Virgin Island Territorial Association at Work For The Community

The Virgin Islands Territorial Association of Realtors is our state level organizations of Realtors in the U.S. Virgin Islands. It is comprised of The St. Thomas Board of Realtors, the St. John Board of Realtors and the St. Croix Board of Realtors. There is currently a combined membership of 292 members.

Many people believe the only interest Realtors have is selling people's homes and collecting large checks. I would be crazy to say we have no interest in making money, everyone likes doing that. Most of us live in the territory and our lives, our futures, our families and friends are all impacted by addressing large and small issues that affect the Virgin Islands Territory. Therefore our interests are much deeper and very personal to each of us.

The Virgin Islands Territory has a challenge in specific sections with homes that have been damaged by hurricanes, abandoned because of inheritance and probate issues, financial inability of owners to complete rehab projects  or a combination of all of the above. Yes, even in paradise, we have blight and we need an organized method of address it, especially since we have such a rich history that deserves to be preserved.

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the hard work of the Virgin Islands Territorial Association of Realtors, especially our president, Kerstin McConnell, president Elect for the St. Thomas Board of Realtors, April Newland, President of the St. Croix Board of Realtors, Caryn Hodge, Honnie Edwards and Lorine Williams  and our CEO of the Virgin Islands Territorial Association, Belton Jennings for the dogged determination and dedication they have exhibited in working to pass legislation in the territory which will improve the quality of life for all Virgin Islanders, specifically the Historic Preservation Bill.  While the bill is not in it's final form, it's essence is important.

 Belton Jennings was the conduit to the grant from NAR (National Association of Realtors), which help to fuel the latest efforts with the Historic Preservation bill. The named members waged a campaign this year, personally lobbying, making appearances on radio and TV and testifying before the legislation.

Here is a link to read the article that was published in  Realtor's Party News Letter

Sugar Mill Hill, Townhouse for Sale in St. Thomas, U.S. VI

Townhouse for sale in St. Thomas with great bones!

This townhome is waiting for the right buyer to doll it up. Located on Raphune Hill in a solid concrete building, overlooking the harbor only a little cosmetic work stands between it and a stunning show piece of a two bedroom, two bath home.

A stairwell with built-in lighting leads to the loft style master suite.

The entry level bedroom has a walk-in closet.

Raphune Hill is just above the hospital and down town Charlotte Amalie, and before you get to the major, center of the  island shopping area, so it is truely convenient to everything. You will be able to see the ships as they arrive in port.

Priced to sell at only $225,000.00 call 866 576 3331 for your appointment for a private viewing now.

St. Thomas Real Estate Goes Solar

This is a picture of the Federal and local law enforcement buildings in down town Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. The Caribbean Sea is to your immediate left. If you look carefully, you will notice there are solar panels on the roof of both of the buildings.

I noticed the recent addition on the day I was headed to the airport to visit New York just after the snow storms rocked the Midwest and East coast, in early February.

Many things are a little more expensive here in the islands, because they are most often imported, making our cost of living higher than some places. We are generally on par with New York, Chicago and LA.

One basic expense that is higher here than in many places is the cost of electric. Our electrical plan uses oil and it's products to generate our power. The third largest oil refinery in the Northern hemisphere is located on the Island of St. Croix. Besides tourism, the distilling of Rum and the refinery of oil are major revenue generators for the U.S. Virgin Islands.

One thing we have no shortage of and does not have to be imported is sunshine. While the government has recently added solar panels to their roofs, many private citizens have been quietly using solar power to conserve on the use of electricity for some time.

It is not unusual to find homes with panels and storage batteries. Pool water is sometimes circulated so the sun can heat it. You will find pools are smaller and more shallow so they don't get too cold. Beside there is so much warm water in the Caribbean Sea, you don't need a huge pool at home. The Atlantic is much larger and deeper, so it tends to be colder, but on a hot day it can be quite a treat to swim in.

Because we are a territory of the U.S. we also enjoyed the tax incentives to ease the expense of installing solar devices. This created another surge in ecologically conscious home improvements.

the concept of harnessing the wind has not caught on as fast and we are just beginning to see windmills here and there. It may have to do with the occasional hurricane. I think they would give a windmill a hard way to go. I could be wrong on this.

Many people who live in the Caribbean have a tendency to try to live in harmony with nature. A home is not complete without fruit trees or a small garden. Rain and sunshine are blessings to be enjoyed. Homes here have always been designed and situated on lots to take advantage of breezes and to avoid the direct sunlight streaming in during the afternoon when temperatures are the highest.

The first certified "green" home was built on St. Croix last year and there is one under construction on St. John as I write. But, that is a topic for another blog.

For more information on real estate in St. Thomas, visit www.talk-to-tanya.com or give Van Blake-Coleman Realty a call at 340 344 2959.

A Little Piece of Paradise in St. Thomas, USVI

I just listed an efficiency condo in Sapphire Hill Village in St. Thomas. Imagine having this view from your living room, dining area and balcony. The marina is one of the most naturally protected marinas on island. Your yacht will be safe even in stormy weather. Sapphire Hill Village is a small community of condos with a restaurant and two pools all within a short walking distance from the beach, the marina and a waterfront resort. There are tennis courts and every imaginable water sport is available to you. I spent my first six months as a resident on St. Thomas renting a unit here. I loved it. The East end of the island is a great place to live. This is a quiet complex but it is close to shopping, a number of great restaurants, night clubs like, "Duffy's Love Shack" or the "Saint". The ferry to St. John or the BVI is just around the corner. So whether you are looking to move here forever or just vacation it is a perfect location. Check out more photos of condo on St. Thomas, US VI, check out current sales and featured listings, and many other listings. This unit is offered at $125,000 contact, Van Blake-Coleman Realty at 340 344 2959.