1.  The town charges a quarter of one percent transfer fee.  The transfer fee is typically paid for by the purchaser and is used to purchase lands that have been turned into parks or green space.  The town has now accumulated over 1000 acres.  The fee is collected by Beaufort County and turned over to the town.

2.  Many of the Hilton Head Island communities charge a transfer fee.  While this fee can be paid by the buyer or seller in negotiation, many of the communities are using this fee to update their infrastructure.  You can review the community transfer fees  and contact the appropriate manager for more information.

3.  Buyers Agency.  Buyers can get representation in a real estate transaction and the agent will paid by the published co-op offered by the seller.  Buyers benefit working with knowledgeable agents with buyer representation when it comes time to negotiate, contingencies, market insights and getting the property to closing.

4.   Closings require an attorney for both the buyer and seller.  South Carolina does not offer title companies or round table closings with everyone at the same table.  Purchasers and sellers choose an attorney for closing.  The attorneys will than do the work necessary to close the property and arrange the exchange of the monies and keys after all the documents are signed and delivered.

5.  Hilton Head Market Trends are local.  How much negotiation can you expect on a villa over 1 million.  How long should it take to sell your home if it is properly priced?  These answers are not that difficult to answer with our Monthly Market Trend Report.  This market research gives a snapshot of the market and helps guide a buyer or seller when they are negotiating.

6.  Hilton Head Property Taxes.  Taxes are always billed in arrears and the seller will be crediting the buyer for the time that they have owned the property on the settlement statement based on their status of resident(4%) or non-resident(6%).  These taxes are based on millage and can be computed here.