Has Hilton Head Hit the Bottom?

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According to our experts, here is what to expect in 2010!

Experts in the Hilton Head real estate market include the builders, the realtors, the attorneys, the lenders and the rental agents.  We asked our trusted advisors to tell us what they see in the year ahead in real estate on the Island.  Feel free to contact these professionals directly as they are the best of the best! 

Inventory levels are now dropping on Hilton Head Island!

According to our recent market research, we have now turned a corner in the real estate market on Hilton Head Island!  We have seen a significant drop in supply in just the last month(over 10%!).

Inventories are dropping!  (Hilton Head Multiple Listing Service)

Type                  Nov 2009           Dec 2009          Jan 2010

Homes              2,422                    2,366                  2,174

Villas                1,156                     1,123                   1,014

Lots                  1,680                     1,646                   1,492

As inventory levels drop, by mid summer we should see less days on the market and less negotiability.  If you want a great property at a great price the sooner you make your move the better your chances to find!  One final thought…if you are a buyer, be sure to wire escrow deposits, as they now take up to 10 days to clear many of the banks. 

(If you have questions about real estate or the information above you can contact us directly at (843)842-0805 or by e-mail at robbie@robbiebunting.com)

Interest Rates have bottomed out according to our lender!

We are expecting rates to remain near the all time lows for the next few months, and then rising gently through the year.   The Federal Government has been financially supporting the low rates, and will continue to do so until the housing market is clearly in recovery. Our prediction by year end: Fixed rates will still be in the high 5’s/ low 6’s , adjustable  rates  in the 5’s, and jumbo mortgages will be in the high 5’s…..in other words, an overall increase of ¾%.   Buyers beware: 2010 is the low, and you really need to pull the trigger for the best rates this year. 

(If you have questions about loans or the information above you can contact David Crowell directly at (843)842-4004 or by email at dcrowell@mortgagenetwork.com)

Demand continues according to our long term rental agent!

Long term rental demand starts traditionally in March and lasts through September as a general rule.  The length of time it takes to rent a property is approximately 2 months, but it can vary, as a rental home that is rental ready, light, bright and updated will rent quicker. Furnished homes usually appeal to snow birds or people with a temporary need and usually take longer to rent. Unfurnished homes are the bulk of the long term rental market, as most people have their own furnishings.

We feel the long term rental market will be good for 2010, as there is shortage of available homes under 2,400 sq. ft. We think it is a good time for people to buy, as prices and interest rates are low and the supply for available long term rentals is low. 

(If you have questions about long term rentals or the information above you can contact Keith Miller at (843)682-4310 or via e-mail at Keith@millerlongterm.com )

Give yourself time in the closing process per our attorney!

Patience is the key for those involved in seeking either to sell or those who may be purchasing at somewhat of a bargain-basement price.  Cary Griffin indicated that 2010 will likely be full of attempted sales by sellers under duress, or “short sales”, as well as sales by lenders who have already foreclosed or taken back the property in one fashion or another.  These types of transactions tend to be bureaucratic and slow moving, but there are benefits if they are successfully completed.  The other national trend, which is clearly evident in our local marketplace, said Griffin, is a tightening of the purse strings, or at least the methodology to obtain loan proceeds from lenders.  Underwriting criteria is more difficult; sellers need to be better prepared as it relates to the property they are attempting to sell; and borrowers can expect a little more difficult road to the loan commitment process.  Hence, both parties should expect a longer time period between contract and closing. 

From the buyer’s perspective, obviously interest rates are a key focal point.  Also, consider the fact that as of now, in 2010, there is no federal estate tax.  Therefore, buyers should consult with their estate planning advisors as to how to take title to a new primary residence or a second home as the federal estate tax documents come back to life in 2011 with higher rates and lower exception amounts than existed in 2009.  “Stay tuned” is the best advice here.

(If you have questions about contracts/closings or the information above please contact Cary Griffin at (843)785-2171 or cgriffin@mcnair.com )

Get in front of the line and build/remodel before everyone else!

2010 is starting off with great promise. There are several factors driving a stronger building market in 2010. Homeowners are seeing that the economy is on a rebound and see prices only going up from here. The timing today offers the advantage of lower costs for both construction and prime locations(tear downs are once again in favor!) 

Construction costs will start to climb in the latter part of the year as demand increases. As always, make sure that your builder/contractor uses the right quality materials for the desired end product. As consumers are looking for the very lowest price, hungry contractors might sacrifice the quality of the material to get the price that the homeowner wants. In some instances, this may not be bad – in others, it could be a problem. Communicate with your contractor to insure that you get what you want.

Overall, construction costs are currently lower than the past few years, however, as the building market continues its long and steady re-growth, costs to build will increase accordingly. Don’t wait, start building now! 

(If you have questions about building/remodeling or the information above, please contact Scott Bunting at (843)384-7468 or e-mail SBunting@buntingcompany.com)

Buy now and get ready for busy summer rental season!

This past year was very promising as we exceeded our goals in the rental market for 2009. This is the time of year where property owners are doing all the upgrades and renovations getting ready for the busy rental season ahead.  This is also the time of year where any owners wishing to change rental companies or join a rental company usually make those choices so that there is minimal loss of potential revenue. We have been booking rentals thru the winter and already have a high demand for properties during the March thru September months as our bookings are up 75% over last year. We are booking for the summer now and things are filling in very nicely.

We are currently still taking Ocean View/Front properties, Near Ocean and some golf locations. We are also, in need of 4 bedroom or larger homes on the ocean or Near Ocean. We are running special packages for Palmetto Dunes for 2010 that are sure to keep everyone back for more. 

(If you have questions about short term rentals or the information above, please contact Mark Shackelford at (843)686-9638 or e-mail at mshackelford@palmettodunes.com )

Can you see the bottom from where you are standing?

We would love to hear from you what you are seeing from where you are standing in the current market.  Please e-mail us robbie@robbiebunting.com.  Thank you!

Posted via web from Hilton Head Real Estate



Looking for a home in Palmetto Dunes?

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Play VisualTour

#10 Rum Row ~ A Palmetto Dunes Classic with wonderful setting! 

Posted via web from Hilton Head Real Estate



Final Call for Restaurant Week on Hilton Head Island!

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Enjoy the 2nd Annual Restaurant week on Hilton Head Island!

Make plans to go out this weekend on Hilton Head!  Restaurant Week(Jan 23-30) on Hilton Head features local participating restaurants which will be offering specially price-fixed “prix fixe” menus. To make a reservation, or to find out specific information about each restaurant’s menu, please contact the restaurant directly

Thank you and bon appetit!

P.S.  If you are in town and would like to take advantage of the best real estate timing, please be sure to contact us!



Has Hilton Head hit the Bottom?

Be the first to comment on this post Categories: Off Topic Hilton Head Area

According to our experts, here is what to expect in 2010!

Experts in the Hilton Head real estate market include the builders, the realtors, the attorneys, the lenders and the rental agents.  We asked our trusted advisors to tell us what they see in the year ahead in real estate on the Island.  Feel free to contact these professionals directly as they are the best of the best! 

Inventory levels are now dropping on Hilton Head Island!

According to our recent market research, we have now turned a corner in the real estate market on Hilton Head Island!  We have seen a significant drop in supply in just the last month(over 10%!).

Inventories are dropping!  (Hilton Head Multiple Listing Service)

Type                  Nov 2009           Dec 2009          Jan 2010

Homes              2,422                    2,366                  2,174

Villas                1,156                     1,123                   1,014

Lots                  1,680                     1,646                   1,492

As inventory levels drop, by mid summer we should see less days on the market and less negotiability.  If you want a great property at a great price the sooner you make your move the better your chances to find!  One final thought…if you are a buyer, be sure to wire escrow deposits, as they now take up to 10 days to clear many of the banks today.  (If you have questions about real estate or the information above you can contact us directly at (843)842-0805 or by e-mail at robbie@robbiebunting.com)

Interest Rates have bottomed out according to our lender!

We are expecting rates to remain near the all time lows for the next few months, and then rising gently through the year.   The Federal Government has been financially supporting the low rates, and will continue to do so until the housing market is clearly in recovery. Our prediction by year end: Fixed rates will still be in the high 5’s/ low 6’s , adjustable  rates  in the 5’s, and jumbo mortgages will be in the high 5’s…..in other words, an overall increase of ¾%.   Buyers beware: 2010 is the low, and you really need to pull the trigger for the best rates this year. 

(If you have questions about loans or the information above you can contact David Crowell directly at (843)842-4004 or by email at dcrowell@mortgagenetwork.com)

Demand continues according to our long term rental agent!

Long term rental demand starts traditionally in March and lasts through September as a general rule.  The length of time it takes to rent a property is approximately 2 months, but it can vary, as a rental home that is rental ready, light, bright and updated will rent quicker. Furnished homes usually appeal to snow birds or people with a temporary need and usually take longer to rent. Unfurnished homes are the bulk of the long term rental market, as most people have their own furnishings.

We feel the long term rental market will be good for 2010, as there is shortage of available homes under 2,400 sq. ft. We think it is a good time for people to buy, as prices and interest rates are low and the supply for available long term rentals is low. 

(If you have questions about long term rentals or the information above you can contact Keith Miller at (843)682-4310 or via e-mail at Keith@millerlongterm.com )

Give yourself time in the closing process per our attorney!

Patience is the key for those involved in seeking either to sell or those who may be purchasing at somewhat of a bargain-basement price.  Cary Griffin indicated that 2010 will likely be full of attempted sales by sellers under duress, or “short sales”, as well as sales by lenders who have already foreclosed or taken back the property in one fashion or another.  These types of transactions tend to be bureaucratic and slow moving, but there are benefits if they are successfully completed.   Hence, both parties should expect a longer time period between contract and closing. 

From the buyer’s perspective, obviously interest rates are a key focal point.  Also, consider the fact that as of now, in 2010, there is no federal estate tax.  Therefore, buyers should consult with their estate planning advisors as to how to take title to a new primary residence or a second home as the federal estate tax documents come back to life in 2011 with higher rates and lower exception amounts than existed in 2009.  “Stay tuned” is the best advice here.

(If you have questions about contracts/closings or the information above please contact Cary Griffin at (843)785-2171 or cgriffin@mcnair.com )

Get in front of the line and build/remodel before everyone else!

2010 is starting off with great promise. There are several factors driving a stronger building market in 2010. Homeowners are seeing that the economy is on a rebound and see prices only going up from here. The timing today offers the advantage of lower costs for both construction and prime locations(tear downs are once again in favor!) 

Construction costs will start to climb in the latter part of the year as demand increases. As always, make sure that your builder/contractor uses the right quality materials for the desired end product. As consumers are looking for the very lowest price, hungry contractors might sacrifice the quality of the material to get the price that the homeowner wants. In some instances, this may not be bad – in others, it could be a problem. Communicate with your contractor to insure that you get what you want.

Overall, construction costs are currently lower than the past few years, however, as the building market continues its long and steady re-growth, costs to build will increase accordingly. Don’t wait, start building now! 

(If you have questions about building/remodeling or the information above, please contact Scott Bunting at (843)384-7468 or e-mail SBunting@buntingcompany.com)

Buy now and get ready for busy summer rental season!

This past year was very promising as we exceeded our goals in the rental market for 2009. This is the time of year where property owners are doing all the upgrades and renovations getting ready for the busy rental season ahead.  This is also the time of year where any owners wishing to change rental companies or join a rental company usually make those choices so that there is minimal loss of potential revenue. We have been booking rentals thru the winter and already have a high demand for properties during the march thru September months as our bookings are up 75% over last year. We are booking for the summer now and things are filling in very nicely. We are currently still taking Ocean View/Front properties, Near Ocean and some golf locations. We are also, in need of 4 bedroom or larger homes on the ocean or Near Ocean. We are running special packages for Palmetto Dunes for 2010 that are sure to keep everyone back for more. 

(If you have questions about short term rentals or the information above, please contact Mark Shackelford at (843)686-9638 or e-mail at mshackelford@palmettodunes.com )

Can you see the bottom from where you are standing?

We would love to hear from you what you are seeing from where you are standing in the current market.  Please e-mail us robbie@robbiebunting.com.  Thank you!



Does your Hilton Head Property have Wind & Hail?

Be the first to comment on this post Categories: Communities and Areas, Off Topic Hilton Head Area, Taxes, Insurance and Ownership Expenses

What to do about Wind and Hail Insurance?

As the weather turns toward spring, we find a lot of conversation from homeowners concerning Wind and Hail insurance coverage.  Some homeowners policies are written with the wind/hail coverage included within the policy or more often for properties on the Island the wind coverage is written as a separate policy issued by the South Carolina Wind Hail Underwriting Association (SCWHUA or Wind Pool).

SCWHUA is not inferior coverage.

Back in the 1970’s, the South Carolina Legislature essentially ordered the formation of the SCWUA when it required the insurance industry to make available wind and hail insurance to homes and businesses located along the beach areas.  This residual market was necessary because the coverage was not available or affordable for many properties close to the coastline.  The Wind Pool has served a great benefit to many who live in the beach region.   All property and casualty insurance companies conducting business in the State are required to participate in funding the program and share in any losses or profits.

Want to save some money on you wind and hail insurance? 

Consider raising the deductible! The wind coverage contains a deductible clause that is based on a percentage of the amount of insurance.  Options include 3%, 4%, 5% and 10%.  The premium savings are substantial and you have the benefit of a lower deductible should a loss occur from a non-named storm.  In other words, covered losses not arising out of a named storm carry only a 1% deductible of the limit on the policy, not the higher deductible listed for a named hurricane or tropical storm.   

One final thought from our Insurance Expert. 

Remember if you want replacement cost coverage for your home from the SCWHUA, you must have flood insurance in force at the time of loss.

Please contact:
Jeff Althoff, Agent
Beaufort County Farm Bureau
PO Box 4488
281 Parris Island Gateway
Beaufort, SC 29903
Ph:   843-522-0031 Ext. 234
Cell: 843-812-2921
Fax: 843-522-0785
jeffalthoff@scfbins.com




Copyright © 2024 Hilton Head Real Estate. All rights reserved. Disclaimer: All content on this blog is my own opinion and should not be treated as fact or relied upon when purchasing or selling real estate.
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