St.. Thomas Board of Realtors Award Scholarships

Home ownership is the largest single monetary investment most of us will make. For many, it will be the foundation of wealth building and stability for generations to come. Realtors have a real interest in the communities in which they make their living, not just in the cost of housing and making the next sale. The St. Thomas Board of Realtors tries to give back to the community in a number of ways.

Each year, Realtor Janice Popo (on the left above) coordinates an essay contest for the graduating seniors on St. Thomas. Students from all of the schools, public and private, are invited to use their creative minds and fresh ideas to examine an issue that is a concern on island. This year's topic was the Bournefield Development, a residential complex which has been threatened with being demolished due to age and deferred maintenance. This is a thriving, tight knit community with the benefit of low rents that are not available anywhere else on island. Their plight has been the topic of a recent local legislative hearing.

The contestants submit their essays, along with their academic records, college acceptance letters and recommendation letters from guidance counselors or teachers. Each essay is reviewed by a committee of at least three Realtors. This year's judges were Alford Howell, Warren Stryker and Dionne Nelthropp. Each Realtor ranks their top four picks of the essays. The two contestants that are ranked highest and most often are the winners of the essay competition.

This year's winners were Tia Abraham and Neisha Paul, also pictured above. These young ladies are both graduates of Eudora Kean High School and recipients of a number of awards in addition to each receiving two thousand dollar scholarship awards from the board of Realtors. They were supported by family members when they attended our annual meeting to receive their awards.

There is no more important investment than our youth and their education. Congratulations to Ms. Abraham and Ms. Paul on their graduations and the beginning of their bright futures.

Lindberg Bay St. Thomas Rental, MLS 11-665

This is a great furnished, two bedroom rental in St. Thomas. It is located in a quiet neighborhood on the South Western side of the island above town. There are stunning views of the harbor and Caribbean Sea. On a clear day you can see all the way to St.Croix. You would be close to town for work, shopping, banking and all the necessities of life. The beaches are never far away on St. Thomas, you can choose from Brewer, Lindberg, or Magen's Bay. They are all a short ride away. This is a small building with only three units. There off street parking and hurricane shutters. Long term tenants are desired at $1600 per month plus utilities. Pets will be individually considered. Visit www.talk-to-tanya.com to see this and other rental opportunities featured by Van Blake-Coleman Realty

St. Thomas Real Estate, St. Thomas MLS 11-739, 1-Y-A Wintberg

This new and solidly built concrete home is located on the North side of St.Thomas and has a total of four bedrooms and three bathrooms. With a wonderfully open floor plan and sleek modern furnishings,it could be your perfect piece of paradise. Architectural details include vaulted ceilings and sky lights. There are hurricane resistant windows throughout the home with roll down shutter, to seal you safely up when the tropical storms come our way. Situated on .45 acres not ten minutes from world famous Magen's Bay. Priced at $685,000 USD. Call 340 344 2959 for more details or click here to see more real estate on St. Thomas

St.Thomas Real Estate 1-Y-A Wintberg

St. Thomas Open Houses for Realtors

Wednesdays are traditionally the day for open houses on St. Thomas. They are open mainly to brokers and agents. Although you are not prohibited from bringing your customer. Today there were a total of six open houses.

I started out with the thought of trying to identify the best buy, but it really depends on your needs.

The first home was in Frenchman's Bay. A duplex, two, 2 bedrooms 2 baths, mirror images of each other with a 1 bedroom apartment downstairs, nicely renovated, garage and a private beach. As an income investment you could probably generate $6000 a month by renting out all three units, which could go a fair distance on helping to pay the mortgage on the $1.35 million asking price depending on how much you put down.

Just next door was a townhouse that had been renovated to be one, 3 bedroom 3 bath home on the main levels with a 1 bedroom apartment down stairs. This home has a large infinity edged pool, private beach, and no garage. More of a home, I see a family owning and using the apartment for a nanny, in-law or guest suite. You would have to be able to comfortably afford the $2.2 million asking price.

The pool pictured on at the top, belongs to the house in Solberg and is located right in the center of the home. It opens to the deck and overlooks the Caribbean Sea, port harbor of Charlotte Amalie, Water and Hassle Islands, one of the most coveted view on St. Thomas. One of the bedrooms, the kitchen and dining rooms are on one side and the master bedroom suite in on the other side. This too, has a one bedroom apartment downstairs. I envision a younger or older couple, living here, due to the two bedrooms and the pool is not so you could prevent young children from accessing it. The asking price on this one is $450,000.

The largest home was in Frenchman's Bay, consisting of some 7000 sq. ft. It has 4 bedrooms and 4.5 baths on the main level and 3 bedrooms and 3 baths below, a large pool with a huge deck and sits close to the water. I see this home filled with a large family. Perhaps including grandparents, children ranging in ages, and parents who love to entertain often. Whether it is having the entire soccer team over or throwing a fund raiser for their favorite charity, it is on a flat lot so there is lots of parking. The asking price on this home is $1.6 million. There are some finishing touches that still need to be made on this home, but it is a grand villa with marble floors and custom work throughout.

There is a cute, I call it, a doll house, in Frenchman's Bay. This home has 2 bedrooms , 1 bath, a garage, a covered gallery that has a fabulous view of the cruise ships coming in, an efficiency apartment downstairs and great neighbors, I am told. Well maintained and loved by it's owner but the time has come to move. I see this as a great starer home for a young couple or a single person who wants more privacy than a condo can offer. It is priced at $425,000.

The last home I visited was a gated compound. There are two buildings containing a total of 4 separate living areas which share a very large pool with expansive decking, an outdoor kitchen and cabana bathroom. There are a total of 9 bedrooms and eight baths not counting the cabana bathroom. I see this being purchased by a corporation, using it as a retreat/think tank/ training center. The complex sits on the waterfront and I am sure has some of the best snorkeling around. The owners are throwing in a few kayaks for the adventurer in you. The stonework and tiling is exceptional. The place is built to surpass all building codes, has an automatic generator. If you have food delivered, you would never have to leave and you may not want to. It is offered at $5.5 million.

There is a broad selection of real estate on St. Thomas. If your looking, let Van Blake-Coleman Realty, help you find what will work for you!

Try St. Thomas on for Size, Rent a Condo!

Always wanted to live in Paradise? What is holding you back? Come down and try our island on for size!

You could live in this lovely turnkey, one bedroom, condo minutes away from these pristine waters in a gated community.

Point Pleasant is a resort community with three large pools, two restaurants and a series of condos perched on a hillside. This particular unit is at the crest of the hill, ensuring cool breezes and gorgeous views. The deck wraps the condo on two sides adding significant outdoor living space. There is a mix of full time residents, long term renters and hotel guests so there is always someone interesting to meet. Because we are accustom to new comers, people are friendly.

Located on the East end of the island where a series of white, sandy beaches and natural harbors have cause people to gravitate. High end homes, multiple yacht clubs, restaurants, the ferry to St. John and Tortola, and every imaginable water sport are all minutes away. You will only sit idle if that is what you want to do.

Rent is only $1250 a month plus electric. To see more pictures of this and other rentals on St. Thomas, click on "Long Term Rentals" when you get to our website, www.Talk-to-Tanya.com.

If you are thinking of purchasing click on, "search MLS listings" and decide whether your are looking for condos, homes or land. You will have access to everything on the Multiple Listing Service for St. Thomas and St. Croix here. If you need immediate assistance call 340 344 2959 or e-mail tevbc1956@earthlink.net. We will find the right fit for you!

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.

Entertainment in St. Thomas VI

Michael Bolton rocked the Reichhold Center for the Arts in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands last night as part of his, One World One Love 2011 tour. Showing his range from classics like, "Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay", and "How am I Supposed to Live Without You" to Puccini's "Nessum Dorma" which brought tears to my eyes!

And, Yes, he is just a fine as ever.

The University of the Virgin Islands has a performing arts center and brings a wide variety of shows to the territory. It is an open air theater with some covered seats and others that are covered by the stars only. The center is named after Henry Reichhold CEO of Reichhold Chemical Inc. of Detroit Michigan, who initially contributed 3.5 Million in 1976-77 to the foundation. The center continues to operate through the Reichhold Foundation.

Next week a six day Film Festival starts, Chaka Kahn opened the season and J. Anthony Brown and Friends of the Virgin Islands performed their Comedy Tour a short while ago. Scheduled to appear are Hugh Masekela, Jimmy Cliff and Gramps Morgan, as well as the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet. Due to the intimate size of the theater, patrons and season ticket holders are sometimes treated to private receptions with the artists.

So besides the astounding beauty of the island, world class beaches, endless water sports, hot night spots, local entertainers; St. Thomas also offers world class entertainment in an amazing venue.

One of the highlights of the evening was when, as the band began playing, "When a Man Loves a Woman" the lights dipped and Michael disappeared from the stage. When the lights came back up he had moved to the space between the covered seats and the totally open air seats. The crowd went wild and we all rushed to take pictures. One of mine is on the right, above.

Just in case you were wondering what there is to do on a little island in the Caribbean besides relax. Now you know!

Property Taxes in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Buying and selling property in the U.S. Virgin Islands is a little different from buying on the mainland. Two important differences are in the areas of financing and taxes. For your initial financing you will have to work with a mortgage company or bank licensed to do business in the territory. It is a short list.

Taxes on commercial property in the U.S. Virgin Islands have been in dispute since 2000. When the governor unveiled a proposed property tax structure creating different property categories, each with different tax rates in 2007, residential property was pulled into the fray.

When closing on a property in the Territory, Buyers are credited an estimated amount for each year of outstanding taxes the Seller are not able to pay due to the lack of an official bill (the tax assessors office cannot accept payment for taxes not officially billed). The estimated taxes were usually based on the last valid tax bill which was issued in 2005 and based on 1998 valuations. In August of 2010, valid tax bills were issued for 2006 taxes and are also based on 1998 valuations. The responsibility to pay the taxes transferred to the new owners along with the property.

This has been off putting to some Buyers who now have reason to take heart! On January 22, 2011 Judge Gomez, Chief Judge of the District Court, lifted the freeze on property taxes in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The last area of dispute requiring resolution to move forward was a properly functioning Tax Review Board which had been seriously back logged. The back log has been cleared and an agreement was reached with the original complainants and the Board through mediation.

The 1998 values and tax rates shall continue for the 2007, 2008 and 2009 tax years. 2010's tax bill will be the first to be based on fair market value. Tax payers will receive two years of tax bills per year until the bills are current, placing the issuance of 2010 tax bill in 2012.

The infusion of revenue for the government should mean significant relief in budgetary issues and strengthen our economy.

If you have been delaying your dream of purchasing property in the Virgin Islands, because you were not comfortable with this situation, you can relax. Now is the time to buy real estate in St. Thomas, St. Croix or St. John. Prices are good.

Take a look at what is available by visiting www.talk-to-tanya.com to search the Multiple Listings, when you see something that interest you contact Van Blake Coleman Realty at 340-344-2959 or send me an e-mail at tvanblakecoleman@gmail.com

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.