Kelli Barton, TRC, CRS, RSPS, e-PRO's Blog

Hurricane Omar Photos - You won't see these on TV... Live from St Croix!

Kelli Barton, TRC, CRS, RSPS, e-PRO — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 20:50:17 -0700

Just a little something you may not have seen on the weather channel...

Hurricane Omar - Just when you think Hurricane Season is nearing its end!

Kelli Barton, TRC, CRS, RSPS, e-PRO — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 20:29:38 -0700

Good Day from St. Croix!

Initially we were bracing and preparing our boats and property for a Tropical Storm on Tuesday to arrive on Wednesday night. Well at 5pm Tuesday the forecast changed and we immediately changed our preparation from a Tropical Storm to a Cat 2 Hurricane. This entailed working endlessly through the evening and early Wednesday with the change the weather was to bring us.

The first band of the storm hit us around noon on Wednesday and was raining throughout the day. We were hit around 9pm and it lasted until 2:30 or 3 Thursday morning. We lost power, phones and most of us only had a local radio station that was broadcasting live throughout the night. This was the only communication we had about the storm and what was happening. It was rather comforting to just have the radio on hear all the people calling in and asking what was happening in certain parts of the island. Many people still had land phone lines and it was helpful to them to get some questions answered. Thank you to the radio station(s) for broadcasting throughout the night for all of us here on St. Croix.

We didn't sleep much through the night worrying about our sailboat in Green Cay Marina. We did all we could do and all we had left to do was to pray! We secured ourselves in a concrete condo and weathered the storm just fine. We had prepared all the necessities before the storm hit including: battery operated radio (with extra batteries), plenty of water, canned foods, flashlights, candles, matches, and some cards to pass the time.

We left the condo the next morning before the curfew was lifted as my husband had a pass to go to work to check his plant. We then went to check our boat and I had a sick feeling in my stomach. We toped the hill at Green Cay Marina and saw our two masts on our boat and it was upright. We drove closer and started walking hand in hand down the dock (which was still there) and we noticed several fishing rigs busted up on a yacht, another boat had a broken windshield, a broken cleat that had been holding a line tied to it....We then got to our 50' sailing vessel and she was just fine. I had tears of joy and hugged my husband. This isn't just a yacht to us.. it is our home. We unlocked the cabin doors and went below and everything was fine. The only loss we had was a broken snubber on a stern line and a chaffed dinghy line. Wow, did we get lucky. We had the boat tied down like a spider web over the vessel.

Then we walked around the docks to check our friends boats and everyone faired well. The main thing was a few friends of ours weathered the storm in the restrooms on the marina sight. They didn't want to leave their boats, but the hurricane became too fierce for them to feel safe. They weathered the storm with ceiling tiles falling on them and the winds breaking branches off trees just outside. The wind blew so hard that when you look up the hills you see brown hillsides from the lack of leaves on the trees. It is an eerie feeling looking around at the broken trees, fallen power lines and poles. Then we went into Christiansted and went to the boardwalk to see the boats on the moorings. It was devastating. Many boats came loose of their moorings and crashed into other boats and ended up either sinking or hitting the dock. There are probably 30 boats that are destroyed from the Harbor down to the Yacht club on the East End. The island was not spared damage as some of the media is representing. We were hit and the storm intensified to a Cat 3 which moved it much quicker through the area. We got lucky that the eye hit just East of St. Croix. However, the Hurricane hit us hard and lasted until 2:30 or so.

We are cleaning debris, salvaging boats, and still in a numb mindset of what really happened! Many of these boats that were destroyed were people's homes. Keep in mind we were almost through hurricane season as this is the middle of October. Just a reminder it's not over till it's over...

We are very fortunate as far as I know no human death caused by the hurricane. We are thankful that our electricity and phone lines are getting restored as quickly as possible. Our island is still beautiful.....it is wonderful to see everyone working together to make the clean up go as quickly as possible.

Just a little more clean up and our island turns back into its beautiful Paradise....We are still enjoying 80-85 degrees every day...and that is what Fall is for us here! Our winter will get a little chillier, down to around 70 degrees at night and only up to around 80 during the day. I will trade one night in a hurricane to live in this beautiful weather year round. Just think tomorrow is another beautiful walk on the beach, another day relaxing in the hammock reading a good book under the palm trees (dodging coconuts)! Life is good, but Island life IS better! Just remember that Insurance does really take some of the worry away...during the storm.. knowing our yacht was insured was a great piece of mind. Several of the vessels destroyed were not insured (which is heartbreaking) for our friends who lost their weekend pleasure boats.

Kelli Barton

Christiansted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

Wanting to connect with Professionals....Is anyone out there?

Kelli Barton, TRC, CRS, RSPS, e-PRO — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 16:10:06 -0700

I am rather new to blogging and have a few posts on my site in Christiansted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.

Please respond back to me so I can learn how this is done! I appreciate all the help I can get.

This network is very beneficial and I find it a very useful tool to let everyone know we exist out here in the beautiful tropics of the Caribbean.

Thank you for your response and let's share the knowledge.

Kelli on my sailboat anchored off of St. Croix for an overnight with some friends....

Development Opportunity on St. Croix US Virgin Islands

Kelli Barton, TRC, CRS, RSPS, e-PRO — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 11:26:40 -0700

DEVELOPERS DREAM on a Tropical Island in a US Territory!

Commercial, Business 3 Zoning, PLUS R3 (Multi Family Zoning)

Over 6 acres $1,000,000.

This property is priced below current comparables! Seller says Sell! Bring offers!

This property needs your Development! Sea View, High Traffic Road & Visibility! Great NorthShore Location, near Christiansted, St. Croix US Virgin Islands!

Too many uses for the (3) types of zoning for this property to mention!

Home Depot is coming to St. Croix, Captain Morgan is coming to St. Croix! We have multiple resort developments in the planning stages that will be starting construction soon! Don't miss the boat! Bring your plans and let's walk this property so you can see the GREAT OPPORTUNITY!

Call me for additional information and a personal brochure!

Kelli Barton, TRC, CRS, RSPS, e-PRO

340.244.4288

Farchette & Hanley Real Estate

52 King St.

Christiansted, VI 00820

www.KelliBarton.com

www.BuySt.Croix.com

Kelli@KelliBarton.com

Find YOUR Pot of GOLD! Need a Vacation? Create Your Own Destiny - It May just be a Lifelong Vacation!

Kelli Barton, TRC, CRS, RSPS, e-PRO — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 11:19:01 -0700

Good Day from St. Croix.

I moved my business from Denver, Colorado to Paradise! Yes, I needed a life long vacation! Life is what you make it, so I decided to make a change. I had had enough of the foreclosures and short sales, so I decided to set my own sails and start my business in the islands (US Territory of course).

We all need a vacation and think about planning your next vacation here in the US Virgin Islands. We have beautiful beaches, gracious people and yes, we live on island time... no worries mon! We don't drive fast, as we only have one highway! We drive on the left side of the road and we have daily flights on American Airlines and regular flights on Delta. Take a moment to look at my links on my profile in Christiansted, US Virgin Islands. These links will help you plan your trip to paradise (No Passport Required) we are a US Territory.

Turn the presidential debates off! Get your pad and pencil ready to start planning your next business retreat. Create the ideal vacation (part business, part pleasure) I will be happy to give you an Island tour of affordable homes/condo/waterfront properties/investment opportunities. At that time, you may decide you are ready to enjoy living life to the fullest too. The weather is great, and the forecast is almost the same daily. 85 degrees with a chance of showers. Yes, we have short little tropical showers that cool the island down. We have a rain forest, and we are within a 15 minute sea plane trip to St. Thomas. Then just a ferry ride to St. John for a little different island exploration. Or better yet, sail over!

This is an Adventure along with being an Escape! There are wonderful people here that have escaped their past lives on the mainland to create a new life here.... I have the best friends here! The island is so small (only 28 miles by 7 miles) we end up seeing many people on a regular basis, either at the grocery stores, gym, theatres, or just driving through the beautiful hillside roads. This is a small town community and YOU can make a difference. Let your passions come to life. You can become an actor in the local theatre, become a volunteer lifesaver (like I am) with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, volunteer at the St. George Village Botanical Gardens (as I do) or become active with the many non-profit associations here that do make a difference.

If this is not your dream or passion, make sure you find your passion! Life is too short! Do it NOW! L

Let me know if you are working with clients or customers that are seeking a second home opportunity or a new life change. There is a lot of turmoil going on in the economy now with the housing market, the stock market along with the uncertainty of our government with this election year. Let's focus on what is important to us and make your dreams come true. Whatever they may be, slow down to a realistic pace and turn off the TV. Take a walk, find some YOU time and ask yourself: Am I happy doing what I am doing until I retire? What are my true passions? Do I feel a part of my community? Am I going to make it to retirement age with sufficient funds to retire? Don't continue to do the same things and expect different results....Dream, Plan and Find your Passion! Find Your Pot of Gold! I DID!

Call me when you get here,

Kelli Barton, TRC, CRS, RSPS, e-PRO

REALTOR Associate, Christiansted, U.S. Virgin Islands

Farchette & Hanley Real Estate

340.244.4288

Kelli@KelliBarton.com

www.KelliBarton.com

www.BuyStCroix.com

Escape the American Dream... (watch for my book) Life is Good, but Island Life is Better!

Kelli Barton, TRC, CRS, RSPS, e-PRO — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 18:02:07 -0700

We are all watching the news, and listening to the media regarding differing opinions of the housing market. It is about time we all start making our own news. I do this every day! I live and work on St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. My life is the best it can be because I make it so everyday. I escaped the American Dream and what it really comes down to is it's all about what makes US happy.

I couldn't be happier now! I live in paradise with my husband who decided he had had enough of the corporate world as well. We sold everything we owned and made the BIG MOVE. In other words, seeking our NEW LIFE! "The Adventure" as my dad calls it! We live a much slower pace now and work towards our retirement here! Yes, we still work and love being on Island Time! We meet so many tourists that say they would love to do what we are doing, but just can't get there.

I will take this time to tell you, it's time YOU GET THERE! It's time to control your own sails and not let the wind blow you wherever it may! Take this time to write down what is important to you, where you want to be in 3, 5 and 10 years. That is the most difficult thing, but you must do it! A life long goal is nothing unless you share it with the one you love and you live life to the fullest. Swim with the sharks! Learn something new! It is NEVER too late. Dream the Dream and then make it reality!

Step 1:

Share your Dream with your loved one and explore your options of living somewhere different!

Step 2:

Put it on paper. Plan, Budget, Determine your Big Why for doing this!

Base your budget on figures based on demographics on the cost of living for your new destination. My cost of living is higher on an island... just make sure you can live on a budget!

(Advice: Don't tell people you are thinking about this, until you have done your research) They will try to talk you out of it. I believe they do this, because they don't want to see you leave and they are too scared to take a Leap of Faith and Live their Dreams!

How many people have you talked to lately that can sayI am living MY DREAMS! Call me, I will tell you I AM and how I got here!

Step 3:

Take your next vacation to a place you love and ultimately could see yourself living there. Talk to everyone (the locals, the tourists, the business owners).

Step 4:

Escape the American Dream! Live Life, Love your Life and do something you have always dreamt of. Don't wait, tomorrow could be too late. We never know how long we are here for. Trust me, my son-in-law served in the Army in Baghdad and was wounded there and I ultimately realized that we never really know how long we have! I am so thankful he is ok, and he is going to make me a grandmother again next month. Let's live life one day at a time and tell the people we love that we love them!

Step 5:

Do it!

Until we blog again,

Kelli.....

PS: Tomorrow I am going to take a nice stroll down the beach, collect a few stones for a hot rock massage later in the day after hanging at the pool collecting a few rays of sunshine. (It is typically 85 degrees every single day) including Winter. Then I may go for a snorkle, dive or sail on my yacht.

Live like there is no tomorrow!

Island living Under $100K - Buy now, Play later!

Kelli Barton, TRC, CRS, RSPS, e-PRO — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 20:53:54 -0700

54 Vista Mar, Estate St. John, St. Croix, US Virgin Islands!

St Croix is located 40 miles South of St. Thomas and St. John, US Virgin Islands. We are approximately 1100 miles South East of Miami Fl and are considered the Eastern most part of the United States with Point Udall overlooking the beautiful Caribbean Sea. Miami offers direct flights to St. Croix! Or if you are more adventurous take a flight through Puerto Rico.

This condo boasts of beautiful views of Buck Island (just North of St. Croix about 5 miles), 1 bedroom, 1 bath, large balcony, community swimming pool, laundry facilities on site, short drive to beach! Great mid-island North shore location! Low condo fees (approximately $250/mo). Pets allowed too!

Keep this in mind for yourself or anyone who likes to travel to a year round vacation destination. Perhaps you are seeking an investment rental until you retire. THIS IS IT!

Imagine...Diving, Snorkeling, Deep Sea Fishing, Sailing, Discovering Ancient Ruins of the Carib Indians near where Christopher Columbus landed when he found St. Croix. Enjoy exploring the Historical towns of Christiansted and Fredericksted (host of over 20 Cruise Ships scheduled for 2009. RELAX...just enjoy your favorite hammock under a coconut tree with your favorite umbrella drink! Enjoy the friendly people, our cultural diversity and our island lifestyle! For additional information visit www.KelliBarton.com or email me: Kelli@KelliBarton.com for a link to this property or others that interest you!

Just Another Day in Paradise......

Kelli Barton, TRC, CRS, RSPS, e-PRO — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 19:51:59 -0700

I found paradise and YOU can too! It is up to you to decide how and when you will retire. Have you considered retiring in a place where you vacation? Why downsize and stay in the same neighborhood you have lived most of your life in. It is time to see the world! It is time to live life! You have earned it! Do it before it is too late. Do it while you can! Do it while it is still affordable! I am available to show you the beautiful homes, condos or investment properties on St. Croix. I have the perfect property waiting for you....Homes here are still affordable....

Fall is fast approaching and here on St. Croix I continue to watch the fishing boats go out daily, the kayakers enjoy another beautiful day on the water and the St. Croix is a fabulous location for your second home! You can have the best of both worlds. Imagine living winter in a tropical climate of 75-80 degrees daily. Imagine being able to wear shorts and lounge outside every day! Winter here in St. Croix is pleasant with steady tradewinds and daily sunshine. You will never get bored and say I wish I had something to do! Today I am going sailing, tomorrow I may go diving with the turtles, and the next day I will lounge under a tiki hut and catch up on my reading (all of this around showing wonderful people great opportunities to buy land and homes this weekend on island time). Life is what you make it! Make it grand! Don't settle for the same old life you have now, add some excitement to it! Bring the entire family down for a visit and let me show you why so many people have decided to call St. Croix home.

The locals are friendly, the flora and fauna are admired year around and the climate can't be beat! We have wonderful tradewinds to cool the warmer days of summer. Pack up the dive gear, fishing rods and swim suits....we have a place reserved for you....

I found Paradise sailling around these waters, you can too.... Call me for your FREE copy of the USVI Settler's Handbook. Provide your name and address and when you are planning your trip down (consider winter in America's Paradise) No passport required!

Retire in Paradise - Enjoy Summer Year Round!

Kelli Barton, TRC, CRS, RSPS, e-PRO — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 11:51:29 -0700

This time of year is pretty quiet here on beautiful St. Croix, U. S. Virgin Islands. Our snowbirds from many areas of the United States are back on the mainland enjoying their mainland homes. We will see our friends again very soon by November or so (when it starts getting REAL CHILLY in the states). These people planned for their retirement or second homes some time ago and chose St. Croix, and YOU can too! Are you ready for a slower paced life style? Are you ready to feel part of the community? Do you enjoy sailing, fishing, diving, snorkeling or just taking it easy on a beautiful sandy beach? I may just have to partake in some of those events when I finish showing some beautiful island homes for sale this weekend.

Many of the snowbirds lease their homes, condos or private villas out while they are off-island. This can be a great investment even if you are not planning on staying on-island through the entire winter. Our winter low was about 69 degrees at night and got up to about 82 during the day. We enjoy the beautiful, warm sunshine over 350 days a year. Other days we have have some tropical showers and have a little haze from the Saharan Desert.

Demographics of our island are: 7 miles wide by 28 miles long. Our population is around 54,000 population count back in 2004. We have an oil refinery and ethanol plants here on the island which help to keep our fuel costs down. We have several trade imports and exports some including Cruzan Rum and we have a new rum plant (Captain Morgan) coming to the island in the next couple of years. We also have a casino on island with several high end vacation resorts with golf courses and beautiful beaches. We are the host of cruise ships on the West End of the island in the beautiful historic town of Fredericksted. St. Croix compared to St. Thomas and St. John is much easier to drive on as it is flatter in some areas. We do have a rainforest on the NorthWest section of the island which is a great drive and scenic paradise. We have mountains that reach upwards of 1100 feet or so. We also have a National Park off of St. Croix (Buck Island) which is a weekend favorite for boaters, sailers and snorkelers (just don't fish there, as it is protected).

Check out St. Croix: www.gotostcroix.com and look at our live beach and harbor web cams.

Let Kelli know if you have anyone looking to retire in paradise. It will be my pleasure to assist you or anyone you know who fits the description above. I will enjoy helping you with trip planning and a fabulous island tour.

For me, I am just going to chill with a sundowner on the back of my yacht and enjoy the end to another beautiful day watching the sunset over the Caribbean Sea. Life is good, but Island Life's Better!

Where will you Retire? 1 Bedroom/1 Bath Condo under $90,000 with Beautiful Sea View

Kelli Barton, TRC, CRS, RSPS, e-PRO — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 20:20:04 -0700

Life is lived and enjoyed by the moments that take our breath away. Just another beautiful, breathtaking sunset over St. Croix enjoyed from an evening sail outside the Christiansted harbor, St. Croix, US Virgin Islands.

When was the last time you took time out to enjoy the simple things? When was the last time you took your sweetheart hand in hand, walking down a beautiful beach and layed in a hammock watching the shooting stars? When was the last time you sailed to a private cove and moored for the night to swim in beautiful turquoise waters while sipping your favorite beverage on your yacht? Why wait for vacation, LIVE IT NOW. Let me show you how easy it is! Where can you buy a 1 Bedroom/1 Bath condo with a beautiful Caribbean sea view for under $90,000 on a beautiful island in a US Territory? Call me now I have one available for sale, it won't last long.

Call Kelli Barton, TRC, CRS, RSPS, e-PRO

Christiansted, USVI 00820

Direct: 340.244.4288

Email: Info@LiveInTheVirginIslands.com

Website: www.LiveInTheVirginIslands.com