Dear Friends, Clients and Fellow Associates~

 I asked Jeff Althoff an agent with Beaufort County Farm Bureau to help us all understand insurance in the Low Country.  If you are looking for a comparison to your existing policies, or getting ready to buy a home or villa please feel free to give Jeff a call!  All the best…Robbie

 Buying homeowners insurance in the low country

There are different policies for various types of homes or condos, but the essential elements are coverage for the home structure, its contents (your stuff) and personal liability for your injury to another. In addition, living in the Low Country means we have to be concerned with wind coverage, as well as flood and earthquake. We will review each of the major coverage areas:

Dwelling – Coverage A – This first section covers your home structure from most common hazards or perils such as fire. You want to buy a policy that provides for the home to be insured for its replacement value (cost to rebuild the home not market value of the real estate.) Note that most policies exclude coverage for flood, earthquake, wear and tear and damage from insects.

Other Structures – Coverage B – This coverage is for structures that are not attached to the home, such as garages, storage sheds, playground equipment, and swimming pools.

Personal Property – Coverage C – This part of the policy insures your contents or the stuff you own. The coverage applies whether items are located at home or away from the premises. The limit found on most policies is usually some percentage factor of the base home amount. You want to be sure it is enough. Some items that have significant value should be insured separately such as jewelry, guns, antiques, fine arts and collectibles.

Loss of Use – Coverage D – This part of the policy covers additional costs for living expenses while your home is being repaired due to a covered loss.

Personal Liability – Coverage E – The homeowners policy covers your legal liability, attorney fees and judgments for causing personal injury or property damage to others. There are exclusions, but essentially this protection is in place for third parties that are hurt while on your premises or that you damage while away from your house (not in a vehicle).

Medical Payments – Coverage F – This coverage is to pay for minor injuries to guests in your home. For example, if your neighbor’s child is injured while playing at your house and needs to go to the emergency room for stitches.

Wind Coverage – The Low Country is considered a high risk for damage due to high winds such as hurricane or tropical storm. Depending on your location, you may have the wind coverage included in your policy, or purchased separately through the South Carolina wind insurance pool. This coverage usually carries a percentage deductible based on the value of the house.

Flood – Most policies exclude the flood hazard. Coverage is available through the Federal Government National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). In the United States, more damage is done to homes from flood than any other type of claim! Don’t overlook this coverage even if your mortgage company does not require it.

Earthquake – Living in the Low Country does present exposure to earthquake. There is a fault line that runs through the area. Coverage usually can be added to the homeowners policy as an option.

How to save money on Insurance

Shop the market – This can be a lengthy process so give yourself plenty of time. Policies vary greatly from one company to the next. Do you want the services of a local professional insurance agent or are you ok dealing with that 800 number?

Increase your deductibles – You can save significant premium dollars by increasing your deductibles. Did you know that most homeowners policies never have a claim? Save some money but make sure you are comfortable with the amounts should a claim occur.

Insure your home for the correct value – Don’t confuse the market value of the home with its replacement cost. Remember you need enough coverage to rebuild the structure. You are not insuring the value of the land, just the house.

Look for other Discounts – Most companies will give credits or discounts off the premium for having or adding things like alarms, sprinkler systems and storm protection. In addition, some insurance companies offer discounts for having your auto insurance in addition to the homeowners policy. Many other discounts are available so make sure you ask about all that you may be entitled.

Maintain good credit – Companies use an insurance score based on your credit for determining your premium. So, the better your credit the lower you premiums!

Final Thoughts

It is hard to remember all the stuff you have after a major loss. You should take an inventory of your possessions and all the items in your home. Save receipts for the big ticket items purchased and consider taking pictures or videos throughout your home. Keep these records in a safe place.

Make sure you consider the financial stability and integrity of the insurance company where you are purchasing your policy. In today’s turbulent economy, big things are happening in the financial sector, and you want to be with a company that will be there for you should you need them at claim time. No one ever asks how much the policy cost after a major loss!

Jeff Althoff, Agent

Beaufort County Farm Bureau

PO Box 4488

Beaufort, SC 29903

Ph:   843-522-0031 Ext. 234 

Cell: 843-812-2921

Fax: 843-522-0785

jeffalthoff@scfbins.com

 Are you looking for Life, Health or Long Term Care Insurance? Ask me, I can help!

 “Helping You Is What We Do Best!”

Dear Friends, Clients and Fellow Associates~

We asked Cary Griffin of McNair Law Firm to provide a list of communities and their respective transfer fees for buyers, sellers and agents.  Simply click for a readable (and printable) list of these fees below:

                                       Plantation Dues & Transfer Fees 2009

 Please do not take a chance on time…the costs are low for what you get.  Come dance on the beach and enjoy life now!  

All the best,

 
Robbie Bunting &
Jane Hyers

Dear Clients, Friends & Fellow Associates ~

This week we met several Islanders that offer great services on the Island.  Of course if you are looking for great properties please visit www.robbiebunting.com.  Please feel free to contact the following direct or email us if you have any suggestions.

Montgomery Law Firm 

Hunter Montgomery has helped my wife and I with several of our purchases through the years and started his own practice.  He is a very personable guy and a great real estate attorney.  Attorney fees that Hunter charges are $475 for purchasers and $400.00 for sellers and refinances.  Contact Hunter Montgomery located at 200 Main Street, Suite 201-J by calling (843) 301-5267 / (843) 681-5583 (fax)  or email wahm@mindspring.com

Ocean Tides Spa

Sandy Norris at the Ocean Tides Spa is highly recommended.  With a special $75 treatment which can include A Calming Currents Massage, The Tides Stone Massage, or The Dive Deep into the Tissue Massage.  Call Sandy Norris at (843)341-8056 and make an appointment with her.  You will love heading  down to the Oceanfront Hilton in Palmetto Dunes and can even pretend you are on vacation for awhile before and after your massage.  The Hilton has a great beach, wonderful wine bar and a calming presence.  Enjoy.

ForeShore, Property Management and Marketing

If you are thinking of Rental by Owner Services for your Hilton Head Property, contact Brian Tierney (a local)and he will send a welcome package or meet you at your property(or the property you are considering).  His fee is 22% for marketing and cleaning which is very competitive and he starts at 15% if he only promotes the property.  He will get you up and running on VRBO and other internet websites and does a great job.  Brian Tierney can be reached at 843.564.5538 or on his cell at 843.304.9192.  Email him at brian@foreshorerentals.com

Gentle Spray

Ted Brammer did a great job powerwashing my home.  In fact, I now do this every year.  The benefits include looking new again, getting the north side mildew off the home and cleaning up my service yards and driveway.  The fee is reasonable and beats renting or borrowing the equipment and doing it myself(I tried and this and will never do it again!).  Call Ted Brammer at (843)671-2929 or email him at gentlespray@hargray.com

Full Service Accounting

Janett Morris has done my book keeping for years now and I must say that it has not only saved me money as she reviews my billings, it has also saved me time.  I have taken this time to sell more.  She has 30 years of experience and picks up and delivers payroll and bills.  Call Janett at (843)422-4298 or email her at Janett_Morris@yahoo.com

We hope that these contacts serve you well.  Please be sure to mention to that you found their contact information on our blog!  Thank you.

From a great Island with great People~

WE ARE~

Robbie Bunting and Jane Hyers

robbie@robbiebunting.com

Dear Clients, Friends and Fellow Associates~

The other day a client that was considering a villa purchase and heard that insurance was expensive in this area.  He was from an area that offered lower insurance rates, but higher taxes(Long Island).  As we compared our rates and taxes to his taxes and rates we found that ours were lower.  However when we compared lifestyles and temperatures on Hilton Head Island to Long Island we come out way ahead. 

A Newbies guide to Insurance coverage on Hilton Head Island:

Insurance for Villas on Hilton Head

When you purchase a villa or condo the Insurance for the structure is typically billed by the regime fee.  The regime fee usually covers part of the insurance costs for the year and as insurance is billed annually, the regime will bill the owner for any shortfalls.  A policy every owner should get on their condo or villa is for contents and liability.  These policies are typically under $1,000 per year.

The three parts of Insuring a home in the Low Country. 

1. The first part is your homeowners coverage.  Your Homeowners Policy will cover your home for losses due to fire, lightning, water pipe leaks, as well as liability, in case someone is hurt on your property.
2. The second part of the Insurance is the wind coverage. This is issued through the SC Wind & Hail Association. Typically we see homes listed with a 3% deductible. To explain what that means – if you have damage caused by a regular wind storm, the deductible is 1% of the home value. If you have damage done by a “named storm” or hurricane the deductible is 3%.
3. The third part of the Insurance is flood coverage. This  will be offered through the Federal Flood Program. The maximum coverage is 250,000 on the dwelling and 100,000 contents. This is a Preferred Flood Program and those are the set limits.

If you have any questions regarding insurance or wish to shop your current programs we have listed three agents and the companies they work for:

Insurance agents on the Hilton Head Island

Jeff Althoff, Agent
Beaufort County Farm Bureau
PO Box 4488
Beaufort, SC 29903
Ph:   843-522-0031 Ext. 234
Cell: 843-812-2921
Fax: 843-522-0785
jeffalthoff@scfbins.com

Teena Farrell, CISR
Agent/Broker
Seacoast Insurance
843-341-1676
tfarrell@seacoastinsurance.com

Don Earnhart
Kinghorn Insurance
1160 Fording Island Road (Hwy 278)
Bluffton, SC, 29910
843-837-8000
Dearnhardt@kinghorninsurance.com

If you need a home or villa, right now the pickings have never been better.  If you cannot find it in this market you will never find it.  Please visit www.robbiebunting.com for home, villas, lots and visual tours!

Happy insuring…

Robbie Bunting & Jane Hyers

800-932-3652

robbie@robbiebunting.com

Dear Clients, Friends and Fellow Associates~

Real estate is like hockey.  I started thinking about this the other day when I was watching my son play ice hockey in Charleston. My son’s coaches tell the players to “keep their heads up” as they skate with the puck down the ice.  Hockey players keep their heads up or become easy targets by the other team members!  As I thought about this advice, I realized that this was smart advice for hockey or in business.  By keeping our heads up our attitudes are better and we are less likely to get knocked down as we head towards our goal.

You cannot play hockey or real estate sitting on your butt. 

My dad told me this when I first started my career in real estate.  Realtors and Hockey players may get knocked down from time to time if they are in pursuit of achieving their goals.  It is that simple.  If you have not been knocked on your butt it means you are not in the game.  The key is to get off your butt and skate or sell.

Real Estate and Hockey both require contact. 

My mom taught me that real estate is a contact sport.  As in hockey, real estate agents need to be shoulder to shoulder with their client in order to close a sale.   In fact, my mom had a buyer and seller in a stalemate and rather than trying to fight it out, she invited both of them to breakfast together.  She believes in contact and she closed the deal. 

Real Estate agents and Hockey players must stay focused on the goal. 

As you head towards your goal it is very likely you will have outside pressures that can take you further from achieving them.  The key is to stay focused and never give up.  As a realtor or hockey player it is important to know what your goals are and work towards achieving them.

Real Estate agents and Hockey players need coaches. 

A good coach helps agents and hockey players achieve and see things differently.  My coach has pulled me forward in business strategy.   Not only does he make me focus on my daily game, he is alway improving my skills and planning the next game.  Hockey coaches work the same way, the only difference is as an agent I appreciate not having to do suicides after losing my last sale.

So if you are a hockey player(like my son) or a real estate agent(like me) the key to making a goal or making a sale is to keep your head up, listen to your coach, focus on the goal and don’t ever give up.  I look forward to working with you in the future as we head towards our goals together.

From an Island without Ice,

 
Robbie Bunting & Jane Hyers

Dear Clients, Friends & Fellow Associates ~

A long time ago, a fellow agent pulled me aside and said, “Robbie, clients really do not care know how much you know, until they know how much you care!”  This has helped shaped my future dealings with all buyers and sellers.  Along the way though I have also learned that buyers and sellers want a few basics before they get down to business.  These basics include competence, confidence and an intent statement.  They become a road map for the sales process to flow smoothly.  +++CLICK HERE to read about freebies, competency and intent!

Here are some other interesting links:

+++CLICK HERE if air conditioning replacement is suggested!

+++CLICK HERE for new remodeling trends for villas and homes!

+++CLICK HERE for pre-packaged golf rounds on Hilton Head!

+++CLICK HERE for five great Open Homes this Sunday!

We are building our business on each success, this is a recommendation written by one of my clients recently:

“Robbie is efficient, personable and effective. Always gets answers, always stays on track, always listens and does whatever is humanly possible to work with your through a project. Highly recommended.”

Enjoy Fall on an Island~~

Robbie Bunting

& Jane Hyers 

robbie@robbiebunting.com

800-932-3652 

P.S.  This is the time of year to think cozy and intimate.  la famiglia is located in Plantation Center behind Santa Fe and offers a great Eggplant Cutlet Parmigiano at lunch.  CLICK HERE+++ for four special offers.

Dear Clients, Friends and Fellow Associates~

Why renovate before you sell your property?  The benefits of remodeling now include making your space more livable with savings that are available today.  I asked Bunting Construction on Hilton Head Island to give us some insight to remodeling.  Although Bunting Construction has built intricate ocean-front homes with artists that paint ceilings, they started their business remodeling older homes in the Sea Pines area.  The company does not settle for middle and simply does things right with a high standard and a fair price.

A note from Scott Bunting of Bunting Construction

Thanks for calling us about the building and remodeling trends on the Island.  We have found that our clients often know what they want and have some very good ideas on how we can help them when it comes to remodeling projects on their homes.  We have been blowing out spaces to create new and exciting environments for them.  We recently completed a remodel on an oceanfront villa in Palmetto Dunes and took this villa to the studs(see our website below) and redefined and improved the space.  

Our recent projects include:  

+ Kitchen Areas – A kitchen is the heart of a home and many of our clients are opening up their kitchen to other areas of their home.  The advantage to this project is we can take this space and make everything open and brighter with the benefit of more space.  We often remove walls and relocate cabinetry to accomplish a better utilization of this space.  Many of our kitchens are also adding new granite countertops, additional counter space, cabinetry, recycling centers, walk in pantries, and island work areas.

+Sun Porches – Bring in the Sun!  Given the cooler temperatures we are experiencing outside, many of our clients are looking to add a screened in porch to their existing home.  We have found that these porches can coexist with side or back areas of the home as they meet set-backs.  We have also been adding some skylights so we do not darken interior spaces that are adjacent to these porches.  As many of our clients wish to use these spaces year round, we have also been adding windows and doors to create a great sun room.

+Master Suites – It is said kitchens and baths can sell a home and many of our clients are looking for more closet space in their existing master bedrooms.  We have found that often we can combine space from other areas including screened porches, offices, closets and hallways to reconfigure the space and provide bigger and better master suites.  Our projects usually include adding linen closets, separate showers, higher vanities, and whirlpool tubs. 

Despite the economy, remodeling is still one of the better and stronger investments anyone can make because you get to enjoy it now. At Bunting Construction we are set to help your clients with these projects.  We work closely with both an interior decorator and designer to make this process seamless and easy.  Our pride is in our craftsmanship. 

If you have something that you would like us to look at give us a call or have your clients contact us directly.  Thank You.

Sincerely,

Scott Bunting
Bunting Construction Company, Inc
sbunting@buntingcompany.com
www.buntingcompany.com
0ffice 843-842-9033  Fax 843-842-9209  Cell: 843-384-7468

If you have Air Conditioning problems, be advised!

After December 31, 2009, new conditioning units and those requiring repairs to any part of the cooling function components(evaporator coils or compressors) will no longer be allowed to use the standard refrigerant fluid, R22. Instead, a new material, 410A, must be utilized. This replacement substance operates at a higher compression rate and temperature than the old standard R22 material and this has caused and the need for an expansion valve to be added to compensate for this characteristic on existing units which previously operated with that old coolant.

We are hearing from a number of homeowners and realtors they are being told by some HVAC companies that they can not work on their existing units at all after 12/31/09 and the whole system has to be replaced where those components described above may require repair / replacement.

This is simply not true and appears to be a sales pitch to oversell unnecessary products in an otherwise slow market for HVAC activity while building activity is off.  As a repair item and one of the aspects licensed home inspectors emphasize their focus on, this has been a “deal killer” according to some of the realtors who have contacted us about this new regulation.

The cost differential could be enormous and we hope this saves you money and your deal.

From an Island that loves AC,

Robbie Bunting and Jane Hyers

Dear Clients, Friends & Fellow Associates ~

A long time ago, a fellow agent pulled me aside and said, “Robbie, clients do not care know how much you know, until they know how much you care!”  This has helped shaped my future dealings with all buyers and sellers.  Along the way though I have also learned that buyers and sellers want a few basics before they get down to business.  These include competency, confidence and an intent statement that become a road map for the sales process to flow smoothly.

Competence on Hilton Head Island

The competency statement is a chance to provide the seller or buyer with your resume and credentials.  It needs to be factual and straight to the point.  One I have used is, “Before we get started you probably have some questions about me.  I have been a REALTOR now for over 24 years on the Island (new agents should use company credentials i.e. My company has been in real estate since 1979)and have been serving clients just like you through these years.  I love what I do and have a great assistant and company that backs me up every step of the way.   I work hard to know the current market, the opportunities it presents and am able to advise and help you achieve your goals.  OK, lets get started”  Every agent should have a competency statement prepared.  It does not have to be canned, it just needs to be conveyed in the beginning as they do not know who you are!

Confidence on Hilton Head Island

You have one shot at a good first impression.  Through the years I have learned in Real Estate that there are certain freebies for REALTORS and the first impression is an easy one.  Freebies for Realtors include being prepared, appropriate dress, clean automobiles, being on time, and a postitive attitude.  Confidence is an inside job, but some confidence builders include smile,  hang out with positive agents, attend presentations by your Board, read positive material(www.bloghiltonhead), listen to motivation tapes, and skip the headlines.

Intent in Hilton Head Island

Before an agent should ever interview for a listing or show property, they need to establish intent with their client.  An intent statement is as simple as asking a purchaser if they have their “checkbook” before showing any property.  Here is one I have used, “Today we are going to see some great properties.  If we discover a property that  matches your needs now or in the future, I am going to ask you to buy”  Is that OK with you?”  The beauty of a good intent statement is that it allows everyone to relax through the process and unites the agent with their client in a common goal.

Bottom Line

As professionals, competency and intent statements can make the difference between making a friend and also making a sale.  Good Luck and… 

Happy Selling!!!

Robbie Bunting & Jane Hyers

800-932-3652

Great Listings t0 practice with  http://www.robbiebunting.com/listings.asp