There are typically three options when inheriting a home:
1. Move in:
If the property meets your needs and budget, moving in could be a meaningful and practical choice. Be sure to consider any outstanding mortgage, necessary repairs, or updates.
2. Sell the home:
Many heirs choose to sell, especially if the home doesn’t suit their lifestyle or if there are multiple inheritors. Before listing, you’ll want to handle any required repairs and clear out belongings. This can take time. Be sure to be gentle with yourself. Often selling a property brings up a lot of emotions.
3. Rent it out:
If you’re not ready to sell, but don’t plan to live there, renting can provide income while you figure things out. Just be prepared for landlord responsibilities, local rental laws, and potential property management needs.
For more information about what to do when you inherit a property visit our recent newsletter on the topic here.
Watch our YouTube video on What to Do When You Inherit a Island Home below.
Inheriting a home is one of those life moments that often brings mixed emotions. Before rushing into decisions, give yourself time. A home tied to a loved one can carry emotional weight, and there’s no need to tackle everything immediately.
Start by gathering key documents. These will help you get a clear picture of what you’ve inherited and what is still owed or required:
The will or trust
Mortgage information (if any)
Homeowners insurance policy
Utility bills
Tax records
Deed/title paperwork
Determine ownership and legal standing. If the home was left to you in a will, the estate will likely need to go through probate before you can take ownership. If the property was in a trust, this process may be quicker. It’s smart to consult a probate attorney or estate planner, especially if there are multiple heirs or unclear ownership.
Understand the financial impact. Inheriting a home can come with financial considerations:
Property taxes
Capital gains taxes
Ongoing expenses – mortgage payments (if applicable), insurance, utilities, and maintenance will all need attention
For more information about what to do when you inherit a property visit our recent newsletter on the topic here.
Watch our YouTube video on What to Do When You Inherit a Island Home below.
We are excited to see this in the news! According to the VI Consortium, Senate Vice President Kenneth Gittens has formally requested assistance from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to restore the eroded shoreline at Fort Frederik Beach, one of Frederiksted’s most iconic coastal areas. His proposal seeks to combat ongoing environmental damage and to revive shoreline fishing opportunities that have long been part of local culture. Homeland Security protocols limits public access to port facilities after hours. Due to erosion and storm damage, Fort Frederik Beach is in need of help to bring it back as a recreational hub and a cultural landmark for St. Croix.
We think a restoration and revival project would be a great benefit to the greater community. Local residents and visitors will be able to enjoy the area.
According to the VI Consortium, a transformative telecommunications project promising faster, more reliable internet for schools, hospitals, emergency services, and the broader community is one step closer to reality, as lawmakers recently advanced legislation approving a major coastal zone permit for Trans Americas Fiber US, LLC to land a new submarine fiber optic cable on St. Croix.
The article also said the project also comes with advantages for the government, as the Division of Coastal Zone Management successfully negotiated free bandwidth service. Trans Americas Fiber US had said they are committed to “free bandwidth to the Government of the Virgin Islands.” Schools, hospitals, and emergency services now stand to benefit from “faster, more reliable internet access at no cost.”
Trans Americas Fiber will connect 2,000-km cable from Florida, boosting speeds for public institutions and saving $200K annually. USVI lawmakers voiced concerns on the environmental impact of the project and seeked written guarantees and oversight to prevent past environmental mistakes. The Trans Americas Fiber agreed to submit a water quality application and receive permission from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and stated that “the route was designed so it doesn’t interfere with any corals.” Read more about this project here.
It’s Chris and Christie Powers, your St Croix Realtor team. We are happy to share the latest sales data, inventory, and days on market for the St. Croix, USVI real estate market. Here is few quick highlights about July’s data:
There were 20 new home listings and 17 homes sold on island. The number of total homes sold from January to July 2025 is up 9.89% compared to same period a year ago.
There were 10 new condo listings and 6 sold listings on island, the number of total condos sold from January to July 2025 is up 12.5% compared to same period a year ago.
Download the Coldwell Banker St Croix real estate market reports for each category: Homes & Condos, Condos, Homes, and Land to see all the details!
We are Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) and Seller Representative Specialist (SRS) and have the experience and local knowledge to help you in every step of the process. We will help you narrow down neighborhoods based on your priorities. Whether you are searching for a starter home or a forever home, we will also advise you on the market trends in your desired neighborhoods. Let us help you find your dream home. Contact Chris and Christie! Luxury real estate, residential real estate, condominiums, and more — contact us here.
