Some Days at The Beach Are More Special Than Others

If you read this blog, you know I spend a fair amount of time on Magen's Bay Beach, in St. Thomas, especially early in the morning. The astounding beauty brings peace, preserves sanity in crazy times and provides great exercise.

This past Saturday was a day I was determined to get there, a particularly demanding week with rental issues, made it even more important. A friend was supposed to meet me but she wasn't there when I showed up. I forged on, walking briskly and enjoying the picturesque homes in Peterborg and Misgunst nestled in the rolling lush green hills, crystal clear water with gentle waves lapping the shore, a cool breeze and brilliant warming sunshine.

 As I started my second length of the beach I noticed an attractive man go down on bended knee at water's edge.  Standing beside him, a pretty blonde woman, open mouthed, grabbed her chest and mouth in surprise. I was close enough to see the color come into her cheeks and tears spring to her eyes as she reached to hug the man. It was clear, I was witnessing a proposal. I saw a camera swinging from her wrist.

As I interrupted to offer to capture the moment on their camera for them, she pointed out he had written in the sand, "Will you marry me?". From her accent, I believe they were from Australia.  Ooops, I had almost stepped on the proposal.  I inquired, "Clearly this is a specail moment, may I take a picture to capture it for you?". She excitedly said, "he has a ring and everything!". Curled tightly on his pinky was a lovely diamond ring.

 I think it is a safe guess, she had forgotten the camera was even on her arm.  I did my best to capture them, the view and the sand writing in one shot. I took several shots, of them and the writing separately. Their joy was so obvious. I wished them many years of happiness and moved on.

As I continued my walk, I was overwhelmed with emotion, as I was allowed by fate and them, to share such a special moment with total strangers. I have seen a lot of weddings at Magen's, many of them very beautiful; it is an ideal location. This was the first time I happened on a proposal. I am still not sure why it moved me so. Writing about it brings back the emotion.

I thought about asking them to e-mail a picture or two so I could post them here, but I thought it would be a bit too intrusive. I may not know them but I will always remember them and feel connected in some small way to them.

Another great day at the beach.

Improving the Efficiency of My Business

It is great that Active Ranis is doing this contest. After attending the NAR Convention in Anaheim in November of last year and attending Jack Canfield's class I knew I needed to make a concerted effort to improve my business.

The first step was identifying  where I was most inefficient.

1. I was using a manual day planner and to do lists. It was bulky and awkward, so I stopped carrying it and sometimes would use small note pads.  Paper gets crunched up, when you don't carry it you forget what was on the list and so on.

2. I was buried in paper and physical files,  I have a small office with limited cabinets that are filled to the brim and I now have metal boxes holding the over flow and truthfully there are files on the floor. Talk about inefficient, when you are sorting through hand labeled files in boxes on the floor when you are trying to reconcile rental accounts.  The feeling of panic was sometimes overwhelming when I could not locate something I knew was there somewhere.

3. I have a Quick Books system for accounting an billing but I am not fully utilizing the program. When I first purchased it I had an accountant show me how to do the essentials, basically using it like a check registry.

4. Over the years I have developed friendships with people who seem to dwell on all that is wrong in the world. They will call and spend what feels like hours complaining or will set lunch dates and use the entire time to complain. I leave feeling drained depressed.

5. Keeping focused on goals has also been a weakness of mine, which is reflected in a level of scattered efforts and resulting in a lack of results.

6. Obtaining signatures on listing agreements and sales contracts and ensuring the customers and clients are left with a copy has been a challenge in the field. I carry a folder of forms everywhere and try to remember to prepare possible listing and sales contracts in triplicate in advanced. I am killing trees by the dozens and have a car filled with paper. Not to mention the hours of time I have wasted calling and e-mailing people because I haven't gotten the signed document back. My clients and customers literally span the globe, from here in the Caribbean, to South Africa, the Middle East and China.

The first thing I did before I left California was to purchase a IPad, eliminating the need for my day planer, or note pad. My to do lists are always at hand, so I don't forget what I need to do, I am focused on my goals because the are always with me. I can prioritize everything, plan my route of travel in the most efficient manner (gas is too expensive and time is too precious to wonder around) and I keep the larger picture in focus now. Truly mobile access to the internet has been enlightening, I am not hindered by truncated messages or images on my phone. I don't have to search for a scrunched up notes, I know they are at the tips of my fingers.

I do my, to do list, the night before, it eliminates the anxiety during the night of "what have I forgotten?"; that used to make me sit straight up in the bed in the middle of the night.

Then I moved on to the paper, I am in the process of going paperless. We are required by law to maintain file for seven years in the Virgin Islands. All of my files are in the process of being converted to e-files. My office is being transformed.  I am going to start my new files as e-files and eliminate the physical file all together. This is a major challenge for me as I cling to the physical paper.

Quick Books remains a challenge for me and I never seem to have time to attend the courses when they are available. I am out sourcing this too. I have a son who has a business degree and could use some extra work, he just became engaged and there is a big wedding in the planning stage. We have agreed to set up a Dropbox account so he can attend to this aspect of my business for me, since I dread doing it and am not very good at it anyway.  Freedom, to do the things I like and am good at.

My negative friends, are still my friends but I have to admit I have cut way back on the time I will allow them to absorb. I listen for a minute, try to inject something positive and motivating for them and excuse myself.

After reading the Docusign promo, I am signing up for the free trial so I can stop hauling all of those forms and wasting time following up on whether someone received my fax or was able to scan and e-mail a signed document back to me. With the distance of some of my customers and clients the time difference will no longer be an issue either.

I now have organized days that are more often than not started with a trip to the gym very early in the morning. I have eliminated lots of anxiety and replaced it with focused efforts, resulting in increased business and a fitter and happier me!

Affordable East End One bedroom apartment, in St. Thomas

This is a wonderfully private one bedroom apartment located on the desirable East end of St. Thomas. It is in the midst of some of the most desirable real estate on the island.   Close to Red Hook, the yacht club and Ritz Carlton. This lovely, apartment has a water view from every room including the bathroom.  The rent includes the first $100 of your electric bill. Everything is new, furnishings, appliances and fixtures.  Just up the street from Secret Harbor condos and resort with their wonderful new waterfront restaurant.  There is off street parking. Sorry no pets or smokers, please. This is a long term rental, an annual lease is preferred, at $1650 per month. Call Van Blake Coleman Realty at 340 344 2959 or visit www.talk-to-Tanya.com for this and other great rentals.

Emerald Hills, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

High on Emerald Hills on the East end of St. Thomas is this beautifully decorated two bedroom, one bath, 1100 sq. ft. apartment with gorgeous views of the Caribbean and down island. It rents for only $1600 per month under an annual lease. The apartment  gets lots of cool breezes because it is at the crest of the hill. The unit is wired for DSL, cable and phone service, the bedrooms are equipped with window air conditioners. These utilities, plus your electric are the responsibility of the tenant. This is the rare rental that will considered pets individually.  The owner occupies the top two floors. There is off street parking for one vehicle.

If you are going to relocate to St. Thomas, Van Blake-Coleman Realty can help you with all of your real estate needs, whether you are looking to purchase a home or condo or you just want to try island living, with a long term rental please call us at 340 344 2959.

Virgin Islands Territorial Association of Realtors Annual Meeting

On 10/22/11 the Virgin Islands Territorial Association of Realtors (VITAR) had our annual meeting aboard the Discovery, a glass bottom boat, as we sailed around  St. John and some of the smaller islands in the Territory. It bought together members of the St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John boards, and Gov. John deJongh.

Regional Vice President Cynthia Shelton swore in our VITAR officers for 2012. I will move from the President of the local board of St. Thomas to the President-elect of VITAR in 2012.

Governor deJongh spoke on how the financial turmoil is effecting the region and the importance of  promoting small businesses in the territory. In addition, his goals include keeping the police department properly staffed; making education a priority, not cutting back any further on teachers but moving them to the schools that most need them; and promoting the availability of good health care in the territory.

While Stephanie Hodge of Blue Sky Real Estate on St. Croix has completed her legislative interview and was officially appointed to the Real Estate Commission,  the challenge of appointing a fully functioning  Real Estate Commission continues. The commission will need to address the lack of a licensing testing center in the territory. The governor committed to a goal of having the latter issue addressed by January of 2012.

President B.J. Harris was officially awarded Realtor of the Year, Among her many accomplishments this year are obtaining the Ira Gribins grant for the territory. This is a revolving, low interest fund to assist first time home buyers with closing costs. Two,  buyers on St. John were the first to use this fund. Classes were made available to members on all three islands on agency issues and social media with more scheduled later this year and early next year. The idea for this wonderful meeting was also BJ's brain child.

The event was catered by Passion Fruit Chef. They served a selection of fruits, brie, wraps, pasta salad and wonderful cookies, accompanied by lemon grass iced tea, fruit punch.

Sponsors for the meeting included Theodor Tunick Insurance, Pyles Publishing,  and ProSolar Investments. Thank you!

Most people are not familiar with how much Realtors work. It is normally very long days and pretty much seven days a week.  I don't know many places that host their annual meetings aboard glass bottom boats in the Caribbean, it helps to ease the stress some. The perfect place to reflect on the year so far and anticipate the next. A perfect combination of business and pleasure.

Wild Life on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

If you have read some of my previous blogs, you know I like to spend the weekend mornings at Magen's Bay Beach. I enjoy walking on the beach and in the water, snorkeling, having breakfast at the restaurant and hanging out with my friends.

Besides the broad array of sea life, birds and Farrel cats there are an abundance of mongoose at Magen's Bay. Today, as I approached the entrance, a mother and her two babies crossed the road in front of me. As I searched for a parking spot I saw a small female cross the path and I thought she was alone, then I noticed her larger male companion was waiting for me to get out of his way.

They are fairly shy animals. The don't linger when they encounter people. I have seen them play hide and seek in the root system of trees at Magen's Bay. They move quite quickly and I understand if cornered can be quite feisty. You will see the mongoose throughout the island, but they are often a blur and you're not quite sure if you saw something or not.

The mongoose is not native to the Virgin Islands, they were bought in to control pests, rats, that were introduced to the island through the shipping industry. In 1872, a Jamaican sugar planter, Mr. W. B. Espeut, imported small Indian mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus) and released them on his plantation. The rat populations were reduced, so other farmers bought them from Mr. Espeut to release them into other areas, including Puerto Rico (1877), Barbados (1878) and Cuba (1886).  The mongoose in the West Indies has helped to exterminate or endanger more species of mammals, birds and reptiles in a limited area than any other animal deliberately introduced by man anywhere in the world.

While they are an interesting little animals, they are a serious lesson in "misuse" of biological pest control.

St. Thomas, U S Virgin Islands Rental

This light and bright apartment is located in the center of the island.  Placing it close to the lively East end which is just down the hill one way with yacht and night clubs. Down the hill the other way is Tutu, the real down town of the island, with grocery stores, banks, dealerships, movie theater, gym, preforming arts center and restaurants. Yet is is just minutes from the Harbor town of Charlotte Amalie, where the cruise ships come in, most businesses are centered, including the hospital, medical centers, and jewelry stores abound. In other words this apartment is close to work and play.

It is a new concrete structure, with down island views. Two bedrooms one bath, new stove and fridge, lots of closet space, wired for cable and a water view from every room. Off street parking for your vehicle.

No smokers or pets please. An annual lease can be yours at only $1,300 per month plus utilities, the electric has a separate meter the cistern is shared. There is a smaller unit in the same house that rents for $925, also a two bedroom one bath. Talk to Tanya at 340 344 2959 or visit this and other great rentals at http://www.talk-to-tanya.com; click on long term rentals.

New Rental Listing - St. Thomas, USVI

It just doesn't get much better than this. Although you're renting, you'll feel like a home owner in this unit, there are no neighbors upstairs or down.  This home is located on the North side of the island and catches most of the cool breezes from the Atlantic Ocean. The house sits on a completely fenced lot with lots of room to play, run and park. Being unfurnished, you can add your personal touches to truly make it yours. The kitchen has an open floor plan with a stove and fridge in place.  The covered, wrap around deck allows for additional indoor/outdoor living space. A two bedroom, one bath rental for only $1350 a month. This one won't last, so call now 340 344 2959.

Critters On St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

St. Thomas has a number of roads that are kind of tricky to drive with steep hills, narrow passages and pot holes. Combine that with a fair number of Iguanas, chickens, sheep, goats, cats, dogs, mongoose, and an occasional cow and there is, unfortunately, considerable road kill. Some drivers are fairly considerate and will, if they can, stop to allow animals safe passage across the roads. I can recall seeing taxis loaded with tourists waiting for a hen with her chicks to cross a busy road.

The other day I left my home headed down town on a road that is not particularly rough.  As I approached a straightaway I saw something in the road that initially appeared to be moving in a very awkward manner, almost as if it had been injured. I slowed to see what it was. I quickly realized it was not injured at all but a Red-Footed Tortoise making it's way across the road.  This reptile is protected under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which means it can not be exported from it's home country without permits.  I put my flashers on, stopped the car and got out. I knew if I simply drove around it, I would probably see it in the road, crushed.  So I picked up the tortoise and moved him to the other side of the road. 

Surprisingly, he did not withdraw completely into his shell. He was quite beautiful with the distinctive shell and the red spots on his feet were quite pronounced. I have seen these tortoises in people's homes as pets, wild on Water Island but this was the first I had seen, wild, on St. Thomas.

As I returned home later, I checked the road to see if he had continued on his way or turned back and not survived the return trip. I was pleased to see he was safe, at least for the day.

One Bedroom Rental

This lovely one bedroom apartment is located high in Mandahl on the North side of St. Thomas.This is just over the hill from downtown Charlotte Amalie, one of the business centers of the island and close to world famous Magen's Bay Beach and Mahogany Run Golf course. It is one of four apartments in this gated complex with an infinity edged pool. The rent includes a credit of $100 towards your electric bill. The water is on a separate cistern. There is one off street, parking space that comes with this unit.

The rent is $1500 per month for an annual lease. Contact Van Blake-Coleman Realty at 340 344 2959 or for all real estate in St. Thomas, U.S. VI