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I live in Charleston, SC area which is a fairly expensive part of the country in terms of land cost. I'm trying to get a feel of the increased cost should we build on STJ.
I know gasoline is roughly $1.00 more than the mainland. I also am familiar with food cost.
What are the charges for:
electricity- what is the charge per KW?
insurance- I assume flood insurance is required by the lender.
How do houses on STJ handle sewage? septic or sewer system?
Phone service - Mainland charges about $35 for basic service. What about STJ?
Cellphone service- what is the monthly charge for free calling to mainland?
Are insurance for homeowner's and auto about the same as mainland?
What internet provider do most people use? How much does it cost?
Is there a TV cable service on STJ or do most use Directv or Dish network?
What is the property assessment rate?
Should we go ahead and buy/build are there any restrictions on us renting our villa? What % of the rental charge is kept by the rental company? 20%? Does the amount kept include clean up , etc.?
I know these are a bunch of question. Thanks for the help.
Richard
Posted : July 30, 2006 8:22 pm
Hi Richard.
The moderators of this board have gone to great effort to provide answers to the most commonly asked questions.
Electricity, phone, water, cable etc. costs can be found here: https://www.vimovingcenter.com/cost_of_living/
Internet costs can be found here: https://www.vimovingcenter.com/infrastructure/
STJ property tax information can be found here: https://www.vimovingcenter.com/realestate/stjohn.php
Most homes have septiic systems. Property taxes vary; a 1500sf masonry home away from the water runs about $1000/month, structure only (not including contents.) Most of the properties on STJ are rental properties and property management fees vary.
Posted : July 30, 2006 9:40 pm
Dear: rh1958 (richard)
Maybe you need a "bubble buster". First of all Charleston SC property costs are among the lower 40% of property costs in the states. Maybe you haven't priced property in new york or california. St John is above that price range when it comes to a piece of land. Can you afford $500,000.00 to $800.000.00 for a quarter acre building site?
Mr dntw8up has given you good advice regarding finding the facts about costs on St John. Follow up and see what you find out.
Welcome to reality
Posted : July 30, 2006 10:09 pm
Topic starter
mr realty,
Sorry I rubbed you the wrong way.
Property in my area of Charleston starts around $350,000 for a 1/3 acre for a wooded lot. Tidal starts around $600,000. Deep water starts at $900,000. I think that qualifies as being expensive don't you? I find land in STJ to be quite reasonable considering the view you get. I am well aware of the land costs on STJ. You are correct I have not priced land in NY or CA because I have no desire to live there.
dntw8up,
Thanks you for the info.
Posted : July 30, 2006 11:30 pm
"Property taxes vary; a 1500sf masonry home away from the water runs about $1000/month, structure only (not including contents.)"
Oops, I meant property INSURANCE as you probably guessed given that I noted "structure" and "contents." Sorry.
Posted : July 31, 2006 12:08 am
Sorry
I guess I was reacting to your long list of questions. As many have said before, If you are willing to do the research, this relocation board has answered almost all of your questions already. I am sure you have discovered that by now.
I admit ignorance on my part when it comes to South Carolina real estate. When I checked on the web, I discovered a huge disparity of cost on the coast as opposed to inland communities. It is almost like two different states. Well you learn something every day.
Posted : July 31, 2006 2:23 am
Rh1958, I don't know who the 'troll' is but give it little credit. The names in blue are the ones you can contact privately in some way. The names in black, for the most part ignore and I apologize for the negativity you have received. As you can see, DNT helped out with specific links and you have specific questions. That is what we thrive on; but... I have no idea about StJ. My sister in law's Sister has recently built a villa there but they have bouko bucks. We are all jealous except my brother (married to the sister whose sister built on StJ) knows we are buying property about 40 miles south so hey...Its not a million dollars.
Keep checking and your answers will hopefully be addressed by someone with knowledge and credibility.
Posted : July 31, 2006 4:34 am
