Q&A: What are signs of a great Buy-Realtor relationship?

Q&A: What are signs of a great Buy-Realtor relationship?

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!

15 Steps to Buying a Home

15 Steps to Buying a Home

Purchasing real estate is likely to be the biggest and most complex financial transaction a person will make in their life. A trusted real estate professional is a strong advocate who understands the information and the process. As experts with knowledge of the local market, we are well prepared to guide Buyers through all the practical details and potential obstacles which may occur during the purchase process.

We are your information resource, negotiator, advocate, problem solver, and calendar watcher. Even if you have bought property in the states, buying in the US Virgin Islands can be different.

Buying real estate is unlike buying anything else. It’s complicated. An experienced Realtor is the close professional ally who can make a world of difference for you. If you are considering buying property here on St. Croix, please contact us, and let’s start working together towards reaching your goals!

In the video below we walk you through the 15 steps to buying a home. Let us know if you have any questions!

St Croix Real Estate Market Reports (May 2024)

St Croix Real Estate Market Reports (May 2024)

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 – May 2024 Report

Homes – May 2024 Report

Condo – May 2024 Report

Land – May 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

NEW St Croix Area Reports (April 2024)

NEW St Croix Area Reports (April 2024)

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 – April 2024 Report

Homes – April 2024 Report

Condo – April 2024 Report

Land – April 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

What are the top 5 hidden costs to buying a home or condo?

What are the top 5 hidden costs to buying a home or condo?

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