With the advent of heavy rains yesterday, I began to think about my cistern filling up. On St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John, most homes have their own supply of water, gathered from rain falling on the roof, which is stored underneath the house, where a basement would normally be on the mainland. It is kind of like building a home on top of a swimming pool, they are called cisterns. The water is then pumped back into the house after being filtered. It is one of the reasons I love living here. You bath in fresh rain water without any harsh chemicals to dry your skin. Of course having a cistern means there is a finite amount of water and you should be mindful of the amounts you are using (when buying a home you should have your home inspector determine the capacity of the cistern). If you run out of water, you can purchase tanks of water, delivered in trucks that look like oil tankers. This water is usually from desalination plants.
Likewise more often than not, we use septic tanks for disposal of our waste from homes. And similarly, there are special considerations for having a septic tank. Condo complexes often have their own sewage and desalination plants and charge by the gallon a nominal fee. There are more populated areas that have public water and sewage.
Most of the homes are individually built; you will not find large tracks of homes that all look alike so you don't have to ask where the bathroom is because it is in the same place as the other 100 homes in the complex. You will find groups of 4 or 5 homes that a particular developer has built. Even these homes will vary because of the variations in the lot they are built on as well as to maximize astounding view and trade winds. Of course condominium complexes do have similar floor plans. Even in the condos, you will find unique features, galleries (deck) may have a slightly different shape, the kitchen or living room may be turned in a different direction and the like.
The unique aspects of property make it a challenge for appraisers. It is difficult to find homes that have sold that are similar, in the past six months in close proximity, sometimes even a year.
For those of you who like that special home, that fits your personality, you know no one else has, the U.S. Virigin Islands is the perfect place to house hunt. If your are ready to "right size", and you saved a few bucks, you deserve it. Heck, you've earned it! Click on "Search the MLS" at www.talk-to-tanya.com and find that special home, perfect for you.
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