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My husband has put in for a job transfer to STX. We won't know if he get's it until the end of August. I have been doing a lot of research on the internet and found this messageboard to be very informative! If he is chosen to come down as an interview candidate, we will make a vacation of it and tour the island.
We have two boys, 3 years old and a 10 month old. We're looking at buying a condo in possibly Mill Harbour. I'll be contacting a real estate agent by phone this week to discuss room sizes. I wonder if I can fit a crib in the masterbedroom??? I know condo fees and insurance can be quite pricey, so a 2 bedroom condo would probably be the best bet.
I'm not worried about schools right now. I know we'll probably go with Good Hope when the time comes.
I don't really have any questions right now, as most have been answered in reading through the archives. Our dream has always been to live by a beautiful area of water
I just wanted to introduce myself and hopefully I'll be relocating by the end of the year!
BTW- I just ordered The Settler's Guide relocation kit =)
Susan, in Kentucky right now
Posted : July 11, 2004 8:54 pm
Hi Susan
We're tying up loose ends here in Irvine, CA, getting ready for our October move. My husband is selling his business (hence our many delays). I too have found this board and the archives to be immensely helpful. I ordered the Settler's Handbook last year and have read it cover-to-cover a couple times now - again, a great source of information! Does anyone know how often that book is updated? The copyright date on my book is 2002.
We also have a three year old son, and an eleven year old daughter. She does her book reports on the VI now, she's so excited! I believe we will be going with the Montessori school near Red Hook. My email inquiry to the school was almost immediately returned, although I have yet to receive the snail-mailed information/brochure she stated she would send. It's been about three weeks.
Anyway, all the best, and keep us all informed!
Cali
Posted : July 11, 2004 11:48 pm
Welcome Susan. Feel free to ask questions whenever you have the urge!
Ronie
Posted : July 12, 2004 1:07 am
Susan,
Welcome to the board. My wife & I moved to STX from Louisville last August. We "retired" here. I'm now working as a beach attendant at the Buccaneer and my wife works in the purchasing department there. Memorize the Settler's Handbook. It and this board were terrific aids in our move.
Ric
Posted : July 12, 2004 2:45 am
Hi Susan,
And welcome! My husband and I just moved to STX from Washington DC last month -- I brought my job with me from there and he "retired" to manage the house. We don;'t have kids, but would be happy to share our experiences with other move issues if you think they would be helpful.
As everyone suggests, the Settler's Handbook should become your constant companion -- it is invaluable to helping you figure out how to make the transition as smoothly as possible. Our copy is sop dog-eared it looks 10 years old, evnm though we've only had it for 6 months. That's the sign of an excellent resource guide!
I'd like to strongly recommend that you engage a real estate attorney instead of (or in additioln to) an agent. There really is no such thing as a buyer's agent here on STX -- all agents who will take you to see properties believe that they work for the seller -- because the seller pays the commission. Thnis means that they will likely feel obligated to disclose any info that you tell them about the places you look, your budget, etc. to the seller, and m,ay not represent your best interests. Having a real estate attorney -- who is paid by you and will protect your interests --is essential. We learned this hard way -- we trusted the agent we used to hire anm inspector for us after we had an offer accepted, and the person he hired "overlooked" major issues with the house (like the fact that the roof had been blown off and spliced back on) and also failed to get the inspection report to us before the insxpection waiver period ran out. Thank god we had a pitbull of a real estate attorney who made sure we didn't get screwed because we thought the agent was acting in our best interest instead of the sellers.
Good luck with everything, get that Settler's Handook, feel free to ask lots and lots of questions -- and welcome to the boards!
HC
Posted : July 12, 2004 1:19 pm
Topic starter
HC,
Thanks for the info. I recall reading an earlier post about getting an attorney. How pricey is that? We're getting an equity loan from a house we have in Northern VA. As you know, house prices have gone way up in that area so we have tons of equity and will still be able to get a lower rate. We'd like to buy a 2 bedroom condo. I hate the thought of the condo and insurance fees though =(
My MIL lives in the house in VA, otherwise, I'd sell it. Can't kick her and her 15 cats out you know 😉
If we end up moving, could you provide me with the name of your fabulous attorney? =)
Thanks,
Susan
Posted : July 12, 2004 3:37 pm
Good luck with the possible transfer Susan. You are lucky to have found this board, there is a lot information available from the people on this board as well as the Setler's Handbook.
We're not quite at the retirement stage but plan to spend six months a year in STX. The internet has certainly opened areas of the world so that work can continue from more remote locations.
We are in the process of purchasing a condo now and are working with an attorney in STX to complete the transaction.
Thanks HC for the recommendation for attorney. She has been quick to respond to email as well as phone calls. (I haven't actually talked to her............that's one of the few duties I've assigned to my husband)
Looking forward to meeting you all soon!
Posted : July 12, 2004 8:10 pm
