Many people must wonder what Christmas would be like in a tropical paradise - with 82 degree weather year round. Well, let me share a bit of what it's like. I think you'll be surprised if you haven't experienced Christmas "Cruzian Style."
First of all - there is WONDERFUL soca Christmas music playing (dare I say blaring) from every store, car, even in the Post Office. People are sometimes spotted dancing in the aisle at Kmart - and I must admit - I shook a leg at the post office with this older Cruzian man behind me in line! It is wonderful and just makes you so happy to hear it! Some of the songs are "traditional" Christmas songs, just spiced up with a soca beat!
Music is really central here, and there are bands and concerts galore during the season, which starts at Thanksgiving and goes till mid January, best I can tell. One of the most special things that happens is to see (and better yet hear) Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights ride thru your neighborhood playing those great Christmas tunes - at 4:00 a.m.! The band is set up on a truck and several different neighborhoods are designated for their route - and they start at 4:00 and finish up around 7:00 a.m. As they ride by, everyone comes out in their jammies and follows the truck - so by the time it gets to town - there's a street party going on!!! It jams up traffic - but no one seems to care. This is a LONG TIME tradition here - and Stanley is a Christmas Icon on the island (and other times too).
And yes, the streets and stores and homes are decorated for Christmas. It is a bit odd to see snowmen (those blow up kind) in the yards - but it's fun! And parades, food fairs, competitions, galore. This time of year, the guavaberry is in season, and homemade guavaberry wine is a hot item. There are even competitions to see who makes the best! No losers here!! Also, Coquito is our version of "eggnog" (Much better, by the way)!! It's got Rum in it, of course, and is delicious! Kind of like Baileys Irish Cream, only better! And it comes in flavors, too - Chocolate and Coconut in addition to "regular." Yum!
One of the most fun things is the donkey races - another long time tradition here! Hilarious!! Grown men and woman riding atop those stubborn animals (or trying to, anyway).
And then there are the Tramps. These start at 4:00 a.m. too, and involve walking and gryating (there is a band on a truck that everyone is following) down the street until morning... It's a celebration of J'ouvert - and it is lots of fun.
Many of us "transplants" are here with no family - which can be a bit sad. Not to worry - we all get together with friends on the beach, decorate the palm trees, bring food and have great fun!
To see ALL THE MANY activities you can get involved in here - go to www.stxfestival.com. To order Soca music, visit TriniJungleJuice.
Come join us - I help make dreams come true!
Kim Lucas, REALTOR
kim@coldwellbankervi.com
www.retireinthevi.com
www.kimlucasvi.com
340-626-3758
p.s. Soca Music is a style of calypso, and Tramps are groups of happy people walking, always to music. J'ouvert (pronounced "juuvay") is a large street party during Carnival (which starts soon).
Christmas is the season when all the many artists on St Croix get into high gear and start promoting their wares at the many craft fairs on the island. The "biggies" are the Starving Artist's Sale at the Whim Plantation, which was bigger and better than ever this year, and the Christmas Spoken Here festival at the St George Botanical Gardens, also well promoted and well attended.
The weather is perfect here this time of year, breezy but warm, and the events are held on Sunday, so families come and browse and do their Christmas shopping. Tourists also enjoy the great selection of local crafts, food, books (we have some very talented authors here) and products. It is a very social event; you'll see lots of old friends and make new ones as you stroll the pathways and ooh and ahh over the interesting and unique things on sale at these events!
And of course, you'll get your belly full - the Fraco man is always there (great local drinks - peanut milk is my favorite...), the Roti woman (GREAT Roti), Pates, and skewers galore. I sold about 80 pieces of my "SEE Glass" - and was very happy with that - since it was a "debut" product! And everyone on MY Christmas list is getting a locally made item from the beautiful Virgin Islands!
Kim Lucas, REALTOR
kim@coldwellbankervi.com
www.retireinthevi.com
www.kimlucasvi.com
340-626-3758
I'm going to start this series of 4 blogs the same way to get my message across:
The Great St. Croix Land Rush is Coming!
St Croix is poised to be the next "hot spot" in the Caribbean. With a new and wonderful director of Tourism, a fabulous governor and Lieutenant Governor, a new bevy of Senators who promise to continue to improve this lovely island, return of the cruise ships, and new resort developments that are inches away from ground breaking - all signs point to a "boom" on the horizon.
What does that mean to you? If you are an INVESTOR - it means get down here and buy LAND! If you're considering retiring here - it means get down here and buy LAND! I keep saying this - ST CROIX is the PLACE and NOW is the time! Land prices are really reasonable here (scroll down the page to see some great buys). Where IN THE WORLD can you buy ocean view property for under $100,000? If you are worried because you've never purchased land before, this 4-part blog series is for you.
To find the land investment which best suits YOU, first define your goals: short or long-term investment, development opportunity, buy and hold for your own future use - this is a personal decision you must make. Then find a Realtor who understands the land opportunities in the location you choose. I know the St. Croix market extremely well and can refer you to agents on other islands in our chain if St. Croix isn't for you. Using an experienced land Realtor can save you a lot of money, time, and headaches. You still should know something about the market and land opportunities, and I can certainly give you plenty of resources. Listed below are some research projects you should complete.
1. Check Zoning
Before you make any purchase commitments on land, you must know and understand what the plot is zoned for, what developments are possible, what regulations must be met for development. This can be the difference between using the land for your purposes or having to hold and hope to sell.
2. Check Trends
This is my expertise - giving you market evaluations - but you still should understand the data. Check pricing trends. both in specific areas that interest you and then in adjoining areas. In our part of the Caribbean, studying other islands would be helpful. I'm convinced when you do, that you will agree St. Croix has the most development and appreciation potential of all the US Virgin Islands.
Ideally, you want your parcel in an area of increasing values adjacent to other areas that are also increasing. While that scenario is hard to find in the US now, St. Croix is poised for growth and property appreciation in the near future. If you can find a lot that is appreciating, or has good promise, is bordered by other appreciating parcels, and is zoned for your plans, that's the best investment you can make in land.
3. What Now
If you decide your risk tolerance, understand your purpose in investing, and find a Realtor with substantial local knowledge, you will be ready to make a decision on area and specific plots. If you do this regularly, and invest wisely, you should be able to grow a substantial portfolio over time.
Here's an example of one of the great deals now available on St. Croix:
16A Judith's Fancy
.75 Acre homesite
280 degree water and lights of Christiansted
Waterfront but above the salt spray
Gated community
Adjacent lots also available
Listed at $349,000
Contact me for more great buys on St. Croix.
Kim Lucas, REALTOR
kim@coldwellbankervi.com
340-626-3758
www.kimlucasvi.com
www.retireinthevi.com
I'm going to start this series of 4 blogs the same way to get my message across:
The Great St. Croix Land Rush is Coming!
St Croix is poised to be the next "hot spot" in the Caribbean. With a new and wonderful director of Tourism, a fabulous governor and Lieutenant Governor, a new bevy of Senators who promise to continue to improve this lovely island, return of the cruise ships, and new resort developments that are inches away from ground breaking - all signs point to a "boom" on the horizon.
What does that mean to you? If you are an INVESTOR - it means get down here and buy LAND! If you're considering retiring here - it means get down here and buy LAND! I keep saying this - ST CROIX is the PLACE and NOW is the time! Land prices are really reasonable here (scroll down the page to see some great buys). Where IN THE WORLD can you buy ocean view property for under $100,000? If you are worried because you've never purchased land before, this 4-part blog series is for you.
1. Are you past trying to decide whether or not to buy land in the first place?
Any investment, real estate or otherwise, can appreciate or lose you money. If you have made the decision to invest in St. Croix property, then focus on the best type of land for you, and don't keep 2nd guessing your investment decision. If you have planned for risk, and how much you want to invest, then the next questions are what and where.
2. The Future has to be part of your planning
Will you want to use the land? Are you going to buy and hold? If so, what developments may be planned or under consideration for the land? Do you know the zoning? What can be built in that zoning? Determining future land use has to be one of your top priorities.
I can help explain zoning, land use restrictions, and possible future uses of any land parcel you consider on St. Croix. I just wrote a newsletter about several options and what's for sale - email me for a copy.
There's a risk in buying land and holding it for future appreciation, so be sure and know your risk tolerance before you consider a land purchase. Once you are comfortable with that, St. Croix is THE place to invest!
Take a look at this new listing:
On the West End, close to Frederiksted
166' of gorgeous beachfront
Views in all directions
Sheltered cove
Excellent building sites
Power nearby
1.88 acres
Asking $349,900
What are you waiting for? Call me today!
Kim Lucas, Realtor
kim@coldwellbankervi.com
www.kimlucasvi.com
www.retireinthevi.com
340-626-3758
Finally, the $18.5 million Virgin Islands Cardiac Center is open! This signals the start of a new era of cardiac care in the the Caribbean!
While the Luis hospital already provides heart catheterizations, angioplasty, stenting work, and pacemaker implantings, the 25,305-square-foot center offers more comprehensive services, hospital officials say.
The center is connected to the Intensive Care Unit on the hospital's second floor and will house two fully equipped catheterization labs, offices and a conference room.
The building also connects to an existing employee entrance on the lower level and an eating area outside of the hospital's cafeteria.
St. Croix is poised to recover very strongly from the economic slowdown on the mainland. Our government is committed to strengthening the infrastructure to support sustained growth.
It's a great time to think of investing in our island, while prices are lower and inventory is high. Visit the Investors Page on my web site, and request free developer and relocation reports.
Kim Lucas, REALTOR
kim@coldwellbankervi.com
I love to help investors and fellow Caribbean Souls find property in St. Croix, and work hard for my Island mates who want to sell their property.
I am a very fortunate lady who was able to make my dream of living in the Caribbean a reality a couple of years ago. I did quite a bit of research and visited numerous islands before making St. Croix my home. It was a great choice, and I love it! If you are considering a tropical island for a second home, or a full time residence, I would be happy to share what I've learned about the places I've been, and also tell you a lot about this beautiful place.
Most of my career was spent as a business woman, not a real estate salesperson. I started and ran a very successful consulting firm in Atlanta, Ga., which I sold in 2003. I have always had a passion for real estate and have numerous real estate investments of my own (most of them now here in St. Croix). I am well educated and have good business savvy, friendly and easy to work with. I have been a licensed real estate agent since 2003 and thorougly enjoy helping others find their piece of paradise here.
You can count on me to be straightforward, honest, hard working, reliable, dependable, and attentive to your needs.
If you are considering selling your property, you will find that I will keep you informed of all activity regarding your property, and will aggressively market your property in creative as well as standard ways. Of course, my affiliation with Coldwell Banker Land de-Wilde gives you the absolute MOST exposure to your property. And I can help you stage your property so that it will show well and sell fast.
I help make dreams come true.
Kim Lucas
Investing in St. Croix
I believe our island is ripe for growth and anticipate that prices are going to continue to accelerate. I have wonderful software at my disposal that can help evaluate property for its investment potential, and can share what information I have to help investors make informed and educated choices for their investment dollars. Whether you are looking for rental income, land to hold, "fixer uppers" to fix and flip, or a second home to rent out until you retire, I understand the market and can help guide you to a well informed decision.
Finding a Home Here
There are so many things to think about if you are truly considering moving here permanently or even part time. I have done a lot of research and am recently transplanted enough (lived here 2 years) that I can help you think through this decision. One client said that I "answered questions before he had to ask them." You can count on me to be honest - and I will gladly share my opinions about life here.
Selling a Home Here
First of all, if you're considering selling property here, you'd be wise to list with a Coldwell Banker Land de-Wilde agent. Our website gets more exposure than any other, and we really do excel in marketing properties - we have such a HUGE and well respected company behind us - we are not reinventing the wheel when we go to market your property. Of course, your property will be listed on our MLS system, which can (and will) be viewed by potential buyers all over the world. I am a very reliable and dependable person, and will honor your wishes about how you want your property to be shown. I will keep you updated and informed after all showings (for homes and condos). We will work as a team to determine the best price to ask and I will work hard to help you achieve the sale of your home in the timeframe that you want.
"Kim did an outstanding job for us. Not only did she help us find the property, but she assisted us at every turn to resolve any issues holding up the sale. She put us in touch with good professionals in the area. We cannot say enough good things about her." Ron & Wendy
"We would recommend you to anyone. Thanks for being honest, kind, and fun to be with." Bobbie and Scott
"It was a pleasure working with you." Mike
"Thank you so much for showing us the properties and all of the information you gave us. You have been more helpful than I could imagine. You answered most of my questions without me even asking. I appreciate that. I can tell you that you have earned our trust. I want you to know that all of your knowledge transfer was not wasted, and I appreciated all of it....." Mike
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