It seems obvious, but it's good to note that the first step to buying a British Virgin Islands, property is making the decision to buy. Consider the reasons you want a caribbean home in the British Virgin Islands,... they should be love, love & love. Investment homes that permit vacation rentals are money makers only to the extent of helping to maintain the home. So again, your motivation should be that you love the BVI and it's fantastic diverse residents, it's entrancing ever changing water views, and the simply stunning, beauty of the islands.
Step 2 - Seek Professional Guidance
I'd like to schedule a time to meet or speak with you on the phone, to hear the reasons you want to buy a BVI property and your plans for the future use of the home. feel free to call our office any time during 9-5 EST (note we do not have day light saving time) Monday thru Friday. We'll talk about neighborhoods on Tortola,, and other islands of the BVI. We will also discuss the purchasing process in the British Virgin Islands,, and the lifestyle you wish to live out in the Caribbean. Our BVI homes show consistent appreciation and make a fantastic long term investment.
We will discuss the process of obtaining the Non Belonger Land Holding License which you need in order to close on your chosen home. Obtaining this license takes from 8 to 18 months, from initial Letter Of Intent. Please do not be put off by this... it is a long process, how-ever time does fly and sometimes, the right attorney can assist in shaving off a few months. It is also up to you to move the process forward by providing in a timely fashion all necessary documents.
Step 3 - Begin the Hunt
After our initial meeting, I'll search all my resources for houses, on the market that fit your criteria. I'll preview these houses to eliminate the properties that are unsuitable for your personal needs. I will email you details and photos. Once you let me know the dates you will be visiting the BVI, then, I'll schedule appointments to tour the houses at times convenient to your visit.
Step 4 - Know the Market
My 30 years of knowledge of the local BVI real estate market is an essential factor in the house search.
My unique market knowledge will keep you a step ahead of the "house hunting competition".
The BVI is a "seller's market". It is not unusual to see multiple offers on a property. Even though, in the British Virgin Islands, homes take longer to sell, do not be fooled, this is not an indication of a "buyer's market" there are never more houses for sale in the BVI than buyers. This is because most sellers are emotional about selling and are only selling because they are going on with their lives... most often they are aging and want to get closer to family and are reluctant sellers. The average expatriate home owner has owned the home for many, many years and are sad to leave behind fine memories of living and playing in the friendly, picturesque British Virgin Islands,.
Step 5 - Find Your Dream House
I'm confident we'll find your dream house sooner or later. When we do, I'll put together the purchase offer known as the Letter Of Intent, tailored for your needs including appropriate contingencies (such as obtaining financing, favorable home inspection, clear title, etc.). We will introduce you to local attorneys to assist you in the purchasing process and obtaining of the required Non Belonger Land Holding License. This license is for a specific home, so it is applied for after you have a signed Agreement for Sale and Purchase.
The offer is normally presented with "earnest money" of 10%. This requires a check made payable to Island Real Estate Trust, to secure an offer to buy the property. The amount is applied to purchase price. Interest on the deposit stays with the deposit, and is not considered part of the purchase price. If the seller accepts the offer, generally closing is held 12 to 18 months from the offer date (generally dependent on the turn around time of your Non Belonger Land Holding License).
Step 6 - Negotiate the Deal
It is not uncommon to receive a counter offer when the initial purchase offer is submitted. Don't let this discourage you. We will discuss the counter offer and you will decide whether or not to accept the counter offer, submit your own counter offer, or reject the counter offer and move on.
We will work within your financial limits. I firmly believe not to encourage buyers to exceed their budget. And will not be showing you homes you outside of your budget range unless you expressly ask me to move you up in price range. It is better to set limits prior to viewing homes and stick to these limits.
Step 7 - Get a Loan
Normally, in the BVI the Sale and Purchase Agreement will provide a 45 day time window, for you to obtain local financing if you choose to finance locally. We will be happy to provide you with phone numbers for the loan officers in our local Banks. Your own home town lender will not be able to do the financing of a British Virgin Island property because they too, would have to obtain a Non Belonger's Land Holder License to enter their mortgage documents against your property. This is because any interest in BVI real estate requires a NBLHL. Many buyers transfer money to the BVI for closing.
Step 8 - Close the Deal
When you receive a Non Belonger Land Holding License signed by the Governor, you will then have 30 days to come to the BVI and close; or you can close without coming down by FedEx.
Step 9 - Move In
Congratulations! It's time to move into your new house and make it your home. Enjoy this exciting time. I'll keep in constant contact, to help you remember the numerous details that will make your moving day a pleasure.
Island Real Estate Ltd., Box 677, Road Town, Tortola,, British Virgin Islands, VG1110
