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Hello everyone
I've read a lot of the info provided on the site, the good and the bad moving to the VI.
I am going to do come down to the island soon and check it out for myself.
Wondering if anyone can help find a turst worthy real estate agent & attorney.
I have about $300,000 to play with and I am looking to buy a house or condo along with a buisness peferable a small bar.
And if anyone would like to comment on thier experiences living on St Thomas. I am currently looking at that island.
Thanks
For taking the time to read.
DW
Posted : September 26, 2005 9:55 pm
DW: I highly recommend that you come live for at least 6 months before you contemplate buying anything, housing or business. Things work very differently and it is good to find out if you can live with the way things work!
On the other hand, David Nichols is a great real estate attorney.
Posted : September 26, 2005 10:01 pm
DW: I couldn't agree more with East Ender - you absolutely MUST first come and live here for a while, particularly before even thinking of opening up a bar. Doing business here, particularly the bar/restaurant business, is incredibly difficult as is demonstrated by the numerous bars and restaurants which open and close or change hands so frequently that you forget what was where and who's there now. It's enough to make your head spin sometimes.
East Ender is being kimdly euphemistic when he says that "things work differently here!"
The very best of luck to you - come and enjoy the good part of living here and take your time before you rush into anything!
Posted : September 26, 2005 10:54 pm
DW: Two good suggestions above. Come down and be DISCREET about your finances. Some may see a "fig waiting to be plucked".
Just a thought - If you are looking to finance a house/condo purchase, you need to explore if you can qualify now, prior to your move and leaving your existing job/business, because you may not be able to qualify as a new start-up business here.
Posted : September 27, 2005 1:19 pm
If the $300K is the total purchase price you are hoping to pay for a home AND a business, your options will be limited on any of the islands. If that's earmarked for downpayment, closing costs, refurbishment, and start-up funds for a few months, then you will have more to explore.
Posted : September 27, 2005 5:11 pm
Hello DW,
On St. Thomas you might try Rosemary Sauter of Century 21, http://www.usvicentury21.com and Marsha Maynes of Re/Max http://www.MarshaMaynes.com. You might also do a search of this board (using the search option up top in the forum tools, change date range), there are several threads with recommendations for realtors.
There are 40+ stories by people that moved or took pre-move trips to the USVI on this site. You might read through them for some first hand accounts. Here is a link to that section https://www.vimovingcenter.com/what_to_expect/
--Islander
Posted : September 27, 2005 6:45 pm
