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Greetings from St. Croix!
Thinking of Buying? Now is a great time to buy and plan your new life on our lovely island! New properties come on the market daily, and interest rates continue to be low.
During the last year and a half while activities were restricted, some people relaxed, found a new hobby, did projects around their homes, and discovered how to work from home. We decided it was a great opportunity to improve our real estate knowledge and build on our specialized training. We took advantage of online classes, offered by a number of the professional real estate organizations we belong to, some of which were offered online for the first time ever! Since we had more time available, we decided to “go back to school”!
In the last several newsletters you may have noticed that we have added the abbreviations of our new designations and certifications next to our photos:
SRS - The Seller Representative Specialist (SRS) designation is the premier credential in seller representation. It is designed to elevate professional standards and enhance personal performance.
ABR - The Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR®) designation is for real estate buyer agents who focus on working directly with buyer-clients at every stage of the home-buying process.
PSA - The Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA) certification is specifically designed to enhance your skills in pricing properties, creating Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), working with appraisers, and guiding clients through the anxieties and misperceptions they often have about home values.
RENE - The Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE) certification is for real estate professionals who want to sharpen their negotiation skills.
Additionally, Chris is a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist Guild Member (CLHMS) and a Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Property Specialist.
What does all of this mean to you? When we work with you in buying or selling a home, condo, or piece of land, we have more skills, knowledge, and resources to use on your behalf.
The Crucian expression is, “We pull good together,” which means working as a team, we guide you through every step of the buying or selling process. We strive to meet your goals, answer your questions, and listen to what’s important to you. Whether buying or selling, we understand that changing where you live is a big decision. Our goal is that you ultimately are excited and happy with your choice!
Contact us so that we can assist you in buying your place in paradise!
Warm tropical regards,
Chris & Christie
Chris and Christie Powers
The Powers Behind Real Estate
Coldwell Banker St. Croix Realty
www.ChrisAndChristiePowers.com
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Chris Powers
Realtor, SRS, ABR, PSA, RENE, CLHMS, Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Property Specialist
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Once an offer to purchase a property has been accepted, the inspection contingency ensures that the Buyer receives vital information about the property. It allows the Buyer to potentially negotiate repairs, a reduction in the sale price, or even walk away from the purchase with a refund of all of their earnest money.
The inspection contingency is contractually part of the accepted offer to purchase. Generally, that inspection period is 2 weeks long, and it begins when the offer to purchase is signed by all parties.
Some people ask if they can waive the inspection. We always recommend using a professional home inspector, and having an inspection contingency period. Waiving the inspection contingency period means you won't be able to use the results from an inspection to negotiate remedies, price, or cancel the contract with the Seller, putting your earnest money deposit at risk.
We feel it’s important for you to know as much as possible about the property you are buying. It’s to the Buyer’s advantage to be present during inspection. This way, the Buyer can ask questions from the Inspector at the site, and learn more about their new home.
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Christie Powers
Realtor, SRS, ABR, PSA, RENE
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Over the past few years, we have noticed more people looking to St. Croix as a place to retire. Over the past 18 months we have certainly seen this trend accelerate. They usually have a 1 to 5 year plan. Properties are so very different here, that when people find something they like, they tend to buy it now, and not wait until right before retirement. Sometimes they purchase a home or condo, and rent it long-term or as a vacation rental until they can move here themselves.
According to Bloomberg News Article 2021-04-30, “About 2.7 million Americans age 55 or older are contemplating retirement years earlier than they’d imagined because of the pandemic, government data show . . . many cite robust retirement accounts and Covid-19 fatigue for their early exit, according to interviews with wealth managers and federal surveys.”
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Named as one of Travel & Leisure's Best All-inclusive Resorts in the U.S. Virgin Islands recently, the Divi Carina Beach Resort and Casino will be fully relaunched as an all inclusive, adults only resort with 200 rooms. Read more
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Pickleball is a sport that combines tennis, badminton, and ping-pong all in one, and it’s growing in popularity in the US Virgin Islands! A recent tournament on August 21st had 12 teams competing head-to-head for prizes and medals. Read more
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St. John non-profit Island Green Living Association and a coalition of environmental groups, community leaders, academics and businesses are leading an effort to raise awareness of the harmful impact of oxybenzone, octinoxate and octocrylene, which are commonly found in chemical sunscreens. Read more
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