May 27, 2022 | QA
Published on our May 2022 Newsletter
Question: What should homebuyers know about agency, loyalty, and shared expectations?
Chris’ Answer: Most real estate agents earn their living by representing buyers and sellers in property transactions. The yard sign makes it obvious who is representing the sellers’ interest.
Problems can arise when buyers unwittingly or intentionally act in a way which lead two or more agents to believe they each represent that same buyer. Sometimes buyers think that the more agents they have working for them, the better service they will receive. The opposite is true.
It’s in everyone’s best interest that a buyer selects an agent before viewing a property. Buyers can typically expect a higher level of service when they’ve aligned themselves with one agent.
St. Croix is like a small town. Most of the Realtors know each other. Even though we may be with different firms, as professionals, we work on deals co-operatively to ensure that the interests of both buyers and sellers are addressed.
As a buyer, your relationship with your agent is based on mutual consent. You can cancel the arrangement if you feel your agent isn’t living up to your expectations. Each agent has their own style and preferred way of working with clients. For example, we work as a team, and feel that as professionals who bring different perspectives to that Buyer/Realtor relationship, we take better care of our clients and their needs.
We love working with people! What we recommend is that you take time to discuss expectations at the beginning of your relationship with us. It’s the surest way to form a strong partnership – one which allows us to serve you to our highest ability, and helps you achieve the best results in your property purchase.
#realestate #realtor #stcroix #usvi #caribbean #realestateagents #homes #condos #homebuying #homeowner
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.
St Croix Animal Welfare Center has low cost animal health care as well, for animals that stay on the island. There are volunteer opportunities, donation opportunities, and educational programming as well. Check out their website for more information!
Photo credit: Susan Ellis, St Croix Source
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
