A common question we get is what are some simple things to do for better curb appeal which will attract potential buyers?
First impressions matter.
Here are some ideas for simple changes:
Exterior: A fresh coat of paint on the exterior and front door can make a big difference. Ensure the lawn is tidy, landscaping is well-maintained, and the walkway is clear and inviting. Adding colorful or blooming plants may also be a good idea.
Lighting: Ensure exterior lighting is attractive, functional and in good condition.
Entryway: The front door should be clean and in good working order. Consider upgrading hardware like the doorknob and lock if they’re tarnished or not working smoothly. Sometimes painting the front door gives a pop of color.
If you’re thinking about selling your home, please contact us. We’d love to talk with you and show you some of our listings so that you can imagine how we would represent and market your island home.
Want to know more about selling your island home? Check out our newsletter on this topic here.
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:
If you are considering listing your property on St Croix, here is December 2024 sales data, inventory, and days on market for the St. Croix, USVI real estate market. Download our newest Coldwell Banker real estate market reports. There is a report for each category: Homes & Condos, Condos, Homes, and Land!
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). (Meaning, we 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 real estate market reports by clicking on links below:
Some of the sale listings we see on MLS (Multiple Listing Service) surprise us and NOT in a good way! The photos show the owners’ personal items on the counters or all over the bedrooms, photos are taken vertically instead of horizontally so that less of the rooms are visible, the lighting is poor, the descriptions are uninteresting, the skies are grey, or there are no walkthrough videos or drone videos and photography. Properties are sometimes even mapped incorrectly. We have seen some mapped off-shore in the Caribbean Sea!
In our listings, we take time creating them so that they are accurate, descriptive, and attractive. We have crisp clear photos with most of the personal items removed or hidden, videos to show the property (sometimes including a self-guided 3-D tour), and include any helpful documents such as maps, surveys or plot maps, list of improvements, rules and regulations, and floor plans.
We have sold properties to off island buyers sight unseen, which makes us a little nervous. If the listing has poor photos, or if there’s something our Buyers particularly want to see, we take those photos or videos. Once a Buyer asked for close-up photos of all of the plumbing fixtures. One house was on a rough road, so we took a driving video. We have done FaceTime calls to walk through the property with Buyers answering their questions as we went. The first time they actually saw the house was after it had closed and we handed them the keys!
Contact us with any questions about real estate on St. Croix!
Find the monthly sales data, inventory, and days on market for the St. Croix, USVI real estate market! We have downloadable Coldwell Banker real estate reports — available below 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.
