Most property owners advise using a local Caribbean realtor and lawyer. "One absolutely needs a realtor when purchasing property, as well as an attorney," say the Spruances. "The escrow process takes both with professional training." A lawyer will take care of applying for the required licenses, such as the Non-Belongers License, and can help make sure everything is done in a timely manner. Working with a local attorney makes it easier to navigate through the real estate process specific to that island. "You are 5,000 miles away and you need to ensure that you have competent local Bajans looking after your interests," says Dickinson.
Expect the process to take time. "One needs to have patience," says Dickinson. "Legal matters are not as speedy as in the UK." Obtaining licenses can take time, as can the real estate transaction itself. In the British Virgin Islands, "the major hurdle is obtaining a Non-Belongers license from the government," say the Spruances. "This can take anywhere from twelve to eighteen months due to background checks and government bureaucracy. But if dealing with ‘island time' presents a potential buyer with a problem, they shouldn't consider buying here anyway as ‘island time' is one of the main attractions in the BVI." Dickinson concurs, "Things will not happen quickly! You need to have patience!"