Good day! 

I will make this one very short for August 25, 2020.

Windmill Harbour

8 Millwright Drive is a 4 bedroom 3.5 bath home listed at $1,328,000 with a gorgeous marsh view and on a large homesite. I loved the meandering driveway and of course, the view. The 3 car garage was also a plus and I like the contemporary feel with most living on main floor. The deck and sitting area outside is what Lowcountry living is all about! Liked this home very much!

Hilton Head Plantation

In Skull Creek neighborhood of HHP we had 14 Old Fort Lane. I was excited about this one thinking it would have an amazing marsh view. Was on the cul-de-sac but too far for a real marsh view. More golf than anything else. The floor plan was more of a zig-zag and to get to the small master was like walking down a maze. Curb appeal was the best feature. 

2 Prestwick Court, a 4 bedroom 3.5 bath for $650,000. I loved the cathedral ceilings and master bedrooms. Smooth ceilings throughout. Just not a fan of the windows in bedroom so low to the ground. Either make sliders (more expensive) or normal windows. I suppose they wanted and needed more light, which again, I would want sliders. Love the location.

16 Golden Hind Drive is another 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath for $780,000. At first I found the price high for this street but then it made sense. Newer home in excellent condition. High ceilings and transoms in the Master. Large bonus room and I especially liked the buffer/separation to the next home. This one makes my short list.

11 Tall Pines was on the list but then cancelled as it went under contract. It was a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath for $598,000.

In the Crooked Pond neighborhood, we had 12 Fishermans Bend Court, a 3 bedroom, 2 bath for $429,000. This was the third house that was on tour and in the end of a cul-de-sac. Funny how that always happens. Anyway, the drive to this home was disappointing but the house did have some improvements to it. It was a tad dark for me but decent value and condition. 

Indigo Run

One home in Indigo Run - 750 W. Colonial Drive, a 4 bedroom, 4.5 bath home for $875,000. Liked the curb appeal and that it was different from the homes in Indigo Run. Needs a lot of work and the mother-in-law suite in the back blocked any view. Special home but needs work.

Palmetto Hall

2 Stevens Court is a 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath for $637,000. Darker cabinets but liked it.

Hilton Head General

In Broad Creek Landing we had 60 Quartermast Lane, a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath for $375,000. Loved price, location and condition. Especially good was that it was an end unit and fee-simple.. I don't usually go to these but glad I did. The only drawback is that you face Forest Cove, the only condos in Broad Creek Landing without balconies. 

To wrap up non-gated, we had 18 Graham Lane, 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath for $445,000. This small neighborhood is off Jonesville Road.

Condos we had two: D4 Palmetto Commons Condo near the hospital, a 2 bedroom, 2 bath for $154,900 and D15 Marsh Side Villas near the schools, 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath for $189,500.

We are here to help you find your place on this fabulous island and navigate the best place for you. Just reach out and we will get to work for YOU!

Respectfully submitted, 
Susan Ochsner

wwwYourHiltonHeadAgent.com

(843) 816-6388

Today is August 19th, 2020, and we have the Central Tour of new homes listed on the market for the Hilton Head real estate market. I have a very small list for four residences and two condos. 

Port Royal

7 Donax Road has three bedrooms and two baths for $699,000. I remember this home. It's only 1600 square feet. It's a great location very close to the beach. The part that I have trouble with is they didn't even add a washer and dryer. And this home was purchased by a little old lady in October, 2019 for $415,000. I vaguely remember the house. But they just kind of cleaned it up and, obviously, it's a flip. It just seems like they're really-- that's more than $250,000 over, and they never put that much in it. So, I have a hard time with that. It was done very basic. And they also left a little lattice fencing in the back yard, which looks absolutely cheesy. It's a great location and turnkey. It needs a little bit of love, but it has very good potential.

Palmetto Dunes

19 Sea Lane is a five bedroom, four and a half bath home listed for $1,175,000. This is also an ocean-oriented house on the mariner side of Palmetto Dunes. It actually flowed very, very nicely. It has a really nice backyard. It took a beating, but again, to have five bedrooms, it was in the money based on its location. The cabinets seem to have just new fronts on them. They're not newer cabinets. They look like they're original with new fronts. But it's in the money for as little inventory as we have now. 

In the Leamington neighborhood, we had a beautiful home with three bedrooms and four and a half baths for $1,272,000. 2 Stratford Lane. This is a beautiful home with high ceilings and a nice backyard. It's very loud in the backyard, so you almost have to put up the music so that it doesn't get to you. Because you really hear-- it backs up to Highway 278. The good news is you're in and out of the gate pretty quickly, and you do have a newer home. It's just for three bedrooms, I think that's going to be its biggest challenge. But considering it had a new firepit and it's really a newer home. It was actually built in 2015. It is a great, quiet community that's part of Palmetto Dunes.

In the Shelter Cove area, we had 3203 Peninsula at Newport with three bedrooms and three baths listed for $699,000. These, again, are well loved by professionals. It has a gorgeous marsh view. Walk to the new Shelter Cove community area, shopping, and restaurants. So, it's a great location for a professional, and it even has a garage. It's a very well-liked and hidden secret in Hilton Head. 

Long Cove

In Long Cove, we had one home at 8 Duckfield Road. It has three bedrooms and three and a half baths, and it's listed for $679,000. This house is at the end of a cul-de-sac, and it's a southern country style home. And typically, these are usually very dark. But I was pleasantly surprised when you come inside. There were skylights on the back side of the dormers on the other side of the roof/ceiling. And it really was light and bright. I didn't care for the salmon colored walls in the entryway or the green cabinets. But all that's easily fixable. I loved the little desk nook off the master bedroom. And the other thing I loved was that it's really close to all the water marinas and things in the Long Cove area. So, you had that really, really close. The house was built in 1985.

So, that wraps it up. The one villa I do want to mention that I did not go see though, but it's in the money is 105 Woodlake Villas. That home has two bedrooms and two and a half baths for $139,900. 

So, that wraps it up. I would say I love the Peninsula at Newport. They're all so different. Every one of these homes is for a different buyer. Sometimes you see similarities. You don't in this tour today. So, I think they're all my favorites. 

Right now, we have low inventories throughout the island. So, we are here to help you narrow down what's more important to you and be your advocate so that you make the proper decision for what to buy on Hilton Head Island. So, please reach out to us and let us know how we can be of service to you.

Respectfully submitted, 

Susan Ochsner
Your HiltonHeadAgent.com
(843) 816-6388

Today is Wednesday, August 12th, 2020. And here on Hilton Head Island, we have the South Tour of homes for sale on Hilton Head Island. Sorry readers, but this time I am too busy to link the homes so please look them up if interested. Thank you for your understanding.

Sea Pines

In the Heron Point area of Sea Pines, we have 9 Willow Oak Road. It has three bedrooms and three and a half baths, and it's $1,190,000. These folks bought it. I remember this house. It was listed at $1,150,000 in 2018, and six weeks later, these folks bought for just shy of $1,000,999. And I guess they've enjoyed it for two years, and they're kind of listing at the same level. It's been a redone house. It has an office that could be used as a fourth bedroom. It's beautifully redone and has a nice big lot. It does not have a pool, but it's got a nice fire pit. It's centrally located. I would say the biggest difficulty is that from the garage, you've got to walk all the way through the mud room, through the laundry room, down the hall, take a left to, then, take a right to bring your groceries in. So, practically, it's just a little cumbersome. It's probably easier to go through the main door. But the colors of the walls are beautiful. You have a nice bedroom separation of the master suite wing to the other bedrooms, and it's tastefully done. With this market I doubt it will last long.

Harbor Town - in this neighborhood, we have 58 Stoney Creek Road with two bedrooms and two and a half baths listed for $775,000. This one's been on the market before. They've come down $24,000. They tried to sell it the last six months. It's got a very pretty view of Heron Point. It is close to Harbor Town, and it is towards the end. It's an elevated house, and the floors seem a little [00:02:53 coddlewompy?]. They're a little wobbly. It probably needs a little bit of support underneath. It still has its original oven, so it does need a lot of work. I love the natural light in it, but it hasn't been taken care of. And these poor people-- I was looking at the history. And whoever they bought it from in August of 2005 listed it for $1,175,00. And these folks bought it in December of 2006 right at the height of the market at $810,000. So, they're already losing money. But they really haven't done anything to it. There's a good opportunity there for someone. They're not really in the money. I'm more worried about the structural things than the cosmetic things. And it might just need a little bit of beans or something. You just want to be aware. But it has a great view and natural light. It does need updating. So, it will be interesting, because it is in a great location. 

Also, in Harbor Town, we had 12 Mizzenmast Court. This house has four bedrooms and four baths and is listed for $954,000. This was priced very well. It's a townhouse. You've got a one-door carport. It's kind of tight in there, but you have a nice deep-water view actually. All the bedrooms are upstairs. The steps are a little steep. It has a cute little kitchen and nice living space. The deck outside, like I said, gets a nice deep-water view. It's cute as a button. It's just the bedrooms are small. But what do you expect in a townhouse? I'm surprised this one is still on the market, to be quite frank. 

Near Harbor Town, we have 28 Plantation Drive with six bedrooms and four and a half baths for $925,000. I've talked about this one before. These folks bought it two years ago. It's a very modern house with the concrete floors. It's extremely modern. It's got a nice lap pool. He's extended the driveway so that you can actually turn around because it's very tight. You've got a long entryway into Plantation Drive and the house. And if you have two or three cars there, you almost have to back out onto Plantation Drive, which is a feat upon itself. So, if you have a buyer looking for a modern house, I think they're sort of listing it for what they bought for it a couple of years ago.

Near the Atlantic Dunes Course, we have 6 Jessamine Place. This house has four bedrooms and four baths. It's listed for $1,199,000. This one's about the same price as Willow Oak, but it's not been updated. The beige walls and ceiling didn't really appeal to me. The kitchen cabinetry was old but with new fronts. I liked that the garage was a little more convenient to the kitchen, but it needed a lot more updating. It did have a pool though. But they were sort of in the same price. It's just a whole other ballgame. This one is a lot closer to the beach, though, than Willow Oak. And you already have your pool. Pools have gotten expensive. So, you do have some updating to do, but that might be a potential on this one. It is an elevated home and has true four bedrooms - not just an office that can be used as a bedroom. 

Club Course

In Club Course, we had 152 Club Course Drive. It has three bedrooms and three and a half baths and is priced at $750,000. I love the long view of of the hole on this one. It had a nice flow. It needed some updating, but it had high ceilings. It is an elevated home. It's a newer home, but it still needs updating. And you just need to be aware that in the front of the house, you are facing Palmetto Bay Parkway. So, you do hear that white noise of traffic going through. But when you're in the back, you really can't hear it. I just want to point that out. So, this house is priced well even for updates, because it's a nice, big home. So, I like that one, and I think this one won't last long either.

79 Governors Road is a five-bedroom, three baths, and two half baths home for $829,000. The curb appeal doesn't really speak to this house, but when you go inside, it's surprisingly big and nicely done. They painted the kitchen a nice blue, which is a fun color. The floors look nice. You do look into another house in the backyard. So, you don't really have the privacy. But from the curb appeal, you expect a tiny, little house, and it really did go far. The asphalt driveway and the kitchen not having newer cabinets but just painted ones kind of were sort of-- and that you could see the house next door in your backyard, not giving you much privacy. You back up to some other houses. But it's a lovely, lovely redo and has lots of space for a bigger family. 

21 Oyster Landing Road has four bedrooms and three and a half baths for $1,045,000. This one has rocks. It has a tidal creek in the back. But I know folks that live on Bateau or Oyster Landing that use that tidal creek to go in and out with their kayaks. But the way this backyard was - and it's a large backyard with a pool - it's designed with all the rooms coming on the main floor to the area. But you could not put kayaks in there because of the rocks. It would be too dangerous. This is a newer home. It needs a lot of work. And for its location and size, you'd easily be at a lot because it's a very custom decorated home. But it has a nice flow to it, and it's very cute. I love the art in there. Of course, the art doesn't go with it. A lovely person lives in it now, so I hope she gets to sell it.

That covers it for Sea Pines. I would say my favorite in Sea Pines, it would have to be 9 Willow Oak Road. I like slab on grade. I like that it's new. It's close to the beach. It's close to the gate. It's centrally located. I love the colors. It doesn't need more bedrooms. It probably does have room for a pool, and it sits on a golf course. I'd say that would be my favorite. 

South Forest Beach

In the South Forest Beach area, we just had condos, so I'm going to run through these really quickly. But please feel free to call us for any more details. We'd love to show you any of these for someone looking for something beach oriented. 

6 Courtside Villa has two bedrooms and two and a half baths for $218,000. Those are, again, in a nice area near Coligny.

11 Hilton Head Beach Villas has three bedrooms and three baths for $715,000. It seems a little on the high side. 

Seaside Villas number 392 is a one-bedroom, one-bath condo listed for $209,900. That seems to be in the money. 

And 106 Shorewood Villa, those are ocean front. It has three bedrooms and three baths, and it's listed for $750,000. Those are also very close to Coligny. 

So, that wraps it up for our short tour of the South end for August. Again, we have low inventories, but there are still some great buys out there. Interest rates are low, so if any of us agents can help you, please feel free to contact me. I would be more than happy to represent you as you navigate your way through purchasing on our lovely Hilton Head Island. 

Thank you for reading this. Have a blessed day.

Respectfully submitted,

Susan Ochsner
YourHiltonHeadAgent.com
(843) 816-6388

Today is Wednesday, August 5th, 2020, and we have the realtor home tour for homes for sale on Hilton Head Island on the north end. 

Palmetto Hall

18 Madison Lane has four bedrooms and four baths for $769,900. It had a nice flow. I loved the kitchen cabinets. They were lovely. And the pool and the view were very nice. There were high ceilings. It looks like it's still the original bath, though. And that mauve color that's in the foyer and living space is actually wallpaper. So it's not as easy as just to paint that. But it has nice trim work and convenient to Palmetto Hall. Won't last.

18 Oglethorpe Lane is a four-bedroom, five-bath home listed for $515,000. This is an elevated wood frame house. It had pretty flowers in the front. The door sticks a little bit, and the vinyl plank is not luxury vinyl plank. But it is priced well and it is an open floor plan.

Windmill Harbor

58 Sparwheel Lane has five bedrooms and five baths. It's listed for $1,599,900. At first, I found this house to be on the expensive side until I went inside. It's a beautiful townhome that overlooks the harbor. It's very private. Every attention to detail in this house was phenomenal. Everything was meticulous. They even took the return vent and made it look really, really pretty. Such a cozy home. It has Miele appliances. Everything was done on the high end. And I really loved that house.

Hilton Head Plantation

In the Skull Creek neighborhood, we had 59 Old Fort Drive This home has three bedrooms and two and a half baths for $529,000. It had really nice pavers, and it was on the cul-de-sac. I think the only thing I didn't care about this house was that the view in the back, there were hills that blocked golf view. It's on the golf course, but you can't really see anything. So have this hilly green that kind of blocks your view. So that was the only thing that I didn't like. It has a nice flow and, again, good curb appeal. It's a cozy, cute little house on the cul-de-sac. Well maintained.

3 Ladson Court has three bedrooms, three baths, and two half baths, and it's listed for $924,000. First, I thought, "Wow! That must be an expensive house." The curb appeal is okay. It's right before Ribaut Island, which is where they have deep-water docks. But this view was absolutely phenomenal. It has an open floor plan, but it's dated. The sliders and everything's original. It has very soft carpet. So it's a redo, but there's potential there. I love the flow. You can stay everything on one floor, and then you had the upstairs for when you have guests. So even though it's dated, it has a gorgeous view, and it flows really nicely. And it had smooth ceilings. Will make my short list.

2 Coopers Hawk Road has three bedrooms and two baths for $368,500. That's a very good price because this redo would be a lot. The asphalt driveway is falling apart. There's Mexican tile everywhere. So you're going to spend a good amount of money. But it's a good price because the neighborhood in the Bear Lake area and Pineland area is lovely. Great price and potential.

14 Pheasant Run is a three-bedroom, two and a half bath home for $689,000. The tile and wood is the only thing I didn't like about 14 Pheasant Run. It's a really nice home. It's light and bright. I love the powder room and the openness. I just wasn't wild about the tile in the kitchen. There's wood in other areas. I love the long circular driveway and this huge front yard gives it a really nice curb appeal. I think the tile in the kitchen that didn't go with the rest of the flooring was my only eh - the darker wood. It's a lovely home.

In Hickory Forest, we had 7 Hickory Nut Court with three bedrooms and two and half baths listed for $620,000. There was no lockbox there, just a Master lock. So I was not able to give you much on that. But it looks like it's priced well for Hickory Forest.

In the Oyster Reef area, we had 2 Oyster Bay Place. It's a three bedroom, two and a half bath home for $565,000. It's been redone, and it sits on the tee box. Has the brick fence or brick gate outside that kind of makes it old school. They should have just pulled that out and make it a little more inviting. But it's priced well. 

In Oyster Reef, 28 Eagle Claw Drive. It has three bedrooms and two and a half baths. It's listed for $515,000. This one was a bit dark. I did like the kitchen backsplash. That was very pretty. There's a lovely front area with mature azaleas, and it's priced very well. But it is a bit on the dark side. I know it will sell quickly because its a great price for oyster reef.

And lastly, in Hilton Head Plantation is 15 Oyster Rake Lane with four bedrooms and three and a half baths, and it's listed for $665,000. I loved the nice, high ceilings. There's great bedroom separation. I found the driveway to be a little tight. You're kind of on the end of the cul-de-sac, and you have to almost back out if there are a little bit more cars. But again, for some people, that might not be an issue. I just want to point that out. 

Spanish Wells

There was one home in Spanish Wells. 2 Widewater Road has five bedrooms, three baths, and two half baths and is listed for $5,699,999. I don't understand why people do that. But nevertheless, it sits on two lots. It's three acres and is on the water. You get sunrises and sunsets. It's phenomenal. This was a redo. I remember this home before the redo, and they did a spectacular job on it. It's really, really nice. What's not to like? It's a beautiful home that's been redone. You've got the main house, and then, you have the pool house that has this tiffany glass area that's really awesome. And then, you have a guest house that's separate from both of them. That's not with a water view. The pool house has a water view. It's just a beautiful estate with nice gates as you drive up. There's lots of parking for lots of cars.

I did have three that are not in a gated community. Let me mention these really quickly.

41 Squiresgate Road is a three-bedroom, two-bath home for $325,000.

There was a condo at 67 Summerfield Court, unit 621. This unit has three bedrooms and three baths for $209,900.

And for someone looking for land, we had 74 Crosswinds Drive. That's $229,000 for that dirt. 

That wraps it up. I would say 58 Sparwheel was my favorite. That 2 Widewater was very unique, but that's only for a small percentage of buyers. I could see someone from up north or the city that would gladly buy that beautiful estate. So if you know of anybody, let me know. But 58 Sparwheel, I get very excited when people take huge pride in their homes and every attention to detail has been taken care of. It's meticulous.

So that wraps it up for today's tour. Inventories are still low. If it is priced well and is in good to great condition, it will not last. It's a great time to be on the Island and buy. The interest rates are below 3%, so it's a fantastic time to come live the dream. If we can be of any service, please do reach out to us.

Respectfully submitted, 

Susan Ochsner

YourHiltonHeadAgent.com
(843) 816-6388

Lowest Mortgage Rates in History: What It Means for Homeowners and Buyers

In July, the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell below 3% for the first time in history.¹ And while many Americans have rushed to take advantage of this unprecedented opportunity, others question the hype. Are today’s rates truly a bargain?

While average mortgage rates have drifted between 4% and 5% in recent years, they haven’t always been so low. Freddie Mac began tracking 30-year mortgage rates in 1971. At that time, the national average was 7.31%.² As the rate of inflation started to rise in the mid-1970s, mortgage rates surged. It’s hard to imagine now, but the average U.S. mortgage rate reached a high of 18.63% in 1981.³

Fortunately for home buyers, inflation normalized by October 1982, which sent mortgage rates on a downward trajectory that would bring them as low as 3.31% in 2012.³ Since 2012, 30-year fixed rates have risen modestly, with the daily average climbing as high as 4.94% in 2018.⁴

So what’s causing today’s rates to sink to unprecedented lows? Economic uncertainty.

Mortgage rates generally follow bond yields, because the majority of U.S. mortgages are packaged together and sold as bonds. As the coronavirus pandemic continues to dampen the economy and inject volatility into the stock market, a growing number of investors are shifting their money into low-risk bonds. Increased demand has driven bond yields—and mortgage rates—down.⁵

However, according to National Association of Realtors Chief Economist Lawrence Yun, “the number one driver of low mortgage rates is the accommodating Federal Reserve stance to keep interest rates low and to buy up mortgage-backed securities.” According to Yun, “we will see mortgage rates stay near this level for the next 18 months because of the significance of the Fed’s stance.”⁶

HOW DO LOW MORTGAGE RATES BENEFIT CURRENT HOMEOWNERS?

Low mortgage rates increase buyer demand, which is good news for sellers. But what if you don’t have any plans to sell your home? Can current homeowners benefit from falling mortgage rates? Yes, they can!

A growing number of homeowners are capitalizing on today’s rock-bottom rates by refinancing their existing mortgages. In fact, refinance applications have surged over the past few months—and for a good reason.⁷ Reduced interest rates can save homeowners a bundle on both monthly payments and total payments over the lifetime of a mortgage.

The chart below illustrates the potential savings when you decrease your mortgage rate by just one percentage point. When it comes to refinancing, the bigger the spread, the greater the savings.

Estimated Monthly Payment On a 30-Year Fixed-Rate Mortgage

Be sure to factor in any prepayment penalties on your current mortgage and closing costs for your new mortgage. For a refinance, expect to pay between 2% to 5% of your loan amount.⁸ You can divide your closing costs by your monthly savings to find out how long it will take to recoup your investment, or use an online refinance calculator. For a more precise calculation of your potential savings, we’d be happy to connect you with a mortgage professional in our network who can help you decide if refinancing is a good option for you.

HOW DO LOW MORTGAGE RATES BENEFIT HOME BUYERS?

We’ve already shown how low rates can save you money on your mortgage payments. But they can also give a boost to your budget by increasing your purchasing power. For example, imagine you have a budget of $1,500 to put toward your monthly mortgage payment. If you take out a 30-year mortgage at 5.0%, you can afford a loan of $279,000.

Now let’s assume the mortgage rate falls to 4.0%. At that rate, you can afford to borrow $314,000 while still keeping the same $1,500 monthly payment. That’s a budget increase of $35,000!

If the rate falls even further to 3.0%, you can afford to borrow $355,000 and still pay the same $1,500 each month. That’s $76,000 over your original budget! All because the interest rate fell by two percentage points. If you’ve been priced out of the market before, today’s low rates may put you in a better position to afford your dream home. 

On the other hand, rising mortgages rates will erode your purchasing power. Wait to buy, and you may have to settle for a smaller home in a less-desirable neighborhood. So if you’re planning to move, don’t miss out on the phenomenal discount you can get with today’s historically-low rates.

HOW LOW COULD MORTGAGE RATES GO?

No one can say with certainty how low mortgage rates will fall or when they will rise again. A lot will depend on the trajectory of the pandemic and subsequent economic impact. 

Forecasters at Freddie Mac and the Mortgage Bankers Association predict 30-year mortgage rates will average 3.2% and 3.5% respectively in 2021.^9,10 However, economists at Fannie Mae expect them to dip even lower to an average of 2.8% next year.¹¹ 

Still, many experts agree that those who wait to take advantage of these unprecedented rates could miss out on the deal of a lifetime. “With rates now at all-time historic lows, it’s hard to imagine that people may be holding out for something even better," warns Paul Buege, president and COO of Inlanta Mortgage.¹² Positive news about a vaccine or a faster-than-expected economic recovery could send rates back up to pre-pandemic levels.

HOW CAN I SECURE THE BEST AVAILABLE MORTGAGE RATE?

While the average 30-year mortgage rate is hovering around 3%, you can do a quick search online and find advertised rates that are even lower. But these ultra-low mortgages are typically reserved for only prime borrowers. So what steps can you take to secure the lowest possible rate?

1. Consider a 15-Year Mortgage Term

Lock in an even lower rate by opting for a 15-year mortgage. If you can afford the higher monthly payment, a shorter mortgage term can save you a bundle in interest, and you’ll pay off your home in half the time.¹³

2. Give Your Credit Score a Boost

The economic downturn has made lenders more cautious. These days, you’ll probably need a credit score of at least 740 to secure their lowest rates.¹⁴ While there’s no fast fix for bad credit, you can take steps to help your score before you apply for a loan:¹⁵

●      Dispute inaccuracies on your credit report.

●      Pay your bills on time, and catch up on any missed payments.

●      Hold off on applying for new credit.

●      Pay off debt, and keep balances low on your credit cards.

●      Don’t close unused credit cards (unless they’re charging you an annual fee).

3. Make a Large Down Payment

The more equity you have in a home, the less likely you are to default on your mortgage. That’s why lenders offer better rates to borrowers who make a sizable down payment. Plus, if you put down at least 20%, you can avoid paying for private mortgage insurance.

4. Pay for Points

Discount points are fees paid to the mortgage company in exchange for a lower interest rate. At a cost of 1% of the loan amount, they aren’t cheap. But the investment can pay off over the long-term in interest savings.

5. Shop Around

Rates, terms, and fees can vary widely amongst mortgage providers, so do your homework. Contact several lenders to find out which one is willing to offer you the best overall deal. But be sure to complete the process within 45 days—or else the credit inquiries by multiple mortgage companies could have a negative impact on your credit score.¹⁶

The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial advice. Consult a financial professional for advice regarding your individual needs.

Respectfully submitted,

Susan Ochsner

yourhiltonheadagent.com

(843) 816-6388

Sources:

1.     CNN Business -
https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/16/success/30-year-mortgage-rates-record-low/index.html

2.     Freddie Mac -
http://www.freddiemac.com/pmms/pmms30.html) 

3.     Value Penguin -
https://www.valuepenguin.com/mortgages/historical-mortgage-rates

4.     Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis -
https://fred.stlouisfed.org/graph/?g=NUh

5.     Bankrate -
https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/how-interest-rates-are-set/

6.     Washington Post -
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2020/06/25/mortgage-rate-remains-historic-low/

7.     Yahoo! Finance -
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/mortgage-refinancing-makes-big-comeback-151500346.html

8.     Bankrate -
https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/is-no-closing-cost-for-you/

9.     Freddie Mac June 2020 Quarterly Forecast -
http://www.freddiemac.com/fmac-resources/research/pdf/202006-Forecast.pdf

10.   Mortgage Bankers Association Mortgage Market Forecast July 15, 2020 - 
https://www.mba.org/news-research-and-resources/research-and-economics/forecasts-and-commentary

11.   Fannie Mae July 2020 Housing Forecast -
https://www.fanniemae.com/resources/file/research/emma/pdf/Housing_Forecast_071420.pdf

12.   Washington Post -
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2020/06/25/mortgage-rate-remains-historic-low/

13.   Investopedia -
https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/042015/comparison-30year-vs-15year-mortgage.asp

14.   Money -
https://money.com/mortgage-rates-below-three-percent/

15.   Experian -
https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/credit-education/improving-credit/improve-credit-score/

Equifax -
https://www.equifax.com/personal/education/credit/report/understanding-hard-inquiries-on-your-credit-report/

From Abby Eubanks

Bankrate, Inc.
100 5th Ave.,16th Floor | New York, NY 10011:

https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/refinance-rates/#why-homeowners-havent-refinanced

Today is Wednesday July 22nd, 2020 and we have the South real estate tour for homes for sale on Hilton Head Island. It’s a very small one which is somewhat expected. It’s smaller than your typical July but again, our inventories are extremely low. I have mentioned this before but typically in the last decade our inventories for residences in Sea Pines – and this is my perspective – is 125 to 140, in that range. As of this morning we have 83 residences. So, as you can see, it’s quite a drop in supply and if you remember Economics 101, when supply is down, and demand is the same or unchanged then prices go up. So, that is where we are with that. 

Club Course

First we have 4 Long Marsh Lane, a six-bedroom six and a half bath listed at $1,549,000. The price is correct for a six bedroom but when you go from four to five or four to six, it doesn’t really make that much of a difference. This home has a few condition problems but nothing that can’t easily be fixed. It’s just that I’m speaking only of the impression as you arrive to this stately fabulous neighborhood cul-de-sac with marsh views. These marsh views are phenomenal. The home has an interesting floor plan. They have art that distracts from everything. The kitchen and the bath need a little updating but again, it’s a spectacular home and it’s in a great, quiet location and is priced appropriately. It does need a little bit of fixing up. So, it might be a tad too high but again, with the inventories where they are, it’s probably best just to leave it. It has only been on the market for a couple of days. 

In Oyster Landing Club we have 17 Oyster Landing Lane. It's a three-bedroom three bath home for $825,000. It is a lovely townhouse. It does not have an elevator, but it has a deck outside that overlooks the marsh. You don’t have the deep-water view that you do on Long Marsh Lane but it’s in a nice little community. Everything that is in there that has gone has been either on the golf view side or the really high-end side. So, things have been going from $635,000 for golf view to $1.5 million for the deep water. So, this one is kind of in between. It does need some tweaking but it’s very workable for sure. It is a nice place. It just needs a little bit of tweaking.

52 North Calibogue Cay Road is a four-bedroom five bath for $1,895,000. This is not on the deep-water side. It’s on the – what we call – creek side which is very private and great, especially if you’re not a boater and you’re not concerned about the rising tides for going out on your boat. A low country style home and has a lot of charm inside. You can see it has been a family home for quite some time. The kitchen has been updated. There is some shelving in the master that has been updated and that has primarily been due to two floods. I believe they were flooded in Matthew and Irma and I looked to make sure it was on the property disclosure and that is the case. So, just be aware if you’re going to renovate and not put too much on it. You might be better off tearing it down and building a new home, but it certainly has charm; you can’t argue with that. 

Then more central in Sea Pines we have 22 Twin Pines Road, a four-bedroom five bath listed at $1,195,000. This home has been meticulously maintained. Yes, it is dated but it has great bones, a very nice view, and I know I have said this ad nauseum for some of you who might have read my blogs before but, you know, the older homes had the better lot choices. They looked to make sure the sun was just right, and the tree canopy was important. So, a lot of times you will have older homes, but I think it wouldn’t take a lot to make this home fabulous. I like the flow of this home. Don’t let the pictures deter you from its potential. The curb appeal is somewhat dated compared to what people are doing now but I think it has great potential and it’s on a wonderful street. In fact, the newer house across the street, I think, went under contract for $1.9 million. So again, this is in the money for the neighborhood. 

Lastly in Schooner Court unit 743, a four-bedroom four and a half bath listed for $675,000. That has been the price for a while. It has been on the market for about four months and they changed agents so, it came back on. It needs updating. I remember it. I didn’t go see it because I remember it. Again, it is hard to understand why it is still on the market. Nevertheless, remember that the supply is quite tight.

In Palmetto Bay outside of the gates we have 19 Palmetto Bay Villa. It’s a three-bedroom one and a half bath for $224,900. 

It is hard because these four houses that I mentioned are all my favorite areas. So, I would have a hard time picking a favorite right now, to be frank. Depending on where you are in your life and what you’re wanting to achieve, they all have their strengths. 

I guess I would pick 22 Twin Pines Road. I think it is probably the easiest renovation. You are still very central to the Resort of Sea Pines. You can easily bike and do the fun Sea Pines things you want to do are very centrally located where in Long Marsh Lane you are in the Club Course area and you are around more residents etc. and if you like to bike, you’re a little further off on that and it didn’t have a dock. So, if you do want a dock, you’d have to go to Calibogue Cay. I know I went around in circles when picking my favorite but it’s hard to do when there are four really great listings out there. 

Remember we have agents that are here to assist you. So, whatever it is we can do for you, please do not hesitate to call. No question is too trite or too insignificant. We’d love to hear from you and help you along your path to real estate ownership on our beautiful island. 

Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Ochsner

(843) 816-6388
YourHiltonHeadAgent.com

Today is Wednesday July 15^th, 2020 and we have a very small North Tour of homes for sale on Hilton Head. As I mentioned in an earlier blog, a lot of the homes aren’t even making the tour but I think now in July things have slowed down a little bit although we still have a few things going under contract in two to three days. 

Windmill Harbour

There is a villa in Windmill Harbour which is 13 Spindle Lane, a two-bedroom two and a half bath for $399,000. It’s a beautifully updated villa. I just don’t know whether or not you’ll be able to get the appraisal for it. The last three that have sold in here have all been under $300,000 and this one is $100,000 more. That’s my only concern but it is beautiful. 

Indigo Run 

In Indigo Run we have 5 Cotesworth Place. It’s a five-bedroom four and a half bath for $799,000. They bought it at the height of the market in 2004. It’s a lovely home. I love the little garden when you come up; it’s very welcoming and it has a fenced in front gate and yard with sort of circular steps that are very pretty. It’s a nice newer home.

245 Berwick Drive is a four-bedroom four and a half bath for $725,000. This one is a little less. The kitchen isn’t as nice, but I do love the view. The other one had sort of a wooded view and the house was better quality but, to me, it’s all about the view because you can change everything else and you can change the inside to what you want. The other one was just so big with five bedrooms, but they are both good homes in Indigo run. 

Palmetto Hall


228 Fort Howell Drive, a five-bedroom five and a half bath for $749,000. The only thing that bothers me about this house is that from the kitchen you go into the master bedroom and the bedroom is just right next to the kitchen but I guess it wasn’t seen as a family home per se. So, the layout kind of bothers me a little bit. 

243 Fort Howell Drive is a six-bedroom seven bath home priced at $1,199,000. This one was purchased as a foreclosure. I remember this house. The railings were memorable, but they bought it in 2017 for $837,500 and I can’t tell where they put money. There was some damage due to a tree and they fixed that, but I really don’t see any updates. So, I really don’t see how they came with this price at all to be quite honest, but it is a spacious, big house. 

There was one more house in Palmetto Hall that, for whatever reason, I missed but I do want to talk about it because it’s a great listing. 2 Stevens Court is a five-bedroom five bath home listed at $649,000. It’s a really great price. I like the curb appeal. It is not a full stucco house. There is a nice view from the upstairs. It’s very welcoming and priced well. I think the carpeting probably needs to be changed and they didn’t really do anything ot the house but again, for 4,000 square feet it is priced accordingly. 

Spanish Wells

Spanish Wells is a peninsula area that has a gate, but it doesn’t have 24-security guard, just cameras. 53 Brams Point Road is a five-bedroom four and a half bath for $2,650,000. It has a boat lift. It is on the water right there on the marsh. It is a beautiful home, and this is the third broker and I’m a little surprised because I know they tried to sell in 2018 and 2019 and now they brought it down $100,000 with a new broker. I’m surprised that it never sold. It’s a beautiful home. Spanish Wells is known for its spacious lots and a lot of families live in there. It’s off the beaten path and a lot of people don’t know about it and it has a lot of high-end homes. I know there was one on the deep-water side that just went under contract. So, if you need that information, I can give it to you. 

We did go to two that were not in a gated community. 

2 Circlewood Drive in Beach City Place is the Edisto model for the developer, Village Park Homes. It’s a four-bedroom two and a half bath for $489,500. This is the last large tract of land for that whole area in Beach City and Mitchellville. It’s where we used to have the baseball field and do Gator football and now you are starting to see small developments in there. This home was built in 2017. Right when you come into the gate it is on the righthand side. It is cute and the garage has air conditioning in it. It’s hard to believe that these tract homes are now also three years old commanding that kind of price. It was clean and turnkey and ready to go.

In Bermuda Point, another popular family-oriented area with a small community of tract homes, we have 91 Bermuda Point Circle. It’s a three-bedroom three bath for $449,900. I know at some point someone is going to build to the left of this unit but on the right, it does have a magnificent tree. Just the way that it was built, it doesn’t really take advantage of that which is unfortunate. When you come in you’ve got to go up a lot of steep steps. So, it’s not for someone old and tired like me but it’s nicely done inside and again, it is in a good neighborhood. 

Hilton Head Plantation

19 Flying King Court is a three-bedroom two bath for $449,000. This is right there on the end of Flying King that is sort of a U-shaped street in the Skull Creek area. So, you’re close to the back gate. This house is adorable. Granted it is on the main road but the bushes and stuff, that didn’t really bother me and you’re right across from the gardens where you can plant vegetables and flowers and you’re conveniently located. It’s turnkey, cute as a button, and I love the price. 

1 Golden Hind Drive is a three-bedroom two and a half bath for $369,000. This one is almost $80,000 but it too was on the main drive and it needs a lot of work. Granted $80,000 might do it but the kitchen wasn’t as nice, and I just saw that the house has been poorly maintained and that always concerns me because then you’re not maybe dealing with cosmetics. You might be dealing with other issues, but it is a very aggressive price. So, again, it really depends on what one is looking for. It is in a great location in the Skull Creek area near the back gate. 

9 Windflower Court is a three-bedroom two and a half bath for $310,000. You will see from the pictures that it’s really cute inside. The problem is waling up to it adn seeing that gray one to the left that is falling apart and not maintained at all, very run down. It is nice inside and it’s centrally located in Hilton Head Plantation and a decent price. 

In Oyster Reef of Hilton Head Plantation, we have 2 Wild Holly Court. It’s a four-bedroom three and a half bath for $620,000. The pool is the best feature of the home. Granted the Headlands is a nice neighborhood and the house is in okay condition. They look like they worked on the gardening and I’m not a fan of the asphalt driveway. Inside they really didn’t do that much to it. I think if you’re looking for a pool, this is a decent house but I did see some water intrusion or something toward the front of the door and it just seems like it’s a little on the high side. I was expected a bit more than I saw but if you need a pool, you want to see it.

Lastly in the Headlands neighborhood we have 25 Winding Trail Lane. It’s a three-bedroom two bath for $535,000. I’m impressed at some of these prices. They are really increasing. I don’t know it it’s people just trying, but to have a 3/2 at almost the mid fives seems somewhat pricey to me. It’s 2,000 square feet. They did redo this area a little bit. They put new landscaping in but I remember that this home was on the market a while back. It is in a good location and a home that is ready to go. It has some nice features.

All in all, there is something for everyone whether it is a handyman special or something turnkey. We did have a small North Tour this time but there are some great properties still available. If you need any assistance, we can conduct a search and save it so you only get specific things that meet your needs in your price range and in the specific neighborhoods you are looking for. We’d be happy to do that for you. 

We are here to help you. We put our customers first and treat you like we would want to be treated. We often play devil’s advocate and point out things for your attention, but the main thing is that we want you to be happy with what you have narrowed down to. So, remember we are here to serve and represent you. Please feel free to reach out to us at any time. We look forward to serving you in the future. Have a great day and enjoy the rest of the Summer!

Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Ochsner

YourHiltonHeadAgent.com
(843) 816-6388

Add Value To Your Home With These 9 DIY Improvements

This COVID situation has allowed me more time at home and I have taken on some projects to improve my home. Whether you’re prepping your house to go on the market or looking for ways to maximize its long-term appreciation, these nine home improvement projects are great ways to add function, beauty, and real value to your home.

The best part is, once you’ve secured the materials, most of these renovations can be completed over the course of a weekend. And they don’t require a lot of specialized skills or experience. So grab your toolbox, then get ready to boost your home’s appeal AND investment potential!

1. Spruce Up Your Landscaping

Landscaping improvements can increase a home’s value by 10-12%.¹ But which outdoor features do buyers care about most? According to a survey of Realtors, a healthy lawn is at the top of their list. If your lawn is lacking, overseeding or laying new sod can be a worthwhile investment—with an expected return of 417% and 143% respectively.¹

Planting flowers is another great way to enhance your home’s curb appeal. And if you choose a perennial variety, your blooms should return year after year. For an even longer-term impact, consider planting a tree. According to the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers, a mature tree can add up to $10,000 to the value of your home.²

2. Clean The Exterior

When it comes to making your house shine, a sparkling facade can be just as important as a clean interior. Real estate professionals estimate that washing the outside of a house can add as much as $15,000 to its sales price.³

A rented pressure washer from your local home improvement store can help you remove built-up dirt and grime from your home’s exterior, walkway, and driveway. Just be sure to read the instructions carefully—and only use it on surfaces that can withstand the intensity. When in doubt, a scrub brush and bucket of sudsy water will often do the trick.

3. Add A Fresh Coat Of Paint

New paint can have a big impact on both the appearance and value of a property. In fact, it’s one of the most effective ways to revitalize a home’s exterior, update its interior, and make it appear larger and brighter. The best part? Painting is relatively easy and inexpensive!

To get the maximum return at resale, stick with a modern but neutral color palette that will appeal to a broad range of buyers. According to a recent survey of home design experts, cool neutrals are a safe bet when it comes to interior paint. And respondents chose white and gray as the best exterior paint colors to use when selling a home.⁴However, it’s important to consider a property’s architecture, existing fixtures, and regional design preferences, as well.   

4. Install Smart Home Technology

In a recent survey, 78% of real estate professionals said their buyer clients were willing to pay more for a home with smart technology features.⁵ The most requested smart devices? Thermostats (77%), smoke detectors (75%), home security cameras (66%), and locks (63%).⁶

The good news is, many of these gadgets are fairly easy to install. And some of them, including smart thermostats and light bulbs, will pay for themselves over time by making your home more energy efficient. In fact, many manufacturers report that smart thermostats can cut back on heating and cooling costs by 10-20%.⁷  

If you already own a smart speaker, like Amazon Alexa or Google Home, choose devices that will pair with your existing technology. This will enable you to create a truly integrated (and in many cases voice-activated) smart home experience.

5. Modernize Your Window Treatments

Smart—or motorized—blinds are also growing in popularity, and several manufacturers make models you can order and install on your own. But they’re not the only way to modernize your window treatments. 

If you have old aluminum blinds, consider replacing them with plantation shutters, which are energy efficient, durable, and have strong buyer appeal.⁸ Roman and roller shades are another stylish alternative, and they come in a variety of colors and fabrics, which you can personalize to meet your design and privacy preferences.

Fortunately, upgrading your blinds has gotten easier and less expensive in recent years. There are a number of retailers that specialize in affordable window coverings that are simple to measure and hang yourself.

6. Replace Outdated Fixtures

Drastically transform the look and feel of your home by swapping out dingy and dated fixtures for contemporary alternatives. Start by assessing your current light fixtures, faucets, cabinet hardware, door knobs, and even switch plates. Then prioritize replacing those that are particularly outdated or in highly-visible areas, such as your entryway or kitchen.

Even if your home is fairly new, consider trading your builder-grade fixtures for higher-end options to give it a more upscale appearance. And forget the old rule about sticking to one metal tone throughout your property. According to designers, mixing metal finishes can add interest and character to a space.⁹

For more designer insights and decor trends, contact us for a free copy of our recent report: “Top 5 Home Design Trends for a New Decade.”

7. Upgrade Your Bathroom Mirror

A minor bathroom remodel offers one of the best returns on investment, with a $1.71 increase in home value for every $1 you spend.¹⁰ We’ve already explored several improvements you can make to your bathroom: new paint, fixtures, and hardware. Now complete the look by upgrading your vanity’s mirror.

Before you purchase a new mirror, examine your existing one to see how it is attached to the wall. Some vanity mirrors are glued to the wall and difficult to remove without shattering the glass or damaging the sheetrock behind it.¹¹

If you prefer to keep your existing mirror, you can paint the frame—or add one if it’s currently frameless. There are several online retailers that will send you the frame components cut to your specifications, which you can assemble and mount yourself. Much like a work of art, your vanity mirror serves as a focal point for your bathroom, so let your creativity shine through!

8. Shampoo Your Carpet

Carpet is notorious for trapping dust, dirt, and allergens. It’s one of the reasons that most buyers prefer hard surface flooring.¹² But if you love your carpet, or you’re not ready to invest in an alternative, make an effort to keep it clean and odor-free.

To properly maintain your carpet, you should vacuum it weekly. Experts also recommend a deep shampoo at least every two years.¹³ Fortunately, this is a cheap and easy DIY project you can knock out in about 20 minutes per room. According to Consumer Reports, you can rent a machine and purchase cleaning fluid and supplies for around $90. With an average return on your investment of 169%, it’s well worth the effort and expense.¹⁴

9. Customize Your Closet

Real estate professionals estimate that a closet remodel can add $2500 to a home’s selling price. And while a professional renovation can cost upwards of $6000, there are many high-quality DIY closet systems you can customize and install yourself.¹⁵

Experts recommend taking a thorough inventory of your wardrobe and accessories before you get started. Make sure frequently-worn pieces are easy to reach, and store seasonal and seldom-used items on high shelves. Place shoe racks near the closet entrance so they are easy to access.¹⁶ A little planning can go a long way toward building a closet that you (and your future buyers!) will love.

Sources:

1.     HomeLight -
https://www.homelight.com/blog/improve-curb-appeal-landscaping/

2.     National Association of Realtors -
https://www.realtor.com/advice/home-improvement/landscape-renovations-that-pay-off/

3.     HouseLogic.com - https://www.houselogic.com/save-money-add-value/add-value-to-your-home/adding-curb-appeal-value-to-home/

4.     Fixr -
https://www.fixr.com/blog/2020/01/14/paint-color-trends-in-2020/

5.     T3 Sixty -
https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/CES2018-Smart-Homes-An-Emerging-Real-Estate-Opportunity.pdf

6.     Consumer Reports -
https://www.consumerreports.org/smart-home/smart-home-tech-upgrades-to-help-sell-your-house/

7.     American Council for Energy Efficient Economy
https://www.aceee.org/sites/default/files/publications/researchreports/a1801.pdf

8.     Forbes - https://www.forbes.com/sites/trulia/2016/07/05/10-upgrades-under-1000-that-increase-home-values-2/#47b0d3162e60

9.     Insider - 
https://www.insider.com/home-design-rules-you-should-be-breaking-2020-1

10.   Zillow - 
https://www.zillow.com/sellers-guide/roi-for-bathroom-remodel/

11.   Lowes - 
https://www.lowes.com/n/how-to/remove-a-bathroom-mirror

12.   HomeLight -
https://www.homelight.com/blog/what-flooring-increases-home-value/

13.   Angie’s List -
https://www.angieslist.com/articles/how-often-should-i-clean-my-carpets.htm

14.   HomeLight -
https://www.homelight.com/blog/projects-that-increase-home-value/

15.   National Association of Realtors - https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/remodeling-impact

16.   EasyClosets -
https://www.easyclosets.com/tips-ideas/2016/10/02/how-to-plan-your-walk-in-closet/

Respectfully submitted,

SUsan Ochnser

yourhiltonheadagent@mac.com

(843) 816-6388

Today is Wednesday, July 8^th, 2020 and we have the realtor tour for the South End. The phenomena continues that we have very small amounts of homes to tour because again, a lot of them are going under contract before they even make the tour. I mentioned this in my last blog. So, please read it to get a better idea of what I’m talking about. 

Wexford

The first home in Wexford was 36 Plumbridge Circle. It’s a five-bedroom, six bath, and three half bath home for $3,195,000. When I drove up I saw blue trim which is unusual and seems very odd and different from what you typically see in Wexford as you typically see neutral colors. I loved the fact it was on a cul-de-sac.When I went in the house, that has a gorgeous front door that actually is on an axle and not on hinges and is wider than usual, I saw the custom-ness of the home. The owner obviously loves blue and it’s that mission style. It has lots of wood but paired with the blue, it’s funky and will attract a limited number of buyers. I love the spaces and love that you can put your 70-foot yacht in the background. The flow was fabulous. The laundry room with the little doors that look like the old west cowboy doors but again, this is a very unique house. I understand that they have over $5 million in this house. So, obviously, being priced at $3.1 … but you would really have to absolutely love this. It’s so custom built that changes would have to be made and you would need to start thinking about what that would entail. It is a little darker than what people are accustomed to but again, for a unique, special buyer this might be your dream home. This was the only one is Wexford. 

Shipyard 

In Shipyard we have a condo. Windward Village #138 is a two-bedroom two and a half bath listed at $349,900. Soaring ceilings and clean.

Palmetto Dunes

45 Full Sweep is a three-bedroom two and a half bath listed for $729,999. I heard that it was reduced to $723,000. I love this home. They redid the kitchen and opened it up with a beautiful and huge island. It’s a three bedroom and it also has an office that is private but still open to the breakfast nook/kitchen area. The pool is great and has extreme privacy to the lagoon. So, it’s low country lifestyle at its best. I really like this house and I think it’s going to make my short list.

38 Swing About is a three-bedroom two and a half bath for $670,000. This home was less, obviously, than the one I just talked about, but it has a sunken living room, a much choppier and tighter kitchen, no swimming pool, and also has some popcorn ceilings in some areas. I do love the turnaround driveway that it has. The other one also had better curb appeal and was just a cozier, homier home than this one. 

Off Plantation

In the Broad Creek area we have in the Crosswinds neighborhood 7 Mossy Oaks Lane. It’s a four-bedroom three and a half bath for $579,000. This is off Marshland Road and it’s your typical home POAs.  There’s an open space to the side but I bet you that it will be built on at some point. That’s a question that, if you do like the inside of this home and get one of our agents to help you, that you really want to qualify because all of the sudden it can take the value away. But it’s a decently nice home. 

Off Marshland Road we have 19 Creek Stone Drive. It’s right near Matthews Drive, the new sub development. This is new, still shiny and with finishes folks want these days and was built in 2018. It’s a three-bedroom two and a half bath for $399,900. It is centrally located, and you do get a newer home. 

Again, since this is all I have today I would have to say that my favorite was 45 Full Sweep. It’s a great neighborhood and low country living at it’s best. Obviously if you come from the city or are somewhere North it’s difficult to transition into the low country living but once you’ve experienced it, you never go back. So, that would be my choice of property.

I do want to mention everything that has gone under contract since the last Central Tour just to give you an idea of what didn’t even make this blog. As the market continues to stay this way I may actually after the end of July stop this blog because you really need to look at what comes on the market when it comes to the market. So, save a search on YourHiltonHeadAgent.com.

Under Contract within 20 days (since last Central Realtor Tour)

Off Plantation we had 50 Palmetto Bay Villa. It’s a two-bedroom one bath listed for $165,00. It was on the market 11 days.

Brittany Place #42 is a three-bedroom two bath for $249,900. It was on the market for five days. 

421 Wyndemere Villas is in the Yacht Cove subdivision. It’s a two-bedroom three and a half bath for $140,000. It was on the market for 18 days.

In Palmetto Dunes, 1776 Saint Andrews Common is a two-bedroom two bath for $395,000. It was on the market for 13 days.

23 Swing About is a three-bedroom three bath for $689,000. It was on the market for one day.

187 Mooring Buoy is a three-bedroom three bath for $895,000. It was on the market for two days.

66 Port Tack is a four-bedroom three bath for $695,000. It spent six days on the market. 

40 Full Sweep is a four-bedroom five and a half bath for $869,000. It was on the market for 14 days.

29 Heath Drive was actually on last week, but we couldn’t show it because it was already under contract. I mentioned this one. It’s a three-bedroom three and a half bath for $525,000. It spent 20 days on the market. 

For condos we had 7458 Anchorage Villa, a two-bedroom two bath listed for $315,000. It spent two days on the market.

19 Fazio Villa is a three-bedroom three bath for $499,000. It spent six days on the market.

Even in Shipyard we had 28 Kingston Cove, a three-bedroom two bath for $439,000. It was on the market for 20 days.

1104 Tennis Master is a two-bedroom three and a half bath for $339,000. It was on the market for two days. 

111 The Greens Villa is a two-bedroom three and a half bath for $369,000. It spent three days on the market. 

211 Beach Walk Villa is a two-bedroom two bath for $335,000. It was on the market for two days. 

181 Colonnade Club Villa is a two-bedroom two bath for $299,000. It was on the market for eight days.

601 Harbour Master is a three-bedroom three and a half bath for $319,900. It was on the market for eight days.

Even in Wexford we had two that popped up really quick. 23 Harrogate Drive is a four-bedroom four and a half bath for $649,900. It spent two days on the market.

29 Oxford Drive is a five-bedroom six and a half bath with almost 6,000 square feet for $1,250,000. It was only on the market for 13 days.

So again, you really do have a limited number. If it’s priced well and in great condition, they are not lasting for the next home tour. So, if there is anything we can help you with, please let us know. Again, with only six villas on the market it was a very short tour. I am considering stopping this for a while until things get somewhat back to normal. 
I think people want quality of life. They don’t want to wait until life is a certain way. Covid has made it so that people are moving and doing what they want. People are able to work remotely more than ever and being in the office is not as important.

So, if we can be of any assistance to you, please do not hesitate to call, text, or email. We really appreciate you reading this and remember that we are here to serve you. We’d love to represent you as a buyer’s agent. 

Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Ochsner

(843) 816-6388
YourHiltonHeadAgent.com

Today is July 1^st, 2020 and we are showcasing the realtor tour of homes on the South end of Hilton Head Island. I have to say it was a very short list of only six. Typically it is a lot slower in the Summer. A lot of owners are away  in the mountains or wherever they go for the Summer. So, it is a lot quieter but not this quiet. So, I decided I would look at everything that has come on the market in the South end since our last South tour, which was three weeks ago and there were 19 properties that have gone under contract and hence have not made the realtor tour!!

That is the big difference we’re seeing. Things are not slowing down at all since April and we have that pent-up demand from April that took on through May because April was definitely slower. May and June now keep going like gangbusters and I don’t see any slowdown in sight at the present time. I will list all of the houses just so you know what you missed. My point is, as much as I love doing these realtor tours, the way things are moving now, properties are not staying through realtor tours. 

So I would encourage you to set up a saved search on the website. I can help you tweak it if you know exactly what areas you want, especially within neighborhoods in Sea Pines or Hilton Head Plantation. I know them intimately well and can tweak the search to areas of neighborhoods that you like or when a house was built newer but don’t poo poo older homes. I do have people that poo poo older homes and I don’t understand why because some of them, believe it or not, are sometimes built better or at least with better materials. 
Let’s start the tour.

Sea Pines

I wanted to start on a beautiful home that is a new listing. 42 Hearthwood Drive is a five-bedroom six bath home for $1,975,000. I knew it was a beautiful house and I knew it was exactly what people are looking for now and it’s priced under that two-million-dollar range and, of course, when I got there, there wasn’t a lock box. When I called the office, they told me that the owners don’t know yet what they want to do so, they pulled it because IF they are going to get an offer and they don’t know where they will go. So, that is what’s happening now. Homes are going faster than people can find themselves a place to go. So, you have to be very careful now in not listing your house too quickly without have another plan. I know a lot of people want to ride the wave, but one has to be prudent. So, I’m here as the professional to hold your hand and assist in navigating this hot market as to not do anything in haste.

Then there was 23 Audubon Pond Road. It’s a six-bedroom five and a half bath house for $1,800,000. I didn’t look at the price when I went in. A lovely paver circular driveway, which I always like. It has a gorgeous marsh view, which I love. It’s an old-school home but nicely updated. It has an open kitchen but original cabinets. I never like that. Everyone that reads these blogs knows that by now. So, then when I looked at the price tag of $1.8 million I thought it was a little high considering it has old cabinetry even though the trim work is nice and the flooring is gorgeous and the outside space is nice with a great view and a lot of space. Then I found out that it’s on double lots and that makes the pricing proper. What’s nice about this area of Audubon Pond is, they are all full-time owners. There are no renters on that side which is a big plus to have and know your neighbors. Although, I have to say a lot of the houses on Audubon Pond, people are only renting them for a while until they can move themselves down here. Lovely cozy home.

Next was 6 Loblolly Road. It’s a three-bedroom two and a half bath for $729,000. Yes, this is lot value. It’s a little dark but it’s got a great view and is in a great location. A lot of people want to maybe just clean up a house and put it on the long-term or short-term rental market and this one, it has a smell. They’ve done some updating but it’s darkly updated, which is unfortunate. Again, there is not a lot out there but it’s just an okay house. 

Then in Club Course I went to 6 Newhall Road which is a three-bedroom three bath home priced at $549,000. I like this house. It’s a great price. I love the natural light in it. The wooden beams are great. It doesn’t show as nice in the photos and doesn’t capture the feel of it. What I love about this home particularly – and again with the older homes – is that they took full advantage of the view in their architecture and how they placed the rooms and the glass going out to the golf course with one view and then out of the living room you have another view from a whole different perspective. So, I applaud these architects and custom homes that were built. Architects back then took their time. Now the houses are all done on CAD and don’t take any advantage of views and sunrises and sunsets. They often tend to be cookie cutter homes. They are gorgeous homes, but I applaud the old-school and how architecturally these older custom homes certainly took full advantage of views in the best possible manner. So, this one made my short list.

Those are the three that I went to and the fourth one I couldn’t get into which was Hearthwood. 

I did go see one in Forest Beach which was 207 Ocean Walk. Ocean Walk is like Fort Knox. It’s a five-story building in which you have to use the fob to get in the front door. Inside the front door and there is an indoor pool with an elevator but then they have long wings that go out. I didn’t want to get in the elevator. I knew it was on the second floor so I walked down the long hallway and up the stairs and walked down the long hallway. When I opened the door to this place, I have to tell you that I felt like I was in an oasis. This is really a diamond in the rough. It’s a two-bedroom two bath for $389,900. It’s 207 Ocean Walk Villa. I wouldn’t even put this on the rental market. The walls have been soundproofed. Most of the times you go in Ocean Walk you are with buyers in there and you close the door and you can still hear the kids screaming down the hall. There was none of that. I felt like I was in a wonderful, soft bubble. Every nook and cranny was done to the nines. You’ve got your balcony out to the back. You are in Ocean Walk, but you’ve got probably one of the nicer units I have seen at under $400,000. It is a must-see. If you are in the market for a condo under $400,000, make the effort to go see this unit. It’s fabulous. 

That wraps it up for the short tour but now just to show you what you’ve missed. I actually for the first time went into ALL the open houses including Villas! If you do just look at the blog, I encourage you to please save a search and not just look at the blog. You will be glad you did. If properties are priced well and in great condition, even if they need some cosmetic updates, they are moving. 

17 Baynard Cove Road is a four-bedroom four and a half bath house that is 2,300 square feet for $,1295,900 that is under contract. 

12 Lands End Court is a three-bedroom two bath with 1,602square feet for $939,000 and is under contract.

23 Oyster Landing Road is a three-bedroom three bath with 2,308 square feet for $949,000 and is under contract.

5 Loblolly Road is a three-bedroom four bath for 2,623 square feet for $1,150,000 and is under contract. 

39 Deer Run Lane had multiple offers. It is a three-bedroom three bath with 2,128 square feet for $799,000 and is under contract with a pool.

19 Oyster Catcher Road is a four-bedroom four bath with 2,500 square feet for $1,899,000 and is under contract.

83 Governors Road is a three-bedroom two bath for $699,900 with 2,075 square feet and is under contract.

2548 Gleneagle Lane is a two-bedroom three and a half bath with 1,600 square feet for $585,000 and is under contract. 

2 East Beach Lagoon Drive I remember was on and didn’t move for two years. It has five bedrooms and five baths with 4,122 square feet for $3,185,000 and is under contract. 

2 Tupelo Road was actually done off market. It’s a four-bedroom three bath with 2,466 square feet and a pool for $799,000 and is under contract.

10 Twin Pines Road, this guy has been trying to sell it for four years with five different brokers. It’s a five-bedroom six bath with 6,065 square feet for $1,688,000 and is under contract. 

In Forest Beach we had 260 Seaside Cabin, a one-bedroom one bath for $217,000 and is under contract. 

8 Ocean Club Villa is a three-bedroom three bath with 1,964 square feet for $529,000 and is under contract.

259 Seaside Cabin is a one-bedroom one bath for $217,900 and is under contract. 

306 Forrest Beach Villa is a one-bedroom one bath with 657 square feet for $244,9000 and is under contract.

3D Xanadu Villas is a two-bedroom two bath with 1,050 square feet for $179,900 and is under contract. 

13 Sea Oak Lane is a five-bedroom six and a half bath with 3,901 square feet for $1,450,000 and is under contract. 

5402 Treetops Villas is a two-bedroom three and a half bath with 1,416 square feet for $264,000 and is under contract.

6 Gannet Street is six-bedroom four bath with 2,184 for $390,999 and is under contract. 

I’m telling you; we usually do have one or two or three that go on before they make it to the next realtor open house, but this is historic movement on the market. Either just wait for the wave or, you know, we’d have to sit down because there are a lot of variables coming in the Fall. So, don’t necessarily chase the wave. It really depends on your risk tolerance and your upside and downside risk thoughts, but we are here to help you. We are here to represent you. We are here to serve you. 

So, don’t hesitate in saving a search or reaching out to one of us. We are here to help. I will be out of the country for two weeks. I have a Swiss passport and will be visiting family and friends, but I will be available should you need anything as will my associates. We thank you for reading my blog and stay safe, stay sane, and there is no place to be like Hilton Head Island. Every time I talk to people, there is no place like it. 

So, I hope you make the decision to join us and please reach out to us if we can be of any assistance. 

Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Ochsner
YourHiltonHeadAgent.com

(843) 816-6388