On Thanksgiving night in downtown Christiansted, there was a huge turnout for the Thanksgiving Jump Up. This is a "street party" of sorts - put on by the St Croix retail association. There are four of these per year.
Stores are open late and there are bargains galore. Food and beverage vendors line the streets. Local artists and craftsmen(and women) sell their wares from tabletops. Bands are on every corner - and even marching down the streets. It is a PARTY!
The highlight of the Jump Up is when the Moko Jumbies come out. These are typically junior high-schoolers on these stilts -and they dance and perform and delight the crowd. The "jumbies" are from the African traditions - they were thought to ward away evil spirits.
It's a delightful idea and indeed - all bad spirits were most definitely kept at bay - thanks to the watchful Jumbies!
Visit St. Croix Things to Do on my website to find out more about festivities on this exciting and vibrant island.
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.
How to Make Intelligent Land Investment Decisions
Investing in land can be a tricky business, especially for those who are just starting out in the world of using real estate as an investment. Not every investment has good return potential. Even here in St. Croix, not every plot for sale would be a good investment, and not every plot is priced right for the market. (Hint - you need an experienced local Realtor to help you find the best deals!)
1. You Think You've Found a Great Deal
OK, the price looks right and it's in your budget. You realize that investing takes money to make money. But do your homework - make sure there will be a market for that parcel in the near future, and that it has long-term potential.
2. Can You Trust your Instincts?
That depends. Part of being a good investor is learning to trust yourself to do the right thing. While you may not always be right, it is helpful to consider your instincts - especially if they have proven you right before.
3. You have made a profit before
Just because you were able to sell a plot of land and make a profit in the past, not all locations and market conditions are the same. Don't buy just because the land is the same size or is in the same subdivision as another investment you made. Not only do you need to seek expert advice in current market conditions, but consider potential - utilities, development, view, desirability - before you assume you can sell that land profitably.
4. Investment is all about Risk
Don't ever forget that - while real estate historically does appreciate - it make take years. Be prepared for degrees of risk based on your degrees of cash investment. If you may need that money in the short term, then you would assume a degree of risk based on short-term appreciation. Land investing is no different than stocks and bonds or Aunty Jane's store - decide on a financial plan for yourself and build into it some risk tolerance.
5. Examples of Great Deals in St. Croix
Lovely flat corner lot with views of the South Shore and Great Pond. Very convenient and outstanding value.
.46 acre
List price $62,000
Lovely large affordable plot in the rainforest with easy access, gentle slope, and fruit trees already planted for you! Nice spot to build, and you'd be high enough to never see or hear any cars on Mahogany Road. Ideal horse property.
2.11 acres
List price $95,000
Nearly 2 acres of sandy beachfront land on St. Croix's south shore. Terrific price for this large lot that has 200 feet of waterfront; easy to build on the slightly elevated (small step down to the beach), level terrain perfect for your island home. Good value! Owner Financing Available.
1.98 acres
List price $325,000
You can tell I'm bullish about our economy and investing here. But I'll be honest with you about the development potential of any land parcel, and problems I might foresee in a purchase. So email or call, and ask for a copy of the newsletter I just mailed with descriptions of many types of plots available on St. Croix. And sign up to receive my next blog post on How to Find the Perfect Land Deals for You.
Kim Lucas, REALTOR
kim@coldwellbankervi.com
340-626-3758
www.kimlucasvi.com
www.retireinthevi.com
Right on schedule, she roars in
With all the brashness of a red headed floozy.
She dances, teases, commands your attention.
It is impossible to ignore her.
Sometimes she's loud and forceful
Howling like a banchee, reminding us of her power.
Other times she caresses you with the tenderness of an artist
Making your hair dance this way and that.
Then, as abruptly as she came, she departs
Leaving only quiet and leaves strewn about in her wake
Aaahhh, the silence, the blessed silence
And yet how we miss her.
She's off to do her magic dance in other lands
These West Indies, though beautiful, are not enough to hold her.
We are thankful for her visit and look forward to her return
For the Christmas Wind never overstays her welcome.
This year's Starving Artist's Day is on Nov. 30, and YOURS TRULY will be exhibiting! Yes, St Croix brings out the creative spirit in many of us, and I have been collecting and making sea glass jewelry and keepsake pieces accompanied by original poetry - to use in lieu of a "card."
I call my work "SEE Glass" - because the poems and sea glass momentos are designed to remind us that we have to experience some "tumbling around" - bumps and bruises - in order to become truly beautiful. I'm hoping folks will find it a nice way, for $5, to share a piece of St Croix with a loved one who is going through a rough time.
The day is always a very fun day, with music, food, competitions, and a very wide range of crafts to choose from. It's the perfect place to do some Christmas shopping, especially considering that we must mail our gifts back to the states VERY EARLY in order for our loved ones to receive them in time! The weather is always perfect, and the Whim Plantation is such a beautiful place, it's a great spot to spend a lovely Sunday afternoon with friends and family! There's something there for everyone! Learn more at the Starving Artists web site.
BTW, I have 3 listings under $35,000 for 1/4 acre plots on Whim - take a look at the properties. They are all great buys, mid-island, in a very convenient location.
Kim Lucas, REALTOR
www.retireinthevi.com
www.kimlucasvi.com
kim@coldwellbankervi.com
340-626-3758
St Croix's second annual Blue Bay Jazz Festival, produced by the Frederiksted Economic Development Association, Inc. (FEDA) showcased the best Virgin Islands and Caribbean musical talent in an unforgettable setting.
Over four nights and one afternoon, we were entertained by world renowned artists and Caribbean favorites. From Latin rhythms to jazz to traditional quelbe, the variety and quality of music was outstanding.
Many New York jazz artists graced our stage, including Tito Puente, Jr., Louis Taylor, Rashied Ali, Sharrie Bias, Rolando Briceno, Nathan Lucas, Willie Martinez, James "Blood" Ulmer, and Pete Escovedo. The stage was set up on a beautiful beach next to sparkling blue water in the lovely historic town of Frederiksted. All the concerts were FREE - and well attended. Parking was easy and free, the dancing area was perfect (and packed, especially when Tito Jr. took the stage!), and food vendors kept us coming back for more as the smells of "johney cakes" and chicken wings wafted thru the air. Three bars featuring our wonderful Cruzan rum were set up and all in all it was just the perfect way to spend four evenings and an afternoon - especially with a short work week ahead of us!
Last years' festival was spectacular, and this one was as well. I can't wait to see what's in store for us next year! Good job, FEDA, and please keep up the good work!
Visit St. Croix News on my web site to keep up with news and events around St. Croix. I can help make your dream of living on a Caribbean island come true - just email or call.
Kim Lucas, REALTOR
kim@coldwellbankervi.com
www.kimlucasvi.com
www.retireinthevi.com
340-626-3758
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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