Virgin Islands Real Estate Trends

Virgin Islanders are looking to newly elected governor DeJongh to make positive changes for our islands. In keeping  with this optimistic outlook our governor has given Beverly Nicholson Doty the reigns as Director of Tourism and the senate unanimously voted their approval yesterday.

I have personally worked with Beverly when she was in charge of the hotel association here on St. Thomas. She's enthusiastic and dedicated in her endeavors. As spokeswoman for our islands I am confident that her winning smile and genuine concern for the welfare of all Virgin Islanders will shine a new light on our American Paradise.

Hopefully Dejongh will keep recruiting capable individuals to breathe new life into our tourist based economy.

Considering how small we are and the fact that we are perceived as just another island in the Caribbean - it's a fair question. The answer is "yes" we have an MLS system here making it a "level playing field" for any realtor you may choose to work with. However, whether buying a property or deciding to list your home you should consider:

Important Questions to Ask an Agent Before Listing Your Home for Sale

• Do you have an active real estate license in good standing?
• How long have you been licensed as an agent?
• Why do you think I should list with you?
• Do you have a website and how does it perform?
• What professional designations do you hold?
• What party will you represent -- the buyer or the seller?
• What services do you offer?
• Do you belong to an online home buyer's search service?
• How will you price my home?
• How will you market my home?
• How will you keep in contact with me during the selling process, and how often?
• What is your professional fee for service? 
• Will you cooperate with buyers' brokers?
• What share of commission will you offer a cooperating broker who finds the buyer?

Important Questions to Ask Yourself About the Agent

• Is the agent a good listener?
• Is the agent accessible?
• Is the agent part-time or full-time?
• Is the agent cooperative and enthusiastic, or rude and arrogant?
• Do you think you can have a good working relationship with the agent?

At Sunhaven Realty, we strive to be YOUR US Virgin Islands Real Estate Team. We would consider it a privilege to work with you in all of your real estate needs.

The US Virgin Islands has been ahead of the times for people looking for a second/vacation home without all the hassles of ownership.

What's that you say? Is that possible? My new listing at Secret Harbour View Villas is a perfect example. This one bedroom one bath condo has that "romantic sunset from the private balcony", easy access to beach, pool, tennis courts, and a gourmet beachside bistro. This wonderful little hideaway newly decorated with exquisite islandstyle accents is part of one of st. thomas' premier condo/hotels. This well managed resort provides the perfect island vacation - owners can use their condo as little or as often as they like and receive income from hotel rentals.

Talk about having your cake and enjoying it too! All this for $499,000. You'll find more details in our featured listings sections.

wishing you a warm and wonderful day,

justine

Thursday, March 01, 2007 - The stock market's going crazy and major newsmakers like CNN are reporting home prices dropping and sales are sagging! Is it any wonder that home buyers looking at the US Virgin Islands would question how this affects our tiny little island in the sun?

While the economy and the weather do affect our tourism industry, real estate prices continue to be stable and interest in our Caribbean community has seen an increase. New home building brings higher standards to our market and the luxury sector of the market has seen a surge in high end multi million dollar homes.

So if you're thinking of a vacation home or running away from cold weather and a stressfull lifestyle permanently you can consider our American Paradise with confidence. Recent Elections have spurred new enthusiasm and optimism for the economy here. Leaders in the  business community have rallied support for our new governor John deJongh - look for positive changes!