by Bry Locher

Opportunity is everywhere on St. Croix! Everywhere you look on our island, there are a multitude of opportunities waiting for you! Whether you want to move here and retire or move here to build the next phase of your career, many opportunities are available for you.

As you enjoy your vacation, think about how you could make this enchanting island a permanent part of your future. Would you like land high in the hills to build the home of your dreams? Perhaps a waterfront house to relax in while watching the sunrise over the water every morning? Or maybe a low-maintenance condo where you can walk out the front door and put your toes in the sand? Whatever your individual dream may be, we can make it a reality.

Continue reading "Calabash Realty -- 20 Agents at Your Service" »

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by Bry Locher

The start of a New Year brings a fresh sense of optimism as we look at the challenges the real estate market has faced during the recent past and the exciting reasons to feel good about the future!

Throughout the US, home values are starting to increase. Nationwide surveys showed, in December 2012, the largest increase in home prices in the last several years. This has led to increased consumer confidence and an understanding that these rock-bottom prices aren't going to last forever. Now is a great time to buy!

Continue reading "Understanding Opportunities in Today's Real Estate Market" »

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by Amy Land-de Wilde
Coldwell Banker/Land-de Wilde Realty

When visiting St. Croix, ask people why they decided to buy property here and you'll get a lot of responses that sound like this-- "It's such a friendly place; I felt like I belonged here right away." "It's peaceful and not very commercial." "It's so beautiful, and there's a lot to do; so it's great for my family and friends when they're visiting." "The food is terrific-- there are so many good restaurants!" "My money bought so much more here than it did on the other islands because it's a big island and also undeveloped." "Love that it's under the American flag."

While real estate markets are starting to recover throughout the US, we generally lag a bit behind. For that reason, you can take advantage of the biggest buyer's market we've experienced in a long time! The intersection of great inventory priced to sell with the lowest interest rates in history makes it so beneficial for you if you've been contemplating a second home or investment property in a resort area.

Continue reading ""My Money Bought So Much More Here"" »

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This is the second Rule of Real Estate. A year ago, we were seeing a steady monthly increase in the number of pending sales. The closing of the Hovensa refinery has taken the wind out of our "sales". The majority of 2012 buyers are full time or part time residents. Maybe it's because we locals are used to the ups and downs of island life. It is surprising that, with the upturn in many real estate markets, we have yet to see a new group of stateside buyers investing in the V.I. If you are ready, willing, and able to purchase, you could double your investment in the next 5-10 years.

Continue reading "Buy Low, Sell High" »

Permanent link: Buy Low, Sell High

by Bry Locher

Opportunity is everywhere on St. Croix! Everywhere you look on our island, there are a multitude of opportunities waiting for you! Whether you want to move here and retire or move here to build the next phase of your career, many opportunities are available for you.

As you enjoy your vacation, think about how you could make this enchanting island a permanent part of your future. Would you like land high in the hills to build the home of your dreams? Perhaps a waterfront house to relax in while watching the sunrise over the water every morning? Or maybe a low-maintenance condo where you can walk out the front door and put your toes in the sand? Whatever your individual dream may be, we can make it a reality.

Continue reading "Calabash Real Estate: 20 Agents At Your Service" »

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By Greg Hamilton

"I'm in real estate, sell real estate, buy real estate, looking at real estate, considering getting into real estate." You hear these comments all the time, but "What is Real Estate?"

Webster's dictionary defines real estate simply "as property in buildings and land" while Investopedia expands the definition to "land plus anything permanently fixed to it, including buildings, sheds and other items attached to the structure." But what is the history of the word "Real Estate?" The first known usage of the word was in the year 1666 and came from the earlier 1540's terms, real possession and realty. The term was first used in England with the word "Real" being descended from a Latin word meaning "King" and the word "Estate" added as part of the feudal system whereby all lands were part of the King's estate. The term real estate first showed up in laws written in England in the late 1600's. By 1828, in Webster's first dictionary, the definition of the word "real" included the language "in law, pertaining to things fixed, permanent or immovable, as to lands and tenements: as real estate, opposed to personal or movable property."

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So, how is the real estate market these days? It's definitely a "buyers' market!" There are many great properties and terrific low interest rates - under 5% if not under 4%. According to our local MLS statistics, which do not include private sales, the selling price of houses is averaging 22% below the asking price. With over 300 houses and 180 condos actively listed for sale, "Make an offer" is the buzzword.

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“The 2000s were a great decade for real estate overall” according to forbes.com. even after the housing bubble and mortgage crisis, there is still an average annual gain of 4.3% in value per square foot.

A sample of St. Croix property values indicates St. Croix real estate is appreciating at an even better rate.

In 1999 a typical home in Judith’s fancy sold for $200,000, and today that same home sells for $500,000. That an appreciation rate of 8.69% per year.

At Coakley Bay condos, the average price of a two bedroom condo was $100,000 in 1999, while in 2010 its price is $250,000. That’s also an increase of 8.69% annually.

Continue reading "Own a Piece of Paradise" »

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St. Croix, the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, is rich in landscape, culture and character. The beautiful scenery -- lush rainforests and broad coastal plains -- and numerous outdoor recreational opportunities set against the turquoise Caribbean Sea is testimony to the fact that St. Croix deserves its reputation as a perfect family-friendly vacation spot for second-home buyers and visitors. It's a perfect location for all sorts of outdoor activities from golf on a Robert Trent Jones-designed course, lots of tennis where you can easily get paired with local talent, worldclass scuba diving, kayaking, horseback riding, and fabulous dining.

Continue reading "Real Estate Investing in St. Croix" »

Permanent link: Real Estate Investing in St. Croix

More vacationers every year find a way to move to "America's Paradise." They like that we are part of the US, have no state taxes, enjoy great year-round climate and are surrounded by beautiful beaches and turquoise water.

Newcomers learn the traditions of culture and history on the island. Being home to dozens of community organizations, with volunteer opportunities, and annual events to attend, it's easy to get involved quickly and form new friendships.

St. Croix is an ideal second home for some and a wonderful year-round residence for others. Houses and condos are available for rent or purchase along with undeveloped land for those who want to build.

Continue reading "Moving to St. Croix" »

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Permanent link: Hamilton Real Estate

Experience the Difference... Service - Market Knowledge - Expertise. A dedicated team of 12 licensed Realtors(R), led by Honnie Edwards, Broker/Owner, we offer friendly and professional brokerage services to buyers and sellers in all price ranges and all types of properties - residential, commercial, land - from cottages to estates, 1/4 acres to 100+ acres, businesses to warehouses. We also offer property management services, commercial leasing, vacation and long term rentals. Our website, www.CalabashRealtors.com has an extensive assortment of properties for sale and rent, as well as valuable resource and general information. Accept our invitation to Experience the Difference and know that you will be working with a company that loves St. Croix and puts its clients and customers first.
Toll free 800-693-5285.
St. Croix Map #66, F'sted Map #2.

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Established in 1957, this friendly knowledgeable firm has built its reputation on honesty and integrity. Co-Owners Greg Hamilton and Patrice Kelly have both been honored by their peers with Realtor of the Year awards. With combined experience of over 50 years between them, Greg and Patrice have the experience to assist in any aspect of the real estate transaction. Over the years Hamilton Real Estate has participated in sales of residential, commercial and development properties ranging from small to large. Sales Agent Fortunata Pascal offers dedicated service to Sellers and Buyers alike. Put us to work for You by contacting us by phone or emailing us at HamiltonVI@aol.com.
Christiansted Map #16.

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