Jun 24, 2024 | QA
Question: “What are the costs associated by buying besides the purchase price?”
Chris’s Answer:
Depending on the property and whether you are getting a loan, you could be responsible for:
- Your attorney’s fees.
- Home inspection.
- An appraisal.
- Owner’s title policy.
- Property survey.
- Recording fee for the deed.
- Lenders title insurance.
- Title search.
- Transfer stamp tax (often paid by Seller or split between you).
- Prorated condo fees.
- Prorated dues.
- Prorated HOA fees.
- Prorated property tax.
- Prorated property insurance.
Contact us with any questions about real estate on St. Croix!
Jun 24, 2024 | Island News, QA
Question: “What are signs of a great Buy-Realtor relationship?”
Christie’s Answer:
We work in partnership with Buyers. Here’s what we hope for:
- Good and honest communication.
- Someone who does their research and homework, and reads a property’s description before going to see it.
- Someone who asks questions. It’s important that the Buyer understands and feels comfortable with every step along the way.
- Buying is a collaborative effort between the Buyer and Realtor, which takes trust and mutual respect.
- A person who desires to work toward the goal of ownership.
- Flexibility with their time. Many deals need additional time to solve unforeseen challenges.
- A sense of humor. Buying property is stressful. A sense of humor will get you through.
Contact us with any questions about real estate on St. Croix!
Jun 4, 2024 | QA
Question: “Besides location, price and type of home, what are some additional important questions to discuss with a Buyer?”
Chris’s Answer:
To represent the Buyer and their best interests, we also ask these important questions:
- Do you need to sell another property before you buy?
- Is there a deadline on the closure of your property here on St. Croix?
- Are there any life changes or events, such as a job change, large purchase, or retirement, coming up which could impact your buying timeline, or ability to secure a loan?
- Will you be paying cash or need to secure financing? It’s important to work with a local lender who is licensed in the USVI. We can provide you with a list and contact information.
- Is there anything else we need to know about finding you a great property here?
Contact us with any questions about real estate on St. Croix!
Jun 4, 2024 | QA
Question: “Besides looking at MLS, what else can help aid us in finding a home?”
Christie’s Answer:
Many factors contribute in assisting us in finding your St. Croix purchase. Some of them are:
- Understanding local market conditions, property values, and emerging trends allows us to provide accurate and insightful guidance to our clients. We receive monthly reports which compare one month to the same month a year ago. These reports are included in each edition of our newsletter. See the current report here.
- If you are traveling to island to look at property, we can send out an email to all Realtors on St. Croix asking if anyone has a listing coming on the market within the time you are here with your requirements and wishes.
- Our knowledge of the island helps us to find the right property for you. The island has such diversity in topography, rainfall, and the locations of different things, like towns, beaches, hiking trails, jobs, etc. For example, we were working with a couple who love to dive in Salt River and Cane Bay. We were able to find them a home near Salt River with space for them to pull in and unload all of their dive gear.
Contact us with any questions about real estate on St. Croix!
Apr 30, 2024 | QA
Question: “Outside of the listing, where else can I look for helpful information?”
Chris’s Answer:
Before buying, consider yourself in the “information gathering” phase. Yes, it’s more fun to dream of the structure you will build, but, take some time to also think of the practicality of building.
- For in-depth descriptions of the different codes, their uses, and their restrictions, go to: https://law.justia.com/codes/virgin-islands/2019/title-29/chapter-3/subchapter-i/229/. As you are reading a listing, the most common zones you will see are:
- R-2 – residential, low density (1 – 2 family dwellings), set backs 15’ on the front, 10’ rear and side
- R-1 – residential, low density – 15’ set backs on all sides
- The Department of Planning and Natural Resources is the USVI Government department where you will get your permits for building. Their web site will answer so many questions, perhaps even ones you don’t currently know. It will be worth your time to browse through it. You can also give them a call for clarification: https://dpnr.vi.gov/
- The Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs is a place you can search for licensed professionals. Here is their home page. At the top of the Home Page, click on License Search: https://dlca.vi.gov/aboutdlca/
Contact us with any questions about real estate on St. Croix!
First published on our April 2024 Newsletter
Apr 30, 2024 | QA
Question: “What should I take into consideration when searching for land?”
Christie’s Answer:
Here are some important considerations:
- Location on island – For a small island, there’s diversity in the microclimates of the estates. As you travel from east to west, we have grasses and scrub bushes to a rainforest. Drive around and experience the different areas to decide what you like and what you would like to be close to – diving, hiking, restaurants, shops, etc.
- Zoning – Will the property’s zoning allow you to use the land as you’d like?
- Cost – Will you be paying with cash or getting a loan? If you are getting a loan, becoming pre-qualified will give you the peace of mind that you will be comfortable your monthly payments. It also makes a stronger offer to the Seller.
- Terrain – Land will either be flat, gentle slope, moderate slope, or steep slope. What will best suit your design and needs?
- Road conditions – Most roads are paved, but many are dirt or gravel roads. How will this effect the building process and how will it effect your daily life after you have moved in?
- Proximity to other structures – Some people like the coziness of having neighbors. Others like more space around them.
- HOA – Is there an HOA fee, and what is its use?
- Covenants and restrictions – Sometimes estates or quarters will have restrictions on the use of the land
Contact us with any questions about real estate on St. Croix!
First published on our April 2024 Newsletter
