Tropical Properties Real Estates’ Complete Homebuying Guide for St. John

 

Looking to buy a luxury home in St. John? You've come to the right place! Tropical Properties Real Estate has been the leading Real Estate company on the island for over 35 years, and we know everything there is to know about buying a home here. This guide will walk you through every step of the process, from finding the right property to securing financing.

If you're considering buying a luxury home in St. John, it's important to take the time to get to know what life is like on this island. If you've vacationed here before, you already know why St. John is renowned for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, lush vegetation, and popular luxury resorts, restaurants, and shops. Whether you’re enjoying an incredible cocktail with your meal, driving down North Shore Road and admiring the ocean views, watching sea turtles at Maho Bay, or kayaking out to Hurricane Hole, St. John is sure to delight. But what's it like living here? First of all, if you’re relocating from the United States, you’re in great company. Many of our residents hail from all over the United States, from Florida to New York, California, and Massachusetts. And while the native language is English, you'll find that many people here also speak Spanish and French Creole. The island has a rich cultural history dating back to its time as a Danish colony, and today, you'll find influences from all over the world. St. John is a charming place to live with friendly neighbors.

Perhaps the most appealing aspect of life on St. John is its laid-back atmosphere. Island time is a real thing here, and you'll quickly find yourself relaxing into a slower pace of life. There's no need to hurry since everything will get done eventually. This is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy all that island life has to offer.

When looking at St. John properties, it’s important to consider what amenities you want to be near. Do you prefer Cruz Bay, with its proximity to the ferry to St. Thomas? If so, know that this area is extremely popular with tourists for its luxury hotels, restaurants, and bars. If you’d prefer a quieter residential location, Coral Bay may be right for you, though you'll have fewer options for restaurants and bars within walking distance. When it comes to popular restaurants, if you want to be near Lovongo Rum Bar, Morgan’s Mango, The Banana Deck, The Terrace, and La Tapa—which are perfect for a weekly date night—you'll want to be near Cruz Bay. As for long-time island favorite Rhumb Lines, it’s now in Coral Bay after changing locations. Other restaurants that you may want to try on the Coral Bay side are Skinny Legs, Johnny Lime, and Salty Mongoose, just to name a few. Or maybe you'd rather be in Central St. John, with its easy access to trailheads for hiking and just a short jaunt to both Coral and Cruz Bays.

Once you have a good idea of where you’d prefer to live on St. John, it's time to start making a wishlist. What kind of features do you want in your St. John Real Estate? Do you want a pool? How many bedrooms do you require to fit your family's needs? A private balcony that wraps around the entire home with views of the Caribbean Sea? Write down everything that’s important to you so you can reference it when looking at properties.

Before looking at properties, it's important to get your finances in order by pre-qualifying for the mortgage amount you’re willing to spend on your new home. Alternatively, this can mean having cash on hand to pay for your property outright. Once you have a number in mind, you can start searching for properties that fit your needs.

When considering a home purchase on the island, it's a good idea to hire a St. John Realtor. They’ll be able to help you find the right property and guide you through the home buying process. At Tropical Properties Real Estate, we have a team of experienced Realtors ready to help you find your dream home, with a combined 60 years of Real Estate experience. We all own property here ourselves, so we know the ins and outs of the market and can help you find the perfect property for your needs.

 

Now that you know what you're looking for and have a budget, it's time to start looking at St. John homes for sale. Ideally, you'll have time to tour the properties we recommend in person, but we're happy to provide video tours if you're searching from afar. Our website is also a great resource for learning more about our available properties and getting a feel for what's out there.

 

Once you've found the perfect property, it's time to submit an offer. Your Tropical Properties Real Estate Agent will help you determine a fair offer price based on recent comparable sales in the area. From there, we'll negotiate with the seller to reach an agreement that works for both parties. Given the island's popularity, it's important to be prepared to move quickly.

 

The next step is to sign the purchase agreement if your offer is accepted. This document outlines the terms of sale and includes information like the price, down payment amount, and closing date. Once the purchase agreement is signed, it's time to begin closing. This involves working with a local title company to ensure that the property is free of any outstanding liens or encumbrances.

 

After everything has been checked and double-checked, it's time to finalize the deal and get the keys to your new home. Congratulations! You’re now the proud owner of a piece of paradise on St. John and can jump into enjoying all that island life has to offer. We hope you enjoy your new island home for many years to come. For more information on things to do in St. John and daily happenings, check out Island Tidbits and News of St. John, which have all the news you’ll need.

Buying a luxury home on St. John can seem like an overwhelming task, but with the help of a local Real Estate expert, it can be a breeze. At Tropical Properties Real Estate, we have decades of experience helping people find their dream homes on the island. We know everything there is to know about the island's real estate market, and we're here to help you find your perfect property. Contact one of the experienced agents at Tropical Properties Real Estate today to get started! If you’re hoping to use your home as a rental property, we’ll connect you with The Bonvi Hospitality Group, who can manage everything you need for your St. John property.