A Look Back at the First-Ever St John Home Expo

The first-ever St John Home Expo, hosted by the St John Board of Realtors in conjunction with UVI CELL – St John CRDC and an incredible lineup of local sponsors, brought together realtors, builders, lenders, and community partners — all united by one goal: helping residents turn possibility into ownership.

Held at The Marketplace, the event welcomed a steady flow of attendees eager to learn about financing, home building, and maintaining their properties, with resources for everyone from first-time buyers to longtime homeowners.

 

Empowering Homeownership Through Education

The Expo featured experts ready to demystify every step of the homeownership process — from budgeting and credit education to down payments and estate planning. Workshops and vendor booths provided one-on-one guidance to help families make informed decisions about buying, building, or preserving their homes for future generations.

Attendees heard from local professionals, including lenders, inspectors, builders, and financial experts who shared insights on navigating the unique aspects of homeownership in the Virgin Islands.

 

 

 

Community Collaboration at Its Best
The Home Expo was more than an educational event — it was a celebration of community. Representatives from across the island volunteered their time to connect with residents and share their expertise.

 

Thank You to Our Sponsors
This milestone event wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of sponsors who share a passion for strengthening the St John community.

 

 Gold Sponsors
• Islandia | Christie’s International Real Estate
• Virgin Bay Mortgage

 Silver Sponsors
• Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority (VIHFA)
• American Rescue Plan (ARP)
• Virgin Islands Territorial Association of Realtors (VITAR)
• Great Horizon Construction
• Great Lakes Insurance

 Bronze Sponsors
• Holiday Homes
• Estate Shield
• First Liberty Mortgage
• Leeward Island Mortgage
• Big Time Inspections
• Bigrigg Cranford Construction
• Waste Co Management
• Passport Management

Hosted by: St John Board of Realtors
With Support From: UVI CELL – St John CRDC

 

Vendor Highlights

Beyond the real estate and lending experts, attendees enjoyed a Plant Sale by Alfredo’s Landscaping, a local favorite that brought color and vibrancy to the event. From lush tropical greenery to vibrant blooms, it was a beautiful reminder of how nature and home go hand in hand on St John.

Local builders and service providers also shared valuable insights:

  • Great Horizons Construction, Bigrigg Cranford Construction, and Big Time Inspections discussed the realities of island building — from permitting to design — sharing that masonry homes typically take about three years from planning to completion.
  • Estate Shield, Great Lakes Insurance, and Waste Co Management offered tools and resources to protect and maintain properties long after closing.

Capturing the Moment

The event was beautifully documented with help from photographer Nancy Borowick, capturing the energy, collaboration, and connections that made the day so memorable. Her images showcase the people behind the progress — the realtors, builders, and residents shaping the island’s future together.

 See the full event photo album on Facebook 

Looking Ahead
The success of this first Home Expo has already inspired interest in future events, with vendors and attendees alike expressing excitement for what’s next. It’s clear that the Expo has become more than a one-day gathering — it’s the start of an ongoing conversation about accessibility, education, and opportunity in St John real estate.

At Islandia | Christie’s International Real Estate, we’re honored to have been a Gold Sponsor and proud to support the efforts of the St John Board of Realtors in creating resources that empower residents and strengthen our island community.

Together, we’re helping build the future of St John — one home, one dream, and one family at a time.

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