Dec 21, 2021 | QA
Published on our December 2021 Newsletter
Question: What is your favorite seasonal music ?
Chris’s Answer:
We are big fans of Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights! I recently bought one of their Christmas CDs at Riddims in downtown Christiansted to give to a friend, and decided to buy one for us, too. They put a Cruzan spin on Christmas carols, and I just can’t keep my feet still! If they don’t put the holiday spirit in you, you’re not paying attention!
Another favorite is Bill Bass. He plays amazing steel pan music which brings to my mind waving palm trees and lovely beaches.
We recommend adding these amazing musicians to your holiday streaming playlist. St. Croix’s renowned musical group Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights is on Spotify and Apple Music. Bill Bass is also on Spotify and Apple Music.
#holiday #music #stcroix #usvi #caribbean #drums #quelbe #virginislands
Dec 20, 2021 | Island News
CNN names the best places to visit this year in December for a weekend getaway and St Croix, USVI is one of them! As residents of St. Croix, we know the magic of spending the holiday season on our beautiful island. The Crucian Christmas Festival Season is beloved by locals and tourists who visit during this time. We recently went to Limpricht Park for the “Light Dem Up: Festival of Trees.” and Art Walk. If you are planning to come to St. Croix for the holidays, we hope you enjoy the warmth of the people, the weather, and the fantastic local food on the island!
To read the CNN article, go here.
#weekendgetaway #holidaygetaway #tourism #stcroix #usvi #caribbean #christmasvacation #festival #culture #food #tropical
Dec 20, 2021 | Island News
The Cane Roots Art Gallery has a new photo art exhibit called ““We Ready for deh Road” during the Crucian Christmas Festival Season. Photography of three Crucian artists – Malek Bascombe, David Berg, and Chalana Brown. Located on Company Street in downtown Christiansted, the exhibit runs through January 21st and should not be missed. Read more about the artists and photo exhibit in the article on St. Croix Source.
Photo from St. Croix Source
#art #stcroixusvi #usvi #culture #crucianchristmasfestival #artists #caribbean #photography
Dec 17, 2021 | Island News
The new Official 2022 maximum loan limits were just released. Nathan Purdome, of Schaffer Mortgage here on St. Croix, shared them with us and we want to pass them on to you. Thank you so much Nathan.
Christie and I would love to answer any questions you have about purchasing a property on St. Croix, getting a mortgage or anything else about the buying process. Please contact us, we’d love to talk with you.
Conventional:
- 1-unit: will be $970,800
- 2-unit: will be $1,243,050
- 3-unit: $1,502,475
- 4-unit: $1,867,275
FHA on St. Croix are as follows:
- 1-unit: will be $420,680
- 2-unit: will be $538,650
- 3-unit: $651,050
- 4-unit: $809,150
Conventional (also known as “conforming”) loans are available through private lenders, such as banks, credit unions, and mortgage companies and are a great option if you have a solid credit score and sufficient down payment. Conventional financing can be utilized for a primary residence, second home, or investment property.
FHA loans are backed by the federal government and as such will allow for a lower minimum down payment. FHA loans are also more forgiving of lower credit scores. FHA loans are only available for primary residence but will allow for up to a 4-unit property.
Both FHA and Conventional loan amounts have maximum loan limits. These limits will vary based on the number of living-units on the property and the property location. Properties with over 4 units are considered commercial and do not qualify for FHA or conventional loans.
Dec 2, 2021 | QA
Published on our November 2021 Newsletter
Question: What are some common terms dealing with real estate?
Christie’s Answer: Whether buying or selling, understanding real estate terms can make the sometimes overwhelming or confusing process simpler. For example, here are some commonly used terms:
Market Value: what a buyer is willing to pay for a property. It’s influenced by comparable sales which is the “going rate” for nearby homes that share a lot of characteristics with your listing, as well as the appraised value from a professional appraiser. This can be different from the assessed value which is used to calculate and levy property taxes.
Comparative Market Analysis (CMA): an estimate of a home’s value based on recently sold, similar properties in the immediate area. Real estate agents and brokers create CMA reports to help sellers set listing prices for their homes and sometimes to help buyers make competitive offers. Although buyers and sellers can do their own research and analysis, it is important to have someone who has deep knowledge of the local market to help.
For more frequently used terms, here is a wonderful article with a glossary of real estate terms which might be of assistance. If you have questions about buying or selling a home, contact us.
#realestate #realtor #homebuying #homeselling #stcroix #stcroixusvi #caribbean #coldwellbanker #marketvalue #homeappraisal
