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!
Oct 18, 2024 | Reports
Is it the right time to list your property? September 2024 sales data, inventory, and days on market for the St. Croix, USVI real estate market is available in our downloadable Coldwell Banker real estate reports. The is a report for each category: Homes & Condos, Condos, Homes, and Land!
If you are not familiar with with the implications of the data, please give us a call or email us directly with any questions. We are Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) and Seller Representative Specialist (SRS) and have the experience and local knowledge to help you in every step of the process. We can help you narrow down neighborhoods based on your priorities. We can also advise you on the market trends in your desired neighborhoods.
Open reports by clicking on links below:
Homes & Condos – September 2024 Report
Homes – September 2024 Report
Condo – September 2024 Report
Land – September 2024 Report
Note: The average sales price and the average days on market could be skewed greatly by only one sale or because of the small number of sales
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!
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!
Sep 3, 2024 | QA
Question: “Why are condo fees higher on St Croix than in the States?”
Christie’s Answer:
Often people compare condo fees on St. Croix with condo fees in the states. A big difference is that the HOA fees here usually, but not always, include windstorm insurance. Those HOA fees cover other things, too. While they vary from complex to complex, the fees often include maintenance of the exterior of the buildings, landscaping, pool maintenance, administrative expenses, monthly pest control, TV, trash removal, and internet. Basically, the complex can’t run and be maintained without the owners sharing in the expenses of the management and upkeep. When looking at HOA fees, consider what they include and what they are not including so that you understand the value of the condo fees.
Contact us with any questions about real estate on St. Croix!
