ST. CROIX REAL ESTATE NEWS

Here's part of a newletter I rec'd from Patrice Kelly of Hamilton Real Estate:
Thought you Crucians and Crucian wannabe's might enjoy it.

REAL ESTATE HEATS UP. The mid-year real estate numbers show a total market increase of 31% in dollar volume and 24% in number of sales. 84 homes sold in the first half of the year and $ volume increased by a healthy 41%. The number of condo sales is up 39% from a year ago with a 25% increase in $ volume.

NEW ENERGY. One can feel a new energy on the island as we transition from an oil refinery economy to whatever the future will bring. HGTV has discovered St. Croix. Its new shows, “Beachfront Bargain Hunt” and “Caribbean Life” have both filmed new episodes on island. This new visibility is bringing a new group of visitors to the island. And once folks realize it’s easy to work remotely due to our island’s high tech capabilities and that our property prices are bargains compared to many U.S. coastal areas, they are Sold on St. Croix. Add the locals who are downsizing or upsizing their residences, and we have a pretty healthy real estate market.

NEWS YOU CAN USE. The Office of the Tax Assessor expects property tax bills for 2013 to be mailed late this month (yes, we pay a year late, and bills are usually issued in June). Some properties have been revalued so check your bill carefully.

If you are a member of AARP (folks 50 or older), you are eligible to purchase low cost property insurance from Real Legacy Assurance based in San Juan, phone: 800-433-0881 or 787-273-7963 and speak with Nomar Rodriguez, nomar.rodriguez@rla-pr.com. The Virgin Islands will vote in November on a referendum to legalize medical marijuana. This could be the way to raise tax revenues to help our struggling hospitals and clinics.

FUN CARIBBEAN SITES. One of the fascinating things about living in the Caribbean is the diversity of the cultural heritage of the different islands. St. Croix resident Dr. Michael Connors has a new book about Cuban architecture and interiors. Watch his cool video for Havana Modern at http://youtu.be/hNI1Q4x5k48. Another web site I really enjoy is www.uncommoncaribbean.com which has lots of beautiful photos and light hearted stories about the many Caribbean islands.

ISLAND HAPPENINGS. Carnival Cruise Lines is visiting again. This is in addition to regular calls by Royal Caribbean Cruises. Delta Air will be back for the winter season with flights from Atlanta. September is Honey Month and beekeepers celebrate with the 4th Buzzaar. Mango Melee at the Botanical Gardens was a huge success. Other events this summer included The Women’s Race, “La Gringa” and for the kids “Peter Pan” at Caribbean Community Theatre, Sunset Jazz in Frederiksted, “Come Home to St. Croix” - a weeklong event hosted by Estate Whim Museum, Jazz in the Park in Christiansted, a Mini Triathlon, a Moonlight Hike to Bodkin Mill, Bartender “Olympics”, and of course it’s the perfect time of year to enjoy water temps of 80+ degrees and sailing, diving, snorkeling, kayaks, kite boarding, jet skis, and paddle surfing. On August 17, The Artists Guild unveils the renovated Mural at the Strand Street Square Courtyard with more Public Art to follow. Upcoming in September: 5K and 10K Runs, Hikes to Creque Dam and Cane Valley, Contemporary Photos at Caribbean Museum to celebrate VI – Puerto Rico Friendship Day, Wall 2 Wall Triathlon at Cane Bay, Coast Week Clean Ups and a Snorkel Clinic hosted by the Environmental Association.