Dear Clients, Friends & Fellow Associates ~

As a Realtor on Hilton Head Island I am often asked about three things.  The weather, the market and my family.  In order to save some time, I have summarized all of these in one handy print out.  So now when I meet a buyer I can hand this to them as we jump in the car to find their paradise!

Smart Buyers will rush to buy real estate this winter.  Interest rates are forecasted to rise in spring of 2010 if the Federal Reserve stops purchasing the mortgage-backed securitiees.   We could see interest rates crossing 6% by the end of March 2010 if this occurs.   This would mean a loss of buying power up to $60,000 for a $350,000 loan.  The additional interest alone would be $108,000 more paid over the life of this loan. 

Hilton Head weather is simply better!   The Island is kept warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer by thermos or the ocean breezes over the warm sea(that is why you see people swimming in the ocean in January).  In fact, our moderate winter days are typically warmer than other inland southern cities.  As well winter months have less rain than the wetter summer months with sub tropical temperatures that are perfect for snowbirds or real estate shoppers looking for a warm weather escape.  The winter is the Island’s sports season, which is perfect for golf, long beach walks, biking, tennis and most other outdoor activities.

The real estate market is healing.  The market is healing from the bottom up and months of available inventory is decreasing in properties under $750,000.  As these markets heal, buyers with equity will be purchasing our larger properties that offer attractive pricing.  Homes will see a jump in all price points if the new housing credit passes later this week.  First-time home buyers would be eligible for $8,000, but purchasers don’t have to be first-time buyers. Anyone who has owned a home for at least five years could get a $6,500 credit on a new residence. 

My son’s are touring colleges.  Many of my clients have been buying and selling real estate with me before I had a family.  It is hard to believe for both of us that we are now looking at colleges.  My wife is a great planner and has made me realise it is important not to take a chance on time.  I pass this on to you as timing has never been better to buy real estate…please note time flies!

From Hilton Head Island with great winter weather, great prices and great families~

WE ARE~

Robbie Bunting and Jane Hyers

P.S. Baby Boomers are now turning 60 at the rate of 8,000 a day and represent 38% of our total population in this country.  The way I see it based on 2.5 million visitors per year to Hilton Head Island, we have over 950,000 of these Baby Boomers visiting the Island with about 50,000 of them turning 60 years old every year for the next 17 years.  Our recommendation is to be ahead of this herd!  We are just beginning to hear the rumble.