Oct 28, 2022 | QA
Published on our October 2022 Newsletter
Question: “How do your land photos and videos give me more information than just overgrown vegetation?“
Chris’ Answer:
Imagining boundaries on land parcel photographs is difficult. An aerial mapping photograph can help, but only from an overhead view. We are now including approximate drawings of the boundaries on our photos so that you can better envision the shape of the lot as you look at the different views. Some of the photographs have the lot drawn, and all of the surrounding land is black and white. We feel this helps make the shape of the lot really stand out! We also include the names of the roads, and any landmarks to give you reference points. This can assist you in finding the lot as you drive around. It also helps you if you are off island to better understand the location of the lot. In our videos, we attempt to give as many overhead and angled views to try to show the slope and what your view might be if you built your home there.
Image from our listing at 72 South Grapetree, St Croix USVI. View listing here.
#realestatemarketing #sellingland #landsales #realestate #realtor #coldwellbanker #islandhomes #caribbean #stcroixusvi #virginislands
Oct 28, 2022 | QA
Published on our October 2022 Newsletter
Question: “What is the benefit of scanning the QR code on your signs vs. going to your website?”
Christie’s Answer:
As you travel around the island, look for our new signs with QR codes on them. These are going on our land listings. When the QR code is scanned by your phone, you will be taken directly to an information page created specifically for that land parcel. You can see the most important highlights about the property, like: acreage, price, slope description and photos and videos. This is important because when you are standing at the location, unless the lot has been cleared, all that you will see is brush and trees. Our photos and videos are taken from the street and from the air to give you as much initial information as possible about what you might be buying! For one listing, we drove across the valley so that we could get a different view of the lot.
There is also a contact form so we can send you the complete listing information which includes documents we have (surveys, topographical map, aerial mapping photo), and additional photos and videos.
Image from our listing at 72 South Grapetree, St Croix USVI. View listing here.
#realestatemarketing #sellingland #landsales #realestate #realtor #coldwellbanker #islandhomes #caribbean #stcroixusvi #virginislands
Oct 4, 2022 | QA
Published on our September 2022 Newsletter
Question: “What are some different things in your land listings recently?”
Chris’ Answer: “We are now including annotated photographs and animated drone videos. These make it easier to envision the shape of the lot. They include the names of the roads and some land marks. Without these innovative visual aids, you would just be looking at overgrown undefined parcels with no reference points.”
Image from our listing MLS #21-1480, 86 South Grapetree. View listing here.
#realestatemarketing #sellingland #landsales #realestate #realtor #coldwellbanker #islandhomes #caribbean #stcroixusvi #virginislands
Oct 4, 2022 | QA
Published on our September 2022 Newsletter
Question: “The QR code on your land signs is new. When it’s scanned, what would I see?”
Christie’s Answer: “The QR code takes you directly to our listing of that particular land parcel. When you see one of our signs with the code, scan it, and you will see all of the details pertaining to that lot, including the price, acreage, and any documents we have connected to the parcel. These may include a survey, topographical map, and map geo map. It’s great to have all of that information at your fingertips while you are actually looking at the lot!”
#sellingland #landsales #realestate #realtor #coldwellbanker #islandhomes #caribbean #stcroixusvi #virginislands
Sep 1, 2022 | QA
Published on our August 2022 Newsletter
Question: What are the top 5 hidden costs of Buying a Home or Condo?
Chris’s Answer: Here are the 5 hidden costs to keep in mind!
- Closing costs, prepaid fees, and other fees. Getting a loan costs 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.
- 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 your 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.
Are you looking to find the perfect property for you and your family on St. Croix? Please contact us and we will be happy to assist you in every stage of the home buying process!
#stcroixusvirealestate #realestate #realtor #stcroixusvi #virginislands #coldwellbanker #caribbean #homebuying
Sep 1, 2022 | QA
Published on our August 2022 Newsletter
Question: What is holding Buyers back?
Christie’s Answer: According to “Today’s Buyer’s Rep”, ABR’s (Accredited Buyer’s Representative) monthly magazine, inventory and affordability are the two top issues for Buyers. The third issue is that Buyers seem to have unrealistic expectations. Since we have addressed the first two, let’s look at the third.
Buyers need to be better informed. Discussing the buying process and answering questions assists Buyers to have more realistic expectations. This takes some time, and sometimes we refer the Buyer to experts like mortgage lenders, contractors, building engineers, architects, attorneys, electricians, insurance agents, or other professionals.
Despite all of the preparations, sometimes there are unforeseen challenges. For example, on one parcel of land we sold, an archeological site was found of a Pre-Columbian ball court. Discovering this did create a challenge, and slowed the process. Historical research was needed, and legal documents prepared by attorneys. This ultimately meant that of the 10 acres being bought, 2 acres were to be kept intact and undisturbed. Fortunately, the Buyers were delighted to have such a site on their land!
#stcroixusvirealestate #realestate #realtor #stcroixusvi #virginislands #coldwellbanker #caribbean #homebuying
