St. Croix Real Estate

I'm a GRANDMOTHER!

Well - sort of... Henrietta (our chicken) had her peeps!!! Only two - but they are adorable! They went out on their first outing yesterday- and Henrietta really showed them the ropes! They scoured the yard for bugs and worms - and scared the cats!  What a wonderful life we have here on ST Croix!

(Read the 1st installment of the Life of a St Croix Chicken for more on Henrietta.)

This from an email received:

"We have exciting news that we know will be of interest to you.  For the first time in history, the earliest maps of the Virgin Islands are now available as archival-quality reproductions.  Most of these historical maps in their original form are beyond the reach of most persons due to their very high prices, others are simply unavailable because they are very rare and one-of-a-kind.  Most of the maps that we are making available to the general public, have the original estate / plantation names that survive to this day.  They are reasonably priced thus making them available to everyone.

"Among the Virgin Islands cartographic treasures, you will find the 1671 Lapointe St. Croix map, the 1719 van Keulen St. Thomas map, the 1775 Jefferys Virgin Islands map, the 1799 Oxholm St. Croix map, the 1800 Oxholm St. John map, among others.  All of these antique maps have a vast historical significance in the mapping history of the Virgin Islands.

"We invite you to peruse through our fine selection of important Virgin Islands maps by clicking on Argus Prints."

For all you history buffs who read this blog, you should enjoy these detailed maps of the Virgin Islands.

Chillin' in Frederiksted was never so good as last Tues., when Chris Kline and the Boulevards rocked the house at Jasmine Manor, a LOVELY old home in the historic district.  

These guys were terriffic!  Blues, rock, funk - and lots of original stuff.  Vicki Pederson, fellow Reator, massage therapist, friend, and owner of this lovely home - had teamed up with "Chicken Charlie" to bring in great musical acts every week.  Charlie prepares a great meal and 50 tickets are sold - (and generally all of them are...at only $25 each) - and we sit outside at candlelit tables and enjoy the food, music, and each others' company.  

No better deal than this, folks! Here are shots of the two band members hamming it up at one of the ruins next door to Jasmine Manor.

You could be enjoying this with us.  Request my Free Relocation Package and call or email with questions on your move to St Croix.

I attended the chamber of commerce meeting this morning, where our new slate of officers were officially recognized and the old "retiring" board was thanked for their service.

Then, our distinguished and well-spoken governor talked about the TONS of things his administration has done.

I left with such a good feeling about this wonderful island that we live on. There are so many really good people here - and our Governor, John deJongh, is certainly one of them - who are working diligently to make this island as good as it can be.

It makes me proud to live here and be counted among the many excellent business people whose heart and soul are devoted to making St Croix a viable place to live and work.

You can join us.  Contact me for my free Relocation Package or free Retirement Package.  Come grow with our island and make your dreams come true.

Below are excerpts from Gov. deJongh's address this week.  Personally, I have been very pleased with his efforts on behalf of St Croix, our business community, and sustainability.  Please let me know if you have questions about living on St Croix.  Just request a free copy of Relocate to ST Croix or Retire on ST Croix and then search for properties.  You'll be amazed at the prices.

"In his annual speech to the people of the Virgin Islands, the Governor highlighted the work of his Administration over the past three years. During his address, Governor deJongh spoke about a renewed sense of hope and an even stronger determination to forge a better future for the Territory.

"The Governor also expressed his confidence and conviction that the Virgin Islands is on the right path to overcome the current challenges not just for our recovery but for our future prosperity.

"DeJongh recapped the economic opportunities that have been developed in the Virgin Islands as well as the advances that have been made in education reform. The Governor also discussed his Administration's commitment to battle crime and improve public safety. Governor deJongh spent considerable time underscoring the numerous benefits that the territory has already realized from the public-private partnerships such as the negotiated agreements with Diageo and Fortune Brands/Cruzan Rum. 

"He closed with his vision for the territory:  'We cannot back into the future, but must look forward boldly with confidence. We must turn and face the future even as we carry with us the best of the past. We must not wallow in the past, in past wrongs or slights, or even past injustices. We must turn and face the future working hard every day to do better. We must turn and face the future together---bringing all along for a better tomorrow. We can do this only one way: Together--Together for tomorrow.'"

Read the full address on the Governor's web site.

Come join us for a typical Saturday on St Croix: a dip in the pool, a walk on the beach, watching the waves clean the sand, maybe a snorkel before dinner, then a BBQ on the beach or dinner and dancing in Christiansted or Frederiksted.

This life can be yours -learn how to Retire in St Croix or Relocate to St Croix and take advantage of the best prices in the Virgin Islands.

Call or email your arrival time - I'm happy to show you around our Caribbean paradise and help you find your St Croix dream home.

Here's the photo our Coldwell Banker Land-de Wilde Office used on our Christmas cards:

Santa is looking for real estate buying opportunities on St Croix, because he knows we are the best value in the Caribbean.  He is enjoying our Christmas wind, white sand beaches, sunshine, and 80 degree weather - shouldn't you be here too?

Every year, it is important for homeowners to take stock and make a list of all the capital improvements you've made to your property.  

The IRS allows a homeowner to take the costs of capital improvements and add them to the basis of their home in order to accurately reflect the true gain in a property when it is sold.  The problem is that many people find it hard to distinguish a capital improvement from a repair.  

The basic questions to determine if expenditures qualify for capital improvement treatment are:  
1.  Does it add material value to the property?
2.  Does it appreciably prolong the useful life of the property?
3.  Does it adapt a portion of the home to a new use?  

Capital improvements can include such items as landscaping, remodeling, fences, and the like.  If replacement items are used as replacement or upgrading - such as installing tile where there had previously been tile - then only the upgrade amount can be added.  For instance, if the home had a builder's grade of tile, and it was replaced with a more expensive line, only the difference between the builder's grade and the replacement can be added as a capital improvement.  

A good record should be kept of capital improvements.  This needs to be documented with receipts and cancelled checks.   To avoid controversy at some point in the future, a photograph could go a long way in helping to prove that that improvement was actually made.    

It is possible that you could incur gains that would exceed the exclusion limits.  In these cases particularly, good record keeping can help to increase the basis in your home and ultimately reduce the amount of capital gain on the eventual sale of the property.  

Examples of capital improvements:   patio; trees; AC system; landscaping; trash compactor; hurricane shutters; fencing/gates; electric wiring water filter (whole house system); shelving; architect fees; renovations; wall mirrors; solar panels; walkways; sun shades; new roof.

Just keep track of these improvements as you complete them, save the receipts and/or cancelled checks, and you'll be glad you did when it is time to sell.  Your tax advisor will be impressed, too!

(This information is provided to assist you in making informed decisions regarding real estate alternatives.  It is not meant to substitute for advice from tax, legal, or financial professionals.)

Find that special property you can improve and upgrade on my web site, where you can search the full ST Croix MLS.  Our prices are the very best bargain in the Caribbean.  I'll help make your dream of living in paradise come true..

Many people I knew in my "past life" (i.e., when I lived on the mainland), myself included, worked their butts off all year and saved their pennies just to travel to an exotic place for one week out of the year. They spent that week basking in the sun, sipping pina coladas, floating, breathing fresh air, sleeping naked, relaxing and having fun. Then they would go back to the snow, the stress, the flouresent lights, the heat and/or air conditioning and start the treadmill all over again. Some souls, like me, dared to dream about actually LIVING in such a place - but sometimes illness, family, or just plain old fear prevents that from happening.

I'm here to tell you that LIFE IS SHORT and if you are one of those people who needs SUNSHINE, FRESH AIR, NATURAL LIGHT, and an environment that supports STRESS FREE LIVING - then you literally can not afford NOT to live here (or somewhere like here).

Think about this.....

*We don't have "conditioned" air - we breathe the fresh air every day, all day, 365 days a year.
*There is beauty everywhere we look. Flowers bloom all year, hummingbirds flitter about, the sea is a zillion colors of blue, we have 'big sky.'
*It is warm here every day, all day, 365 days a year. We don't need coats or socks or sweaters. And even underwear is optional here!! LOL
*We live amongst people who have come here to escape the stress. We all share a knowing smile when someone is late and laugh it off to being on "Cruzian time." No one gets their panties in a wad over someone being a little late.
*We get to hear the sound of waves crashing, or lapping, depending on which end of the island we happen to be on. Do you know/remember how relaxing and soothing (i.e., HEALTHY) that is???
*We sleep naked here every night - usually with just a sheet across us! We get to feel the tropical breezes and experience the sounds of birds and frogs and waves as we go to sleep and wake up! And we wake up to the SUN - NOT to an alarm clock! It's heaven!

So what is holding you back? Are you afraid you can't find work here? Afraid of never seeing your family? Afraid of not "fitting in?" Afraid of not having good medical care? Let me address your fears.

If you can show up on time and are willing to work - SOMEONE is going to hire you and appreciate the hell out of you! Now, you may not make as much money as you do up there in the hinterlands - but how much money do you REALLY need to live comfortably? Do you really need all those THINGS? Do they really bring you health and happiness? Look at what is important to you - and if you're like most of us - being healthy, stress free, and comfortable probably rank up there higher than having the latest designer watch or dress or shoes......

If you live in paradise, you better bet you will see your family! How fun will it be to have your kids, grandkids, friends come see you in your "new life" in paradise??!! Just make sure you limit their stay - or you may have "permanent" guests!!! Plus - you are going to want to get "off the rock" at least once a year - so you'll see your friends and family.

This is the most friendly place I have ever lived. And right off the bat - you have SO MUCH in common with all the other transplanted mainlanders who have chosen to move here. There are many opportunities to get involved, to volunteer, to contribute, to learn, and to play.

If you're afraid of not being able to receive good medical care here, think again. We have great physicians here, two good companies who offer airlift to the mainland in the event of a tragedy that would necessitate taking you off island, and plenty of alternative healers.

Plus - if you live here - your health is going to improve so much - that your medical bills will plummet anyway. This is a HEALTHY place to live!

And the icing on the cake???? The interest rates are at an all time LOW here - and inventory is good - sellers are motivated - and prices are very reasonable. So.....what are you waiting for???? Sell all your "stuff" (believe me, it's such a good feeling to do that once you make the decision to do it!!) - and come here and downsize and simplify and enjoy your life.....it's the only one you've got!!! Live where and how you want to live!   P.S. If you want to talk about this, call 340-626-3758 or email kim@email.vi.  You won't find an alignment of rates, prices, and inventory this favorable in many years.

Our beautiful island of St Croix has been featured in the December, 2009 issue of Conde Nast magazine, the Joy of St Croix.  Amy Engeler writes with an engaging style, certainly with enough personal impressions to make the reader feel he or she is enjoying the sights with her, and gives St Croix a very enthusiastic recommendation for travelers, complete with slideshow.

On the beaches, "Since St. Croix doesn't have many long strips of sand but dozens of little inlets-hidden behind mangroves, houses, and even a fairway bluff-everyone has his own favorites...With so many beaches to choose from, it's easy to be picky about a swim."

On development, "On an island the size of Martha's Vineyard, underdeveloped by Caribbean standards and traversed in half an hour...For years, St. Croix residents have bemoaned their position as the overlooked U.S. Virgin Island."

"Investors [have] discovered what the island's passionate regular visitors have known for years-a sleepy tropical American island, full of empty green rolling acres, blooming flamboyant and mango trees, miles of untouched coastline, and a quiet airport with just two baggage carousels."

On Christiansted, "Downtown Christiansted, with stately neoclassical buildings left over from its time under the Danish crown, retains the same scruffy elegance it had fifty years ago."

On Frederiksted: "A neat row of two-story Danish Victorian buildings facing a languid sea."

On our mystery:  in 1989, the hurricane center in Miami asked a resident concerned about an approaching storm, "'Tell me, is St. Croix part of the Virgin Islands?'"

On our resources: "From a sailboat off Green Cay, we spotted sea turtles mating in the water...the seawater feels like freedom, a place with no concerns, only the pleasure of the moment."

"Crucians are naturally friendly, traditionally so and proud of it."

Be sure and read the entire article (link above) and watch the slideshow.  Ms. Engeler gives an excellent synopsis of the history, charm, and future of our island.  Many thanks for the great press!