Nov 26, 2024 | QA
Question: “What are my options for bringing my pets to St. Croix?”
Our Answer:
For dogs and cats, no import permit is needed; however, their official health certificate must state that they did not originate from an area quarantined for rabies. They must also have been vaccinated for rabies within 12 months of the date of shipment, except those that are less than 12 weeks old. When traveling, the rabies vaccination certificate must be attached to the official health certificate.
Commercial airline limitations can sometimes cause additional challenges — size, breed, weight, and number of pets, along with the season of travel, are all things to take into consideration. Certain breeds are prohibited from traveling commercially, and airlines are unable to accommodate transport for animals during hot months (think June through October).
For some, chartering a plane is the only option to get their pets to the territory. Using a charter service through a company like Bohlke International Airways is one option to consider. Their animal-friendly charters provide safe passage for all types of animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds.
For more information about moving to the USVI with pets, visit https://doa.vi.gov/animal-imports/.
Contact us with any questions about real estate on St. Croix!
Nov 8, 2024 | QA
Question: “What advice do you have for maintaining an outdoor living space in the Caribbean climate?”
Our Answer:
St Croix has mostly warm, sunny days, beautiful sunsets and starry night time skies. Some days we have rain and hotter temperatures. Here are some things we do to help maintain our outdoor living space year round:
- Outdoor furniture – There are so many options for outdoor furniture! Our favorites are ones which are easy to clean and can be hosed off. In choosing your furniture, think of comfort, esthetics, cleaning and durability.
- Cushions and pillows – These should be attractive, comfortable, durable and easy to clean. We recommend fabrics which will withstand the sun, are easy to wash, and feel good.
- Outdoor lighting – For solar lights, make sure that the color panels are clear of dirt or leaves so that they capture the sun and illuminate pathways. Strings of lights should be hung in such a way as to be easily removed in case of a storm. Many people have motion detection lights. With all of the salt in the air, check occasionally for rust.
- Cleaning patios – At some point, you will want to pressure wash your patio. The furniture should be easy to move, and you will need water and power sources nearby.
- Plants – Make sure that there’s a hose bib so that you can either water by hand, or hook up drip irrigation. Remember, plants don’t have a dormant season here, but grow all year. So, plan for those plants to get large! Growing plants suited for your area of the island will decrease the maintenance. There are lovely lush tropical plants which need more water, and succulents which are very low maintenance.
- Bird feeders and bird baths – We have several of these all around our house. Refill feeders and baths every day. This brings birds into the garden so you can see them up close, and can help you reconnect with nature.
Contact us with any questions about real estate on St. Croix!
Nov 8, 2024 | QA
Question: “What are some tips for designing an outdoor space in a home on St. Croix?”
Our Answer:
When planning a comfortable and useful outdoor living space, here are some considerations:
- Comfortable seating – One of the first things you should invest in is comfortable seating. This may mean some combination of tables, chairs, couches, lounge chairs, benches or hammocks, depending on the space and your preferences.
- Lighting – An attractive set of solar garden lights along your walkways will illuminate the paths between your plants. This is as much to create a mood as for safety. You might also want to think about hanging some string lights, perhaps with a fanciful and distinct design. This offers soft lighting for evening entertaining.
- Outdoor storage – You will have outdoor supplies which you will want to keep conveniently available. Cabinets and storage benches will keep things tidy and uncluttered.
- Awnings or umbrellas – Yes, the sun is great, but shade is also very important! If you don’t have a covered space, you will need some shade. This can be from large trees, umbrellas, or a retractable patio awning.
- Outdoor cooking – One of the most popular items people purchase is a portable lightweight stove or grill. Some people who enjoy cooking outdoors create an outdoor kitchen with a sink, prepping counter and a small refrigerator.
- Cushions and pillows – One way to make your patio look and feel cozy and inviting is with cushions and pillows. These should be comfortable and attractive. Some people choose colors similar to the indoor colors to give a smooth transition to their outdoor space.
- Decor – There is an endless selection of decorative items you can find. There are lights, sculptures, fountains, birdbaths and beautiful pots for your plants. Some friends of ours sunk a bathtub into their garden to create a small pond. They also found the inside of a baby grand piano and hung it on the fence. Outdoor decor can beautify your space and express your personality!
Contact us with any questions about real estate on St. Croix!
Oct 2, 2024 | QA
Question: “What are some important features to consider in a St Croix home?”
Our Answer:
Consider the features which suit the needs of your lifestyle now, and what you see in the future
- Outdoor space. Because of the temperate climate, be sure to think about creating wonderful outdoor spaces. You’ll want enough space for you to relax and enjoy the view and breezes, plus space to entertain your friends and family.
- Air flow. Unless you intend to use AC all of the time, having cross breezes and ceiling fans are important. This will keep you cool, and the circulating fresh air will deter mold growth.
- View. What do you want to see when gazing through the windows?
- Activities. Do you like to be near diving or snorkeling? Do you like to hike or bike and want to be near places to do that? Perhaps you are an artist who would want to be near the Botanical Garden or historic buildings? If you have a boat, you may want to be close to where it’s moored. If you are a star gazer, you may want to be more in the in a rural area where the glorious moon, stars and planets shine more brightly.
- Pets. Like most people, our dog and cats are so important to us! We have enough space for all of us to live together. Although wild birds are not pets, they are important to us, too. We have several bird baths and feeders with sugar water or small seeds to feed the hummingbirds, banana quits, finches, and sparrows. We spread cracked corn for the doves, pigeons, and two peacocks. We love watching them! There’s always bird songs or peacock noises floating into the house!
Contact us with any questions about real estate on St. Croix!
Oct 2, 2024 | QA
Question: “What are the hidden costs of buying a home or condo?”
Our Answer:
In the excitement of finding your island home, keep these costs in mind:
- Inspections. An inspection by a licensed home inspector is key to any home or condo purchase. This will inform you as to the condition of the home or condo so that you better understand what you are buying. The owner will disclose anything they are aware of, but an inspector will give you a full detailed report. For a home or land, you will want a survey done. Often an appraisal is needed.
- Association fees. Condos have have HOA fees associated with them. Some homes do, too. These fees will be pro-rated for the year at closing.
- Maintenance, repairs, and decorating. Your monthly budget responsibilities could include landscaping, pool maintenance, pest control, garbage pickup, cable TV, and internet. There might be a few minor things for you to repair after closing. Also, you will want to make your new home YOURS. So, budget for decor, paint, landscaping, furniture, or anything else you may want to change. Sometimes just adding new decorative pillows will change the look of your living room and make it more personal!
- Utility bills. Don’t let budgeting for utilities get lost in your excitement. Think about the energy you will be using (water, electricity, AC, pool, washer/dryer, etc.), and add that to your monthly budget.
- Closing costs, prepaid fees and appraisal: If you are getting a loan, it does cost money. Plan on paying for your loan to be processed along with an appraisal fee. Closing costs and prepaid fees generally range between 3% – 5% of the purchase price.
Contact us with any questions about real estate on St. Croix!
Sep 3, 2024 | QA
Question: “Why do so many condo listings say “cash-sale only?”
Chris’s Answer:
Currently many condos on St. Croix must be purchased for cash since they don’t qualify for financing. A condo complex is warrantable if it operates as closely to a residence as possible, is not seen as a “condo hotel”, and complies with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Mortgage guidelines. When lenders are considering loans on condos in a specific complex, they look at many factors:
- Some HOAs, while insured, don’t meet the lenders guidelines.
- Have the number of vacation rentals in the complex been increasing?
- Does the condo complex rent office space to agencies which rent condos inside the complex?
After Hurricane Maria in 2017, insurance companies paid claims which were sometimes substantial. Many insurers decided to raise their premiums in subsequent years.
Condo complexes handled those rate increases in different ways. Some passed them along as either increases in the monthly HOA fees, or as special one time assessments.
Some HOAs reduced their premiums by increasing their deductibles or lowering the amount of their insurance coverage.
Many of the condo boards have been reviewing these issues and working with insurers to make adjustments to their coverage so that lenders are satisfied.
Contact us with any questions about real estate on St. Croix!
