A home appraisal is an objective, professional assessment done by a licensed Appraiser to determine how much a home or property is worth. When buying or selling a home, an appraisal determines whether the sale price of the home is more, less, or similar to the market value.
Here are 4 surprising factors that can affect a home appraisal:
Location: A home’s location in terms of its neighborhood, schools, access to transportation, and proximity to amenities, will generally result in a higher appraisal value. Conversely, homes in areas with negative factors may have lower appraisal values.
Condition of the Property: Appraisers assess the condition of a home, considering factors like the age, quality of construction, and the condition of key elements like the roof, windows, and foundation. A well-maintained property with no major issues will likely receive a higher appraisal.
Market Trends: The current state of the real estate market will influence your home’s appraisal value. Current market conditions, such as supply and demand, interest rates, and recent sales, also influence the appraisal.
Renovations and Upgrades: While renovations can increase the value of a home, appraisers will also consider the quality and type of work done. Renovations that increase the usable square footage, number of bedrooms, or bathrooms, or that enhance the home’s overall appeal will likely have a positive impact on the appraisal.
Read more about home appraisals in our April 2025 newsletter here and our video guide below with a step-by-step overview of the home appraisal process.
Question: “As I shop for land on St Croix, what are some things I should take into consideration?”
Our Answer:
Here are some importance considerations when buying land on St Croix:
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
Question: “Outside of the listing, where else can I find important information about land for sale on St Croix?”
Our Answer:
Before buying on St Croix, 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.
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/
If you are considering a loan, we can provide a list of local lenders. For a construction loan, the land owner’s application will need to include plans, permits, cost estimates, and an executed contract with a licensed contractor for the Lender to review. The Lender will also need an appraisal of the property, a survey, and a title review.
Contact us with any questions about land for sale. St. Croix offers stunning natural beauty, including pristine beaches, lush greenery, and crystal-clear waters. It’s perfect for those seeking a tropical retreat paradise!
See our video in which we offer more tips and advice on buying land on St Croix.
Question: What are the pros and cons to buying a home “as is”?
Our Answer:
When a home or condo is being sold “as is”, this simply means that the Seller has decided that they will not make repairs or improvements, and the Buyer is purchasing the property in its present condition.
While it may seem like “as is” homes are always in poor condition, this is not always the case. An “as is” clause is simply meant to help communicate that the seller won’t be making or financing repairs. Since the seller is not fixing any issues, the asking price for an “as is” house is typically lower than a comparable house. Here are some important “pros” and “cons” to consider.
Some reasons why buying a home “as is” could be right for a Buyer:
Exciting design opportunities: While not all “as is” homes need a complete makeover, they may be the perfect base for exciting renovations.
Negotiation power: Hoping to buy in a neighborhood that may be out of your price range? “As is” homes are typically priced lower than comparable homes, so you might find your dream neighborhood suddenly come within reach.
Opportunity to invest: Real estate investors looking for fixer-uppers buy homes to renovate and flip for profit. Whether you’re looking to do this as a business venture or have always wanted to buy a fixer-upper, an “as is” home may be the right venture for you.
Sone challenges with “as is” properties that Buyers should consider carefully:
Potentially expensive repairs: If renovating doesn’t excite you, then buying a home “as is” may not be your best choice. Depending on the home’s condition, it’s possible there could be expensive repairs that are hard to avoid.
Long renovation projects: Major renovations can take time. This might mean your home is out of commission for some time before you’re able to move in, or at the very least, you’ll be dealing with a noisy and dirty environment until the projects are finished.
Possible safety hazards: An “as is” home may have hidden problems you’re not aware of that pose safety issues.
Contact us with any questions about real estate on St. Croix!
Also check out our video about this topic on YouTube:
Question: “What are some issues found in home inspections?”
Our Answer:
The issues found during home inspections can vary. Some of the problems Inspectors look for are:
Structural or foundation problems.
Windows and doors operating correctly.
Safety issues such as too few smoke alarms, or tripping hazards in floors or staircases. This could include cracked or missing tiles in the floor.
Potential problems in a home’s exterior, roof, plumbing, electrical systems, cisterns, pool equipment, air conditioning, and interiors.
Sometimes additional inspections by specialists in a certain field are recommended to get more information which may include costs of repairs. The most common are:
Air conditioning
Pool equipment
Cisterns
Roof
Structural
Appliances
Electrical
Plumbing
We also discuss home inspections in our Youtube video here:
Contact us with any questions about real estate on St. Croix!
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.
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!
