cruises and barhopping. Let them know what kind of trip you want, and they will make it happen!
Question: Will you put these recent rate increases into historical perspective for us?
Chris’ Answer: Looking back, starting in the 1980’s by decade, on a Freddie Mac 30 year fixed mortgage for a primary residence, the rates from the St. Louis Fed Survey looked like this:
1980’s – about 9.00% 1990’s – about 6.75% 2000’s – about 5.25% 2010’s – about 3.50% 2020’s – about 2.75% and we’re currently hovering just under 6%
We’ve all gotten accustomed to the low rates over the last 10 years. We’re now entering a period where the rates are normalizing and that rate environment is more in line with historical rates. These current rates are more in line with what the “cost of money” should be based on the last four plus decades.
Question: What effect is the increase in rates having on buyers and sellers?
Chris’ Answer:
Here are three things that have the potential to effect on buyers:
The cost of homeownership has increased.
It is affecting the ability of some buyers to qualify for a mortgage.
In markets such as this, some lenders tend to become a little more conservative. While I don’t expect them to change guidelines, I do expect that they may become more conservative in their pricing.
Sellers could be affected in these ways:
Second home sales, whether houses or condos, may begin to slow. This is a big part of the St. Croix market.
Investment and speculative buying may also begin to slow. These buyers are likely to search out other investment options which may be more attractive as rates increase.
As the real estate markets and players try to “right size” themselves after a few boom years, we may find that Days on Market will be affected.
Here are real estate reports for May 2022. It is a good time to list your home, condo, or land for sale! If you look at the market update in this newsletter, you will see that May saw an increase in sales from May a year ago, across all categories of properties. June and July could have similar numbers. Please contact us, we’d love to work with you and list your property!
What does freedom look like today? The Department of Planning and Natural Resources Division of Libraries, Archives and Museums is hosting an exhibit at Fort Frederik Museum on St. Croix in honor of Emancipation Day under the theme titled “The Revolution is Not a One Time Act.” Emancipation Day, is celebrated annually on July 3, but the exhibit will be open from from July 1st through September 23rd. The Virgin Islands Daily News reports that the DPNR had extended an open call to said seeking artists territory-wide to submit work that touches on the ideas of freedom, liberation, self-determination, and what that looks like today.”
