Hilton Head Real Estate

Sep 05

Hilton Head Properties Hires Internet Marketing Expert Group

Be the first to comment on this post Posted by Robbie Bunting Categories: Hilton Head Main, Hilton Head Vacation Rentals, Vacation and Long Term Rentals, Vacation Getaways

Hilton Head Island Realty and Rentals recently hired Tennessee marketing agency, Internet Marketing Expert Group (IMEG) to improve upon marketing efforts.

Darcey Sundling, Property Manager with Hilton Head Properties R and R stated, “Beginning on September 1, 2017, we will be working with the team at IMEG to continue growing our company while increasing bookings and revenues for each of our owners with proprietary software to improve our guest experiences.

IMEG is focused on growing businesses in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry with a proven track record of increasing revenues through their digital marketing strategies and tools. They have also been named to the Inc. 5000 List of fastest growing private companies in America each year since 2013.

“We are excited to add Hilton Head Properties Realty and Rentals to our list of clients. We love partnering with forward-thinking vacation rental companies, like Hilton Head Properties Realty and Rentals who are already successful and looking to partner with people to take their business to the next level. As business owners, we understand the amount of time, effort and money it takes to establish and maintain an organization. Because of this, we are determined to help Hilton Head Properties Realty and Rentals achieve the highest results possible for the company and their stakeholders, the property owners,” said Justin Jones, CEO and Founder of IMEG.

Property owners can expect an increase in visibility from social media to organic search as well as an improved guest experience and online reviews to help with conversion and repeat guests.

Some of the services IMEG will be providing include: search engine optimization, social media, email marketing and content marketing. Each of these services will assist in building our online presence and increasing revenues for our owners.

For more information about IMEG, please visit www.imegonline.com. If you would like to contact Hilton Head Properties R and R for more information about rental management, rental proformas or vacation opportunities, please contact Darcey Sundling at (843)785-2242.

Sep 02

6 Questions to Ask When Considering a Neighborhood with an HOA

Be the first to comment on this post Posted by Robbie Bunting Categories: Hilton Head Main

Let’s say you have your heart set on buying a home in a community with a swimming pool, a clubhouse, and maybe even golf or a marina. Having access to these amenities often means living in a community with a homeowners association, or HOA/POA.

Generally, an HOA is responsible for keeping the neighborhood looking beautiful — and as a result, keeping property values high. But since no two neighborhoods are the same, no two HOA’s will be the same, either. Read the rest of this entry

Aug 30

The Floorplans of Palmetto Dunes, Shelter Cove and Leamington

Be the first to comment on this post Posted by Robbie Bunting Categories: Communities and Areas, Hilton Head Buyers, Hilton Head Main

Why wait on your dream? Start browsing Palmetto Dunes Villas today and learn about the features they offer. These villas offer 1-4 bedrooms overlooking lagoons, the Atlantic Ocean, Shelter Cove Marina, fairways or the lush Low Country. The links below include almost every villa in Palmetto Dunes, Shelter Cove and Leamington!
Read the rest of this entry

Aug 23

When it rains it pours in the Hilton Head Real Estate Market

Be the first to comment on this post Posted by Robbie Bunting Categories: Hilton Head Buyers, Hilton Head Sellers, Off Topic Hilton Head Area, Special Real Estate Opportunities

Why is that when we get one buyer interested in a property, others show up at the same time? While this is not a rule, it happens in the Hilton Head Real Estate Market. Sometimes it is triggered by a price change that brings the price closer to the true market value and sometimes there seems to be no logical explanation whatsoever. Below are some reasons why “when it rains it pours” in the Hilton Head real estate market. Read the rest of this entry

Aug 23

Easy like Sunday Morning on Hilton Head Island

Be the first to comment on this post Posted by Robbie Bunting Categories: Food, Fun and Festivals, Hilton Head Main, Vacation Getaways

Looking for a great spot to brunch this Sunday on Hilton Head Island? Hard to believe there are so many to choose from. If you are a long time Islander, you probably remember the old Hilton Head Inn and Perkins on Sunday morning. Listed below are some of our favorites. Let us know if we left any off the list! Read the rest of this entry

Aug 16

The Hilton Head Eclipse Event!

Be the first to comment on this post Posted by Robbie Bunting Categories: Food, Fun and Festivals, Hilton Head Main, In the News, Off Topic Hilton Head Area, Vacation Getaways

The solar eclipse on August 21 is creating quite a stir in the Hilton Head area. Although not total on Hilton Head, the photo to the left shows the eclipse from the Island. Pretty darn close! If you are planning on visiting, many hotels and rental companies are offering specials including free “eclipse” glasses(while they last). The information and links below will help you plan your viewing party!

Read the rest of this entry

Aug 16

Want Top Dollar for Your Home? Hire a Real Estate Pro

Be the first to comment on this post Posted by Robbie Bunting Categories: Hilton Head Main

A quick Google search is all it takes to discover hundreds of new recipes, do-it-yourself projects, and tips about how to stage your home. With so much information available online, especially about the home selling process, many homeowners start to wonder whether it’s faster and more cost-efficient to sell their own homes rather than hiring a real estate agent to do it for them. (Spoiler alert: It’s not.)

Maybe you’re just now thinking about selling your home. All those HGTV shows and helpful articles make it look so easy — how hard could it be to sell your home yourself? Or maybe you’re already elbows deep into selling For Sale By Owner and are thinking, this isn’t so bad.

A helpful tip when considering whether to skip right over hiring an agent: Just because you can do something yourself doesn’t mean that you should, especially when it comes to selling a home.

So what makes a real estate agent so invaluable?

What Does a Real Estate Agent Do, Anyway?

Everything from preparing paperwork to negotiating the price and terms — you name it, a real estate agent does it. But what many home sellers forget is that a real estate agent’s job is a lot of behind-the-scenes work.

When you hire a real estate professional, you’re not only benefitting from the agent’s intimate knowledge of what’s happening in the local housing market, you’re also working with a licensed professional who is legally bound to work in your best interests. A few essential elements of their job include:

Researching recent comparable sales to determine the best price for your home
Spending their own time and money to market your listing
Promoting your home through their network of contacts and the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)
Coordinating showing appointments and open houses on your behalf
Responding quickly to inquiries about your property
Writing counteroffers and filling out required disclosures
Doing everything they can to help you achieve your goals

Isn’t It Cheaper to Sell My Home Myself?

Commission — a percentage of the sale proceeds that goes to the real estate agents involved in the transaction — is a major factor in the decision to go FSBO (For Sale By Owner) or hire a real estate pro. Working without a real estate agent will certainly save you a few thousand dollars on commission, but there’s a catch.

If You Go Down the FSBO Road

If you decide to go FSBO, you won’t save as much money as you think. You might not even save money at all.

You will have to spend your own time and money to invest in quality photography for your listing, purchase marketing materials (and not just a For Sale By Owner sign), carefully research which home improvements will bring you the most bang for your buck, and list your home on the MLS, just to name a few.

This all assumes that you price your property correctly, manage to entice more than a couple of buyers with your marketing efforts, investigate whether interested buyers are actually qualified to purchase your home, make all the right repairs so no red flags surface during the home inspection, and don’t make a costly mistake involving disclosure forms or the contract!

If You Work with a Real Estate Agent

Since real estate agents are licensed professionals, they are experts at handling all the details of your transaction. They will help you avoid costly mistakes, negotiate the best price and terms for your property, and ensure that it sells for top dollar.

At the end of the day, working with a real estate agent instead of going FSBO will save you time, money, and headaches.

Okay, I’m Convinced — What Do I Do Next?

If your goal is to sell your home quickly and for top dollar, we can help. We’re more than happy to share our wealth of home selling resources, including staging tips and a home evaluation. Give us a call and let’s talk about your plans.

Aug 08

Fall back to Hilton Head Island in 2017

Be the first to comment on this post Posted by Robbie Bunting Categories: Communities and Areas, Hilton Head Buyers, Market Trends and Information

August is a transitional month for sales on Hilton Head Island. The traffic from the summer visitors starts tapering as school sessions begin. The visitor we see in the fall traditionally are “baby boomers” looking to enjoy some time on the Island. Some of these baby boomers are heading down the east coast and up the west coast researching possible retirement or 2^nd home locations. Read the rest of this entry

Aug 02

Should You Hire a Professional or DIY on Those Home Repairs?

Be the first to comment on this post Posted by Robbie Bunting Categories: Hilton Head Main

To DIY or not to DIY? That’s the question on many homeowners’ minds when there’s a repair or home improvement project on their to-do lists. The good news is that you can do plenty of things on your own. But for other projects, you’re better off hiring a licensed contractor, plumber, or electrician to do the work for you.

When undertaking a home improvement project, whether you’re buying or selling a home, you want to strike a balance between saving time by hiring a professional and saving money by doing it yourself. So here’s how to know when to hire a professional and when to go DIY.

Replacing Hardware — Do It Yourself

Need an upgrade from tarnished doorknobs, outdated cabinet pulls, or boring light switches? Pick up new hardware from a local home improvement store and go for it. Replacing hardware is a fairly simple fix that any homeowner can do on their own.

Replacing Roof Shingles — Hire a Professional

Unless you have significant roofing experience (and aren’t afraid of heights), you’re better off leaving this job to the professionals. Contractors can repair your roof in significantly less time — and save you risk of injury.

Installing Ceiling Fans or Light Fixtures — It Depends

If the wiring is already there, you can put in a new fan or light in your living room yourself with little problem. Just make sure that you’ve turned off the power on the circuit breaker before removing the original fixture.

However, if you want to add a ceiling fan or overhead light to a room that doesn’t have wiring already in place, you will need to hire an electrician. They will check to see if your home has sufficient amperage (and rewire the room if necessary), cut and patch drywall to install the fixture, and add a light switch.

Installing Major Appliances — Hire a Professional

Installing a new oven, refrigerator, washing machine, or dishwasher takes quite a bit of know-how, so you’re better off hiring a professional to get the job done right. They will check the wattage, check gas and water connections, and ensure that your new appliance is level, among other things.

Adding a Backsplash — Do It Yourself

Adding wall tile to your kitchen or bathroom is something you can do yourself. Home improvement stores have all the equipment you need, from mortar to tile cutters to the wall tiles themselves. When considering this DIY project, make sure that you have the time to prepare the mortar and grout, lay the tile, seal the backsplash, and allow everything to dry.

Adding Granite or Quartz Countertops — Hire a Professional

Upgrading your countertops involves precise cutting of the quartz or granite and assistance from several people to lift the heavy countertops — plus the initial assurance that your cabinets can support the weight of the heavy material. So when installing new granite or quartz counters, it’s better to hire a professional.

Need Recommended Service Providers?

Whether you’re buying or selling a home, we can connect you with trusted contractors, electricians, plumbers, and other professionals who can save you time and money on your home improvements. Contact us and we’ll be happy to provide recommendations!

Jul 24

11 things sellers should do once the for sale sign is up

Be the first to comment on this post Posted by Robbie Bunting Categories: Hilton Head Sellers

Source: 11 things sellers should do once the for sale sign is up BY ZETA CROSS

The sellers have decluttered, painted, made repairs and spiffed up the landscaping. The curb appeal is at its best. After the long process of getting the home listed, the for sale sign is up. Now what?

Here are 11 things your sellers should do once they’re ready to get their home sold once and for all.

1. Never turn down a showing

Remember the Murphy’s Law of real estate: Whenever it is inconvenient, the appointment center will call. Try your best to accommodate all showings.

Every showing could be “the one.” Some buyers cannot, or will not, reschedule. The more buyers who see your house — particularly, right after it hits the market — the quicker it will sell.

2. Leave the lights on

Buyers decide within 30 seconds if they like a house. Opening the door to a welcoming and cheery bright room impacts a buyer’s emotions.

On the flip side, a room with low light and shadows is a little gloomy. It makes you hesitate to enter. Many buyers ask for houses that are bright with sunlight.

If a house is not particularly “light filled,” $20 IKEA-type floor lamps can work wonders. Even if you are at work all day, it pays to leave plenty of lights on. The cost is low, and the effect is major.

3. Crank that air conditioning

If you’ve got it, flaunt it. On a hot day, that air conditioning might be just the feature that gets the buyers to make an offer.

4. Humor the nosy neighbors, and invite them in

Neighbors are naturally curious to know all about your sale. Count on them to show up at the open house. Chances are good that someone in the neighborhood knows someone who might be the perfect buyer for your house.

Facebook, Nextdoor posts and the neighborhood grapevine all help get the word out that your house is for sale.

5. Stay ‘show worthy’

The cleaning and decluttering never stops. Cooking smells, pet odors, wet towels in the bathroom — all signs of normal life need to go.

Keep empty laundry baskets ready for quick room sweeps before showings. Pick up toys, mail, toasters, cereal boxes — anything taking up space on horizontal surfaces. Hide the laundry baskets under the bed, in the garage or in your car.

11 tips for homesellers infographic. Content by Zeta Cross.

6. Fido can cost you $10,000

That is no exaggeration. Sellers cancel showings every day because they can’t get home to walk the dog.

Putting off showings means days on market (DOM) quickly accumulate. If a house does not sell in 30 days, buyers take that as a signal to offer less than asking.

The price of doggy daycare pales next to a $5,000 or $10,000 price drop.

7. Tone down the kids’ rooms

It pays to minimize the Star Wars and princess decor — no matter how well-done. Orchid colored walls, music star posters and stuffed animal collections broadcast that you are selling a “used” house.

Even an adorable baby room that is too “precious” can hurt a sale. Keep decor and furnishings as minimal and neutral as possible.

Let the kids dream of decorating their new rooms in the new house in return for letting you box up and store their decor.

8. Keep your stuff safe

In 18 years as a Realtor, I have never known sellers who have had items stolen at a showing or open house, but it can happen.

Don’t create temptation by leaving cameras on the coffee table, diamond earrings on the dresser or prescriptions in the bathroom.

Buyers will read the paperwork that you leave out. They will open your medicine cabinets and closets. Guns should be unloaded and locked up. Hiding a gun in the back of the closet is not secure.

9. Don’t get sued

Get rid of tripping hazards, like small rugs. Make sure flooring is not loose or uneven –particularly on stairs, porches and decks.

Mark “half steps” that are hard to see with tape or some shiny indicator. Pick up stray toys.

Use mats, and put towels down when it rains. Shovel ice and snow. Sounds obvious? Many sellers don’t bother.

10. Make yourself scarce

Innocent questions from buyers can cost you. If they ask “Who cleans your chimney?” — you’ll have to admit that you haven’t had it cleaned for 10 years.

If they ask about the neighbors, what do you tell them about the crabby woman next door who complains about your kids?

Chatting with buyers is more likely to hurt the sale price than help you sell.

11. Don’t let buyers make you nuts

Buyers can be inconsiderate. They come late for appointments, or they don’t show up at all. They make offhand comments about the home that can hurt the homeowners’ feelings.

Selling a home is business. The agent should handle the buyers until it is time to hand them the keys.

What do you tell homesellers to help prepare them for the sale process? Please share in the comments section below.

Zeta Cross is an agent with HG Realty Services in Philadelphia. Follow her on Facebook or Twitter.

Email Zeta Cross

Hilton Head Properties Hires Internet Marketing Expert Group

Like this:

6 Questions to Ask When Considering a Neighborhood with an HOA

Like this:

The Floorplans of Palmetto Dunes, Shelter Cove and Leamington

Like this:

When it rains it pours in the Hilton Head Real Estate Market

Like this:

Easy like Sunday Morning on Hilton Head Island

Like this:

The Hilton Head Eclipse Event!

Like this:

Want Top Dollar for Your Home? Hire a Real Estate Pro

What Does a Real Estate Agent Do, Anyway?