May 27, 2022 | QA
Published on our May 2022 Newsletter
Question: What is the importance of an appraisal?
Christie’s Answer: Appraisals are required to value a property for a mortgage and are a very good idea for a cash purchase. While the property is priced based on the current sales market, Appraisers look at past sale data. This is one reason the sale price of the property may be different from the apprised value.
For the buyer, if the appraised value comes in at or above their offer price, the mortgage process can move easily forward. On the other hand, if the appraisal comes in below the purchase price, assuming a standard mortgage contingency clause, rider, or addendum is in place, the buyer has three options:
- Make up the difference between the appraisal and the offer.
- Negotiate a lower purchase price with the seller.
- Cancel the offer to purchase based on the contract language in the mortgage contingency clause.
Here on St. Croix, real estate listings aren’t the only shortage in today’s market. There’s also a limited number of appraisers. So, scheduling an appraisal should be done as soon as possible.
#realestate #relator #stcroix #usvi #caribbean #appraisal #homes #condos #homebuying #homeowner
May 25, 2022 | Island News
St. Croix Animal Welfare Center’s Paws from Paradise program has helped178 dogs from the Virgin Islands find permanent homes in America this year alone. According to the Program Coordinator Wayne Myers, small canines or puppies that can be confined safely in crates in Air Cargo Carriers’ and Amerijet’s aircraft are selected to fly. Firstly, dogs are chosen by AWC, and then the partner shelter approves them by photos and short biographies written by staff. Read the full St Croix Source article about the program and the adoption process here.
Photo credit: Susan Ellis, St Croix Source
#pets #petadoption #dogs #stcroix #usvi #caribbean
May 24, 2022 | Island News
In May, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) opened the V.I. Coral Innovation Hub on St. Croix, a laboratory focusing on coral research, conservation, new coral science, and technology. The lab’s purpose is to help reefs recover by breeding coral on land-based and underwater nurseries. Hurricanes have impacted coral reefs in the area and the goal is to help reefs recover by breeding coral on land-based and underwater nurseries. The St. Croix superintendent of the National Park Service shared that “there is already successful coral growth on the South Shore and at Buck Island. The South Shore is home to 215 transplanted corals, and there are 100 in the waters around Buck Island.” Read the full article on St. Croix Source here.
Photo credit Susan Ellis, St. Croix Source
#stcroix #usvi #caribbean #coralreef #virginislands #coralresearch #conservation #coralscience #tnc #thenatureconservancy
May 23, 2022 | Island News
We have been seeing an increased presence of new visitors to our shores ready to fall in love with our laidback lifestyle, rich culture and friendly people. St. Croix is an island paradise we are proud to call our home. This article from Lonely Planet highlights some of the wonderful things to do on US Virgin Islands. Check out the suggestions for “the best things to do” on our favorite island of St. Croix! Snorkeling and diving in the crystal clear waters on our beaches, kayaking into a bioluminescent bay, and enjoying local West Indian culture during Carnival week as the streets are filled with calypso music, jumbie dancing, and parades — these are just some experiences on St. Croix to enjoy with your friends and family!
Read the full article here.
#stcroix #usvi #virginislands #realtor #realestate #tourism #visitstcroix
May 23, 2022 | Island News
Wake up, smile and “seas” the day with a different kind of outing along the sandy shores of St. Croix. Freedom Surf Company owner Trevor Fitch offers surfing and swim lessons for all skill levels, offering a gateway to the surfing lifestyle and the freedom it gives. Trevor always knew he wanted to live in the Caribbean. After graduating from high school and gaining work experience, he took a leap of faith and made the journey to St. Croix. “This island is super special to me and has taught me a lot,” said Trevor. “The main difference between here and living elsewhere is that people enjoy life and live in the moment and being here has allowed me the opportunity to do just that.”
Trevor would volunteer his time and skills at local schools to connect with the youth on the island. Determined to share his love of surfing with them, he started a high school program in June 2021 with a total of 12 kids. He got the idea to offer the program after a family approached him on the beach to give them surf lessons. He was thrilled to see how surfing changed their outlook. “You could see the genuine happiness in each student during the summer camp,” he said. From that point on,
Trevor knew he wanted to do more to teach surfing not only to the island’s youth but as many people on the island as possible. Freedom Surf Company was established in August 2021 and the rest is history.
When asked why people should give surfing a try, Trevor shared how therapeutic the sport is. “There aren’t too many activities that help a person’s spiritual, mental and physical health,” he said. “Surfing is a lot like life being that it is a long journey where learning never ends, and the practice of patience is at the center of it all.”
Ready to give surfing a try? Freedom Surf Company offers a money-back guarantee to all customers. They are confident that each student will be able to stand up on their board and ride a first wave to shore by the end of the first lesson. If not, all money for the lesson is returned. Lessons are $75 per person with bundle offers available when 3 or more people take a lesson. They offer weekly sales and promotions with various prizes and giveaways. Visit their website at www.freedomsurfco.com to book your first lesson or call 585.563.9284 for more information.
Article written by Anquanette Gaspard (agaspard@cruzanfoodie.com) for Coldwell Banker, St. Croix Realty
Photo from www.freedomsurfco.com
#stcroix #usvi #caribbean #surfing #surfinglessons #swim #swimlessons #waves
