Herman and Davis Properties

Category: Buying

  • Market Reflection – May 2023

    Market Reflection – May 2023

    Spring Has Sprung

    May means it is officially Spring.  Spring is such an exciting time on Hilton Head with so many events to look forward to.  Speaking of excitement, what an incredible finish at the RBC Heritage tournament with Matt Fitzpatrick winning in a playoff.  Our weather was spectacular and the 55th year of RBC Heritage saw a field of top talent due to the elevated status this year by the PGA tour.

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    A Look At Our Current Market

    New listings continued to fall in April in both Hilton Head and Bluffton.  Year to date, there is almost 30% fewer listing on Hilton Head than this time last year and 26% less in Bluffton. We know we sound like a broken record, but we have to keep saying it anyway, there are still more buyers than sellers with inventory still at an all-time low.

     

    Hilton Head home sales are off 29% from last year’s numbers, villa sales are off 35.5%.  Bluffton’s home sales are off 28.8%, while villa sales are down 41%.  It is interesting to note that land sales have slowed reflecting the effect of increased rates, lack of builder confidence, and increased building costs.  All of that said, even with interest rates doubling, inflation, and economic uncertainty, our area remains extremely desirable.

     

    For the results you expect and deserve, call the Herman & Davis Team for one stop service where you will receive property prep guidance, knowledgeable vendors for repairs, staging, professional marketing, expert negotiations, and listing/closing concierge services. Regardless of whether you are selling or buying, it is extremely important to align yourself with a team that is knowledgeable, reputable, and committed to all your real estate needs.

  • Market Reflection – April 2023

    Market Reflection – April 2023

    Is Inventory Still Limited?

    It’s true that across the United States, there are many real estate markets in a state of flux, some with more inventory than last year and some that are still limited. The Hilton Head/Low Country falls into the latter category. Fortunately for our clients, it is still a favorable market across all price points and available homes for sale are still limited.

    We have been very busy and working hard, with over $40 Million in sales since January. We are on pace to have another great year! For our Low Country buyers, they might find the pace a little less frenetic when they are ready to make an offer, however, the sellers’ expectations may differ from what the buyers are thinking. We have found that many buyers are buying now with a little more reservation mainly related to economic uncertainty and higher interest rates. For our Low Country sellers, the market is still in your favor, yet it’s important to make sure you understand the changing values to get the most out of your equity. It’s easy to see why the real estate industry is topsy-turvy.

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    A Look Back at the First Quarter

    In general, the Hilton Head area real estate market had a good first quarter, even though results are mixed. The total number of sales is down mainly due to the lack of inventory, however, median sale prices are up, especially regarding residential homes. Our average sale price versus the asking price has dropped 3-5%, showing sellers are becoming more negotiable, and our average days on the market have increased, which are both signs of a market in transition. We are watching closely.

    New to the area? Trading up? Trading down? Moving around town? Now more than ever, you need the experienced agents at Herman & Davis Properties to help you navigate the changing landscape! Whether you’re buying, selling, or both, it’s never too early to meet with us. We’re always happy to sit down with you to discuss, strategize, and develop a plan that will meet your goals. We’re just a phone call away!

  • Real Estate Market Trends – Past, Present, and Future

    Real Estate Market Trends – Past, Present, and Future

    Reflections and Predictions

    In 2022 our market underwent a major shift, especially in the last half, as economic uncertainty and higher mortgage rates reduced buyer demand, slowed the pace of home sales, and softened home prices. Prior to the almost-sudden change, the red-hot housing market of the past 2 ½ years was characterized by sub-three percent mortgage rates, fast-paced bidding wars and record-low inventory. Current market conditions have provided us an opportunity to become re-educated about what a ‘typical’ housing market looks like. While 2022 may be remembered as a year of housing volatility, 2023 will most likely become a year of long-lost normalcy returning to the market. Mortgage rates are expected to stabilize while home sales and prices moderate after recent highs.

    Key Observations

    Buyers will not face the extreme competition that was commonplace over the past few years. The housing market, once adjusted to the new normal of higher mortgage rates, will benefit from continued strong demographic-driven demand relative to an overall, long-running shortage of supply. Sellers are choosing not to trade up or sell and take on new mortgages, as they could end up with rates 2-3% points higher than the ones they have now. This should protect home prices from falling. Relatively, we expect inventory levels in Sea Pines to remain low, as the demand fueled by demographics and the after-effects of the Pandemic continue.

    The Great Reset

    2023 will bring lots of variability in how housing markets adjust, according to Bright MLS Chief Economist, Lisa Sturtevant. There will be a lot of resetting expectations for both buyers and sellers. There will be variations from market to market, and in different price ranges. MLS data shows 40% of sellers have adjusted their home price downward or offered concessions. This period of acceptance will take some time. Sellers will need to process all of this, and that is underway now. It’ll take time, probably into the first quarter of next year, to fully digest the “new normal.” Regardless, prices will still remain above 2019 levels.

    The Numbers

    The local Hilton Head Association of Realtors and MLS report market wide the inventory levels are up 88.6% with the largest gain in the Single Family segment (up 99%). That conveys into 2.1 months’ supply for homes and 1.9 months’ supply for condos/villas. Reminder: a normalized market is 5-6 months’ supply. There has been a 15% increase in median price for SFH (homes) for 2022 and 20% increase for condos/villas for the year. However; pending sales in the Hilton Head region is down 24.1% overall, and we are seeing more and more buyer incentives in the form of concessions and price reductions. Turnkey properties remain in high demand; outpacing supply, which puts pressure on asking prices for “fixer-uppers.” If sales continue to slow, and inventory increases; housing prices will soften over the next 12 months. Good News; forecasters do expect the Federal Reserve will end its path of rate increases at the end of the first quarter; which should lead to sustainable declines for mortgage rates in the second half of 2023 and into 2024.

    Bottom Line

    We encourage you to keep the perspective that, even if prices do come down a bit, we are way ahead of where we were prior to the pandemic. If you’re looking to buy or sell a home this year, the best way to ensure you’re up to date on the latest market insights is to partner with a trusted real estate advisor who has longevity and a track record of success in both up and down markets. Becky Herman and Monica Davis, along with the power and resources of Charter One Realty, an iconic market leader in the Hilton Head Area, and their affiliation with three top luxury real estate networks, will be able provide you with a unique perspective and advice that will serve you well. Call them for a confidential consultation and market evaluation related to your property!

  • Will the Faceless Lender Survive?

    Will the Faceless Lender Survive?

    2021 was a good year to be in real estate. We saw years of pent-up demand, a desire to leave cities, and years of lower-than-needed home construction all come to a head. With many people working from home, Covid-19 has acted as a catalyst to have people buy their first residence, renovate their current residences, or move to larger homes in better locations. Couple a desire to upgrade with low-interest rates and the housing market has been moving at historic rates of demand exhausting supply.

    Over the last two years, we have seen online lenders acting as call centers enter the market. The individual on the phone takes a consumer’s order, discusses the rate, requests documents, and hopes the company can execute once the file enters underwriting. Once in underwriting, the client’s fate is determined. Without counseling and limited explanation, the file is either approved or denied. If denied the lender stops returning phone calls, disappears, and moves onto their call list leaving all other parties in the transaction with a sour taste, lost time, and sometimes the buyer with a non-refundable earnest money deposit.

    According to the National Association of Realtors, there is 15.5% less inventory than in February of 2021 and the average number of offers on a listing was 4.8. Low inventory has been a topic of many conversations and the desire to land one’s dream home has become a challenge given the competition. Having a plan is imperative and working with a reputable, local lender who has name recognition, is able to call the listing side to support your offer, and allows you to stand out amongst other offers has never been of more importance. The need for a knowledgeable loan originator (who you have the cell phone number) to guide you through this unique and fast-moving real estate market has never been greater.

    Hilton Head Island and Bluffton have many nuances such as Homeowners Association fees, Neighborhood transfer fees, condominium regime fees, flood insurance, and the Hilton Head transfer fee. All of these costs symbolize pitfalls that a non-local lender can get tripped up on and end up surprising you at the closing table with additional costs or crushing the purchase of your dream home altogether.

    With interest rates in-line or better than online lenders stay and trust your local partners who can navigate you through the potentially challenging process of buying in the Lowcountry. We have the experience to ask the right questions, the products to meet your needs, and the service level to make it a stress-free experience!

     

  • 4 Home Buying Contingencies You Should Know About

    4 Home Buying Contingencies You Should Know About

    As real estate agents, we’ve worked with some pretty cautious buyers over the years. If you’re like most people, a home is one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make. You’re bound to feel at least a little bit nervous about the possibility that your deal will go very wrong. If it does, the last thing you want is to be on the hook financially. That’s where home-buying contingencies come in.

    Contingencies are conditions that need to be met—or the transaction you’re involved in will never close. By adding the right ones to your purchase contract, you can make sure that you’re protected if worst comes to worst. Here are the four home-buying contingencies you should know about…

    1) Financing contingency

    Worried that your mortgage financing could fall through after you’ve agreed to purchase a home? It happens. The good news is, adding a financing contingency can help you avoid serious financial consequences if it does. Let’s say you receive mortgage pre-approval and enter into an agreement to buy a property. You still have to go through the underwriting process before you receive your loan—and it’s entirely possible that you’ll hit a snag and be denied along the way. If you have a financing contingency, you can use it to get out of your purchase.

    2) Appraisal contingency

    If you need a mortgage to buy a home, you may want to include an appraisal contingency in your contract. Here’s how it works. Before you can receive a loan, your lender will have the home that you’re planning to buy appraised to determine its fair market value. Put simply, you can’t be approved for a mortgage that equals more than the appraisal amount. So what happens if you and the seller have already agreed to a purchase price that’s above fair market value? Without an appraisal contingency, you may be out of luck. If you have one—you guessed it, you won’t have to go through with the purchase.

    3) Inspection contingency

    Usually, having a qualified inspector give a house or condo the once-over is a wise decision. For added protection, you might also want to make the completion of your home purchase dependent on a successful inspection. If a serious issue turns up during the process, you can back out of the deal—or negotiate with the seller to have them perform the necessary repairs. Buyers who include an inspection contingency will want to use a Due Diligence Addendum. Doing so will give you an agreed-upon number of days to find the answers to any relevant questions before you move forward confidently with their purchase. A knowledgeable real estate agent can explain the specifics.

    4) Home sale contingency

    A home sale contingency allows buyers to get out of a home purchase if they aren’t able to sell the house or condo they’re in now. It’s worth noting that this contingency isn’t used often anymore, especially in hot markets. As a result, many sellers refuse to accept it—and including one in your offer could make it significantly less appealing. The good news? Well-maintained properties on Hilton Head tend to attract plenty of buyers. This means there’s a good chance you’ll be able to sell your home after you sign a purchase contract. Of course, things don’t always turn out that way, so it’s best to talk to your agent before taking this step.

    The bottom line

    Home-buying contingencies offer a certain level of protection for buyers. That said, if you’re making an offer on an in-demand property, including too many of them (or any all) could mean losing out to a buyer who doesn’t. A knowledgeable real estate professional can help by looking closely at your specific circumstances and helping to determine which action to take.

    Have questions about buying a home on Hilton Head? Get in touch—we’ll walk you through the process and give you an idea of what’s available on the market!

  • Is Hilton Head Real Estate A Good Investment?

    Is Hilton Head Real Estate A Good Investment?

    We’re all aware that the island is a wonderful place to live, as well as a beautiful vacation spot. What many potential buyers don’t know is that the homes here are also an incredible investment. The right piece of Hilton Head real estate can provide years of personal enjoyment, not to mention some impressive supplementary income to help fund your current lifestyle—and your future retirement!

    If you’re looking for the ideal place to invest in property, here are a few reasons why Hilton Head should be high on your list…

    High demand

    Not all real estate investments are created equal. If you’re looking to maximize your returns, choosing the right location is key. What makes Hilton Head such a great option is the high demand for local vacation rentals. Our little piece of the Lowcountry is extremely popular among those who want to get away for a while, and that’s not going to change.

    Visitors flock to the island for the world-class golf courses, pristine beaches, charming retail and dining options, and thriving art and cultural scene. These attractions set us from vacation hotspots that only cater to families with young children, couples, or retirees. There’s something for everyone here, and many high-net-worth individuals are willing to pay a premium to experience it!

    Impressive property values

    Wondering what will happen when it comes time to resell your investment? You’ll be happy to learn that there’s a whole lot of Hilton Head property changing hands—and sellers are seeing fantastic returns. Recent figures show that average real estate prices are rising, and there are a growing number of successful professionals snapping up local property. We can thank all of the companies that offer work-from-home options for that!

    Hilton Head is also home to a thriving luxury market, which is great news if you’re thinking of investing in high-end property. Last but not least, the new airport expansion will only make the island more attractive to future buyers—no matter their price point.

    Vacation savings

    One of the biggest benefits of renting out a vacation home? You get to choose when you use it. If you feel like hitting the links in the fall, you can. If you’re hoping for some beach time in July, it’s very doable. Owning an investment property on Hilton Head will allow you to create a schedule that works for your family—and save you money in the process!

    Think about it. Paying for a rental every time you need some rest and relaxation adds up quickly. In contrast, investing in a vacation home will allow you to enjoy the island for less. If you ask us, it’s a win-win.

    A place to retire

    Imagine having Hilton Head’s 12 miles of beaches—and the time to explore them—at your disposal. Picture yourself strolling through our charming downtown whenever you feel like it, or enjoying freshly-caught seafood lunches on our local patios. Put simply, we can’t imagine a better place to retire. If you don’t live here fulltime yet, securing an investment property today could help you do so cost-effectively.

    Not sure what the future holds? Buying Hilton Head real estate may still be a very smart move. An increase in your property’s value, even if it happens slowly over time, could help you fund a comfortable retirement!

    Real estate can be a very lucrative investment, especially when you purchase it in an in-demand location like Hilton Head. While you may be wary of taking the first step, a knowledgeable local agent can help you minimize the risk—and maximize your return. Are you ready to learn more?

    Preparing to find your ideal investment property on Hilton Head? Let us help you locate the perfect place. Get in touch—we’d love to answer your questions!

  • 5 Tips For Finding Your Dream Home in 2020

    5 Tips For Finding Your Dream Home in 2020

    Are you ready to find your ideal living space? Many buyers begin their search by perusing online listings. While there’s nothing wrong with starting things off casually, there are a few more steps you’ll want to take once you’re ready to get serious about the home hunt. There’s no better time to do that than in January and February of a new year!

    From careful budgeting to identifying your must-have features, here are five tips for finding the perfect Hilton Head property in 2020…

    1) Know what you can afford

    Take it from us: one of the biggest mistakes buyers make is believing they have more to spend on a home than they actually do. Falling into this trap is all too easy. Fortunately, it’s also avoidable. Start by getting familiar with average prices for properties within your communities of interest.

    Next up, figure out how these numbers match up with your budget. That means looking at your annual household income and tallying up your ongoing expenses to figure out how much you can spend. You’ll also need to factor in all closing costs—from the property appraisal you’ll need to pay for to your upcoming legal fees. This step can be daunting, but a Hilton Head real estate expert can help ensure that your budget is realistic based on current housing prices.

    2) Save for that down payment

    If you don’t quite have enough for your home down payment, make 2020 the year you save up for what you need. Conventional wisdom suggests that 20 percent of your purchase price is ideal—plus you won’t have to pay private mortgage insurance if you put down this amount. Having said that, you have options, and the right financial expert can help you explore them.

    Once you know how much you need (based on your preferred home type and community), set a reasonable monthly savings goal. Cut down on your spending if need be, and consider setting up an automatic savings plan so you don’t have to think about setting the money aside yourself.

    3) Get to know the lending landscape

    Before you apply for a mortgage, get prepared by familiarizing yourself with the financing landscape. Exploring your options is a great way to get ready for that major purchase you’re planning to make this year. While your bank offers several potential advantages, they can only provide you with their financial products and services. In contrast, a mortgage broker can shop around on your behalf.

    You should also make sure you understand the benefits of obtaining pre-approval. By taking this crucial step before you jump into the home hunt, you can assure sellers that you’re a serious buyer.

    Remember: the lender that’s right for you will depend on your circumstances, which is why it pays to do your homework!

    4) Keep your eye on the prize

    We can’t over stress the importance of getting pre-approval. That said, you should know that it’s not the same as being fully approved for a mortgage! A lot can happen between the moment you get your pre-approval letter and closing day—and some changes could have an impact on whether your deal closes at all.

    To help ensure that the purchase process goes smoothly, try to maintain your financial situation after you’ve been pre-approved. That means no major purchases and no new lines of credit. Don’t forget to check in with your lender leading up to closing day, just in case they require any additional paperwork.

    5) Find a qualified agent

    If you’re planning to buy a home in 2020, finding the right guide is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. Your agent will be with you from the beginning of your search right up until the end—so make sure the professional you choose is the best person for the job!

    While an impressive track record is crucial, so is a complete knowledge of Hilton Head, its communities, and the local market. To get started off on the right foot, get in touch to learn more about our approach to buying a home.

    Ready to find your ideal home on Hilton Head? Let us help you find the perfect place. Get in touch—we’d love to answer your questions!

  • Hilton Head Vs. Charleston: Where Should Your Next Home Be?

    Hilton Head Vs. Charleston: Where Should Your Next Home Be?

    There’s no denying that South Carolina is a wonderful state. Whether you’re looking for a heavenly vacation spot or the perfect place to settle down, there’s no shortage of great options here. Two of the most in-demand areas are Hilton Head and Charleston. As islanders, we admit that we may be a little bit biased. After all, there’s no place we’d rather live than in our Lowcountry paradise. That said, we know that Charleston has a lot to offer—which is why we’re providing a side-by-side comparison of these two South Carolina hotspots.

    If you’re wondering which place is better for your family—Hilton Head or Charleston—here’s what you should know…

     

    The basics

    Charleston

    Population: 131, 204

    Density: 1,159 people per square mile

    Median household income: $61,367

     

    Hilton Head

    Population: 39,666

    Density: 959 people per square mile

    Median household income: $72,569

    The breakdown

    Hilton Head has fewer people and a lower population density than Charleston, making it a great place to spread out, relax, and put down roots. Residents of both places enjoy a relatively high household income, though professionals on the island tend to bring in more money annually.

    Real estate

    Hilton Head

    Median home value: $454,300

    Median listing price: $455,000

     

    Charleston

    Median home value: $286,200

    Median listing price: $315,000

     

    The breakdown

    Home values and listing prices are typically higher in Hilton Head than they are in Charleston. While there’s good value to be found in both places, there are some key differences between the two.

    Hilton Head is home to an impressive luxury market, which boasts a large number of high-end estates. While you’ll find multi-million-dollar mansions here, there are also plenty of more modest options available—including a variety of stylish condos and villas on the water. Price points vary on the island, but there’s plenty of value in the market. And because properties are in demand, homeowners tend to see high returns when they sell.

    If you’re looking for newly-built homes, there’s a wide array of them in the subdivisions of Charleston. You’ll also find some attractive historic properties, ranging in style from Georgian to Queen Anne and beyond. For ambitious buyers, there are some major opportunities to restore homes built in the 1800s (of course, this type of commitment isn’t for everybody). Unfortunately, one of the big drawbacks of living in Charleston is traffic congestion.

     

    Golf, tennis, and other attractions

    Hilton Head

    • Harbour Town Golf Links

    • Palmetto Dunes Tennis Club

    • Hilton Head Island Bike Trails

    • Coastal Discovery Museum

    • Pickney Island National Wildlife Refuge

    • Sea Pines Forest Preserve

     

    Charleston

    • The Ocean Course (Kiawah Island)

    • Links Course (Wild Dunes)

    • Charleston Tennis Center

    • Maybank Tennis Center

    • The Aiken-Rhett House Museum

    • Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

     

    The Breakdown

    Hilton Head is home to some of the best golf and tennis facilities in the country. Favorites include Harbour Town Golf Links (an award-winning course that hosts the RBC Heritage on the PGA Tour) and Palmetto Dunes Tennis Club (which is designated number 2 on the planet for instruction and events). The island is also home to pristine nature preserves, historical and cultural attractions, and a number of charming restaurant and shopping districts.

    Charleston doesn’t host an event like the RBC Heritage (South Carolina’s only PGA tour event), but it has some impressive courses all the same. The top choice for golfers is the Ocean Course on Kiawah Island. For those who prefer rackets to clubs, the Charleston Tennis Centre is the way to go. You’ll also find several museums that speak to the area’s rich history, and a lively downtown (just beware of common city problems like insufficient parking and noise).

     

    Beaches

    Hilton Head and Charleston are both known for their beautiful beaches. The key to finding the sandy stretch that’s perfect for you is knowing what each area has to offer.

    Folly, Sullivan’s Island, and Isle of Palms are some of the top beaches in Charleston. Whether you’re looking to relax by the water or try out some water sports, any one of these options will serve you well. Potential downsides include the crowds, as well as humidity (which tends to collect in this part of South Carolina).

    Hilton Head is also blessed with its fair share of sandy coastline. The variety on the island is truly incredible—from vibrant Coligny Beach to peaceful Burkes Beach. Whether you’re looking for a private (community members only) spot or something a bit more lively, you’ll find it here. The island also boasts extensive bike trails, and they make getting to and from some of Hilton Head’s best beaches a breeze!

     

    Making a decision

    At the end of the day, Hilton Head and Charleston are both great places to live. It really comes down to preference. While Charleston has a city feel, Hilton Head is known for its friendly village vibe. Of course, we’re partial to the island—where every day feels like a vacation.

    If you’re ready to learn more about what Hilton Head has to offer (and some of the gorgeous properties on the market here) don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’d love to show you around!

     

    Thinking about making a move to Hilton Head? Let us help you decide whether the area is right for you. Get in touch—we’d love to answer your questions.

  • 5 Tips for Sellers in a Multiple-Offer Situation

    5 Tips for Sellers in a Multiple-Offer Situation

    When homes go up for sale in a hot market like Hilton Head, buyers sit up and take notice. In some cases, these in-demand properties can even receive multiple offers—which is great news for the sellers involved. It means more options, better leverage when negotiating, and (hopefully) a very impressive sale price. That said, these situations aren’t always straightforward. As a seller, you may be unsure of how to get the most out of the interest you’re seeing in your home.

    If you’re lucky enough to receive multiple offers, here are a few tips for reaching an outcome you’ll be more than happy with…

    1) Know your options

    No doubt about it: having buyers compete for your home puts you in a very good position. It means there are several potential paths you can take, as opposed to just one. You can accept an offer right off the bat, negotiate with one home hunter and reject the others, or ask all of the buyers involved to make their best (and final) bids.

    At the same time, we know these situations can be tricky. The goal is to get the best price possible, without turning bidders off and having them look elsewhere. Luckily, an experienced agent can help. We’ve been through the process many times, and we know how to advise you based on your circumstances!

    2) Remember: it’s not all about money

    It’s all too easy to reduce every offer to dollars and cents. Of course, money will probably be your biggest motivation—but that doesn’t mean the highest bid is always the best one. The truth is, there are times when two offers are close, but the slightly lower one will lead to a better outcome.

    Let’s say a buyer is willing to pay in cash. Even if their bid isn’t the highest on the table, you may want to accept it if you’re looking for a low-hassle transaction. If they don’t include any contingencies (which allow buyers to back out of a purchase under certain conditions), it could mean fewer obstacles on the road to closing. The point is, there are many elements to an offer, and each one deserves due consideration.

    3) Look at financing

    Good bids look great on paper. But there are times when buyers can’t quite fulfill their promises. Often, it’s because the mortgage they’re expecting to receive fell through. That’s why it pays to look closely at which offers are coming from qualified buyers.

    The good news is, there are ways to determine which home hunters are most likely to make it to the finish line. Mortgage pre-approval, adequate income, good credit, and a sizeable down payment can all be good signs. While your agent may not have access to a buyer’s full financial history, they’ll use what they do have to paint the most complete picture possible.

    4) Consider your home’s value

    Here’s something many sellers don’t know. If an offer is too high, the deal may not close successfully! That’s because lenders rely partly on a home appraisal when they decide how much financing to give a borrower. If your property’s value falls short of an offer you’ve accepted, the buyer will have to make up the difference. Of course, they can’t always do that.

    When you have multiple bids to choose from, it makes sense to do your due diligence. If your agent looks closely at an offer and realizes it might not lead to a successful sale, you have others to fall back on.

    5) Work with a negotiation expert

    Often, home sellers have to undergo a lot of back and forth with a buyer to get the best possible price, terms, and conditions. When there are multiple offers involved, it could mean even more time around the negotiation table. Of course, some sellers find this process stressful—but it doesn’t have to be.

    An agent who understands the market and the purchase process can help you make the most of your offers. That said, there’s more to it than real estate expertise! You also want someone who has that special ability to read situations—and the dedication required to act as your advocate.

    When it comes to multiple-offer scenarios and bidding wars, we’ve been on both sides of the table. We know they can be hard on buyers, but sellers often deal with their fair share of stress, too. Fortunately, with the right strategy, you can turn all of the interest you’re receiving into a major win. All it takes is some guidance and support from the right real estate expert!

    Ready to sell your home on Hilton Head? Get in touch—we’ll walk you through the process and help you find the ideal buyer!

  • 5 Benefits of Working with a Full-Service Real Estate Team

    5 Benefits of Working with a Full-Service Real Estate Team

    If you’re ready to buy or sell a home, you may be wondering how to choose an agent. There’s no shortage of real estate professionals out there, and deciding who to work with can be challenging. While there are many factors to consider, we believe that one of the most important (and most frequently overlooked) is whether an agent works as part of a team. No real estate professional is an island—and the talent we surround ourselves with can help us provide the highest possible level of service!

    If you’re looking for the right real estate agent to partner with, here are five reasons to choose someone who works with a full-service team…

    1) A more efficient process

    The truth is, real estate transactions run smoother when there’s a team of professionals working to make them happen. It’s not all about the agents involved—the support staff is also invaluable. As just one example, a great closing and listing coordinator will make the process more efficient by coordinating next steps, preparing crucial documents, and verifying important legal and financial details. Put simply, they help ensure that there are fewer hiccups on the road to getting the deal done!

    2) Better connections

    When it comes to serving clients, relationships are key. The more close professional connections we real estate agents have, the better your experience is going to be. Looking for the ideal buyer for your property? We may already know them. Searching for someone to do minor repairs before you sell? We can help you out. Having a caring and personable team helps us strengthen these relationships. That often includes a licensed personal assistant—someone who’s just as comfortable coordinating with professionals as they are greeting and assisting clients.

    3) Step-by-step guidance

    The more attention an agent can spend walking clients through the buying or selling process, the better. Buyers, in particular, tend to appreciate this type of guidance—especially first-timers. Luckily, a trustworthy team will take some of the pressure off so that their agents can focus on what matters most (the clients). And when it comes to giving home hunters a straightforward, low-stress experience, nothing beats having a dedicated buyer’s agent on staff!

    4) Marketing expertise

    Effective marketing is hard work. Sure, anyone can snap a few photos on their iPhone, jot down some property details, post them online, and call it day. But it takes strategy to do it right—which includes perfect timing. By taking care of campaign details, real estate marketing coordinators ensure that homes receive the exposure they deserve. We can’t tell you how much it helps to have our expert assistants working as part of our extended team.

    5) A one-stop-shop experience

    As you can see, a successful home sale or purchase comes down to more than just a talented agent. When you work with a full-service team, you’ll benefit from the combined skillsets of numerous real estate professionals. You’ll get everything you need—all in one place. So forget about the leg work and get ready for a simple, smooth, and enjoyable transaction. With some of the best in the business working together to serve you, a fantastic outcome is right around the corner!

    Ready to buy or sell a home on Hilton Head? Get in touch to learn how our team can help—and take the first step towards a great real estate outcome. Send us a message to discuss your needs today!