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
Apr 12, 2024 | Island News
One of St. Croix’s most celebrated events is making a triumphant return for its 24th year! Taste of St. Croix returns on Thursday, April 18th to showcase St. Croix’s culinary scene from a host of restaurants, caterers, private chefs, and other culinary-based businesses throughout the territory. For the past two decades, Taste of St. Croix has uniquely captured the spirit and flavor of St. Croix’s hospitality industry by way of a celebration that is now recognized as one of the U.S. Virgin Islands’ premier food and wine events. Over the course of three hours, guests are welcome to sample a variety of local and international tastings and savor a selection of elegant wines from around the world.
Event Director Collin Hodge has been involved with Taste of St. Croix since its inception in 2001. “I was initially brought on as a consultant for the event and soon after came on board as event coordinator,” said Hodge. In 2022, the event returned to its original location, Divi Carina Bay Resort, after the property reopened following extensive renovations due to devastating damage from 2017 hurricanes Irma and Maria. Hodge shared that it feels good to be back home at Divi with Taste, and he looks forward to another successful installment of the event. This year, the event has added a five-course wine dinner as a prelude to the main event. On Wednesday, April 17th, guests can look forward to unique wines from Segura Viudas, Robert Mondavi, Elouan, and Quest, each expertly paired with food tastings courtesy of Grapetree Bay Hotel. Tickets are $250 per person and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
A 501 (c)(3) non-profit, Taste of St. Croix promotes and showcases the talent and potential of St. Croix’s hospitality industry through fostering partnerships, sponsoring training and industry events, and building public awareness of service-industry importance to the socio-economic future of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The 24th Taste of St. Croix will take place on Thursday, April 18th at Divi Carina Bay Resort from 6pm to 9pm. General admission tickets are available for purchase at $125 per person; VIP tickets are officially sold out. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.tasteofstcroix.com.
Written by Anquanette Gaspard
Mar 14, 2024 | Reports
Monthly 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 – February 2024 Report
Homes – February 2024 Report
Condo – February 2024 Report
Land – February 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
Mar 4, 2024 | QA
Question: “What are the top 5 hidden costs to buying a home or condo?”
Chris’ Answer:
We get this question a lot. In the excitement of finding your island home, keep these costs 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 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.
Contact us with any questions about real estate on St. Croix!
First published on our February 2024 Newsletter
Mar 4, 2024 | QA
Question: “What are the most important features to think about when looking at St Croix properties?”
Christie’s Answer:
Consider the features that suit the needs of your lifestyle both now, and in the future:
- Outdoor space. Because of the temperate climate, be sure to think about creating wonderful outdoor spaces. Even in condos, there will be galleries. You’ll want enough space for you to relax and enjoy the view and breezes, and maybe entertain outside.
- 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 having fresh air circulating will deter mold growth.
- View. What do you want to see when in your outdoor space or looking out your windows? Many people want a sea view. It can be an expansive one, or just small. Some people love a view of the rolling hills or of a garden. Others want to see the old buildings in one of the towns.
- 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 sites? 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 in a more rural area where the glorious moon, stars, and planets will shine brighter!
- Pets. We live with our dogs and cats, all Crucian rescues. We have enough space for them inside and outside. Although they are not pets, we have created garden spaces with flowering plants for hummingbirds and banana quits (sugar birds). We have several bird baths, bird houses, feeders for the sugar loving birds, feeders for finches, and we put out cracked corn for the doves, pigeons, and the 2 peacocks which roam the neighborhood.
Contact us with any questions about real estate on St. Croix!
First published on our February 2024 Newsletter
