One day visit...

When you say, "signed up for one of the STT highlight guided tours", do you mean signed up with the cruise line?

Hmmmm, I'm not too sure that this is going to give you the freedom to do a good pre-move visit....takes a bit too much of your time.

I have a cab driver just up the street that would give you a better tour, less money, and less time.............and you could let him kinda know what you're interested in seeing, as in if I moved here I'd like to understand where....xyz are in relation to one another, or something like that.

Or - get a rental car for the time you're here and drive yourself around????? Maybe one of us could agree to hook up with you and answer questions, drive around with you to show you the island from the perspective of actually living here????

The cruise line offered it as a "free" perk. According to the literature it only lasts for about two hours and is described:

"This is one of the most popular highlight excursions on any cruise itinerary and offers guests an opportunity to experience the highlights of the island, in addition to having sufficient time to enjoy and take advantage of the incredible shopping available in the town center. Your travels take you up into the mountains, with an incredible view of the Charlotte Amalie harbor. Travel to and stop at lofty Drake's Seat, overlooking famed Magen's Bay. From here continue the climb up to the "Mountain Top" complex for a brief stop. The tour also features a drive through the residential areas, providing insight into the lifestyle of the island."

If it starts by 8 it should be over no later than 11. Maybe I will rent a car for the afternoon or charter a cab for the day.

Yes, that's the typical "tour", some actually venture to the East End of the island with a stop at a Picture Spot at Sapphire, where you can see the island of St.John, and the BVI's....then through Red Hook and back.

Okay, so go on the free tour - sounds good. You might also post some specific questions that could help you spend a valuable Pre-move visit look - such as type of housing you're looking for, what kind of job, knowing some of that kind of stuff, perhaps we could offer suggestions as to an area to look for living based on what your work might be, or any other preferences that would allow you to zero in on specific targets of inquiry..........wow, that' s pretty lofty sounding, and I didn't mean it to be. Let us know what help we could offer.

That's a great idea Island Paul! I'm going to make a list of all the MLS property listings I might have an interest in, prioritize them, and then start working my way down the list after the "tour". There won't be a lot of time, but hopefully i will get at least a basic feel for the layout of the Island.

Personally I would skip the tour. If you are coming to look at property you will pass all of those places while driving through the residential areas. Save the 2 hours of gimmicks and views since you only have limited time and you will see all that stuff anyway while ooking for houses.

Jay,

Let me suggest adding ione more step to your process.

If you've only got six hours to get around the island, see if Island Paul or one of the other long-time STTers would be willing to let you send them your MLS listing preferences in advance so they can tell you a bit more about the area and, if you also include what your priorities are (like being near the $1 taxi routes, walking distance to grocery store, far away from the mall, etc.), they might even be able to help you figure out which listings are most likely to match up with your needs and wants.

We learned this one from experience. Came down on our premove with a pile of MLS print outs in hand, only to find that the house we thought was PEFERCT for us was in an area that didn't meet a single mandatory need of ours (and we only had two!). Had we taken the time to check out the details of that particular Estate with current residents before hand, we wouldn't have wasted an hour of time going to visit it and wouldn't have been so disappointed that our dream on paper was really a "not a chance will this work" nightmare in real life.

HC

I didn't realize you'd be looking at properties. Knowing that, I'd also agree Stu, skip the somewhat simplistic tour guide stuff, rent a car and I could even send you a map of the route the tour guide would take you on........and you could check out those 'famed' spots and views along your MLS route.

I'd suggested a rental car and I still think that would be the best bet....unless you wanted to hire a cab driver to run you from one spot to the next???

Have you considered contacting a local realtor with your desired property info. and having them play tour guide for the day? I know that several of them have done this service in the past (although it might depend on the budget of the buyer) and it would really maximize your day. Although I didn't buy my house through her, try Marsha Maynes at Remax 340-775-9200.

Y'all give some really great suggestions!

Even though I'd like to look at multiple properties, I'm really not in the buying mode at the moment so I wouldn't want to waste a realtor's time. (also, STX has the nod currently as property prices seem relatively cheaper there)

I think I'll probably just rent a car, take the MLS listing, and leisurely (sp?) work my way around the Island with no real agenda and no goal to see X number of properties. Still, a day spent that way should give me some idea of what is located where and how prices vary with location.

Thanks for the help!

Jay