It seems obvious, but it's good to note that the first step to buying a house is making the decision to buy. Consider the reasons you are interested in USVI real estate and write them down. Virgin Island properties will certainly differ from homes you may own elsewhere. Real Estate in the Caribbean tends to focus on casual island living, of course, without giving up the "conveniences of home." Many come here to our island because US Virgin Island beaches and our azure blue waters evoke a romantic tropical lifestyle. Whatever your reason we are here to assist in all of your USVI real estate needs. If you're not familiar with real estate transactions you may wish to review the Professional Realtor Code Of Ethics.
Step 2 - Seek Professional Guidance
We know Virgin Islands Real Estate! Tell us the reasons you want to buy a house and your plans for the future. Island living can truly be paradise - our professional real estate agents have extensive local knowledge. We'll talk about neighborhoods, schools, economic factors liable to affect the market today and tomorrow.
We'll also help you get pre-qualified for a mortgage loan. Pre-qualification is a written statement from a loan officer indicating his or her opinion that you will be approved for a mortgage loan up to a certain amount. The fact that you are pre-qualified will help us when we are negotiating your transaction.
Step 3 - Begin the Hunt
After our initial meeting, we'll search all of our resources for houses on the market that fit your criteria. We'll preview these houses to eliminate the duds - then schedule appointments to tour the houses at times convenient to you.
As we tour houses, we'll point out positive features and negative features, discussing what you like and what you don't like. You'll probably amend your "wish list" as we tour houses, some things will become more important and others less important. With this new information, we'll refine our search criteria to narrow in on the house of your dreams.
Step 4 - Know the Market
Our knowledge of the local market is an essential factor in your Virgin Islands properties search. We'll let you know when the market in a particular neighborhood is "hot" and requires immediate action or when the market is "cool" and allows for thoughtful consideration.
As we tour houses, we'll discuss when the asking price has negotiating room and when the house is "priced to sell". Our unique market knowledge will keep you a step ahead of the "house hunting competition".
In a "seller's market", it is not unusual to see multiple offers on a property, full-price offers and even above-price offers. On the flip side, during a "buyer's market" there are more houses for sale than buyers. This gives us more negotiating room as houses are taking longer to sell.
Step 5 - Find Your Dream House
We're confident we'll find your dream house. When we do, we'll put together the purchase offer tailored for your needs including appropriate contingencies (such as obtaining financing, favorable home inspection, clear title, etc.).
The offer is normally presented with "earnest money". This is a cash deposit made to a home seller to secure an offer to buy the property. Once the "offer" has been accepted, it is deposited in an "Escrow Acoount." The amount is applied to closing costs. If the seller accepts the offer, generally closing is held 30 to 60 days from the offer date (generally dependent on the turn around time of your mortgage financing).
Step 6 - Negotiate your transaction
It is not uncommon to receive a counter-offer when the initial purchase offer is submitted. Don't let this discourage you. We will discuss the counter-offer and decide whether or not to accept the counter-offer, submit our own counter-offer, or reject the counter-offer and move on.
Market conditions will play a role in how aggressively we negotiate the deal. We will also work within your limits. Emotions can lead to buyer's remorse. It is better to set limits prior to negotiating an offer and stick to these limits.
Step 7 - Get a Loan
During the closing period, you will be working with your mortgage lender to close the loan. Since you pre-qualified for the loan before starting your home search, you will be that much closer to the end. We'll gather the necessary property information your lender will need to close the loan.
Step 8 - Close the Deal
You will receive a "Good Faith Estimate" of closing costs at the time the loan application is submitted to the lender. The estimate is based on the loan officer's past experience and may not include all the closing costs. We will be glad to review the "Good Faith Estimate," answering questions and highlighting missing costs and estimates we believe to be low.
Step 9 - Move In
Congratulations! It's time to move into your new house and make it your home. Enjoy this exciting time. We'll give you a checklist to help you remember the numerous details that will make your moving day a pleasure. And don't hesitate to ask for assistance in making your move to Paradise stress free. As your Virign Islands Real Estate Team we'll go beyond your expectations!
Real Estate in the Caribbean tends to focus on casual island living, of course, without giving up the "conveniences of home." Many come here to our island because US Virgin Island beaches and our azure blue waters evoke a romantic tropical lifestyle. Whatever your reason we are here to assist in all of your USVI real estate needs. If you're not familiar with real estate transactions you may wish to review the 
