About St. Croix, VI

If you are a first-time home buyer this year, you may be eligible to take a tax credit of $8,000, making it easier to afford to make the financial leap.

Under the federal stimulus package passed earlier this year, first-time home buyers can deduct 10 percent of the cost of a home purchased as your primary residence -- up to $80,000, for a maximum of $8,000 -- from their income tax. It is a refundable tax credit, so if you owe less than your credit, you can get the difference in your income-tax refund. This year's federal stimulus package explicitly offers the tax credit to state residents, but is silent on the territories.

"There has been some concern that because language in the stimulus legislation states that those eligible for the credit include the 50 states and the District of Colombia that the territories are not eligible," Delegate Donna M. Christensen said in a statement from her office. "However, for the Virgin Islands and Guam, the mirror tax makes changes to the�U.S.code applicable to our territories."

If you already purchased a home you can still use the deduction, so long as the purchase was after Jan. 1. If you are considering buying a home, the tax credit is another factor to consider as you budget and determine what you can afford.

There are so many opportunities for buying in St Croix right now - it's almost unbelievable what prices are being offered for oceanfront or oceanview homes. Contact me for some ideas.

Kim Lucas, Realtor
340-626-3758
www.kimlucasvi.com
kim@coldwellbankervi.com

The U.S. Virgin Islands and the Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority (VIEDA) were featured on Delta Airlines' In-flight Video during the month of April 2009. That video is now online for you to see at the USVIEDA web site.

The video focuses on the quality of life offered residents of the Virgin Islands, and the generous tax incentives for businesses. Showing the beautiful beaches and blue water, and the historic quaint towns, it makes a strong case for using the US tax benefits while enjoying a Caribbean Island culture. "This video is a great opportunity to create greater global exposure about the Virgin Islands EDC Program," says Mr. D. Jerry Garcia, the Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the VIEDA.

Governor John P DeJongh Jr. is very supportive of business in the Virgin Islands. In his Message from the Governor on the USVIEDA site, he explains,

"My Administration is firmly committed to supporting economic development in the United States Virgin Islands. We boast a strong and rapidly growing economy that is evident with an unprecedented influx of business development to our islands on a daily basis...

"Tax benefits and various incentives are only a part of the reason that one should engage in business initiatives on our beautiful shores. We also offer an educated, multi-skilled work force with a unique and superior quality of life. For service businesses and light, non-polluting manufacturers, our people, lifestyle, natural beauty and our pro-growth policies make the U.S.V.I. a wonderful business location."

While helping many folks research relocation to St Croix, most ask about working or starting their own businesses. If you watch the video, I think you will agree the business climate here is very friendly. Two recent developments - the new rum distillery and approval for Robin's Bay - will bring jobs and economic stimulus. Contact me for a free copy of Relocation to the Virgin Islands, and/or Retiring in the Virgin Islands. Also, you'll find loads of information on my web sites.

Hope to see you here soon -

Kim Lucas, Realtor
www.kimlucasvi.com
www.retireinthevi.com
kim@coldwellbankervi.com
340-626-3758

Last night as I sat sipping a nice glass of wine with my boyfriend - looking a the most beautiful Buck Island view on the island - I realized once again how darn lucky I am to live in this St Croix!

My view from my home in Judith's Fancy is awesome..... I look over a lush valley to see the beautiful blue Caribbean with Buck Island in the distance. Christiansted Harbor sparkles at night - like jewels on velvet.

But Chuck's view from his east end home is a dead-on Buck Island view. It looks as if you could almost touch it. It's an intimate view - whereas the view from my house is expansive.

And then there's my condo on the beach on the west end of St Croix. Talk about up close and personal with the ocean....it's a very intimate relationship with the water there.

Living in St. Croix affords me the opportunity to swim and snorkel a couple of times a day and still get a full 8 hours of work in!

East end, west end, center island. You can't go wrong living in St Croix! It's one of the most beautiful places on earth!

Want to join us? St Croix real estate is a great bargain right now - give me a call/email.

Kim Lucas, Realtor
Coldwell Banker Land-de Wilde Realty
340-626-3758
kim@coldwellbankervi.com
www.kimlucasvi.com
www.retireinthevi.com

Recently, a customer of mine wrote me to tell me that she intended to put off her purchase for several years. She is about 4.5 years away from retirement, and she wants to get her debts paid off and her house sold before she moves here. She's looking at an adorable 2 bedroom 1 bath townhouse I have listed for $174,500 that has no monthly condo fees.

While I certainly respect her decision, I felt I had to point out few things...

1. The market is really good here right now - a BUYER's market. Not sure how long that will last - our gut feel is that it won't last much longer. We (the realtor community) feel the prices are most definitely going to go up as the economy shows some flicker of rebound and as people get tired of seeing their money sit around. Real estate - especially investment property - is still a money maker. And people are ALWAYS going to want to live and vacation in the Caribbean!

2. Interest rates are really good right now. Who knows what they'll be like in a few years.

3. There are very few rental units on St Croix that accept pets. This complex does, which means that it would be relatively easy to find and keep a long term tenant - probably for $1200 - $1500 a month. This would more than cover the mortgage payment.

4. Buying now and using the townhouse as a rental for four years will make it very easy to justify "fixing it up" really spiffy in 4 - 5 years when it's time to take it over to live in.

So - buying now and renting out the unit is a good investment - both financially and for future retirement plans! Visit my St Croix web site for detailed information on the Cost of Living and Investment Considerations. Then contact me to discuss the wealth of opportunities here!

Kim Lucas, Realtor
340-626-3758
www.retireinthevi.com
kim@coldwellbankervi.com