Updated 2016.  Spring kicks off our busiest real estate months in the Hilton Head area.  This time of year on the Island is amazing with everything in full bloom  and temperatures in the mid 70’s and low 80’s.  The great weather and Island bloom are the best reasons to visit, but on top of this we also have Easter(March 27), the RBC Heritage presented by Boeing(April 11-17) and spring happenings now.

Reasons Spring on Hilton Head is typically the busiest Real Estate Season 

There is a good selection of properties that have been listed over the winter months and even some leftover inventory from the recession that offer buyers a great selection of properties.  Two of the biggest benefit for purchasing in the spring is use and rental income in the months ahead.  On top of all this, historical low interest rates are in both the buyers and sellers favor this spring.

Buyer tips for the busy season on Hilton Head

  • Be available on the Turn. Chances are the only way you will be able to see rental property that is for sale on Hilton Head is to see it on the “turn” between 10 am checkout and the 4 pm check-in on Saturday. Arrive early on your day of arrival or stay later on your last day.
  • Contact a REALTOR® before you arrive on the Island.  Most properties require an appointment during the spring and summer seasons. Your REALTOR® can schedule your showing itinerary well before you arrive and plan them around your schedule. So you will have more time for fun!
  • Lock in low mortgage Rates and get your pre-approval before you get here.  Negotiation is often better for buyers that have a pre-approval. The pre-approved or cash buyer can also sweeten the pot if there is other interest or bids.  This will help a prepared buyer move faster and win the bid!
  • Get it in writing. If you do get a verbal acceptance on your dream property, keep in mind that until an offer is signed and delivered to all parties, it is not a contract. Therefore, ask your agent to send the offer electronically or stop at a hotel on the interstate and use their business office to sign, fax or scan. This will seal the deal for you.

Hilton Head seller tips for the busy season:

  • Make it easy to show and see! If you own rental property, consider blocking the next 6 weeks from any bookings. If you live here, make the property easy to show. Convenience counts on the first showing and if an agent and buyer cannot easily see a property, there is a good chance that the buyer and their agent will find something else just down the street. A property will not sell if it cannot be seen or shown.
  • Make a great first impression! A Hilton Head property has a good chance to sell in the next 6 weeks. However, it is a beauty contest in the real estate market. Break out all the stops, flowers at the front door, clean the front entry, get the property into show condition and when it is being shown, turn on the lights, some cool music and get lost until after the showing. Buyers cannot identify with a property when the seller is hanging out or answering the door.
  • Be Critical. Look over your listing online. Make sure we have great photography, great content and all the correct information in place. Buyers are scouring the net before their visit. Put yourself in the buyers shoes and tell us what you think!
  • Get your pricing right before they get here! If you have been sitting around for the last few months (or few years) and have had only a handful of showings, no second showings and no offers, chances are your pricing is incorrect. The coming weeks won’t help as buyers have already made the determination that there is something wrong with your condition, location and or price.
  • Keep the written bid moving. Once you have a written offer, keep it moving and DO NOT delay in your response to a buyer. If you wait for a future showing, a higher or better offer, chances are good you will lose your only buyer.   You have waited how long to get this offer?
  • Get it in writing. Just like a buyer to change his mind when they get out of the ether. If you have arrived at price and terms, get the offer in writing before the buyer leaves the Island. This is a contract now! Relax!! You don’t have to make your bed in the morning! Woohoo!

 

How can we help you buy or sell on Hilton Head Island?  Market Trends February 2015 HHP, Pre-approvals, first impressions, determining the correct pricing,  and are all items that we can assist you with. Please give one of our agents or myself a call or email anytime to help you get spring into the Hilton Head real estate market.  Thank you.