Hi~

Below are the market trend statistics for February 2009 which include Hilton Head Properties only.  

We are seeing activity in all residential price points…although the sales over 2 million are still slower with very high inventories which means prices will be correcting on the less than premier locations for the age/condition challenged properties.  

The good news is we sold 39 homes in February compared to 26 homes in January, 37 villas in February compared to 33 villas in January and vacant home sites are still sitting as a result of homes selling below replacement cost.

According to the market research I have completed, the number of properties for sale will start declining in coming months in the residential markets on Hilton Head Island.  If you have ever thought of purchasing it is our suggestion to start looking for the choice property you’ve always wanted as the best picks will be disappearing as we move through 2009. 

Our Best,

P.S.  Please feel free to share this with our contact information.  Thank you.

“The first Time Homebuyer Tax Credit” will benefit some Palmetto Dunes Properties.   Eligible purchasers that have not owned a home for 3 years with incomes that do not exceed $75,000 per year ($150,000 on joint returns), will be illegible for an $8000.00 tax credit with no repayment requirement.  Even though this may not apply to you, the “real estate food chain” will start moving again which will in turn produce more real estate activity and sales in our communities including Palmetto Dunes, Leamington and Shelter Cove.   

Real estate IS selling on Hilton Head Island despite the economy and media.  In Hilton Head, South Carolina MLS there are 310 pending listings this month that means that in the next 30-45 days there will be 310 more homes SOLD!!! If you take an average price of $616,743 that means the people who have come to Hilton Head and loved all that they saw and experienced, have spent $191,190,330 in one month on these 310 homes, villas and lots!  Now, that’s what we call stimulus!  

The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina at Shelter Cove Did you know that an art director from Sesame Street designs one set a year for us?  His name is Bob Phillips and he’s known for detail.  He even takes the time to design areas of the stage that are only seen by part of the audience.  There are 5 shows each year and the view is great from every seat in the house.  They are all wonderful!  Aren’t we lucky to have “Broadway” right in our own community?  See you there!  

How healthy is your Palmetto Dunes, Leamington or Shelter Cove regime?  Villas / condos have a monthly “regime fee” which may include landscaping, pool, , pest control, exterior maintenance,  insurance, etc.  If you are looking at a condo or villa it is a good idea to check the “health” of the regime to make sure there are no pending assessments and that there is plenty of working capital.  Your experienced full time REALTORS at Dunes Marketing know the ins and outs when it comes to villas on the Island.  

Make plans now  to watch or attend the 2009 Verizon Heritage Golf Tournament.  The Verizon Heritage Golf Tournament is South Carolina’s only PGA event and will be played at the Harbourtown Golf Links in Sea Pines April 13-19, 2009.  For more information and tickets visit to www.verizonheritage.com .  For accommodation packages and information on our incredible real estate contact your Dunes Marketing Group agent.  Hope to see you there!  

Back In The Saddle Again.  Stocky Low Country Marsh Tackies made a triumphant return in Hilton Head Island’s first marsh tacky races in 40 years.  Fifteen marsh tacky horses raced on the brown, wet sand of low tide at Mitchellville Beach as part of the island’s Gullah Celebration.  It has been more than 40 years since the short, stocky breed has galloped beside Port Royal Sound.  It was the revival of a longtime Gullah and native islander tradition.  The race was attended by more than 3,000 spectators.   

Dunes Marketing Group is an upside down sales company.  In an economy like this one, other real estate companies call on Dunes to bring a buyer to their listings.  While we promise to do our best, our first priority is to see if we can find buyers for our own listings.  After all, that’s why our sellers listed with Dunes Marketing Group. We are an upside down real estate company because we have more buyers than listings which is different than most other companies around the island.  In fact…we need more listings to sell!                                         

The Hilton Head Area Hospitality Association will host the popular Wine Fest. The big event will be held on Saturday – March 14th at the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn. In addition to the public wine and food tasting the Junior League of Savannah is hosting a Pie Baking Contest, Hilton Head Kitchen & Bath will sponsor the Tailgate Gourmet Challenge, and there will be much more.  This is a festival that you won’t soon forget. For tickets and details visit www.hiltonheadhospitality.org  and click on Wine Fest.   

 Palmetto Dunes Outfitters…  just had their annual Oyster Roast Fund Raiser January 28^th for restocking redfish in our lagoon.  Approximately 1,500 – 2000 redfish will be released in April.  “Black drum fishing has been the best I’ve ever seen in January & February with catches from 5-20 lb” according to Captain Trent Malphrus.   

Dunes Marketing Group would like to sell your property  We have the buyers (over 400 percent more than our closest competitor), we talk with guests and walk-ins that are staying in Palmetto Dunes daily and want to know what is on the market.  As a real estate group, Dunes Marketing Group Tours tours their listed properties weekly.  Call us today for a free analysis of your home or villa.  

            I’m proud of our numbers and I just want you to know!   In 2008, Dunes Marketing Group participated in 39.8% of all transaction in Palmetto Dunes with our next closest competitor only 11.9%.  That’s 75% more transactions than our closest competitor!  More than ever it’s important to look at results. Numbers speak louder than words! 

Palmetto Dunes gets a new Oceanfront Restaurant.  The Dunes House (Inside Mariners Gate) is going to be open for dining in April 2009.  Now visitors and owners will have a convenient access to lunch or dinner oceanfront within Palmetto Dunes.  Overlooking the Atlantic, this location will offer outside decks and inside dining.  We will be publishing hours and menus in our next publication.    

“When Property Is “Priced to Sell”, It Sells!”  Right now there are many homes, villas and lots on the market that ARE NOT, as we say in the real estate business, “PRICED TO SELL”! Owners who list their property for sale should remember that their competition includes foreclosed properties and comparable properties that have been pre-approved by the owner’s lender to sell for LESS THAN WHAT IS OWED ON THE MORTGAGE!  Can you compete with these owners on price and do you really need to sell?  If the answer to both questions is a resounding “NO”, then NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO SELL YOUR PROPERTY.  

 Palmetto Dunes Resort has it ALL!  When it comes to Hilton Head Island events, Palmetto Dunes offers a wide range of conference and event venues and multiple meeting facility options for corporate events, weddings, family reunions, social gatherings, luncheons and dinner parties. In-home chef services and catering are available for guests who would like to enjoy a custom meal prepared by a personal chef or a romantic dinner at a private villa. From social events to special events, Palmetto Dunes has every detail covered.

Obama Unveils Homeowner Affordability

and Stability Plan

Revised February 24, 2009

President Obama unveiled his plan to help stabilize the housing market and keep millions of borrowers in their homes.Refinancing Initiative

Under current rules, those families who own less than 20% equity in their homes have a difficult time refinancing and taking advantage of the historically low interest rates. Therefore, the refinancing initiative in the new plan provides refinancing help for homeowners with less than 20% equity in their homes or who owe more than their home is worth. This initiative is open to homeowners who have conforming loans which are guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and who owe up to 5% more than their home is worth. Stability Initiative

This initiative aims at providing help to individual families as well as entire neighborhoods by helping reduce foreclosures and stabilize home prices. It is intended to help homeowners who are struggling to afford their mortgage payments, but cannot sell their homes because prices have fallen significantly.

The Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan includes two initiatives to help struggling homeowners. One is a refinancing program for homeowners with less than 20% equity in their homes, or who owe more than their home is worth. The second program attempts to lower monthly payments for homeowners at risk of losing their home. In addition, the plan includes a third initiative to support low mortgage rates by strengthening confidence in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Many of the plan’s details are still being worked out and will not be announced until March 4, here is an overview of the plan’s main components.

According to the plan, “credit-worthy” or “responsible” homeowners can refinance their mortgage into a 30- or 15-year, fixed-rate loan based on current market rates. The refinanced loan, however, cannot include prepayment penalties or balloon payments. For many families, this low-cost refinancing may help reduce their mortgage payments by up to thousands of dollars per year.

As with the rest of the plan, details about this initiative will be released at a future date—including what, if any, credit score requirements will be included.

The goal of this initiative is simple: “reduce the amount homeowners owe per month to sustainable levels.” To accomplish this, lenders are encouraged to lower homeowners’ payments to 31 percent of their income by lowering their interest rate to as low as 2% or by extending the terms of the loan. In addition, lenders can also lower the principal owed by the borrower, with Treasury sharing in the costs.

Homeowners who are current on their mortgages but are struggling can still apply for this program. As such, this is one of the few programs designed to help homeowners who may face delinquency soon, but are current at the moment.

Since the focus of this initiative is on helping families and neighborhoods, investment properties do not qualify. This initiative also includes a number of additional elements and incentives that benefit homeowners and lenders alike, including:

• Incentives to Help Borrowers Stay Current: To provide an extra incentive for borrowers to keep paying on time, the initiative will provide a monthly balance reduction payment that goes straight towards reducing the principal balance of the mortgage loan. As long as a borrower stays current on his or her loan, he or she can get up to $1,000 each year for five years.
• Reaching Borrowers Early: To keep lenders focused on reaching borrowers who are trying their best to stay current on their mortgages, an incentive payment of $500 will be paid to servicers, and an incentive payment of $1,500 will be paid to mortgage holders, if they modify at-risk loans before the borrower falls behind.

Supporting Low Mortgage Rates

As part of the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan, the Treasury Department is increasing its funding commitment to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to ensure the strength and security of the mortgage market and to help maintain mortgage affordability. This portion of the plan will use using funds already authorized in 2008 by Congress for this purpose.The increased funding will enable Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to carry out ambitious efforts to ensure mortgage affordability for responsible homeowners, and provide forward-looking confidence in the mortgage market.Again, the government plans to unveil the final details of the plan on March 4, 2009. For now, you can download a sheet of common Questions and Answers produced by the government at: www.treas.gov/initiatives/eesa/homeowner-affordability-plan/ConsumerQA.pdfI will continue monitoring the plan as new information becomes available. If you have any questions or would like to discuss how this may specifically impact you, I’d be happy to sit down with you. Just call or email me to set up an appointment.

Why Now is Good Time to Buy!

By Beth Hornick

SunTrust Mortgage

Many potential home buyers are waiting to finalize their decision to buy a new home. With news reports of falling home prices and increased foreclosures– it seems smart to wait. According to predictions from Freddie Mac, housing prices are predicted to drop approx 10% in 2008. BUT, if you pull out the “big 4” (California, Michigan, Nevada, and Florida)- the figures revises to less than a 5% drop. South Carolina and the Hilton Head area in particular, is an area with smaller drops in prices when compared to the national average.

Rates are now at near record lows with 30 year fixed rate loans hovering just around 6.00% for conforming loan amounts. Historical comparisons say rates typically drop about .25% BEFORE the election and RISE after .60% the election.

So, what is the best time to buy? Now, when rates are low? or wait till housing prices drop further? Many buyers seem to be emphasizing dropping housing prices. But, waiting for prices to fall can COST you money!

Here are two examples:

EXAMPLE ONE-Assume a mid level purchase price. These are the homes that should drop a MAXIMUM of 5%.

Current Price                                                             $300,000

Mortgage Amount (assumed 20% down)              $240,000

30 year fixed rate of 6.0% P & I payment               $1,438 per month

Assumes a 20% down, 30 year fixed rate mortgage at 6.00% (6.043% APR)

359 payments of $1,438.91 and 1 payment of $1,440.30

Assume 5% price drop                                            $285,000

Mortgage Amount                                                     $228,000

30 year fixed rate of 7.00% P & I Payment            $1,517 per month

Assumes a 20% down, 30 year fixed rate mortgage at 7.00% (7.047% APR)

359 payments of 1,516.89 and 1 payment of $1,516.16

An increase of $80 per month- that’s $28,800 over the 30 years! A 10% loss In this case- the 5% housing price drop COSTS the buyer over 10%!

EXAMPLE TWO- Assume a higher priced home. These are the homes that should drop a MAXIMUM of 10% (factoring in higher loss states– SC drops are predicted to be smaller)

Current Price                                                             $1,000,000                        Mortgage Amount (assumed 20% down)                          $   800,000

30 year fixed rate of 6.5% P & I payment               $5,056 per month

Assumes a 20% down, 30 year fixed rate mortgage at 6.50% (6.513% APR)

359 payments of $5,056.54 and 1 payment of $5,061.33

Assume 5% price drop                                            $950,000

Mortgage Amount                                                     $760,000

30 year fixed rate of 7.50% P & I Payment            $5,314 per month  

An increase of $258 per month- $92,880 over 30 years! A 9.8% loss.

Assumes a 20% down, 30 year fixed rate mortgage at 7.50% (7.515% APR)

359 payments of $5,314.03 and 1 payment of $5,314.45

Assume 8% price drop                                            $920,000

Mortgage Amount                                                     $736,000

30 year fixed rate of 7.50% P & I Payment            $5,146 per month  

An increase of $90 per month- $32,400 over 30 years! A 3.5% loss.

Assumes a 20% down, 30 year fixed rate mortgage at 7.50% (7.516% APR)

359 payments of $5,146.22 and 1 payment of $5,144.38

Assume 10% price drop                                          $900,000

Mortgage Amount                                                     $720,000

30 year fixed rate of 7.50% P & I Payment            $5,034 per month  

A drop of $22 per month- $7,920 over 30 years. A 0.9% gain.

Assumes a 20% down, 30 year fixed rate mortgage at 7.50% (7.643% APR)

359 payments of $5,034.34 and 1 payment of $5,040.59

In this example- housing prices would need to drop at least 10% before it would offset the predicted rise in rates. And 10% was the MAX decrease predicted!

These assumptions also assume a maximum interest rate rise of 1.00% over today’s rates. If rates rise higher or faster than predicted– the cost of waiting to buy will increase.

Another factor to consider is the increased inventory of homes available right now. Buyers have a larger choice of homes than any time in the recent past. But, what about all the foreclosures that the media says are coming up? Again, South Carolina and the Hilton Head area are predicted to have much lower rates of foreclosures than the national averages.

Also consider also what most foreclosed homes will look like. If a home owner does not have the money to make their mortgage payments– will they have the money to continue the necessary upkeep of the home?  And in many cases– there may also be outstanding liens for real estate taxes or Association fees. Trying to negotiate with a lender to buy Bank Owned Real Estate can make the process more difficult and few if any repair items will be done. In many cases, foreclosures are not the best deal out there.

So what should a potentional home buyer do? Buy now and save money!

How Will the Stimulus Package Affect The Housing Market—and You?

This is a monumental piece of legislation that will directly affect the housing market. I want to share my insights on how I believe it will affect the market so that you can make informed buying and selling decisions.

Homebuyers: Part of the stimulus package gives first-time homebuyers who purchase in 2009 an $8,000 tax credit. “First-time homebuyer” is defined as someone who has not owned a home for the past three years.  Combined with the fact that foreclosure filings during January decreased 10% from December 2008 and that some sales in December of 2008 rose 6.5%, we will see prices at the lower end of the price spectrum stabilize. All the really great deals will be snapped up in the next month or two and we should see a price increase in December of 2009 as those who wait will rush to buy before the $8,000 credit is gone. 

This will also help clean up some of the problem loans, short sales and foreclosures that have been a drag on home prices.

Three to six months from now we will see this start to move up to a little higher price range and by the end of the year, prices will stabilize in large mid-priced homes. High-end homes will be the last to stabilize sometime in 2010.

If you are thinking about buying, now is the time. Don’t wait and end up wishing you had taken advantage of this opportunity.

Home sellers: If you are selling in the lower price ranges, you can expect to see increased activity and, if your home is reasonably priced, you will get it sold very close to that price.

If you are not at the low end of the market, and do not have to sell, my advice is to wait twelve to eighteen months, you will get a better price. If you have to sell now, price it right and get it sold now as we could still see a drop in value in the mid and high-end price ranges over the next 3 to 6 months.

If you want to talk further about the impact of this stimulus package, give me a call or drop me an email about your situation and I will give you my recommendation.  Also check back here on a regular basis for updates on what is happening in our real estate market.

Every signal is now in place to indicate bottom.

U.S. home sales registered their biggest monthly jump in nearly seven years in December, as cratering prices began to draw out more buyers and several housing markets showed some signs of stabilizing.

If you have been waiting for a signal to indicate the best time to purchase on Hilton Head check out January 2009 sales below.  It is still true today….Timing is everything.

WE SOLD 26 homes and 33 villas last month in January!  

 According to the market research I have completed, the number of properties for sale will start declining in coming months.  If you have ever thought of purchasing it is our suggestion to start looking for the choice property you’ve always wanted as the best picks will be disappearing as we move through 2009.  

Homes

All information is deemed to be reliable and subject to verification by all parties.

From The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon

10 Rules for the Ride of Your Life

1.           You’re the Driver of the Bus

2.            Desire, Vision and Focus move your bus in the right direction

3.            Fuel your Ride with Positive Energy.

4.            Invite People on Your Bus and Share your Vision for the Road ahead.

5.            Don’t waste Your Energy on those who don’t get on your bus.

6.            Post a sign that says “No Energy Vampires Allowed” on your Bus.

7.            Enthusiasm attracts more Passengers and Energizes them during the Ride.

8.            Love your Passengers

9.            Drive with Purpose

10.         Have fun and Enjoy the Ride

Jane and I are ready to help you find a great property and/or get yours sold.  Give us a call and be prepared to enjoy positive energy.

Robbie and Jane  

We need your help.  While we think we know where you are in motivation, we do not want to guess.  So if you would,  please take a moment, hit reply and let us know your number.   We’re all unique individuals, so you and your spouse may each have a different motivation threshold for achieving this sale, so let us know both of these numbers.  

What is your number?  (We wrote out what these numbers mean to us)

10.      (You need to get it sold now and will do whatever it takes.)

9.          (You are very motivated to get it sold in 3 months or less.)

8.          (You will consider a meaningful value adjustment) 

7.          (You will let agents show it anytime and will entertain any offer) 

6.          (You will consider suggestions to help you sell it including de-clutter & staging)

5.          (You have a reason to sell it now.)  

4.          (You hope it sells and hope you get your number.)

3.          (You wish it would sell and are holding your breath.)

2.          (You do not want to do anything, but want more showings)  

1.          (You do not care if it sells or not)

Is there anything you see in the future that can increase your motivation to sell or inspire you to take action to move off your number above?  If this number ever changes either up or down, simply e-mail us right away.  We are thankful for you and look forward to helping you achieve your goals!
 

Think SOLD!

Robbie Bunting & Jane Hyers

P.S.  If you are a 9 or 10, check out the 29 Essential Tips to sell your property fast attached above!

Call us for a free “The Top 10 Cool Things for families to do on Hilton Head and Latte Lou’s List of Favorite Places to Eat”.  If you wish, simply let us know when you are visiting and we will leave this color 11 x 17 map and these lists at our front desk and include other Ideas including our Beaufort, Savannah, Charleston and Daufuskie Maps.  

Local knowledge is a wonderful thing.  We would be happy to help you any way we can whether it is information about places you are looking at to rent or ideas in real estate,  We are here to help you.   Our continued goal is to provide exceptional service, create raving fans and help our clients succeed. Please call us at 1-800-932-3652 or e-mail us at LOCAL KNOWLEDGE anytime.  Thank you.

Happy Summer 🙂

Robbie Bunting & 

Jane Hyers

P.S.  Please feel free to forward the maps above to friends and family.  We hope you enjoy the Island and we look forward to hearing from you.  Have Fun

Where’s a better place to put your money: the stock market or real estate? These days the accepted wisdom (at least at cocktail parties) says to pick real estate. But is the accepted wisdom right? 

It is–in the short term. U.S. real estate sale prices increased more than 56% from the beginning of 1999 to the end of 2004, as tracked by the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The S&P 500 index dipped nearly 6% during that same period.   Looking at these numbers help reinforce the reasons to own and buy more Island real estate for the long term.

We are going to share the good news every chance we get.  It may not sell papers, but face it, we all could benefit from a little encouragement.   I’ve researched and prepared the table below to show residential Hilton Head MLS properties compared it to the Dow, Nasdaq and S&P.   If the chart cannot be seen on your computer, please click on the pdf above.   

The real estate market is not the stock market.  However, because the press continues to draw a correlation, we thought we would do a little comparison.  Here is what it would look like if we compare real estate to stocks. (HHMLS is Hilton Head Multiple Listing Service)

The silver lining right now is that our Island Real Estate market has been a better long term and more stable opportunity.  Right now with the larger Island inventory (this never gets too large as it is an Island of limited size and number of properties) to choose from and interest rates holding at historically low levels, the number of potential buyers that can find what they are looking for is at the highest level in years.  

“Buy land, homes and villas, they ain’t making anymore”   If you would like to do some research and see some incredible properties with incredible values, please click on the lighthouse above.  

I invite you to share this good news with friends and would love to hear from you anytime.

THINK Hilton Head Island Real Estate!

Best regards, 

Robbie Bunting and Jane Hyers

Associate Real Estate