I would suggest that you do a lot of homework and investigating before you buy.

I understand that at Secret Harbor you are pretty much forced to use the resort rental agent. Basically they control your unit and take a considerable cut on the booking. You also have restrictions on when and how often you can use your condo.

Thanks for the feedback. While I am a seasoned buyer of real estate here in MA, I feel I am at quite a disadvantage trying to buy in STT. Normally, I would start with a real estate agent that I know or that was recommended by someone I trust. When I have posted real estate questions on this board before, I have often been contacted by realtors, but how do I know how good they are? There are so many different issues with many of the condo complexes in STT that I feel I would be well served by a knowledgeable, experienced realtor of condos on STT. Anyone have any personal experience with someone that they could recommend?

Any Realtor that you choose to work with can make the information available that you wish to find out.
Depending on the situation, it may require signing a disclosure agreement
The majority of Realtors here do not specialize in just condo, residential, commercial or land sales, alone.
They are used to working with all various types property buyers and sellers and all different types of properties.

Alana,
No offense to realtors intended, but in that profession, as in all professions, there are folks that are very good at what they do and those that are not. I understand that any realtor can show me any property, but finding one that is ethical, experienced and communicates well is not that easy here, so I am guessing it would be no different on STT. As I said, I would normally go with someone that was recommended to me by someone that I know and trust, but that is not so easy on STT as I don't know too many folks there.

Dirty, if you haven't seen the 2 beaches, I can assure you that Sapphire has a much better beach.

Connie wrote:
Dirty, if you haven't seen the 2 beaches, I can assure you that Sapphire has a much better beach.

Actually, Connie, I disagree. I like secret harbor becasue of the mellower vibe (less day vistors and accompanying trash, noise, attitude), better snorkeling, calmer water and you can purchase a proper cocktial or sit down for descent lunch. The only draw back is that SH can a get a little too still on the super hot Aug/sept days. Saphirre has much better wind. But the draw back to wind is that the beach can be chilly in the winter and the water normally rough.

OP, As far as the condos and management companies are concerned, I have no first hand experience since I own a private home not a condo. But I have heard alot of rumors and can say that you are smart to do some in-depth due dilegence. As side note, you'll see alot of "hype" on the messages boards about Sapphire. The individual owners pretty much hanndle the rentals (promotion and booking) because of some issues with the resort. So you'll have 100 or so owners selling Sapphire all over Trip Advisor etc. Secret Habour management company handles the vaction rentals , so you rarely see the resort played up by over eager owners trying to turn a buck.

For short time in the early nineties I did rent a small unit at Sapphire Village (on the hill). I liked living there short term.

Hello dirtydeeds,
I own a unit at Secret Harbour. I agree with blue4u's comments. Bias aside, I do think that Secret Harbour is one of the nicest areas to own (which is why we purchased there). Although our unit IS managed by the resort, the advantage is that we have to do literally nothing. They do it all, cleaning, maintenance, marketing, booking. Of course they take a cut, but it's no worse than anywhere else on the island. We have worked with several real estate agents, (and I am not affiliated with any of them!) and can give you recommendations, if you like. PM me if you want any more info.

Sorry, but I think the beach at Sapphire is nicer and I also think the snorkeling is better.

I only rent, so I have no investment in the property itself.

I also think they do a great job of keeping the beach clean. When cruise ships are in, it can become busy, but we tend to avoid those times.

There is service on the beach for either food or drinks.