There are possibilities of hurricanes every year in the Caribbean, it is just a matter of when which islands they will hit. If your mind-set is OK about living in a region of the world with the possibility of hurricanes, then the time to buy is during hurricane season – July through October. This is the “slow time” for Caribbean real estate, and it is the time when the smart international bargain hunters show up.
In my 30+ years of experiencing the Caribbean during July through October I have never experienced a hurricane while on-island or sailing That is not to say they are storms to be taken lightly, but I would rather deal with a hurricane than an earthquake. Hurricane warnings are so sophisticated that you are given several weeks to watch the storm’s progress as you decide what to do about you and your property. There is no warning about an earthquake. Can you believe that we live and have real estate offices in both of these parts of the world? We wouldn’t change a thing!
The last devastating hurricane that hit the Virgin Islands was Hurricane Hugo in September 1989 – a Category 4 when it hit. It caused six deaths and $3+ billion in property damage. When this type of disaster hits a Caribbean island it sends shock waves through the timid investor that may rethink why they purchased a slice of Paradise there. There are never any guarantees about not having another hurricane hit, but the Virgin Islands are not typically in the major hurricane paths.
The National Hurricane Center gave an update last week that the 2009 hurricane season was “storm-free,” and it marks the longest period without a first named storm since 1992. The 2009 season has now been officially downgraded to below normal. The new estimate includes three to six hurricanes and one to three major hurricanes. BUT, hang on to your hats! After two and a half months, hurricane season is finally starting to show its true colors. Hurricane Ana, the first named storm of the season just popped up, immediately followed by Hurricane Bill on Saturday. Don’t forget that the 2008 hurricane season didn’t seem like it was amounting to much last August, then Hurricane Gustav rose it’s ugly head and caused death and damage to Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, the U.S., and hit Texas really hard. It also created the largest evacuation of people in U.S. history! Then Hurricane Ike hit shortly afterwards with a double-punch of more devastating damage to the Caribbean and the U.S.
The update yesterday in the USVI regarding the status of Hurricane Ana and Bill was very encouraging news. Gov. John, deJongh, Jr. assured the Territory that it appears Hurricanes Ana and Bill will pass by as mere tropical storms. “Based on these forecast, we may be spared a direct hit,” Gov. John deJongh Jr. said Sunday. “But we caution everyone that the paths of the storms may change. Residents should prepare for inclement weather starting Monday through the latter part of the week, and we also urge everyone to closely monitor what’s going on and be prepared in case the storms do change tracks.” They are still expected to get four or more inches of rain in the Territory between now and next weekend.
Whatever your price range is for buying a slice of Caribbean real estate you will find many bargains to choose from between July through October. This is typically the slow time in the Caribbean real estate markets, and it is the time to BUY! Let me know of any of your hurricane experiences. Your Caribbean Realtor and lifestyle reporter remains on duty. Until next time…fair winds!
