Blog Headlines | St. Thomas Real Estate

Home Repair: Which Jobs Come First?

Friday, February 24 2012

This blog is from YAHOO FINANCE, link at the bottom of the page:

Home Repair: Which Jobs Come First?

Should you get a paint job or a new furnace? "There's no homeowner's manual that tells you when to do what," says Naperville, Ill., home inspector and structural engineer Mark Waldman.

Emergencies aside, the project that could cause the most damage and expense if left unfixed is the priority. Below, the order in which to tackle your biggest repair needs.

The Daily Caller Claims against Governor DeJongh

Thursday, February 09 2012

Many people in the Virgin Islands have read the article in the Daily Caller, known as a far right Conservative publication known to propose various conspiracy theories. Part of this article seems to insinuate that Governor deJongh was paid a $20M bribe to pressure the bankruptcy case against Jeffrey Prosser, former owner of Innovative Telephone and other local Virgin Islands businesses such as the Daily News.

What can You get for a Dollar?

Wednesday, January 04 2012

Well apparently you can no longer purchase a Powerball ticket for $1.00. In a recent article about the increase in Powerball tickets from $1 to $2, this quote was found.....

"These days people are used to a dollar not buying much anyway," said P.J. James, manager of the Lotto Mart in South Pittsburg, Tenn., which is the top lottery retailer in the 13-county Chattanooga region.
To read the entire article, go to:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45865706

However, not all hope is lost! This comment got me thinking, yes, there are things that only cost $1.00. Yes, one US Dollar. And YES, here in the VI where things do tend to be a lot more expensive than elsewhere under the US Flag.

For example, the Daily News, the local newspaper here still costs a mere $1.00. For $1.00 you can check out the latest on the local news.

It's a great resource for visitors as well as locals to find out what is going on. We recently had friends visiting who actually bought and read the paper. They asked me about the WAPA water shortage and how that was affecting people on the island. A great conversation starter about living on the island and the challenges we face, AND a great way to encourage conservation!

I have often seen friends faces (and sometimes their entire bodies) photographed in the Daily News. Sending them a copy is a great way to reach out to friends and let them know you're thinking about them or just tease them about the bad hair day they were having! I also like to read the Opinion section to see if anyone I know has written anything. It's nice to be in a small community where you know many of the people who are mentioned in the paper. We even keep track of a lot of the local sports items!

Another great Bang for your (one) Buck is the $1.00 safari on St. Thomas. This safari (I believe) still only costs $1.00. It goes around in the same direction, so you are in for a ride once you are on, but to be able to get most places on this island for only $1.00 I think is a miracle. It's also a much safer option than walking on the narrow roads. Something we discourage guests from doing. Although I sometimes am frustrated that these safari's for not pulling over to allow their riders to disembark, for the most part, they are courteous and they do pull over. To be able to provide a transportation system to people without cars or other transportation is really a wonderful thing on this island.

So next time someone tells you that a dollar isn't worth anything anymore, well, you can tell them you can't play Powerball anymore, but you can take a relaxing ride on a safari or buy a Daily News on St. Thomas.

New Years Eve in the Virgin Islands

Friday, December 30 2011

New Year's Eve in the Virgin Islands. I get asked by a lot of guests about what to do. Well, I must be getting old, because I don't really even think about it anymore. Rookie Night Out just isn't as appealing as it used to be (though I admit I have been out late every year since I could walk).

Number one answer: Jost Van Dyke. if you have never been, it is an experience you will not forget. Thousands of people partying on a beach in the BVI, with lots of live music and tons of booze. The stories I remember could only be beat by those I have conveniently forgotten. Let's just say it isn't all that fun waking up with your tongue in the sand. Or naked in a dinghy tied behind a sailboat that doesn't belong to you while the sun beats down on areas it usually doesn't see. But for the adventurous party people, this is the no-brainer number on choice.

There are many other parties going on, but as I said, I don't really keep up with the public parties. The new restaurant at Secret Harbor should be pretty good, and they are offering some drink deals and a midnight champagne toast. Many other restaurants are doing a fixed menu. I have enjoyed several NYE at Romano's and Craig and Sallys in the past. And last year was Old Stone Farmhouse. Then off to the "local" parties- hopefully you are invited to one of the large estates on the island that have hosted something festive in recent years.

But we may try something different this year. Joining friends on St. John during the daytime, and hitting the beaches. Coming back on one of the last barges to St. Thomas, then chilling at home for the evening. I don't even remember EVER not going out on NYE, so this would be a first if I am successful. But one thing I know- if I don't go out late, I will not have to worry about the drunk driving. It is my biggest fear for Rookie Night Out.

Anyway you choose to spend the last night of the year, I hope you enjoy it, and most importantly, be safe and wary of those that are not as careful.

Buy a house, get a visa?

Thursday, December 08 2011

http://realestate.msn.com/blogs/listedblogpost.aspx?post=03d5b9e2-3973-4...

Buy a house, get a visa? You must check out this blog. The link above has a video, as well:

Two U.S. senators have a plan to boost the housing market: give visas to foreigners who buy U.S. homes.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone

Tuesday, November 22 2011

Thanksgiving day is almost here. So at this time, Real Solutions would like to wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving. Hopefully you will take the entire day off work, which is what we plan to do!!

The Joys of Homeownership

Friday, October 21 2011

This blog from Linked In is worthwhile:

Today's experts spout off the latest statistics about long-term wealth, home values, and interest rates, yet there's a much more sentimental side to homeownership. In fact, many home buyers are drawn to homeownership for these warm and fuzzy reasons.

Drew Jones and Climate Change Computer Simulators

Tuesday, October 11 2011

Drew Jones. This is the friend of a friend that came down to visit us over the weekend. While watching a little football late on Sunday afternoon, we saw the name of a player that I won’t mention here. Why won’t I mention the name? Because the goal of this blog is to help Drew Jones show up better on Google WITHOUT being overpowered by that particular name that is “backwards” from his name.

So what does Drew do for a living? I believe the verbal explanation was that he “creates climate control simulation models.” Basically computer programs that predict climate changes. Well, once I found this out, we went to work to help him better his models.

Until his visit, he was completely unaware of the correlation between the number of Pirates and Global warming. HUH? How could he not be aware of such a correlation? So I helped him out a little bit, and now I am going to help you out a little bit, too.

This all starts with THE FLYING SPAGHETTI MONSTER:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flying_Spaghetti_Monster

Once you become a Pastafarian, you will understand. Take a look at the link, and I challenge you to prove that this is not the origination of the universe. In the GOSPEL OF THE FLYING SPAGHETTI MONSTER, it is claimed:

Pirates are revered as the original Pastafarians (a portmanteau of pasta and Rastafarian),[6] and Henderson asserts that the steady decline in the number of pirates over the years has resulted in global warming.

Research by Drew Jones back in Asheville, North Carolina, should be able to support such a claim once it is completed. Hopefully, after due diligence, we will have new evidence introduced into computer similation models for climate control. Drew Jones may even be the first person to introduce such, making him a pioneer in the field.

Good to meet you Drew, and I look forward to your climate change computer simulation development.

Does Property Value Decline Eliminate the Second Lien?

Monday, October 03 2011

This blog was on YAHOO and I felt it was worth posting: http://finance.yahoo.com/expert/article/mortgage/257903

"I received a confidential note from a firm claiming that they can eliminate my second mortgage. I am inclined to believe them because the value of our home is now less than the amount of the first mortgage. Is this an opportunity or a scam?"

The answer to your question is not clear, but the misinformation in the note they sent you suggests a need for caution. The note says "that your second mortgage ...may be eliminated due to a significant decrease in property values in your area..." In fact, the decline in the value of your home does not in any way eliminate the second lien on your property, or your legal obligation to pay the second mortgage.

Returning to Shadow

Thursday, September 29 2011

Returning from vacation is always a great feeling (even though it doesn't happen enough for me). It is made that much better thru the greeting of a loving pet. This was Shadow's first time experiencing mommy and daddy away at the same time, and she was more than vocal in her excitement upon our return.

Now, remember that Shadow is still a puppy. She just turned nine months, but she thinks she is three months. So I can't say I expected her to lie down and just let me rub her belly.

Trying to get the suitcases down the stairs was nearly impossible with a seventy five pound dog tugging on them from between my legs. But I was eventually able to get them in the house.

After about an hour of rough-housing, trying to wear her out, we tried to unpack. As soon as the suitcases were open, she began to help pulling the items out on her own. Thank you Shadow, but not really what I was looking for. After trying this for about fifteen minutes, we finally had to lock her outside just to get things out of our bags.

She continued to be a bit testy for the remainder of the night, but has now returned to her "former" self. I think she knows mommy and daddy are actually back to stay.

I wouldn't give up a greeting like that for anything. I love my puppy Shadow.