Herman and Davis Properties

Tag: buying

Sea Pines Vs. Palmetto Dunes: Which Place is Right for You?

Are you trying to decide between buying property in Sea Pines or Palmetto Dunes? We’ll tell you right now, it’s not an easy decision. These communities are two of Hilton Head’s most popular—and for good reason. While we can’t tell you which place to choose (both are incredible, and we honestly don’t have a favorite), we can help you weigh your options.

If you’re thinking about living in Sea Pines vs. Palmetto Dunes, here are some of the key factors you should consider…

Recreational facilities

Whether you prefer golf clubs or tennis rackets, you’ll find no shortage of great facilities in both Sea Pines and Palmetto Dunes. Sea Pines is home to several fantastic golf courses, including Harbour Town (which hosts the RBC Heritage PGA Tour) and the always-challenging Heron Point. The community is also home to a number of top-notch tennis facilities. One of the best is the Sea Pines Racquet Club, which is directed by Wimbledon great Stan Smith.

When it comes to recreational facilities, Palmetto Dunes has an equally stellar reputation. Check out the Robert Trent Jones, Arthur Hills, or George Fazio golf courses for a world-class experience. If tennis is more your thing, visit the award-winning courts at the Palmetto Dunes Tennis and Pickleball Centre.

Beach access

There are plenty of stunning beaches on Hilton Head, and some of the best can be found in two of the island’s most sought-after communities. In Sea Pines, there are an impressive five miles of beachfront to explore. Some areas are quieter than others, but the most popular hotspot is the Sea Pines Beach Club. The club offers not only restrooms and showers, but a bar, food service, and—if you’re there at the right time—family entertainment. Use of Sea Pines beaches is generally restricted to community property owners. For convenience, they’re serviced by a local trolley.

In Palmetto Dunes, there are three pristine miles of sand to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to swim, surf, sunbathe, or simply go for a scenic stroll, the community’s oceanfront is the perfect place to do it. The Dunes House (which contains a deck and restrooms) is an ultra-convenient spot for a pit stop, while getting to and from the beach is a breeze via the Dunes Buggy.

Shopping & restaurants

Next up in our comparison of Sea Pines vs. Palmetto Dunes: places to eat and shop. In both communities, you’ll find eateries with mouth-watering menus and boutiques that cater to refined tastes. If you’re planning to grab a meal in Sea Pines, we have a few recommendations. Namely, Fraser’s Tavern for pub food (from shrimp and grits to pizza), Crazy Crab for seafood (you’ll find to-die-for crab legs, shrimp, and oysters), Coast for impeccable oceanfront dining (or its adults-only option, Oceanfront Lounge), or Links for something a bit more upscale. Shoppers should hit up the Harbour Town Shops and Sea Pines Centre, home to over twenty upscale boutiques, galleries, and gift shops.

In Palmetto Dunes, you’ll find a variety of great eateries. HH Prime is a favorite for fans of perfectly-grilled steaks, pitch-perfect seafood, and impressive wine lists. The local go-to for a pick-up lunch is the General Store, which you’ll find on the main road into the community. Palmetto Dunes is also located across the highway from Shelter Cove Harbor, where you’ll find a number of fantastic restaurants and cafes. We’re partial to San Miguel’s, which offers gorgeous marina views, great salsa, and an outdoor bar with music. Speaking of Shelter Cove Harbor, it’s also a fantastic place to peruse some charming shops—whether you’re looking for fine art, chic apparel, or outdoor goods. On Tuesday nights, you’ll even find fireworks!

Real estate

In Sea Pines, you’ll find a wide variety of properties across different price points. From water-view villas, great residential homes, and ideal rental properties to multi-million dollar estates, there’s a variety of gorgeous options in the area. Palmetto Dunes also offers a whole lot of selection. There’s a residents-only area called Leamington, where you’ll find lots of land to build on as well as gorgeous homes for sale. Across the community, you’ll find an array of villas, townhouses, and single-family homes (all of which are on or near the Atlantic Ocean).

Where you decide to settle will depend on what you hope to get out of living in Hilton Head—whether it’s great golfing opportunities, fun in the sun, rest and relaxation, or all of the above. To discover which community is perfect for you, talk an agent who’s a local expert!

Thinking of buying a home in Sea Pines or Palmetto Dunes? Get in touch—we’d love to hear more about what you’re looking for and discuss what’s currently on the market!

February 26, 2019
How to Buy a Vacation Home in 5 Steps

Looking for the perfect property for your weekend and summer getaways? Here, we’ll tell you how to buy a vacation home in five steps.

Anyone who’s been to Hilton Head knows it’s a great vacation spot. But for many visitors, the occasional getaway isn’t enough. They want to explore all that the Hilton Head Island has to offer—and not just as a tourist. If this sounds familiar, you may be ready to buy a vacation home in the area. While your search is bound to be exciting, there are a few things you should know about the process before you get started. Here, we’ll tell you the five crucial steps you should take before you purchase your second home.

1) Be aware of how you’ll use the property

The first step you take toward purchasing a vacation home should be determining how you’ll use it. Will you be buying the property solely for long-term personal enjoyment? If you hope to rent it out, you should know that some areas are better for this purpose than others (and in some neighbourhoods, rentals aren’t allowed for a period of less than six months). Are you planning to move there when you retire, or would you prefer to eventually resell it for a tidy profit? Your criteria for a property will depend (at least in part) on the answers to these questions.

2) Make a buying checklist

The next step is creating a checklist of must-have features and amenities. This list should set out your buying criteria, which will help you and your real estate agent narrow down your search. Are you looking for a small home with a minimal aesthetic, or something more luxurious with extra guest bedrooms? Is living right on the water a priority? What about being close to a top-notch golf or tennis facility in Hilton Head? Knowing exactly what you’re looking for can help ensure that you don’t waste time looking at homes that aren’t right for you.

3) Create a budget

Before you jump into the home hunt, it’s best to budget thoroughly so you don’t look at homes outside of your price range. In our experience, buyers often overestimate what they can afford. Of course, there are the big expenses—like your mortgage (if you’re getting one) and homeowner’s insurance. But the smaller costs are easy to overlook when you’re searching for a second home. How much can you set aside for unexpected repairs and ongoing maintenance? Even smaller fees, like those for garbage collection, can add up—which means you should try to factor them in early on.

4) Speak to the right professionals

Buying a vacation home is more complicated than most people realize. Luckily, working with the right professionals can simplify the process. A good financial advisor can help with everything from tax planning to clarifying how your investment will impact the future. If you’re planning to seek mortgage financing, you’ll also want to think carefully about which mortgage lender you choose. The institution you work with could impact the time it to takes for your loan to be processed and the interest rates you pay, among other things. Last but certainly not least, an experienced local real estate agent can help you find the vacation home of your dreams—and guide you through the buying process. On Hilton Head, there’s no shortage of wonderful homes and communities to choose from. Working with someone who has local expertise can help ensure that you make the right decision.

5) Make sure you understand the tax implications

When house and condo hunters start thinking about how to buy a vacation home, they often overlook the tax implications. If you rent out your property for more than fourteen days per year, you’ll have to report your profits as income. The upside is that you can deduct some of your operating expenses (such as certain maintenance fees and utilities) when you file your taxes. Capital gains tax is another important consideration. If you eventually sell your property, you may have to pay this tax—though you can avoid doing so if your vacation home becomes your primary residence for an extended period of time. We always advise talking to a financial expert if you have any tax-related questions.

Have questions about how to buy a vacation home? We know the local market, and we can help you find what you’re looking for. Get in touch, and let’s talk about it!

November 22, 2018
5 Questions to Ask When Buying Waterfront Property

What are the most important questions to ask when buying waterfront property?

Without a doubt, Hilton Head’s shorelines are among the most beautiful in the world. So it makes sense that many islanders—and potential future islanders—dream of purchasing homes on the water. While the appeal of these properties is undeniable, buying them comes with a few unique challenges. Fortunately, interested buyers can simplify the process by asking the right questions and taking a few precautions.

If you’re thinking of living along Hilton Head’s shores, read our top five tips for buying waterfront property.

1) Ask when the bulkhead was last inspected

If you don’t know what bulkheads are, you’re not alone. Put simply, they’re barriers or walls built along the shoreline. They prevent erosion and protect properties from water damage. Replacing one can cost thousands (if not tens of thousands) of dollars, so the last thing you want is to learn that yours is on its last legs.

When you look at a property with a bulkhead, ask about the last time it was inspected. It’s usually also wise to arrange for an inspection of your own. If you discover that a bulkhead is in bad condition, you may be able to negotiate with the seller for a lower price. Your agent can help at every step of this process.

2) Inquire about permits for existing water structures (especially docks)

When you’re considering a home, look into whether existing water structures were built legally. Some homeowners are less-than-diligent about acquiring proper permits and following local construction rules. In our experience, docks are frequent offenders.

The bad news? Buying a property with unpermitted or improperly-done work may lead to future consequences. If your dock was built without receiving the all clear, you may be forced to remove it, upgrade it, or pay a fine. You may also have to deal with some major headaches if you one day decide to sell your property.

Trust us: it pays to ask the right questions. Be sure that any dock you buy as part of a home purchase is in keeping with municipal and state rules, along with those set out by your property owner’s association.

3) Determine what kind of improvements you can make

Unfortunately, when they’re looking at homes, many buyers forget to think about the major upgrades they’ll want to perform. That’s why determining which improvements are allowable is one of our top tips for buying waterfront property.

For each property you’re considering, learn the applicable rules. If you have your eye on a place in a new subdivision, be aware that you may not be able to build a dock (depending on the developer’s plans). The Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management can also prevent homeowners from building the docks they want (for example, they can restrict length).

4) Ask if there’s a history of flooding

On Hilton Head, flooding happens. It can damage homes, reduce property values, and force those affected to file annoying insurance claims.

Let us be clear: if the property you’re looking at his been seriously impacted by flood waters, the seller should disclose this information. That said, it never hurts to do due diligence. Discuss any concerns that you have about a property’s flooding history with your agent. They can ask the right questions to get as much information as possible, which will help you make an informed decision.

5) Find out what the maintenance is like

Here’s one of the most overlooked tips for buying waterfront property: find out what the yearly maintenance costs are like. Homes along the shoreline are often more impacted by the elements than those further inland. We’re talking not only about floods and major storms, but regular wear and tear.

For some waterfront homes, siding and pipes may have to be replaced relatively often. It all depends on the construction of the house or condo you’re looking at and the geographical conditions surrounding it.

These are just a few of the questions you should ask if you’re touring homes near the shoreline. An experienced Hilton Head real estate agent can go beyond providing tips for buying waterfront property to guide you at every step of the purchase process.

Looking to buy a home on Hilton Head? We have the experience and local market knowledge to help you through the process. Send us a message—we’d love to discuss your needs!

October 22, 2018
Hilton Head Vs. Myrtle Beach: Where Should Your Next Home Be?

In this post, we’ll compare Hilton Head vs. Myrtle Beach to help you decide which real estate hot spot is right for you.

Many people dream of owning a home near the beach—a place where they can enjoy the sun in any season. As Hilton Head Realtors, we help people find their dream homes in our Lowcountry paradise.

For many home hunters in South Carolina, the search comes down to Hilton Head vs. Myrtle Beach. We admit that we may be a bit biased. But first and foremost, we’re real estate professionals. And there’s nothing we enjoy more than seeing new homeowners find the perfect place to start a new phase in their lives.

Read on to learn more about what these tropical destinations have to offer…

The Basics of Hilton Head vs. Myrtle Beach

Hilton Head

Population: 40,055

Median household income: $70,249

Owner-occupied housing unit rate: 74.8%

Population per square mile: 896.9

Myrtle Beach

Population: 32,795

Median household income: $37,023

Owner-occupied housing unit rate: 50.6%

Population per square mile: 1,162.3

The breakdown

Median household income is often a prime indicator of quality of life, and it’s higher in Hilton Head vs. Myrtle Beach. Also noteworthy: Myrtle Beach is significantly denser, yet fewer people in the area own personal property.

Real Estate

Hilton Head

Median home value: $406,700

Median price of listed home: $489,000

Myrtle Beach

Median home value: $142,400

Median price of listed homes: $174,900

The breakdown

Home values in Hilton Head are much higher than they are in Myrtle Beach, as are median list prices for homes. It’s important to note that the two housing markets are very different.

Hilton Head has a sizeable luxury market. While there are modest-yet-stylish beach houses on the island, you’ll also find plenty of high-end estates and villas (some priced significantly higher than the figures above would suggest). The island’s distinct architectural style emphasizes simple elegance, blending modern luxury with elements of the natural environment.

Myrtle Beach is generally more affordable, and you’ll find a ton of new builds in the area. Charleston Single Houses, a style that’s unique to South Carolina, is one of the more popular home types.

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

There are many incredible golf and tennis clubs on the island, and we couldn’t fit them all in this list. But the best of the best are Harbour Town Golf Links (a course set up by award-winning designer Pete Dye) and Palmetto Dunes Tennis Club (which was ranked no.2 in the world for instruction and events).

Many of the island’s attractions shine a spotlight on its natural beauty. Hilton Head’s bike trails are a great way to get the lay of the land, while our preserved wildlife areas offer access to pristine Lowcountry landscapes.

If you’re looking for lively shops, bars, and restaurants, you’ll find them here too. Local favorites include Coligny and Main Street Village.

Myrtle Beach

• The Dunes Golf and Beach Club

• Pelicans Ballpark

• Ripley’s Aquarium

• Broadway Grand Prix

• Family Kingdom Amusement Park

• Myrtle Waves Water Park

Myrtle Beach is a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year. There’s no shortage of attractions, which can sometimes make the city feel like a massive playground. From amusement parks to water slides and everything in between, there’s always a lot going on in the area.

Depending on your interests, highlights may include Family Kingdom (which features a wide variety of amusement park rides) and the Myrtle Beach Waves Water Park (where you’ll find over 30 water slides).

Like Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach is known for its many golf courses (including many of the “mini” variety). Although, as Golf Advisor is quick to point out, there’s no course in the area that has hosted the PGA tour.

Beaches

Hilton Head has a wide variety of beaches, and each one is unique. From the white sand and fun atmosphere of Coligny Beach to the pristine charm of Mitchelville Beach, you really can’t go wrong.

Most of the waterfront in Myrtle Beach is along the Grand Strand, a long stretch of coastline that’s often packed with fun-seekers. If you’re willing to take a little detour, you can find quieter areas, like Litchfield Beach.

Making a decision

The Hilton Head vs. Myrtle Beach debate has been going on for a long time, which is why we’ve decided to address it. But to use an old saying, the two regions are like apples and oranges.

Depending on your interests, Myrtle Beach may prove to be an exciting place to visit. And if you’re looking to buy property, the area is generally more affordable. That said, as far as we’re concerned, the quality of life on Hilton Head can’t be beat. From Sea Pines to Long Cove, you’ll find gorgeous architecture, pristine landscapes, top-notch recreation, and a strong sense of community. Whether you’re looking for a vacation home or a place to start the next phase in your life, what more could you ask for?

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.

July 16, 2018