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

This is a great idea and we wanted to pass it on to you!  Feel free to pass it on to others 🙂

Robbie Bunting & Jane Hyers

ICE campaign – “In Case of Emergency”   

You won’t believe the special Hilton Head Getaway we’ve arranged for you!   Come for a visit and you will enjoy sandy beaches, world-class golf, beautiful weather and luxurious amenities.   It is our pleasure to offer you a special getaway at only $99.oo per nite including free golf.  (Per person)

Your  Getaway includes:

• Dining deals at some of the Islands Favorites including Bistro 17 and Santa Fe. 
• An opportunity to relax and discover too good to be true dream homes, villas & lot

You might have guessed by now that we are sending this letter to suggest to you a fall visit because we have some incredible real estate opportunities happening!  We have sold several properties in the last few weeks and have found these properties offer unbelievable locations with impeccable condition at bargain prices.  Our negotiations have proven that this is the best it’s ever been for our buyers in our 25 years of selling Island Real Estate!  Right now, properties that were beyond reach in the past or simply not available may be found for sale!

We will be giving you a call within the next week or two to discuss The Getaway and some of our unbelievable opportunities.  In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 800-932-3652 or send an e-mail to islandrealtor@hargay.com.  Make a date to Getaway this fall.

Happy Hilton Head!

Robbie Bunting & Jane Hyers

P.S. Our mini vacation is available for clients, their referrals and family.  It is not a prerequisite to tour real estate or meet with an agent for The Getaway offer!  However, based on the deals we are making…. why not?  Please feel free to forward this to a friend or relative.  Thank you.

Special situations occur in markets like this.  We call this timing! 

A special situation happens when properties come up for sale that offer condition and location with a price sometimes below market.  This is typically stimulated by high inventories and is often corrected by lowering interest rates.  Once inventories level off, this cycle ends and rates rise. 

It is all about timing.  This market has opened up an opportunity to negotiate, trade, sell or buy real estate.  Please e-mail or call us and let us know what your timing is and what you may be looking for now or in the future in regard to buying or selling.  We have several special situations to share with you and several ideas to consider including our thoughts on timing this cycle.  Thank you.

Happy Summer 2008!

Robbie Bunting, Bryan Jacoby and Jane Hyers

We are starting our open houses at the end of February at 121 Dune Lane and our homes at Palmetto Hall…..  The open house setting is usually more relaxed for the prospective buyer and a lot less threatening.  It also gives a buyer the chance to see, feel and experience the home without tying up a sales person time.  I have personally made several sales from these open houses and believe they provide the exposure you need to sell your property.  Just recently a home sold on the Island from an open house to a couple down the street that wanted a larger home. So even the neighbors become prospects and promoters.  As well, we will be offering a $1,000.00 closing cost coupon to these prospects if they purchase one of our properties from an open house.  These coupons are good for two weeks after the open house and help us create a sense of urgency.  By the way, they are paid for from our earned commission at closing :).

Greetings from Hilton Head Island!

How you are coming with your real estate search?  Our properties include homes, home sites, villas and quarter shares on and off the  Island. Hilton Head Island offers with  12 miles of Atlantic Ocean beaches, championship golf, unbelievable restaurants, incredible shopping, a great hospital, public and private schools and an airport.  It has been our pleasure to help families find the right property on this  Island for over 19 years!

Just call or email at anytime!  Jane and I would be happy to answer any and all questions, research specific area of interest, send additional information on Island and off  Island properties.

We have put together a few websites and their respective links to help with your research!

www.islandpacket.com Our local newspaper with Island information and classifieds.

www.dunesmarketing.com Information about our company, the services we provide and the properties we offer for sale.

www.robbiebunting.com This is our multiple listing service with all Island Listings for sale.  Visit the site, but please do call us if you have any questions about any property you see.

www.hiltonheadchamber.com  Everything that is happening on the  Island can be found here.

www.artscenter-hhi.org  All the happenings of Arts Center of Coastal Carolina.

www.hiltonhead.com/events/ Island events

We hope you have a wonderful week.

Thanks,

Robbie Bunting and Jane Hyers

Have you checked out Jonesville Road Lately?  

  At the end of the road you will discover a group of neighborhoods that are brand new with new homes sprouting up and a neighborhood built around a creek and lifestyle that is what this Low Country is all about.  

To discover Jonesville for yourself, turn Left on Spanish Wells Road and Turn Right on Jonesville Road (3rd Right).  

Laurie and I recently finished and moved into our new home at 217 Jonesville in May of last year.  Therefore, if you ever need help or in-site to this neighborhood, please feel free to call or e-mail me anytime.  

Thank You…..and

Happy Discovering & Selling 🙂

Robbie Bunting &
Jane Hyers

The first azaleas bloom is an indication that our real estate selling season has officially started.  This season pickup in traffic is driven by the realistic pricing on new listings and an increase in buyer traffic as guests visit this wonderful Island…

We believe that the market is turning.  We want to keep you abreast of the market, what to anticipate and how to find a great property.  I look forward to speaking to you soon.   In the meantime, please feel free to call on me anytime (weekends, too).

All the Best!

Robbie Bunting &

Jane Hyers

The real estate buyers are back in January!  We have seen an increase in home, villa and home site sales on the Island since January 1, 2009.   This early season pickup in traffic is driven by the value adjustments on existing listings & realistic pricing on new listings.   In fact, quite simply it’s impossible to stop baby boomers from retiring or having fun!   

However, the true opportunity right now in the Island Real Estate Market is selection.  What this means to you is that we have an amazing array of properties available from condos, to homes to home sites that have been building in inventory and reduced as a result of the growing inventories.  So, if you are already an owner and want to research a move or you are investigating the possibilities for the first time check out the timing below!

Here are some benefits the current real estate inventory offers you:

• Upgrade to bigger and better.
• Find a better View. 
• Move closer to the beach, golf, pool, club…etc.
• Downsize to a smaller home or villa.
• Purchase an additional or adjacent property.
• Take advantage of the savings this market affords.
• Find an incredible bargain!

Keep in mind the good stuff is selling with a low number of days on the market. The first azaleas bloom kick off the selling season on Hilton Head and I would love to help you or a friend find a deal in this new and exciting Real Estate Market! 

Please feel free to call for any reason…. No matter how big or how small you may think it is, we can certainly save you time and most often money!. Whether its tee times, restaurant selections, booking a vacation or finding paradise…just e-mail or call us!

We appreciate the opportunity to serve you! 

• If you have not yet joined the e-club, simply click on the web site below & sign up today.  
• Please hit “Forward” above & send this e-mail to a friend.  (they may decide to sign up,too!)  

From the Island~

Robbie Bunting &

Jane Hyers

Your Island Hosts

Monthly Tip – Make a financial plan for your real estate!   If you want to build a 10 year financial strategy & plan (or are researching purchase or refinancing) …simply contact my friend David Crowell @ Mortgage Network (it may take him a day or two to get back to you as he is quite popular.)  Call him, his phone is (843)842-4004 and see what program he can custom design for you!   Don’t forget to ask about his client for life program!  (We have additional lending specialist available!)