David Fedeles, St. Croix Real Estate
Coldwell Banker St. Croix Realty
Are you planning to retire or buy a second home on St. Croix? My colleague with Coldwell Banker St. Croix Realty, Amy Land-de Wilde, shared her suggestions of The Best Places to Retire in St. Croix with Caribbean Journal.
June 1 is the official start to storm season and the Red Cross is making sure that US Virgin Island residents are prepared. This article in The Virgin Island Consortium offers some good preparedness tips and interesting facts.
The article states that, “Meteorologists stationed at Colorado State University in April issued the results of their research into the 2016 Atlantic hurricane season, predicting 12 named storms, five of which will form into hurricanes.” This is classified as “near-average” based on records from the past 60+ years. They study covers the Atlantic basic, which includes the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico.
We offer Good To Know resources for services, like hurricane shutters for your home, to help you be more prepared. May it be a safe and uneventful storm season on St. Croix and throughout the USVI!
St. Croix residents and dignitaries gathered to the sounds of steel pan music at Island Center to hear President Bill Clinton rally for support of Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign. Not surprising, the loudest show of support came when President Clinton mentioned equal voting rights for the Virgin Islands. He also addressed the Affordable Care Act, a clean energy future in the Caribbean and debt-free education for Americans.
Residents of the Virgin Islands do not get to vote in the U.S. presidential election; however, we do have Territory delegates who vote for a presidential nominee at the National Convention. The Virgin Islands Democratic Caucus is on June 4. Seven of the Virgin Islands’ 12 Democratic delegates are pledged to presidential contenders based on the results of the popular vote — three of the at-large delegates are from St. Croix.
If you would like to learn more and register to vote in the USVI, go to www.vivote.gov.
We’ve certainly had our fair share of rain this spring. The day before the 28th running of the St. Croix Triathlon, we wondered if they would have to swim the entire race! Now our cisterns are full and the hillsides are green. The frangipani are in full bloom and mango trees are promising a fruitful harvest.
The much-anticipated fine dining establishment, balter, has opened in Christiansted. In a centuries-old building, the restaurant features elegant open-air seating, a courtyard with bar, a small garden to supply the restaurant’s kitchen, and a stage. It was a pleasure to get a visit from Executive Chef and Owner, Digby Stridiron, during dinner last weekend!
The Frederiksted Pier will have a short break from cruise ship traffic this summer (to resume in August). Meahwhile Lyric Sails has taken to the land and sea. Visit their storefront on King street or web site to book a Sunset Sails, Full Moon Sails, Stargazing Sails, Special Musical/Fine-Dining Events, or tranquil Yoga/Meditation cruise.
It’s no surprise that our beautiful island is featured on yet another list: Best No-Passport-Required Vacations for any Budget. Click around a little on that site and you’ll also see St. Croix listed as one of the top 10 best islands to live on.
Speaking of making the move, last week I had the joy of running into Emelyn and Jim Sayre at the Yacht Club. They bought their house on St. Croix in 2005 and, after renting it, they have finally settled here from Littleton, Colorado. Welcome Home, Em and Jim!
The real estate market has been active with home buyers on St. Croix. If you have been considering selling, now might be a good time to look more closely at your options. Give us a call to talk it through!
Whether for a visit or to call it home, it’s a great time to be on St. Croix. And remember, we’re here if you have any questions at all!
Warm regards,
The Fedeles Team
The Virgin Islands Consortium reports that Ferryboat Touches Water for First Time; Launch Trip Projected for Mid-June.
Residents, boaters, senators and others gathered at the Salt River Bay Marina today to witness what many believe will usher a new day of affordable travel between St. Croix and St. Thomas, as the QE4 — a $2 million ferryboat designed and owned by local businessman Warren Mosler — was lifted off land by two cranes and placed on water for the first time…
Welcome Home, Emelyn & Jim!
Last week I had the joy of running into Emelyn and Jim Sayre at the Yacht Club. They bought their house on St. Croix in 2005 and, after renting it, they have finally settled here from Littleton, Colorado.
Back in 2005, Em and Jim had just sold a piece of mountain property and were looking for a new investment (one that would meet the requirements of a 1031 Tax Deferred Exchange). They agreed that if they were giving up the beautiful Rocky Mountains, then they wanted a place near the beach. They actually considered places like North and South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, until they learned that the US Virgin Islands was an option. They had been to St. Thomas and St. John, but eliminated both as either too touristy or too expensive. So, they booked flights to St. Croix and started looking online.
Once on island, we hit the ground. On the first day they looked at nine houses. They narrowed it down to three, but quickly decided that there was one in particular that spoke to them. I love to hear Em’s story:
At the end of the day, Jim and I agreed that we would revisit 3 of the properties on Tuesday; however, after much discussion over dinner, I called David and told him there truly was only one that we wanted to see again. David arranged to have the seller present to answer specific questions we had — meeting the owner and hearing his story and experiences on the island was so helpful. Sometimes, there are other factors (maybe just gut feelings or coincidences) that play in your decision making…..my house in Puerto Rico was pink….this house was pink (we had to paint the exterior last year so it is now yellow). My home in Virginia was just off Ridge Road….this home was just off Ridge Road….my best friend in high school was Anne Parker….one of the owner’s name was Anne Parker Westerfield……
On Wednesday morning, Jim and I went scuba diving and after we arrived back at the marina, we, still in our bathing suits, walked up to David’s office and made an offer on the home. By Thursday afternoon we were under contract and by Friday we had completed our inspection and survey! Everything went so smoothly we were able to close that same month.
The location and architectural design of their home is what captured their hearts. The design is very Caribbean. They have breathtaking views and a 2-minute walk to the beach.
When Em and Jim bought their house, they knew they wouldn’t live here until they retired. Their long-term goal of island living is inspiring:
Purchasing this home gave us a common dream which sustained us through some difficult times. Our future home in paradise was a vision we both shared.
Jim retired last August and, after a few months of research getting a pet to the island, garage sales, donations, shipping a container, etc., they arrived in December, two days before the Christmas Boat Parade. What a great welcome home!
Their favorite St. Croix foods are the fresh produce they get from Sejah Farms, Crescent Farms, ArtFarm and the Saturday morning farmer’s market.
You can still rent their lovely home when visiting St. Croix. Guests can either rent the pool level apartment (queen bed) which has a small kitchen, private bath and entrance or they can rent the upstairs with its furnished, two bedroom (king and queen beds)/2 bath. Find them on TripAdvisor or airbnb!
Twice voted Best Real Estate Broker on St. Croix. Coldwell Banker President's Circle three years in a row. Read More…