REALTOR� Magazine-Daily News-Mortgage Rates Hit Near Record Lows.

Get a free credit report today!

Now is an incredible time for you to purchase a new property or look at refinancing your current property. To be sure you do not miss out on this opportunity Mortgage Network is offering a free credit report with every consultation.

All credit reports are not the same!

It is important to note that while credit reports are available online, the scores do not accurately reflect your score when being considered for mortgage purposes. Liabilities are weighted differently when the report is done for mortgage purposes rather than informational purposes. Our report will give you immediate insight into the interest rates and terms that are available based on your score.

All you need is the attached form and we will issue a report immediately. This is a $30 value.  Simply print the form and fax back to 843-785-6404 to the attention of David Crowell.

Looking forward to an exciting 2010!

David Crowell
Senior Loan Officer
Mortgage Network, Inc.

dcrowell@mortgagenetwork.com
1000 William Hilton Parkway
Suite 205
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Office: 843-842-4004
Fax: 843-785-6404

Staging or furnishing deadlines!

The days of no interest, no payments will soon be gone at Rooms to Go.  If you want either Vacant Home Staging or just some additional pieces of furniture and not make a payment on until 2012 please let Kalyani know ASAP. The last day to be able to order is 2/15/10! I’d need to have everything ready to be ordered by then.
 
Kalyani Persons
Home Staging In Paradise
www.HomeStagingInParadise.com
Kalyani@HomeStagingInParadise.com
843/815-4412

Are you making a move on Hilton Head Island?

Deadlines are rapidly approaching for Tax Credits for first time home buyers and home sellers considering moving up.  The Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009’s tax credit of up to $6,500 for qualified move-up home buyers ends April 30, 2010. You can purchase by June 30, 2010 but must have a binding sales contract signed by April 30, 2010.  The first time buyers tax credit of up to $8,000 for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a principal residence also ends April 30, 2010. A purchase completed by June 30, 2010 (with a binding sales contract signed by April 30, 2010) may qualify.

Historically low interest rates, historically low housing prices in most areas and great values in the move up home market make this the perfect time to act. Call me for a free consultation to run the numbers for you. Don’t miss out on the great values!

Looking for an FHA loan on Hilton Head?

There is a strong indication that loans handled by FHA Mortgages, will be changing in the near future. These FHA backed mortgage programs are going to be adjusted or even overhauled.  These changes, depending what the changes are, will most likely influence the real estate market as a whole. 

During the real estate boom the use of FHA mortgages dropped to around 2% of the loans.  That figure has shot up to 25% and even higher in some markets.  Any substantial changes to FHA lending requirements could affect in some cases, the most active segment in many real estate markets. 

Congress is pressing on FHA to tighten the standards toward borrowers.  The options on what they will do to tighten these standards are broad and could include increasing FICO scores, require more amount of the down payment and reducing Seller contributions to closing costs

All these have been expressed and are being explored and if you are a buyer that needs an FHA loan, the time to act is now!  Don’t take a chance on time…email us today at robbie@robbiebunting.com or call us toll free at m1-800-932-3652 to get your foot in the door now!

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

Hi Robbie,

I just wanted to take a moment to give you a quick update on the current market. We are seeing an unbelievable number of new clients in the last six weeks. People are buying and are excited to be taking advantage of the amazing prices available in our market. Deals are going smoothly and rates are still at record lows on conforming and jumbo mortgages.

The single biggest difference we have noticed is that we are now meeting with clients prior to them shopping for a property. This is working extremely well. The clients know what they can comfortably spend. Their realtor knows the clients are pre-approved and that there is financing available for the price range they are shopping in. We can even help with how the contract needs to be constructed for financing purposes. It basically eliminates unwanted “surprises” that can be deal killers in this environment.

Please encourage your clients to get their financial strategy in order prior to signing a contract. It really helps us be more effective as lenders and helps us get deals closed in a smooth and timely fashion.

We are looking forward to a fantastic 2010!

David

David Crowell
dcrowell@mortgagenetwork.com
Senior Loan Officer
Mortgage Network, Inc.
1000 William Hilton Parkway
Suite 205
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Office: 843-842-4004
Fax: 843-785-6404

Interested in a free Medical and Fire Alarm on Hilton Head?

A note from Mark Zoran:

As a Fire Fighter I see many issues daily the could be prevented or lessened, only if measures had been in place to monitor a person or dwelling.

Why? First many people today NEED these items,  but they create a financial burden. Not only to the user but also their family. Some people may not need a medical alarm but have always wanted a monitored Smoke Alarm to speak for them when they can’t or are not home. 

I believe that Fire Damage and Injury can be costly, preventing it shouldn’t be.  So, with that said the alarm is FREE. What’s included? The base unit (about the size of an answering machine), an emergency button (worn as a pendant, wrist band, or a belt clip), and if requested, a Smoke Detector. Because of the nature of this setup, renters have an advantage. The system is wireless and does not require any permanent installation. So if you happen to move you can bring the alarm with you!

There is a monitoring fee that works out to about $0.83 a day or 24.99 monthly. (Many other companies charge between $35 and $50 monthly) This fee is Tax deductible as a medical expense and if the smoke detector is opted for, it may reduce Home Owners Insurance up to 26% in some cases (Please contact your Insurance Agent for details).

Obviously not everyone needs a Medical Alert System for their home, that is why we are offering the monitored smoke detector FREE as well. Many people have wanted a monitored smoke detector but were unable to justify the high initial costs incurred. Now people won’t have the worries of an initial investment.

This system may not apply to you. But how about your family, parents or friends. As we can ship these units anywhere, they don’t have to live in Beaufort County. It is my goal to supply all who want and need these alarms are allowed to have access to them. You can’t put a price on life safety. So I won’t.

Thank You
 
Mark Zoran
Owner / Operator
www.ImperialSecurityandWiring.com

888.479.3678 or 888.479.2329 

 Imperial Security & Wiring
Technically Driven. Totally Easy. IT made simple.

We wish you a Happy New Year!

As we ring in the New Year there are many things we did right in 2009 which we would like to grow upon in 2010.  As well there are many things that we see in the year ahead that we could do better.  Our top ten list includes all the things we are resolved to do better as we serve you in 2010.  It is our hope that you will give us a chance to prove them to you.

1.  We will give you Fanatical Service on Hilton Head Island

We are committed to providing you with Fanatical Service in 2010.  This is the highest level of individual service you will ever experience when you buy or sell real estate on Hilton Head Island.  

2.  We want you to be a “Raving Fan”

Our goal is for you to have a great experience with us as a buyer, a seller or as an agent that sells one of our properties.  We have created a “raving fans worksheet“ for our sellers and are currently developing a similar worksheet for our buyers and fellow agents.

3.  We want to save you money on Hilton Head Island

We can save you money by updating an existing survey, shopping insurance policies, locating the best mortgage rate, updating existing title insurance policies and negotiating the sales price.  We appreciate your business and want you to call on us whenever you need to.

4.  We will sell the benefits of living on Hilton Head Island

We will sell the lifestyle of Hilton Head Island.  Our Island offers our future residents and visitors a long list of great amenities that add value to our properties!  We will sell these benefits to every buyer we meet.

5.  We will share our local knowledge on Hilton Head Island

Daily we help our clients research to maintain or repair  their yards, their homes or their furnishings. Through our daily involvement we are constantly updating our list of vendors and services on the Island.  As this list continues to develop, we would be happy to share our local knowledge with you anytime. 

6.  We will blow your mind with communications in 2010

Nothing is more important than feedback to a seller, therefore it is our goal to flood our sellers with feedback on their property in 2010.  For the buyer, finding the best location at the best price requires being connected, it is our goal to keep our buyers connected in 2010.  For our fellow agents, it is our pledge to provide timely information on our listings with excellent resources and information that you need to help you make a sale.

7.  We will provide the best marketing programs on Hilton Head.

In the year ahead we will be testing and measuring new marketing medias.  Already we are seeing increased activity on our new websites including Activerain, Trillia, BlogHiltonHead, and Posterous.  Stay tuned…we will be adding some great new marketing in 2010.

8.  We will provide great market research on Hilton Head.

We study the real estate market and forcast trends that help our clients.  Through our market research we can provide valuable timing insights for our buyers and sellers that helps them with determining value and help in negotiation. 

9.  We will be green in 2010 on Hilton Head Island

Our company will suggest alternatives that are green in 2010.  We will will look for new ways to use less paper, less consumables and less energy in our day to day business.  As well, we will suggest green alternatives for our homes and villas.

10.  We will change with the market on Hilton Head

In 2009, the market changed.  In the past, we never dealt with short sales or foreclosures and now they represent a large percentage of our Island’s business.  As the market changes, we will update you with these changes. 

Our goal is to help our clients, friends and fellow associates succeed. 

In the year ahead, it is our continued goal to provide valuable information and the best properties in 2010. We want this information to be local and helpful.  We appreciate you passing this information on to others on our behalf and if at anytime you have a specific request, please do not hesitate to email us at robbie@robbiebunting.com .

On behalf of Jane and I, we wish you all a Happy and Safe New Year!

Are you satisfied with your rental income on Hilton Head?

Rental companies typically rent a property on Hilton Head 12 weeks in the summer, 6 weeks in the spring and 6 weeks in the fall.  The typical owner than occupies their rental property an additional 4 weeks.  Under this scenario, you can double your rental income with a minimal amount of work.

Increase your rentals on Hilton Head with your rental company!

Some rental companies allow the owner to rent direct and collect the income, others will let owners rent, but will only reduce the commission.  The best scenario is to find a rental company (or negotiate with your current rental company) to allow you to rent your property direct filling in those empty weeks.   The perfect rental company will allow you to rent your own property and they will handle the keys, the passes for your rental, any emergencies and will charge you a reasonable fee for the checkin and cleanup.

Market your Hilton Head Rental Property on the Web!

To get started all you need are some photos of your property, a photo blog and an internet rental company.  You can either do this yourself or call on us  or your realtor!

Steps to take to increase your rentals on Hilton Head Island:

1. Set up a “free” posterous blog for your property.  Use this as your main page for your rental property.  Posterous is a free blog that allows you to post photos and information about your rental property.  Just pick a great name and go.  It also uploads to your Facebook, Linkin and your website very easily. 
2. Set up a VRBO rental website.  The website will walk you through the process for setup.  The fee for this setup is $249 per year and will pay for itself with the first rental.  Be sure to set up your rental calendar with a link through your posterous blog.
3. There are also free rental websites that can add additional income to your bottom line including www.craigslist.com, www.base.google.com, and www.free-rentals.com

A system that works for your Hilton Head Rental Property.

Once you have the rental websites in place and you have updated your rental calendar by checking in with your rental company, it is time to get ready for business.  The initial contacts will send you an email and reply time is crucial.  Assign this task to someone that is on their computer throughout the day. 

How an inquiry will rent your property on Hilton Head:

1. The first email will inquire about availability, location to the beach, pool location and other specific requirements the rental guest may have.  Prior to recieving this email, set up a draft e-mail that includes a few additional photos of your property, beach and pool information.   Simply check availability before responding.
2. The second email will ask you how much you charge and will you take less?  Set your rental at the same rate as the rental company as it makes it far less confusing.  We suggest paying for cleaning and taxes from the total, giving the renter approximately a 10% savings which you can  explain in your email as most renters pay these in addition to the rental fee. 
3. The third and final email, ask for the order!  Your final email let’s them know that if they are interested you would put it on hold and send out the rental agreement.  (Ask for 50% with the reservation and the remaining 50% approximately 30 days prior to their arrival.)Once you have a rental guest that has made the commitment, simply call your rental company and block that time(be sure to change your rental calendar to reflect this.)  Send out the rental agreement with two postage paid envelopes for the deposit, the 30 day final payment and the agreement.  This is a good time to include directions maps.google.com to the rental company and your property. 

Renting your Hilton Head Island property is that easy!

As you rent your property we have found that their are some excellent websites that can help you or your rental guests including: Trip Cancellation Insurance, pet traveling ideas, a great place to find linens and towels, and a good traveling with kids website.  Some other ideas include calling or emailing your rental guests after their visit asking if they had any suggestions.  As well, pet friendly properties are gaining appeal and you can even charge pet fees! 

We are at your service on Hilton Head Island! 

As you work through the steps above, we are here to help.  We offer a service that is available to help you set these up for a nominal fee if you are interested!   E-mail us at islandrealtor@hargray.com or call us at 800-932-3652 as we will help you get these programs up and running before the rental season of 2010. 

Happy renting!

Robbie Bunting & Jane Hyers

800-932-3652

Our real estate market is changing on Hilton Head Island!

Contrary to popular belief, properties are selling everyday on Hilton Head Island in this changing real estate market.  Do not assume the real estate market on Hilton Head Island is not active!  We are selling on average 3 Island properties per day!

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