Club Comanche, Christiansted, St Croix, Kim Lucas RealtorBack in the ’50’s, there was a bar / restaurant in downtown Chrisitansted that was “THE” place to be, especially on New Year’s Eve. I’m told that people from all over came to Club Comanche to see the old year end and start the new one. Lucille Ball, John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara are but a few of the well known folks who hung out at this establishment.

Read all about it on my Active Rain Blog, complete with photos.

To learn about relocation to St. Croix, or retirement in the Virgin Islands, be sure and visit my web sites.

Kim Lucas, REALTOR
www.kimlucasvi.com
www.retireinthevi.com
kim@coldwellbankervi.com
340-626-3758

At about midnight on Wed., Oct. 15, as I lay in my bed snuggling with my trembling cat, I realized that I was “officially” a virgin islander now - complete with a Category 3 hurricane experience under my belt. Except we don’t wear belts here. Too hot.

All in all, it was an interesting and somewhat frightening experience. The most frightening thing was not knowing what to expect. Now I know. Next time won’t be so unnerving.

Read my Active Rain Blog for the details.  Our government did an outstanding job of preparation and clean up, and living in St. Croix is still my dream come true.

I can help make your own dreams come true of life on a Caribbean Island.  Visit my web site and request my Relocation Package or Guide to Retirement in the Virgin Islands.

Kim Lucas, REALTOR
www.retireinthevi.com
www.kimlucasvi.com
kim@coldwellbankervi.com
340-626-3758

Kim Lucas Realtor in AustraliaAfter a visit that wasn’t long enough, I’m back from seeing my daughter who lives half way around the world from St. Croix, near Brisbane on Australia’s Gold Coast.  In my Active Rain Blog post, A Tale of Two Coasts, I compare lifestyle, costs, and housing.  Read all about it!

Be sure and visit my web site to order your free Relocation Package about St. Croix.  Then decide for yourself if you are interested in investing or moving to our gorgeous island.

Kim Lucas, REALTOR
www.kimlucasvi.com
www.retireinthevi.com
kim@coldwellbankervi.com
340-626-3758

Our market has softened somewhat - guess we aren’t totally immune from the economic problems of the “mainland.”

To read complete statistics, view my Active Rain Blog or email me to receive my monthly newsletter, which is full of news and events in St. Croix, as well as market statistics.

This is a Buyer’s Market even in St. Croix and there are some great opportunities available!

Kim Lucas, REALTOR
340-626-3758
kim@coldwellbankervi.com
www.kimlucasvi.com
www.retireinthevi.com

St. Croix boat at anchor, St. Croix lifestyle, Kim Lucas RealtorIf you are like me, and just can’t wait till you’re 65 to “retire” to the Virgin Islands, but are SO READY to quit your current job and start a new life, then this post is designed specifically for you!  I started a new career here, and many other folks have done the same.  Some have turned former “hobbies” into paying jobs.  It’s quite possible that you’ll be served a fine meal by a former CEO of a large company!

 

Read the full article with links you can use to research the job market at my Active Rain Blog.  Visit my web site on Retiring in the Virgin Islands where you’ll find plenty of information on the cost of living in St. Croix.

 

I’m very positive about our economy and real estate investments.  Contact me to share my enthusiasm about our wonderful island.  I’m livin’ my dream.  Are you?

 

Kim Lucas, REALTOR

kim@coldwellbankervi.com

340-626-3758

Christiansted, St. Croix, Kim Lucas RealtorFriday, August 1, will see the commencement of a multi-year project to move the power lines in Christiansted underground.  The Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency will break ground Friday on the lawn of Fort Christian.

The project, funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through its pre-disaster mitigation grant program, will speed the return of power to St. Croix in the event of a major hurricane.  The work will be completed in 3 phases, running concurrently, and could take up to five years.

Read the rest of this article on my St. Croix Localism blog.

Contact me to receive my monthly newsletter about the real estate market in St. Croix, or for a free copy of my report, Retiring in the Virgin Islands.

Livin’ the Dream in St. Croix,

Kim Lucas, REALTOR
www.retireinthevi.com
www.kimlucasvi.com
kim@coldwellbankervi.com
340-626-3758

Christiansted Harbor, St. Croix, Kim Lucas RealtorOne of the big decisions you will need to make if you are considering relocation to St. Croix is whether to build a new home, buy an existing home, purchase a condo, or rent. There are pros and cons associated with each choice. Here are several questions to consider that will help you in this decision process:

1.  How soon do you want to be “in” your own space in St. Croix?

2.  Would you be able to personally oversee a construction project in this tropical climate? Have you ever done this before? If you won’t be here, do you feel comfortable hiring a “general contractor” to be responsible?

3.  How much “square footage” do you want/need, beds/baths?

Read the rest of the questions on my Active Rain Blog.  Please contact me for a copy of my monthly newsletter on the real estate market in St. Croix, and with any questions you may have on buying property in the Virgin Islands.

Kim Lucas
www.retireinthevi.com
www.kimlucasvi.com
kim@coldwellbankervi.com
340-626-3758

(photo courtesy of John Ballard)

St Croix, in the US VIrgin Islands, has a rich heritage and is the proud home to the Sugar Mill house, St. Croix, Kim Lucas Realtorremains of over 80 sugar mills, which were used in the production of sugar and rum here.

About 50 years ago, one enterprising man built a replica of a sugar mill as his guest house. Then about five years ago, another ambitious couple turned this guest house into part of a larger home that is a wildly successful vacation rental (www.stcroixvilla.com).

View from Sugar Mill House, St. Croix, Kim Lucas RealtorThis unique and historic property is perfect for those who love living close to nature. The huge deck includes a pool, hot tub, large dining table, outdoor lighting, and a knock-your-socks-off view of the Christiansted Harbor and Buck Island. The bedroom of the mill is very romantic, with beautiful wooden floors and ceiling, and lovely antique furniture. The bathroom features an open air shower - complete with plants and shells and coral walls. The property is covered with palms, fruit trees, flowering plants and has a wonderful tropical feel. The constant tradewinds blow and windchimes dance in the breezes.

The new addition consists of three large bedrooms, a large sitting area, and a smaller room that can be used as a sitting area or small bedroom. This home is perfect for a wedding party, family, or friends - especially those who love outdoor living. The home is located in a popular gated community located on the north shore about 10 minutes west of Christiansted.

The owners, avid outdoor lovers, want to sell this unique property and sail the islands on their boat! Asking price is $819,000.   Visit my web site, Retire in the Virgin Islands,  for more information.

Contact Kim Lucas
Coldwell Banker Land-de WIlde Realty
340-626-3758
kim@coldwellbankervi.com 

Condos in St. Croix, Kim Lucas, RealtorMany people desire to purchase a condo in St Croix to rent out and use occasionally.  

“Can you buy a condo here that will pay for itself?” is a question I am frequently asked.  Of course, there are a lot of variables that impact the answer.  Location and desirability of the condo; condo fees; property management fees; whether you want short or long term renters; and extent to which (and time period) you plan to use it! Read my blog on St. Croix Real Estate for more information.

Kim Lucas, REALTOR
340-626-3758
www.retireinthevi.com
www.kimlucasvi.com
kim@coldwellbankervi.com

If you are purchasing a piece of property here in St. Croix, AND you are getting title insurance (which will be required if you are getting a loan), then you must have an “as built” survey. Many customers are confused by what this really means, and how it differs from other types of surveys. Recently, a local surveyor (Gary Bourdon of Survey Services Co. in St. Croix) provided us with a brief explanation of the three most common types of surveys:

The AS BUILT survey is the standard survey required by lending institutions and title companies before properties can be conveyed or refinanced. The survey will be based on the recorded drawing of the property on file at the Cadastral Office. The survey will show any improvements to the property to determine that there are no structures that encroach on adjoining properties, or visa versa, and insure the position of the structures is generally within Zoning and Covenant and Restriction setbacks. The survey will also show all easement, rights of way, and servitudes that may impact the property IF THE CLIENT FURNISHES THE PERTINENT TITLE INFORMATION TO THE SURVEYOR. Horizontal control for an As Built survey is established by finding existing monuments which express the intent of the map on file at the Cadastral Office.

Read the rest of the post on http://www.kimlucasvi.com/index.php?action=addon_blog_article&id=8

Purchasing or selling real estate in the Virgin Islands can get technical. Contact me for current information and referrals to the appropriate professionals to protect your property.

Kim Lucas
340-626-3758 cell

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