Has Hilton Head hit the Bottom?

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According to our experts, here is what to expect in 2010!

Experts in the Hilton Head real estate market include the builders, the realtors, the attorneys, the lenders and the rental agents.  We asked our trusted advisors to tell us what they see in the year ahead in real estate on the Island.  Feel free to contact these professionals directly as they are the best of the best! 

Inventory levels are now dropping on Hilton Head Island!

According to our recent market research, we have now turned a corner in the real estate market on Hilton Head Island!  We have seen a significant drop in supply in just the last month(over 10%!).

Inventories are dropping!  (Hilton Head Multiple Listing Service)

Type                  Nov 2009           Dec 2009          Jan 2010

Homes              2,422                    2,366                  2,174

Villas                1,156                     1,123                   1,014

Lots                  1,680                     1,646                   1,492

As inventory levels drop, by mid summer we should see less days on the market and less negotiability.  If you want a great property at a great price the sooner you make your move the better your chances to find!  One final thought…if you are a buyer, be sure to wire escrow deposits, as they now take up to 10 days to clear many of the banks today.  (If you have questions about real estate or the information above you can contact us directly at (843)842-0805 or by e-mail at robbie@robbiebunting.com)

Interest Rates have bottomed out according to our lender!

We are expecting rates to remain near the all time lows for the next few months, and then rising gently through the year.   The Federal Government has been financially supporting the low rates, and will continue to do so until the housing market is clearly in recovery. Our prediction by year end: Fixed rates will still be in the high 5’s/ low 6’s , adjustable  rates  in the 5’s, and jumbo mortgages will be in the high 5’s…..in other words, an overall increase of ¾%.   Buyers beware: 2010 is the low, and you really need to pull the trigger for the best rates this year. 

(If you have questions about loans or the information above you can contact David Crowell directly at (843)842-4004 or by email at dcrowell@mortgagenetwork.com)

Demand continues according to our long term rental agent!

Long term rental demand starts traditionally in March and lasts through September as a general rule.  The length of time it takes to rent a property is approximately 2 months, but it can vary, as a rental home that is rental ready, light, bright and updated will rent quicker. Furnished homes usually appeal to snow birds or people with a temporary need and usually take longer to rent. Unfurnished homes are the bulk of the long term rental market, as most people have their own furnishings.

We feel the long term rental market will be good for 2010, as there is shortage of available homes under 2,400 sq. ft. We think it is a good time for people to buy, as prices and interest rates are low and the supply for available long term rentals is low. 

(If you have questions about long term rentals or the information above you can contact Keith Miller at (843)682-4310 or via e-mail at Keith@millerlongterm.com )

Give yourself time in the closing process per our attorney!

Patience is the key for those involved in seeking either to sell or those who may be purchasing at somewhat of a bargain-basement price.  Cary Griffin indicated that 2010 will likely be full of attempted sales by sellers under duress, or “short sales”, as well as sales by lenders who have already foreclosed or taken back the property in one fashion or another.  These types of transactions tend to be bureaucratic and slow moving, but there are benefits if they are successfully completed.   Hence, both parties should expect a longer time period between contract and closing. 

From the buyer’s perspective, obviously interest rates are a key focal point.  Also, consider the fact that as of now, in 2010, there is no federal estate tax.  Therefore, buyers should consult with their estate planning advisors as to how to take title to a new primary residence or a second home as the federal estate tax documents come back to life in 2011 with higher rates and lower exception amounts than existed in 2009.  “Stay tuned” is the best advice here.

(If you have questions about contracts/closings or the information above please contact Cary Griffin at (843)785-2171 or cgriffin@mcnair.com )

Get in front of the line and build/remodel before everyone else!

2010 is starting off with great promise. There are several factors driving a stronger building market in 2010. Homeowners are seeing that the economy is on a rebound and see prices only going up from here. The timing today offers the advantage of lower costs for both construction and prime locations(tear downs are once again in favor!) 

Construction costs will start to climb in the latter part of the year as demand increases. As always, make sure that your builder/contractor uses the right quality materials for the desired end product. As consumers are looking for the very lowest price, hungry contractors might sacrifice the quality of the material to get the price that the homeowner wants. In some instances, this may not be bad – in others, it could be a problem. Communicate with your contractor to insure that you get what you want.

Overall, construction costs are currently lower than the past few years, however, as the building market continues its long and steady re-growth, costs to build will increase accordingly. Don’t wait, start building now! 

(If you have questions about building/remodeling or the information above, please contact Scott Bunting at (843)384-7468 or e-mail SBunting@buntingcompany.com)

Buy now and get ready for busy summer rental season!

This past year was very promising as we exceeded our goals in the rental market for 2009. This is the time of year where property owners are doing all the upgrades and renovations getting ready for the busy rental season ahead.  This is also the time of year where any owners wishing to change rental companies or join a rental company usually make those choices so that there is minimal loss of potential revenue. We have been booking rentals thru the winter and already have a high demand for properties during the march thru September months as our bookings are up 75% over last year. We are booking for the summer now and things are filling in very nicely. We are currently still taking Ocean View/Front properties, Near Ocean and some golf locations. We are also, in need of 4 bedroom or larger homes on the ocean or Near Ocean. We are running special packages for Palmetto Dunes for 2010 that are sure to keep everyone back for more. 

(If you have questions about short term rentals or the information above, please contact Mark Shackelford at (843)686-9638 or e-mail at mshackelford@palmettodunes.com )

Can you see the bottom from where you are standing?

We would love to hear from you what you are seeing from where you are standing in the current market.  Please e-mail us robbie@robbiebunting.com.  Thank you!



Mercedes on the Beach @ Hilton Head Island

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Smart money is buying homes on the Oceanfront right now.  In the month of August we sold six oceanfront homes on Hilton Head Island and the good ones are going, going….but not all gone.  This oceanfront home is clearly the best with a new price to match the rest!
 

121 Dune Lane~Hilton Head Island

 
 Designer: Stone & Stone
Builder: Bunting Construction
Interior:  J.Banks Design/Shelley Wilkins
On Lockbox Daily
 Hilton Head Island Oceanfront
This Sea Island Concept Home is brand new and offers casual comfort built with strong materials and skilled craftsmanship that will stand the test of time and sea.  Everyone loves the rich interior finishes throughout this magnificent building. 
 
Built like a Mercedes with features that will last including a Lifetime Kynar Panel Roof, Weather Shield Hurricane Impact Rated Windows & Patio Doors plus a total of 34 – 60 foot long auger-cast concrete pilings.  It also offers a 3-stop elevator, heated Pool and Spa, Ipe Wood Decking, outdoor fireplace, custom stones & granites, a 6+ car garage, a new Beach Ramp and incredible direct oceanfront views.  The rental projections range from $177,000 to over $200,000.  Included below is a link to an unbranded visual tour that you can copy and paste to send to your oceanfront friends.   Thank you.
 
121 Dune Lane
Unbranded Visual Tour
The seller is reasonable and ready to sell.  All serious offers(in writing) will be considered.  Please feel free to stop by and preview this exceptional home and bring us your best!  Thank you.
 
All the best~

Robbie Bunting &
Jane Hyers



Why sell or buy with Robbie Bunting at Dunes Marketing Group

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Benefit List for selling or buying Hilton Head Real Estate
2009 – Revised 8/5/09
  • This is our thirtieth (30th) year and Robbie Bunting’s  25th year with Dunes Marketing Group
  • Established in 1979, DMG is one of the oldest and most respected real estate sales companies in the Hilton Head area.
  • DMG has sold more than $5,000,000,000 (5 Billion) in Hilton Head properties since 1979.
  • DMG has five (5) highly visible Hilton Head, and Daufuskie locations that are open seven days a week generating thousands of interested real estate buyers every year.
  • One of the office locations is a unique real estate kiosk in the center of the busy Shelter Cove Mall. From the kiosk Dunes promotes its listings of properties and meets hundreds of prospective purchasers every year.
  • There are more than one hundred (100) full time experienced professional Realtors associated with DMG.
  • During 2008, DMG sold almost $265,000,000 in Hilton Head, Bluffton and Daufuskie. This number helped rank DMG as one of the top three performing real estate companies in Southern Beaufort County.
  • State of the art interactive website www.dunesmarketing.com. It’s a complete resource for buyers, sellers and anyone who wants to learn more about the Lowcountry. On the site, find all of DMG’s listings and access to the Hilton Head Island MLS. Also featured are community videos, new developments, news, a calendar of events, and our Agent Blogs. DMG listings appear on 34 real estate websites, currently including: HiltonHeadMLS.com, Realtor.com, RELOHomeSearch.com, FrontDoor.com, Locale.com, Trulia.com, Base.Google.com, Zillow.com, Oodle.com, Homefinder.com, Vast.com, Hotpads.com, RealEstate.Yahoo.com, RealEstate.aol.com, Walmart.com classifieds, OceanHomesUSA.com, Cyberhomes.com, Military.com, Local.com, InvestorLoft.com, MyREALTY.com, eRealInvestor.com, DotHomes.com, ResortScape.com, PropBot.com, Lycos.oodle.com and OpenHouse.com.
  • DMG Sales Agents regularly receive continuing education at all levels of ability.  DMG agents attend weekly, and sometimes twice weekly, sales meetings and property tours.  DMG agents are better trained and more knowledgeable than most other Hilton Head area Realtors.
  • DMG was awarded the Company of the Year for 2008 by the Association of Realtors.
  • DMG is a member of the Hilton Head Island MLS Service, which has more than fourteen hundred (1,400) Realtors.
  • Over the past three years, more than sixty (60) percent of all the properties sold by DMG were also listed with DMG.  We focus on our listings first and foremost.
  • DMG advertises regularly and extensively in virtually every major real estate publication in the Hilton Head area, as well as the Island television station, WHHI-TV.
  • DMG sponsors special Island events throughout the year to attract potential customers and support community activities.  One example would be the weekly fireworks during the summer in Shelter Cove Harbour.  Attendance has often been estimated to exceed 15,000 visitors.  DMG has an office open in the harbour and real estate information booths at these events.
  • DMG is a regular sponsor of Hilton Head charities, children’s activities, The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina and community events.
  • DMG has more than 50,000 prospective purchasers in company data banks.
  • Approximately 30,000 pieces of direct mail for buyers and sellers are mailed every month by DMG.
  • DMG sponsors “mini-vacation” opportunities for prospective purchasers to visit and look at real estate.  These mini-vacations offer reduced cost on accommodations, golf, and tennis for our customers visiting again for a “second look”.
  • DMG publishes four issues annually of Palmetto Previews, a seasonal guide to Palmetto Dunes and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The publication is mailed to about 10,000 property owners and prospective purchasers. In addition, 20,000 copies are available in more than thirty locations throughout the area as “take one” and placed in the guest rooms at hotels and rental villas.
  • DMG is the number one sales company on Hilton Head Island for the sale of new developer properties in 2008!
  • DMG was the number one sales company for villas in Southern Beaufort County for 2008!
  • DMG was the number one sales company in Palmetto Dunes in 2008!
  • DMG was the number one sales company in Moss Creek in 2008!
  • DMG was the number one sales company in Palmetto Hall in 2008!DMG is a member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World (RELO), the largest relocation company in the world with 650 member firms, 4,700 offices and 120,000 associates in 20 countries doing more than 40 billion in sales annually.

Robbie Bunting has been the top agent with Dunes Marketing Group for the last two years and many of the past years.  We can help you get the job done.

Call or email us anytime at 800-932-3652 or robbie@robbiebunting.com . Thank you.



Your price or mine when it comes to selling your Hilton Head Property?

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Pricing



Sellers on Hilton Head Island…please be creative!

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Ideas to Get Your Property SOLD in 2009

Marketing Ideas for Sellers in Challenging Markets  

  1. Since buyers have multiple choices in this market, the condition of the property is critical to the sales process.  The property must be near perfect to receive offers.  The homes that sell first are priced right and are in great condition.  (We are at an all time high in listing inventory on Hilton Head; the buyers can simply pick and choose and select the best property and value for them with little pressure to purchase.)
  2. In order to receive offers, we must be #1 in position within your neighborhood in terms of price, condition, and location.  If we are not #1 in all three categories, we must be #1 on price.
  3. The property must be easy to show and convenient to all Buyers and Agents.
  4. Creativity Counts!  Consider giving buyer concessions to trigger an offer.  These concessions could be anything from paying down interest rates, making 6 months of payments for the buyer in advance, paying down the buyer’s credit cards and /or repainting or re-carpeting the property.
  5. Consider writing an offer to the buyer to see if they will consider purchasing the property.  This has been successful for a number of agents across the U.S.
  6. Determine your net, net, net bottom line and let’s work towards getting the price in line with that position.
  7. Consider getting a conventional appraisal on the property to support the price and value we have established for your home and adjust if necessary.  The appraisal will help to support your value and price when the buyer applies for their mortgage.  However, please note the buyer’s mortgage company will not use this appraisal and will order their own independent appraisal. 
  8. Consider accepting the first offer.  Many times the first offer is the best offer.  Also in this market, the first offer might be the only offer.
  9. Consider offering a 4 or 5 % commission to the selling agent so the property is more appealing to the other agents.  This will provide the agent with additional incentive to show your property.  Therefore, they will be more likely to show your property versus the competition.
  10. Understand the market has changed and we must work together to get showings and offers.  Review your motivation to sell so we can get the best offer the market will bear.



Consumer Confidence Scale for Buyers & Sellers on Hilton Head Island.

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How Are We Doing037



Be Greedy and Quiet ~ Advice for Hilton Head Real Estate Purchasers!

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Dear Clients, Friends and Fellow Associates,
                                                                                                                         

The Real Estate Market right now on Hilton Head Island is a lot  like an auction.  The other day I went to an auction and watched most of  the prequalified bidders waiting for a sign or signal before making their move.  While these “bidders” twisted in their seats, a few market brave buyers made their bids, but only one very quiet bidder sitting in a corner ultimately got the property.  In my opinion, that buyer made money that day and is smiling all the way to the bank.

It is time to be greedy and quiet! Warren Buffet best said “Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful”.  Right now we have a lot of “lookers” on the internet, some are coming down to preview our properties, a few are making bids, and only one will be the winner.  These brave buyers are being rewarded with superior properties at great values.  Please note that the turn is now happening slowly and quietly.  In fact, just last month we sold 119 homes and villas on Hilton Head Island and in the last week we sold 4  oceanfront homes!

Don’t wait for a sign or signal that it is time to jump in.  My company is set up to help you research and review the opportunities(quietly) while the masses are still sitting on the sidelines. Jane and I work very hard researching, investigating and preparing tours with only the very best properties.  In fact, with our network we often know about great deals before they are ever listed for sale. 

Here are just some incredible values:

All of these unbelievable properties include:

  • Condition, Location, & Price.  In fact, right now you can get all three, but all bets are off in 2010!
  • Cherry Picking.  Some of the very best locations are coming up for sale and are selling very quickly.  You have to be in the know to get them.
  • Creativity.  Flexible terms and even trades are even being considered for properties saving all kinds of dough!
  • Deltas.  In normal markets the cost to sell one property and buy another is greater than the delta now!  +++CLICK HERE for more details.

A wise friend once said “If you don’t plan the hunt you are just walking in the woods”  Please don’t hesitate in getting started in your search.  Call us at 800-932-3652 or email robbie@robbiebunting.com so we can start sending you some ideas.  We would also like to suggest a “research” visit to Hilton Head Island this fall.  The subtropical temperatures, wonderful restaurants, shopping and beaches are very enjoyable at this time of year.  We have arranged a special program including accomodations at one of the finest resorts this fall.  Please +++CLICK HERE for our Mini Vacation for Fall 2009!
 
Subtropical Regards~
  
Robbie Bunting & Jane
 
P.S. Our mini vacation is available for clients, relatives and friends.  We would appreciate if you would forward this as many times as you can!   Although it depends on your readiness, timing has never been better and you and your friends will be rewarded!  Thank you.



Dream Big, Hilton Head, SC 29928

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Dream BIGGER!

 

It is my belief that we will all look back on this year and say that 2009 was the best year to buy real estate.  With housing affordability reaching record levels and pending home sales rising in the southeast by 8 ½ percent the time to buy property has never been so rewarding.

 

Does it get any better?  We think so.  We recently completed a few transactions for our clients that were amazing.  Although they had hoped to sell for more, they were realistic and realized the purchase of their dream saving over $150,000! 


They sold their home for less than they hoped for:                       

   $525,000.00 Purchase price                                           

+$100,000.00 in improvements

  $625,000.00 Basis                                                            

  $565,000.00 Selling Price           

  $  60,000.00 less than the HOPED for BUT…               

 

They Purchased their Dream Property  for:

  $899,000.00 Replacement Property                            

 -$699,000.00 Purchase Price                                          

  $200,000.00 SAVINGS                                                    

-$  60,000.00 From above cost to sell     

  $ 140,000.00 Total Savings                                       

 

Moving up is taking place all over the Island as one couple sells their present property to buy a foreclosure or a market bargain.   You have this present opportunity in your favor and we would love to show you how you can save money in this market.  By the way, given the historic low interest rates, payments are lower than ever before. 

 

Are you interested in seeing if this can work for you?  Give us a call or shoot us an email.  We know what you are looking for and have some real estate deals and steals that you will absolutely love.  Who says you cannot have your cake and eat it too!

Thank you,

 
Robbie Bunting



Hiltonheadforeclosurebus.com

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Sign up for the Foreclosure Bus Tour Today!

 

With HiltonHeadForeclosureBus.com you will see and learn all abouthiltonheadforeclosurebuscom the foreclosed properties and short sales on Hilton Head Island and Bluffton.   Our licensed agents will show you the very best properties offered and provide a list of every foreclosures and short sale available in the area. 

On hiltonheadforeclosurebus.com you can sign up for a bus ticket to view foreclosures that are currently for sale in the Hilton Head Island Area. Simply click here  and sign in under “schedule a viewing” and we will email a confirmation for your tour and send you a bus ticket via email.   

These tours* will take you into gated communities and into the homes and villas that are offered as a foreclosure or short sale.   We schedule private tours throughout the week and weekends. 

Please choose the tour number you would be interested in seeing…
Tour 1 ~ Under $400,000
Tour 2 ~ $400,000-$700,000
Tour 3 ~ $700,000-$1,000,000
Tour 4 ~ Over 1 million

Visit hiltonheadforeclosurebus.com and sign up for your bus tour today!

See you on the bus!

Robbie Bunting &
Jane Hyers

P.S.  Please sign up in advance, space is limited.   A complete list of all area foreclosures and short sales will be passed out to attendees



Creative Financing…Hilton Head Island, SC.

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Dear Clients, Friends and Fellow Associates~

I credit this economy for allowing my clients to get better properties at better prices.  I credit this economy for challenging me to do things differently and become stronger.  I credit this economy for the chance to find creative solutions for my buyers and sellers.  We have listed several ideas below that can help our clients, friends and fellow associates move faster and save money in the lending process!  We hope you find these useful.

Creative Financing 101:

Call your Stock Broker!   Recently a client of mine found a great home, but alas had not yet sold his primary residence.  Deciding not to take a chance on time he bought this great home and went to work figuring out how to pay for it.  In his search for cheap money he found his Stock Broker offered a loan at 2 1/2 percent.  Needless to say, I told him he should buy another!  This portfolio loan program is offered by many brokerage houses or give me a call as we have sources we can share with you. 

Ask the seller to offer financing!  Back in the old days when we had interest rates starting at about 17% we often looked for alternative or creative financing from the seller before we ever headed to a bank.  If the seller does not have a mortgage(if they do have a mortgage see land contracts below) they should consider the benefits of offering seller financing on their Hilton Head Property.   Of course, seller financing makes sense for the second home or vacant lot owner.  The benefits can include a faster sale and a better return.  Right now, money markets are paying less than 1.5% and the seller could easily offer owner financing at 5 or 6%. 

Ask the seller to do a land contract!  Land contracts offer more attractive financing terms over the rigid qualification standards of institutional lenders right now.  This program is similar to a lease purchase or rent to own and works for sellers that have an existing mortgage in place.  A land contract wraps around the existing mortgage or is paid straigt to the existing lender.  The seller typically offers this financing with a balloon payment of  3-5 years. At the time that the buyer secures bank financing the sellers existing loan is paid off and the deed transfers to the purchaser.  And for non conforming properties, a land contract or seller financing makes the property easier to sell.

Ask the seller to carry a second mortgage!  Given the higher down payments required by the lenders in today’s market, sellers would be wise to consider a 2nd mortgage on their property.  If the seller has some equity, this is a great way to earn a higher return than investing this money in a mutual fund or CD, but the real benefit is it will help the seller position the property more attractively to a buyer.  This is a great solution for a buyer that simply cannot come up with the down payment, but can easily afford the property.

Get a home equity line to buy a lot or second home!  Although this is not a preferred financing alternative, many purchasers have used their equity to buy property in the area.  These equity lines allow homeowners the ability to borrow up to $100,000 and still deduct all of the interest when they file their tax returns.   Home-equity loans provide an easy source of cash. The interest rate on a home-equity loans although higher than that of a first mortgage – is much lower than on credit cards and other consumer loans.

Sellers and buyers both win!  The benefits of creative financing for buyers include less stringent requirements to qualify, flexible terms, lower closing costs and a faster closing.  Seller realize benefits that can  include a faster selling process,  less difficult appraisal requirements, the possibility of deferring a gain, monthly income, a better rate of return than money market accounts and a faster closing. 

Money is once again flowing.  Conventional and even Jumbo loans are now available with very attractive rates.  If however you want to speed up the sale and reduce closing costs the above alternative financing solutions can help.  With 30 year fixed rates lower than they have ever been timing is important.  We may not be at the bottom, but we are pretty darn close!

Happy August on an Island.

 
Robbie Bunting &
Jane Hyers




Copyright © 2024 Hilton Head Real Estate. All rights reserved. Disclaimer: All content on this blog is my own opinion and should not be treated as fact or relied upon when purchasing or selling real estate.
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