If you own property in  the Hilton Head Area, it is likely you will be dropping the tax bill and your payment into the mail before January 15, 2015.  We have listed additional information, deadlines and forms for Tax Appeals, Homestead Exemption, Assessment Ratios and Tax Installments below for your review.  Note some of these have a January 15 deadline too.

• If you do not agree with your taxes, get an appeal going this year.  If the appeal is successful the savings are for the next three (3!) years if filed this year.  You can do this anytime before the December 31.  Just click here for the appeal form and e-mail today for comps(click here) and or a recommendation of a local appraiser to help you with this.
• Do you qualify for the Homestead Exemption?  South Carolina also allows for a $50,000 homestead exemption on the fair market value of a home for residents who are age 65 or older, totally and permanently disabled, or legally blind.
• Do you qualify as a permanent resident in the Hilton Head Area?  If you do, there are tax savings that apply.  The assessment ratio of 4% applies to permanent residents.  This application needs to be filled out before January 15, 2015 for owner occupied legal residents.  The questions in this application will help you determine if the 4%  applies.
• Pay your taxes in Installments – If you would like to pay your taxes in installments, applications are due by January 15, 2015 if you would like to pay your 2015 taxes in installments.

2015 Real Estate in the Hilton Head Area

If you are not using your property and paying the taxes, the opportunity to sell is NOW.  There are buyers in the market and the New Year is starting strong.  With the majority of our buyers financing their purchases, buyers and sellers need to keep a watchful eye on the current interest rates. A half a point rate change can affect the buyers affordability by up to 10%.  For example on a $600,000 home with a half point rate change a buyer would now only be able to afford $540,000 under this scenario.  Both a buyer and seller lose, when there is $60,000(10%) less in buying power!  Just email me for a free market value today.