When comparing homes in Sint Maarten, ask how the property supports your normal day: a video call, a shower, cooking, cooling and charging devices. A beautiful view does not tell you whether the internet connection reaches your workspace or which circuits have backup power. Use this viewing checklist to turn those questions into evidence.
Start with the exact property, not an area promise
Service availability and installed equipment can differ between buildings and individual units. Ask the seller or agent for the current provider, account arrangements and equipment list for the specific address. In a condo, establish which systems belong to the unit and which are managed by the building. Record unanswered questions as unknown until someone supplies documentation.
Internet: test the room where you would work
With the owner’s permission, connect to the guest network and test the connection in the intended workspace. Note the time, whether the test uses WiFi or a cable, and whether other devices are active. A single speed test is a snapshot, not a guarantee of future performance. A short video call can reveal practical issues that a headline download speed misses.
- Ask which service and plan are active at the address, and whether a new owner can obtain the same service.
- Record download speed, upload speed and latency from the same device and test method at each viewing.
- Check reception in bedrooms and outdoor areas that matter to you.
- Ask whether the router and network equipment remain with the property.
- Confirm installation lead time, current charges and service availability directly with the provider.
Power: ask what the backup actually covers
The word generator is not enough. Ask whether backup is private or shared, how it starts, who maintains it, and what it supplies. A system that powers common corridors may not power the apartment. A system that supports lights and a refrigerator may not support every air conditioner.
Request the equipment specification and recent service records where available. Ask a qualified electrician to explain capacity, transfer arrangements and any limitations. Do not operate electrical equipment during a viewing or rely on an unverified runtime estimate. If batteries or solar equipment are included, ask for their age, ownership, warranties and maintenance history.
Water: separate supply, storage and delivery
Ask how water reaches the home, whether storage is present, who maintains it and how pumps are powered. If a cistern or tank is mentioned, ask for documented capacity and maintenance records rather than estimating from appearance. Ask who is responsible for shared systems and what happens if a pump needs repair.
With permission, check normal tap and shower operation. Visible pressure during a short visit does not establish water quality or long term reliability. A qualified professional should assess any concern about plumbing, storage condition or treatment.
For condos, request a written responsibility split
Ask the manager to identify the owner’s responsibilities, shared equipment, recurring charges and approved work affecting these systems. Confirm whether a building rule limits additional equipment, external cabling or private installations. Request the applicable documents rather than assuming that arrangements at a neighboring development also apply here.
Your comparison notes
- Internet: provider, plan, room tested, date, results, equipment included and open questions.
- Power: backup type, circuits covered, maintenance contact and documents received.
- Water: supply arrangement, documented storage, pump ownership and maintenance evidence.
- Responsibilities: private versus shared costs, approval requirements and unresolved items.
- Follow up: named person responsible for each answer and a date to check back.
Use the findings to build your shortlist
Choose the services that matter most to your lifestyle, then compare homes using the same questions. If you work remotely, upload performance and the workspace may deserve more attention. If you travel often, maintenance responsibilities and a dependable local contact may matter more.
Browse condos and estates and villas, or start with the property search. Share your service requirements with IRE when arranging a viewing so the relevant questions can be raised in advance. This checklist supports a viewing; specialist inspections and provider confirmation remain the way to verify technical details.
