Today is Wednesday June 24^th and we have the North tour of homes today on Hilton Head.  Before we do the tour, I want to say that for the past several days, every time I do a market watch exclusive for the island, i’ll have anywhere from 19 to 27 go under contract while only 4-9 new listings. So, if this rate keeps up, these prices are going to go up because there will be very little inventory. 

Things that are absolute turnkey don’t stay on but one or two days. We are selling a lot of things. So, just keep that in mind. It’s important to have your ducks in a row. If you do want to buy on Hilton Head, my suggestion is, talk to your financial advisor. Talk to your mortgage banker. Find out what kind of price range you are comfortable in and then, zero in on the neighborhoods and areas and that’s where we can help you narrow that down.

Hilton Head is not just a destination, it’s also a lifestyle. I think what makes Hilton head unique to the mainland and other places is the bike paths, the water, the golf, I mean, it’s all about lifestyle here and the island vibes, so to speak, is very much alive. I think the thing that also makes Hilton Head very unique is that even though some of the gated communities are quite manicured, there is a balance of nature with humanity and it’s very low-density. I think that’s what the attraction is. So, you’re not just buying a place; you’re buying a lifestyle that is second to none. 

Having said that, let’s get going for the North Tour.

Windmill Harbor

9 Sparwheel Lane is a three-bedroom two and a half bath listed at $525,000. This one has been on the market before with same brokerage. The vegetation is very overgrown, and the place needs a power wash. Inside it’s pretty nice. It looks toward some houses on Crosstree but there is plenty of space and a nice little garden. It’s priced reasonably. I just think that the seller needs to make a bit of an effort because it looks very run down, the presentation of it. 

21 Crosstree Drive is a three-bedroom two and a half bath for $519,000. This one isn’t as tucked away as Sparwheel. It’s on the main road but it’s very convenient and another Charleston style home. I liked this one the first time around and I’m surprised that it’s still on the market. It shows very nicely. The other one had the same brokerage. This one has a new broker and they’ve staged it and it has a very quaint lagoon view and a Carolina room where I would spend all my time. The kitchen cabinets are dark, and they are old-school but a fresh can of paint could do wonders and it’s well-priced. I like this one a little more than Sparwheel. With Sparwheel you are kind of squeezed in there. I kind of like space but they are both good in their own way. 

13 Indian Hill Lane is a four-bedroom three bath listed for $1,400,000. This was absolutely stunning. There was a moth smell when I entered. They have redone the kitchen. It is draped around some mossy oak trees. So, you don’t really get that clear water view but it’s a very cozy home. I wish they would leave it furnished because I think it would sell very well that way. It’s absolutely pristine. I really love this house. 

We have a villa in Windmill Harbor. Spindle Lane Villa #58 is a two-bedroom two bath for $309,700. A second floor unit. These have also gone up in price and probably will not last long.

Hilton Head Plantation

1 Ribaut Drive is a five-bedroom five and half bath listed for $1,995,000. This is a very stately home in the exclusive Ribaut Island. It has a fantastic water view. It’s a little on the dark side. It has brick steps going up. It sits on the corner. The one negative is that it looks like someone is now building to the right. So, right now you’ve got a very good view but half of that view is going to be blocked with a home.  Probably in a year or two it won’t matter but it matters now. It seems a little high for me but there are a lot of features in this magnificent home. 

44 Seabrook Landing Drive is a four-bedroom four and a half bath priced at $1,675,000. This is all the way on the end. You go down a driveway. It has a spectacular view and they have updated the master bath. The colors are much nicer than they were before. They started in May of 2018 at $1,845,000 and then lowered it. It expired in July at $1,396,000. So, now they put new bathrooms in, and the colors are nicer, and it has got a million-dollar view. It’s very tucked away with a long driveway. It’s beautiful. You’ve got two masters on either floor and you have an elevator. It’s a lovely residence.

277 Seabrook Drive is a four-bedroom three and a half bath listed for $729,000. I was really excited about this home. I like the curb appeal and the location. It’s a little under 3,000 square feet at 2,671. It is a little beat up, especially the floors. That was a little disappointing and when I went in the breakfast nook area there was a urine smell. I don’t know if it was due to the dogs and underneath the cabinet in the kitchen baseboards were splitting apart. It does have space and I would either lower the price to under seven or fix some of these things that might deter a buyer. You can see a well-used family home and good space for sure. 

In Spring Lake, we have one condo. I did not go in because it is already under contract. It’s a three-bedroom two bath at 19 Brooms Edge Court. It’s listed for $285,900. 

In the Dolphin Head area we have 30 Brown Thrasher Road, a three-bedroom two and a half bath for $499,900. I was pleasantly surprised. It’s a good-sized lot with a very nice golf view. It is not updated to the nines, but they have lots of natural light. I love the flow of it and it feels very open. I love that it’s right there on the golf course green. It has decent curb appeal and is under $500,000. I was pleasantly surprised on Brown Thrasher.

27 Brown Thrasher Road is a four-bedroom four and a half bath priced at $850,000. This one has been on the market before. It is an estate size. It’s on a very large lot on the corner. I think it’s just a lot of house and it is going to take a special unique buyer for it. It is cool looking with the space. It has a three-car GarageBand a lot of great features but you’re not in Seabrook. You’re in the Pineland area. So, I think that is sort of the tough part but it’s a great home and I think they did lower the price a little bit from the last listing. It has the same brokerage. It’s a unique home and very spacious.

47 Pineland Road is a three-bedroom two bath for $389,000. This one I had a little trouble with because it looked better in the pictures. There are stains in the living room around the wood and also the carpet has faded. The back bench is a little beat up and the linoleum in the kitchen. You’re kind of in a blind spot on Thrasher. It just needs a lot of work but it’s priced really well. There is really no view but it’s a great price and for a handyman that can fix those things. It seems like there is a lot to do. The floors are my main concern.

20 Sugar Pine Lane is a three-bedroom two and a half bath for $449,000. This is a very meticulously maintained home on a patio lot in the Dolphin Head neighborhood which is a higher end neighborhood. It’s pristine as can be. It’s not as open as Brown Thrasher but it’s also $50,000 less. It has a very nice little garden but the house is situated so far back that you really don’t have a lot of space in the garden and you have the golf course right there. It’s a very pretty garden. It’s a cozy, cute home. 

In the Headlands neighborhood we have 21 Rusty Rail Lane. It’s a three-bedroom two and a half bath for $434,500. I really wanted to like this one but it has a sunken living room. I think it has lots of potential. It’s in the Headlands areas which is nice. It could do pretty well with some creativity. I like the view. It’s a good size and I like the area. 

All of homes were good this time. Some of them have smells that you have to be aware of but all were good especially with the dwindling inventory we are continuing to see.

Indigo Run

We only have one house in Indigo Run which is 26 Primrose Lane. It’s a three-bedroom three bath listed at $725,000. This is a lovely, lovely home with high ceilings. It’s a very nice home. It’s a little on the dark side in the kitchen but it has been meticulously maintained. Some of the furniture is negotiable, I think. Again, Indigo Run is more manicured and full of newer homes. This one is priced at market. 

Palmetto Hall

Palmetto Hall also had only one home. 262 Fort Howell Drive has five bedrooms and six baths and is priced at $795,000. It has a very nice view. I love that when you walk up you have sort of a wraparound front porch that is very cozy and homey. It’s a nice home with lots of space and an open floor plan with a golf view. Lovely.

Off Plantation

I’m just going to run through these homes. I didn’t really go in these although I have been in some of them in the past. So, if you have any questions about them, I can do a Zoom meeting with you to show you these homes.

180 Mitchelville Road in the Fish Hall area is a three-bedroom two and a half bath listed at $449,436. 

18 Sterling Point Drive is a three-bedroom two and a half bath for $569,000. We’ve had that one before. I remember it was a lot of up and down living but a great marsh view and well maintained. 

37 Old House Creek Drive is a three-bedroom three bath for $438,200. All these are in the money.

2 Pastel Lane is a three-bedroom three and a half bath for $675,000. It’s in the Silver Moss subdivision and I wish I could have seen it. The others all seem to be in the money. 

In Allenwood we have 230 Caesar Place, a three-bedroom two and a half bath for $300,000. It probably needs some updates. 

3F Summerfield Villa is a three-bedroom three bath for $265,000. 

Lastly in the Preserve we have unit 2620 The Preserve at Indigo Run, a three-bedroom two bath for $369,000. 

All in all, the market is strong, and all of these are great options on Hilton Head. If you’d like to see any of them or if we can help you in any way, please reach out to us. We look forward to hearing from you.

Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Ochsner 

YourHiltonHeadAgent.com
(843) 816-6388

Is Now a Good Time to Buy or Sell Real Estate?

Traditionally, spring is one of the busiest times of the year for real estate. However, the coronavirus outbreak—and subsequent stay-at-home orders—led many buyers and sellers to put their moving plans on hold. In April, new listings fell nearly 45%, and sales volume fell 15% compared to last year.¹

Fortunately, as restrictions have eased, we’ve seen an uptick in market activity. And economists at Realtor.com expect a rebound in July, August, and September, as fears about the pandemic subside, and buyers return to the market with pent-up demand from a lost spring season.²

But given safety concerns and the current economic climate, is it prudent to jump back into the real estate market?

Before you decide, it’s important to consider where the housing market is headed, how it could impact your timeline and ability to buy a home, and your own individual needs and circumstances.

WHAT’S AHEAD FOR THE HOUSING MARKET?

The economic aftermath of the coronavirus outbreak has been severe. We’ve seen record  unemployment numbers, and economists believe the country is headed toward a recession. But people still need a place to live. So what effect will these factors have on the housing market?

Home Values Projected to Remain Stable

Many Americans recall our last recession and assume we will see another drop in home values. But the 2008 real estate market crash was the cause—not the result—of that downturn. In fact, ATTOM Data Solutions analyzed real estate prices during the last five recessions and found that home prices actually went up in most cases. Only twice (in 1990 and 2008) did prices fall, and in 1990 it was by less than one percent.³

Many economists expect home values to remain relatively steady this time around. And so far, that’s been the case. As of mid-May, the median listing price in the U.S. was up 1.4% from the same period last year.⁴

Demand for Homes Will Exceed Available Supply

There’s been a shortage of affordable homes on the market for years, and the pandemic has further hindered supply. In addition to sellers pulling back, new home starts fell 22% in March.⁵ In fact, Fannie Mae doesn’t foresee a return to pre-pandemic construction levels before the end of 2021.⁶

This supply shortage is expected to prop up home prices, despite recessionary pressures. Fannie Mae and the National Association of Realtors predict housing prices will rise slightly this year⁷, while Zillow expects them to fall between 2-3%.⁸ Still, that would be a far cry from the double-digit declines that occurred during the last recession.⁹

Government Intervention Will Help Stabilize the Market

Policymakers have been quick to pass legislation aimed at preventing a surge in foreclosures like we saw in 2008. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed by Congress gives government-backed mortgage holders who were impacted by the pandemic up to a year of reduced or delayed payments.¹⁰

The Federal Reserve has also taken measures to help stabilize the housing market, lower borrowing costs, and inject liquidity into the mortgage industry. These steps have led to record-low mortgage rates that should help drive buyer demand and make homeownership more affordable for millions of Americans.¹¹

HOW HAS THE REAL ESTATE PROCESS CHANGED?

As the pandemic hit, real estate and mortgage professionals across the country revised their processes to adapt to shifting safety standards and economic realities. While these new ways of conducting business may seem strange at first, keep in mind, military clients, international buyers, and others have utilized many of these methods to buy and sell homes for years.

New Safety Procedures

The safety of our clients and our team members is our top priority. That’s why we’ve developed a process for buyers and sellers that utilizes technology to minimize personal contact. 

For our listings, we’re holding online open houses, offering virtual viewings, and conducting walk-through video tours. We’re also using video chat to qualify interested buyers before we book in-person showings. This enables us to promote your property to a broad audience while limiting physical foot traffic to only serious buyers.

Likewise, our buyer clients can view properties online and take virtual video tours to minimize the number of homes they step inside. Ready to visit a property in person? We can decrease surface contact by asking the seller to turn on all the lights and open doors and cabinets before your scheduled showing.

The majority of our “paperwork” is also digital. In fact, many of the legal and financial documents involved in buying and selling a home went online years ago. You can safely view and eSign contracts from your smartphone or computer.

Longer Timelines and Higher Mortgage Standards

The real estate process is taking a little longer these days. Both buyers and sellers are more cautious when it comes to viewing and showing homes. And with fewer house hunters and less available inventory, it can take more time to match a buyer with the right property.

In a recent survey, 67% of Realtors also reported delays in the closing process. The top reasons were financing and buyer job loss, but appraisals and home inspections are also taking more time due to shifting safety protocol.¹²

Securing a mortgage may take longer, too. With forbearance requests rising, lenders are getting increasingly conservative when it comes to issuing new loans. Many are raising their standards—requiring higher credit scores and larger down payments. Prepare for greater scrutiny, and build in some extra time to shop around.¹³

IS IT THE RIGHT TIME FOR ME TO MAKE A MOVE?

The reality is, there’s no “one size fits all” answer as to whether it’s a good time to buy or sell a home because everyone’s circumstances are unique. But now that you know the state of the market and what you can expect as you shop for real estate, consider the following questions:

Why do you want or need to move?

It’s important to consider why you want to move and if your needs may shift over the next year. For example, if you need a larger home for your growing family, your space constraints aren’t likely to go away. In fact, they could be amplified as you spend more time at home. 

However, if you’re planning a move to be closer to your office, consider whether your commute could change. Some companies are rethinking their office dynamics and may encourage their employees to work remotely on a permanent basis.

How urgently do you need to complete your move?

If you have a new baby on the way or want to be settled before schools open in the fall, we recommend that you begin aggressively searching as soon as possible. With fewer homes on the market and a lengthier closing process, it’s taking longer than usual for clients to find and purchase a home. 

However, if your timeline is flexible, you may be well-positioned to score a deal. We’re seeing more highly-incentivized sellers who are willing to negotiate on terms and price. Talk to us about setting up a search so we can keep an eye out for any bargains that pop up. And get pre-qualified for a mortgage now so you’ll be ready to act quickly.

If you’re eager to sell this year, now is the time to begin prepping your home for the market. A second wave of infections is predicted for the winter, which could mean another lockdown.¹⁴ If you wait, you might miss your window of opportunity.

How long do you plan to stay in your new home?

The U.S. real estate market has enjoyed steady appreciation since 2012, which made it fairly easy for owners and investors to buy and sell properties for a profit in a short period of time. However, with home values expected to remain relatively flat over the next year, your best bet is to buy a home you can envision yourself keeping for several years. Fortunately, at today’s rock-bottom mortgage rates, you can lock in a low interest rate and start building equity right away.

Can you meet today’s higher standards for securing a mortgage?

Mortgage lenders are tightening their standards in response to the growing number of mortgage forbearance requests. Many have raised their minimum credit score and downpayment requirements for applicants. Even if you’ve been pre-qualified in the past, you should contact your lender to find out if you meet their new, more stringent standards.

Is your income stable?

If there’s a good chance you could lose your job, you may be better off waiting to buy a home. The exception would be if you’re planning to downsize. Moving to a less expensive home could allow you to tap into your home equity or cut down on your monthly expenses.

WHEN YOU’RE READY TO MOVE—WE’RE READY TO HELP

While uncertain market conditions may give pause to some buyers and sellers, they can actually present an opportunity for those who are willing, able, and motivated to make a move. 

Your average spring season would be flooded with real estate activity. But right now, only motivated players are out in the market. That means that if you’re looking to buy, you’re in a better position to negotiate a great price. And today’s record-low mortgage rates could give a big boost to your purchasing power. In fact, if you’ve been priced out of the market before, this may be the perfect time to look. 

If you’re hoping to sell this year, you’ll have fewer listings to compete against in your neighborhood and price range. But you’ll want to act quickly. Economists expect a surge of eager buyers to enter the market in July—so you should start prepping your home now. And keep in mind, a second wave of coronavirus cases could be coming in this winter. Ask yourself how you will feel if you have to face another lockdown in your current home.

Let’s schedule a free virtual consultation to discuss your individual needs and circumstances. We can help you assess your options and create a plan that makes you feel both comfortable and confident during these unprecedented times.

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.

Sources:

1.     Forbes - https://www.forbes.com/sites/ellenparis/2020/05/08/latest-housing-market-update-from-realtorcom/#20bf7829113e

2.     HousingWire -
https://www.housingwire.com/articles/realtor-com-housing-market-will-bounce-back-this-year-but-the-rebound-will-be-short-lived/

3.     Curbed -
https://www.curbed.com/2019/1/10/18139601/recession-impact-housing-market-interest-rates

4.     Realtor.com -
https://www.realtor.com/research/weekly-housing-trends-view-data-week-may-9-2020/

5.     Money.com -
https://money.com/coronavirus-real-estate-home-prices/

6.     Fannie Mae -
https://www.fanniemae.com/resources/file/research/emma/pdf/Housing_Forecast_051320.pdf

7.     HousingWire -
https://www.housingwire.com/articles/pending-home-sales-tumble-on-covid-19-shock/

8.     HousingWire -
https://www.housingwire.com/articles/zillow-predicts-small-home-price-drop-through-rest-of-2020/

9.     Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis -
https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/CSUSHPINSA

10.   Consumer Financial Protection Bureau -
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/coronavirus/cares-act-mortgage-forbearance-what-you-need-know/

11.   Bankrate -
https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/federal-reserve-and-mortgage-rates

12.   National Association of Realtors -
https://www.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/documents/2020-05-11-nar-flash-survey-economic-pulse-05-14-2020.pdf  

13.   Forbes -
https://www.forbes.com/sites/alyyale/2020/04/17/buying-a-home-during-the-pandemic-dont-expect-your-everyday-home-purchase/#fadad3d33b0c

14.   Washington Post -
https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2020/04/21/coronavirus-secondwave-cdcdirector/

Today is Wednesday, June 17, 2020 and we have the broker realtor tour for the central homes and villas on Hilton Head Island.

Port Royal

13 Audubon Place is a three-bedroom two bath home listed at $510,000. I got really excited when I saw this and thought, “Oh my gosh, it must be a real dump a lump,” but I was pleasantly surprised. The curb appeal is okay. When you walk in there are smooth ceilings in the living space that looks out and shows you the view. It is private and on the golf course and on a large lot. You take a right to get to the kitchen from the living space. The kitchen is a little disappointing because it doesn’t really have a lot of windows. On one side you have the garage and on the other side you have the formal dining room with just a pass through. That wall needs to come down so you can open up the kitchen, but it is still not toward the view or the living space. The bedrooms are large and there are good built-ins. I would say the tough part is the bathroom in the master which overlooks the golf course – it’s a beautiful setting – has carpet in it and it has a smell. That is tough but I can see this home being a great potential for someone that wants to build down the road. Buy it now at a great price and just clean it up a little bit -it doesn’t need a lot – and put it on the long-term rental market because Port Royal does not allow short-term rentals. Then, start planning and building your dream house. It’s on a great lot. The old homes are sitting on the best lots. That is why the homes are old. People had the pick of the litter back then. For that type of buyer, this house has tremendous potential. I think it is a great price and on a good street.  It doesn’t need a ton to put a long-term renter in it or just use it as a second home until you can build your plans. I don’t know if it’s worthwhile to blow out because you might be putting a lot of money into an older home. I’d have to look at it but it’s as great price.

13 Donax Road is a four-bedroom four bath for $985,000. This one has been on the market before. It’s very close to the beach, you’ve got a 2-minute walk. There are funky houses on these beach-oriented streets. This one has been on the market before, but they lowered the price. I remember seeing this house when it was on tour in January of 2019. At the time, the price was $1,149,000. They then ratcheted it down to $985,000 by August. Then they withdrew it in January after a year and now they just put it back on at $985,000. It is a special home. It is close to the beach with southern style and charm. There are lots of different floors. The steps are going up right off the front to the bedrooms upstairs. The master is upstairs and has a really cool closet. There are a lot of steps everywhere so, you’ve got to like that. Some of the kitchen has been updated. There is a nice laundry space. I think the toughest thing is that you really don’t have any privacy compared to the one I just came from because you have two homes that you back into. So, even though it has a really long deck, which is the length of the house, the view is of two other homes. You’re kind of exposed so to speak but you could put plantings up to mask that. So, those would be the two biggest objections, I think, but it’s priced well for being that close to the beach and it’s a low country home. 

Folly Field

If you have read my blog before, you know I don't usually do villas. I went into this one because I wanted to support a colleague. It’s Stones Throw Villa #40. It has three bedrooms and two and a half baths. It has good space. The bedrooms are upstairs, but you are close to the beach and it’s a decent price for someone that just wants something beach oriented and that is up and down townhome and not apartment style. This unit backs right up to Fiddler’s Cove with a fence in between. You could put some green up, so you don’t see the fence and have a lot of privacy. 

4B Sandcastle Plaza is a two-bedroom two and a half bath priced at $449,000. These have gone up since they tried to sell these after the recession. They are newer, higher ceilings, etc. They are nice & spacious.

15K Fiddlers Cove Villa is a two-bedroom two bath listed for $200,000. These have also gone up in price, nearly 50%. It’s beach oriented and probably has decent Summer rental numbers.

Yacht Cove is a cute little neighborhood. A lot of locals with young families live in Yacht Cove. The homes are closer together, but they are cute Charleston-style homes. 64 Jib Sail Court is a three-bedroom two and a half bath for $314,000. It is clean, cute, and listed at a great price. So, keep this one in mind. 

Wexford

In Wexford we have one home which is 1 Plumbridge Lane. It’s a five-bedroom four and a half bath listed for $2,495,000. This is a new home hence beautiful with clean lines. It has a long view of the canal which I find quite special and more private than some other lots on the canal. You can park your boat right in the back. You don’t have to worry about things that older homes sometimes have hidden, especially since Matthew. Not many newer homes available on Hilton Head Island right now.

Shipyard

28 Kingston Cove is a three-bedroom two bath for $439,900. It’s clean as a whistle. There is a carport underneath with tons of storage space and some steps to go up but it’s all on one level. The kitchen is to the right as you come in the door. These do quite well because they are beach oriented.  They have their own on-site pool. 

Palmetto Dunes

32 Mooring Buoy is a four-bedroom four bath for $1,140,000. I remember this one. I almost didn’t go in because I remembered it and it had needed a lot of work. The curb appeal, even though it’s there right on the main track and very tight, I wasn’t sure about it. I’m glad I went in though because somebody bought it for $600,000 and did upgrade it. Still doesn’t have a pool. They started way too high. I decided to look at the history and they started at almost $1,300,000 during April and Covid. I think had they priced a little more aggressively, they would have probably sold it. They have dropped it to $1,140,000. They did do a nice job but not sure $600K worth. It’s a choppy home but they opened it up a bit. I think it has room for a pool, but you’d want to ask for a variance or the space will be very tight.  

On the Mariners side there was another one. 33 Starboard Tack is a four-bedroom five and a half bath for $1,699,000. This one was a beauty with high end build. It’s in a residential area and it’s a new home. Actually, it isn’t that new. It looks like a new home and it was actually built in 2008. I love the archways. It has beautiful detail in it and it’s a really, really nice home. It’s absolutely gorgeous.

We also have one on the Inverness side. 29 Heath Drive is a three-bedroom two and a half bath for $525,000. When I printed out my sheet last night, I was really looking forward to seeing it from its price and curb appeal,  but by the time I got out this morning there was an email that it was cancelled because it’s already under contract. They put it together last night so, I was unable to go see that one. It just goes to show you that if you have price it well and is in somewhat decent condition and flow, it will go.

Long Cove 

We have one home in Long Cove which is 354 Long Cove Drive. It’s a three-bedroom three and a half bath listed at $735,900. This home is an older home but has light and bright spaces, a gorgeous long fairway view. It has arches and a dated fireplace. I loved the outdoor space and also the two greeting lions as you approached the property. What I love my many older homes is also the circular driveway that this one has. Needs a bit of work but great space and price. I like the back deck the best. 

That completes the showings of homes on the tour. We only had a total of 12 this time. Again, Summers tend to be slower and I think Covid is also keeping some folks from allowing people in their homes. Inventories are down. My though is that through this Covid thing, folks have decided that life is too short, and we need to not hesitate on doing what we’ve intended to do. There are some great opportunities out there and again, we love to represent buyers and would be happy to navigate with you to determine where the best place on Hilton Head is for you.

If you have any questions or need any assistance, please feel free to reach out to us. We are here for you. We are passionate about Hilton Head real estate and hope to hear from you soon.

Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Ochsner

YourHiltonHeadAgent.com
(843) 816-6388

Today is Wednesday, June 10^th, 2020 and we excitedly have a South end tour again. I am so excited to have things slowly be back to normalcy. Our beach oriented market has not missed a beat since April and today we had a Sea Pines oceanfront go under contract at $8.,495,000 list and Palmetto Dunes one for $6,500,000. That market is hot hot hot right now. It was so good to meet and have a sales meeting today. I’m going to put the video on this blog showing our meeting. We had it outside at the Forest Preserve at Fish Island and it’s in the middle of 600 acres in Sea Pines.  You feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere and yet, there is a beach right nearby. It’s just a fabulous piece of property. 

Sea Pines

In the Club Course area we started with 70 Club Course Drive, a three-bedroom two and a half bath listed at $789,000. It has beautiful wood floors and a double fireplace. It has been meticulously maintained. I loved the cute little breakfast nook, the tiled garage, office/work out off the garage, the large laundry room a fabulous golf view and pool. From a location standpoint, it’s conveniently located to all Sea Pines amenities and close the entrance gate with green space to the left.  It’s a beautiful home with a nice entry. The landscaping outside is gorgeous. So, it’s a very good home and all on one level!

50 Oyster Landing Lane is a two-bedroom two bath listed at $639,900. This is on the golf course side of Oyster Landing with a one car garage. As you walk in, there is a lovely little garden. It has very nice curb appeal also with old Savannah brick just like at 70 Club Course. It is a two-bedroom and both bedrooms are to the right as you walk in. Lots of natural light in the space. The kitchen is good and opens to family room on one side and living space to another with a breakfast sitting area in the middle. I love that in the living room area, they actually did a corner window that looks to the marsh on the other side of the street. That was a beautiful little addition that kept it from being a cookie cutter home and made it a special custom home. That’s what I love about Sea Pines, most homes in Sea Pines are custom homes. They are not spec or model homes for sales and this one is a great example of that. It does have off of the dining room a little library space near the living space again that was kind of different. You really can’t even make a third bedroom or anything out of it but it’s a very cute space. It’s a lovely home and it shows lovely and I think it is exactly what people are looking for if they want two bedrooms. 

23 Pine Island Court, I have been in this one before. It has three bedrooms and three and a half baths and is listed for $1,195,000. I sold #25 next door in the mid-five’s and it was only 2BR but high end updates. This is really done to the nines. It is just that the surrounding real estate does not support such high number but for those that want turnkey lovely and don't care about surrounding estimates, this one is quite lovely. Someone really has to know and love this and know it is here. I love it. The woman just put way too much in it for the neighborhood, but it is gorgeous. It is all designer made and, for the right buyer – and not for value per se - who doesn’t really care about that, this is a beautiful, turnkey, high-end, decorated home and I believe it is furnished.

23 Governors Lane is a five-bedroom five and a half bath for $795,000. This one has been on the market before for months and  has nice spaces. The biggest challenge, I believe, is that they added two bedrooms that are accessible down a long narrow hallway, which might be a good thing for teenage children or adult children. It has a nice view and it’s a very cozy home. 

Centrally in Sea Pines we have 45 Lawton Road, a four-bedroom three bath priced at $625,000. The curb appeal on this one is not a favorite of mine during this tour. It does not have a garage and as I drove up, I saw a magnificent oak out there, but Spanish moss is hanging out over the roof and not maintained. Folks living with specimen oaks need to really trim and work on the limbs every 5 years to just maintain them more beautifully. It will help the roof from getting so dirty. When you go inside the home, it has nice spaces and beautiful tile floors. It has good space. It’s a little choppy but it is a nice space and a good listing. 

Beach oriented, we have 1 Sandhill Crane Road, a four-bedroom four and a half bath listed at $1,499,000. This one is right on the corner. I love the circular driveway made of oyster shells and brick. The space inside is cool and it has an open kitchen. It has a back Carolina room/outside space. The pool is very tiny and tight, the same issue that we have at 3 Sandhill Crane but it has a very cool master bath and it’s just an old-school house that has been nicely updated.

In the South Beach area we have 7 Brown Pelican Road. It’s a seven-bedroom seven bath home priced at $4,625,000. Our oceanfront market has been really, really hot as you read earlier in my blog. I love this house. The views are unobstructed, just gorgeous. You can even see the Daufuskie Island and you are, of course, with a fabulous view the Atlantic. It’s an upside down home with a modern kitchen upstairs. I love the little putting green outside and it has a nice sized pool. You can walk to South Beach because that is a great location. Most of the bedrooms are downstairs. Flood insurance and electrical bills are the ones I would be thinking about but it’s in a great location. 

7 Green Wing Teal Road is a four-bedroom four and a half bath listed for $1,800,000. This is third row off of South Beach Lane. It’s old-school. I didn’t care for how when you go from the kitchen to the dining room you’ve got very steep steps going down to the back door by the carport. It just didn’t feel good. The master is light, bright, and big. You really don’t have any views. The front of the house looks nice, but you always come in from the angle. So, that one didn’t really appeal to me at all but again, it’s on the rental market and inventories are low right now. 

I will mention the two condos that are in Sea Pines. 2389 Lighthouse Tennis is a two-bedroom two bath for $324,900. It’s a decent price. Those are moving off inventory because of where they are located and price point. 

In Stoney Creek Villa we have unit 285, a three-bedroom three bath listed for $469,000. That is kind of getting gup there, but there is not a lot in inventory with three bedrooms anymore. So, that ends what we have in Sea Pines.

Forest Beach

In Forest Beach we have 1D Beachwood Place, a two-bedroom two bath for $399,000. This is a prefab that has been refurbished. They have done the roof and all the stuff. These used to be really ugly and dated on the exterior. The Sea Pines Montessori School used to be in this tract of land and then it became condos. They have really done a nice job upgrading everything. I know everyone was assessed but that is all behind them. This is oceanfront. You have a peek-a-boo ocean view through the pool from the place next door. It is not facing the ocean. It does very well in rentals. Last I saw, it had done $45,000. It is small but again, it’s has very good rental potential. 1E I know is under contract for $329,000 but it needs to be completely updated. That one is an end unit so, take that into consideration also.

Seaside Villa #175 is a one-bedroom one bath for $215,000. Those are, again, five stories. There are lots of those always on the market.

102 Springwood Villa is a two-bedroom two and a half bath for $230,000. It’s one that is closest to where the time share ones are. It’s a decent price and in a good location. It also probably won’t last long knowing that the Coligny area also has declining inventories right now.

7101 Treetop Villas is a two-bedroom two bath for $268,886. I love how they come up with these numbers. I have to laugh. I don’t know if they just take the law of averages to come up with that price nevertheless, again, there is very low inventory and it’s priced okay.

Also in the area of Point Comfort and Palmetto Bay Marina we have four condos – actually, one is a townhouse so, it’s actually considered a residence.

18 Quartermaster Lane is a three-bedroom two and a half bath for $398,900. It is priced well and lots of locals live there. It’s off the beaten path and close to Cross Island. 

Also, in Broad Creek Landing for condos we have 21B Compass Point. It’s a three-bedroom two bath listed at $289,900. 

We also have 6A Shipwatch Point. It’s a three-bedroom two bath listed for $204,900. None of these have garages but some have a screened in porch. In Compass Point, a lot of those have nice water views. They are close to the water and kind of tucked away in the woods and they are good low country condos to have. 

In Brighton Bay we have unit 104. It’s a two-bedroom two and a half bath for $263,000. For you guys that are looking online, you probably need to go to 30 Paddleboat Lane, that’s how it’s listed - #104. 

Shipyard

Lastly in Shipyard we have one condo. Sailmaster Villa #2 is a two-bedroom two and a half bath for $393,000. Sailmaster and Shipmaster have a lot of people and a good combination of rentals and people that live in them. They are pushing the envelope with the high four numbers but nevertheless, inventories are low. Hopefully, there is some wiggle room in that price. 

That concludes the homes and villas for the South end of Hilton Head. Inventories are low and I do want to say that a lot of people are surprised about how vibrant our market has been for May and June and even April while we all were quarantined and there were no rentals on Hilton Head. We had a very good market April and May and it is continuing in June. 

I think the perception of being a healthy and safe area is a contributing factor. I think the idea that people can work from afar now is a proven fact through the quarantine and if you can be in a little condo in the city or living somewhere like Hilton Head, why not come down here? I know of a few clients whose children are staying in the homes because they have a lot more space and a lot more outside amenities. 

The other thing we’re seeing is, there is a flip plan of people looking at second homes here on Hilton Head and now they are deciding to say, “No, we don’t want Hilton Head to be our second home. It’s now going to be our primary home and maybe we get something small in our area and make this our primary home.” 

Of course, low interest rates continue to be a factor however, the lenders are telling us that it’s a lot stricter, especially for self-employed, and if you have been furloughed and haven’t made your primary home’s mortgage payments, don’t think you can buy a second home or an investment property. Lenders are tightening up. So, there are some hurdles out there.

That concludes our tour. The inventories are tightening but there are some great buys out there. So, this is a really good time to get ahead of the market because I have a feeling that there is not a lot coming on the market in the Fall. People don’t want to leave. So, get what’s out there while you can, but I may be wrong. You never know. It is a year of elections and that sometimes causes more shifts. 

Remember that we are here to help you and represent you whether you want to buy or sell real estate in Hilton Head. Please contact us at YourHiltonHeadAgent. We would be delighted to help you navigate all the selections that are out there. 

Thank you so much and God bless. 

Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Ochsner

(843) 816-6388
YourHiltonHeadAgent.com

Today is June 3^rd, 2020 and we are FINALLY back with realtor tours on Hilton Head Island, which I have dearly missed. Today we have the North Tour with a few properties, not usually what we get at this time of year. I do want to note however, that right now the real estate market in Hilton Head is extremely vibrant. We are finding in a 24-hour period we will have four or five new listings and we’ll have 20 to 25 go under contract. So, as this keeps up, I’m noticing that typically we have about 150 homes for sale in Sea Pines, for example. I looked at the inventory this morning and we were down to 125. We even had a 7.5-million-dollar oceanfront go under contract and close and people are coming from high-density areas to the safe haven of Hilton Head Island where we have great beaches and lots of golf and outdoor activities. It’s a great haven for people to enjoy the lifestyle and get a good quality of life. 

So, let’s get started with the North Tour. First, we went to 82 Bermuda Point Circle. I’m not usually that keen on Bermuda Circle because the homes are so close. This home was absolutely gorgeous. 82 Bermuda Point Circle is a three-bedroom, three bath, and two half bath home listed at $749,000. The colors are beautiful. I love that it has  green space underneath for kids to run around as well as a beautiful water view. The homes are close together but it’s a great, friendly neighborhood and very convenient to Cross Island and the mainland. It’s absolutely gorgeous. I don’t think this one will last long. It’s very, very pretty.

Hilton Head Plantation

We started at a villa, 28 Village of Skull Creek West. It’s a two-bedroom two bath for $349,000. It is on the main floor which can be a plus for some folks. You’ve got the garden space outside and a beautiful water view. It’s very dated and kind of smells old in there. They have a huge mirrored wall that was almost too big and too much. The kitchen has popcorn ceilings. Needs to be updated but it is priced appropriately.

25 Santa Maria Drive is three-bedroom three and a half bath for $548,500. Nice open floor plan. I like it. Very interesting. It has a big office space/laundry room. But there is lots of different flooring. It has smooth ceilings although they weren’t done that well. It’s really a good space. I don’t care for the handrails that are leading toward the master but apparently, a person needing them lived in the home. That is an easy removal and shouldn’t be a big objection. It’s priced well. It needs some updating but it has a good floorplan and a good flow. 

4 Birkdale Court is a three-bedroom two and a half bath home listed at $499,900. This one was redone and looks really cute and has a nice view. It is an okay price. I find it a little on the high side even though it is updated and looks cute. The master bathtub and the flooring tile have huge gaps in between and that kind of gives me some hesitation but it’s a cute little home with potential. 

9 Wild Azalea Lane is a three-bedroom two and a half bath house listed for $495,000. Conveniently located and quite central. It is in the Oyster Reef neighborhood but seems a little on the high side because it needs a lot of updates but again, it has great potential and it’s in a good location.

1 Sanderling Lane is a four-bedroom three bath at $585,000 but it was already under contract before it went on tour. So, I’m not going to say anything about this one. 

4 Myrtle Bank Road is a three-bedroom two and a half bath house priced at $474,900. It’s a lot of house. I don’t care for the view. It has bamboo floors and pavers in the back. There was one room that really bothered me. The kitchen needs updating. There is a lot of brown, but this room looked like a little time out room that used to maybe be a sunroom or a screened in porch. With the doors on both sides making it a box, it’s just a very odd space. But again, it’s a decent price for Hilton Head Plantation. This one was not one of my favorites and won't make the short list today. Priced well though.

6 Shadewood Lane is a three-bedroom three and a half bath for $565,000. This one has an odd kitchen for this price range. It’s nice and bright and has a big golf view but the kitchen has like three different surfaces. There is a little desk that is a triangle granite top that is kind of squeezed in there and it looks like they had a gate somehow but I don’t know how it’s keeping you out, because you could go out on the other side. So, it doesn’t really make sense to me but it’s an easy fix and it is newer. I think there are higher ceilings and some wainscoting and a dining room that’s a little more formal. It’s a good space. It’s light and bright and they have a nice view. 

6 Edgewood Drive is a three-bedroom two and a half bath listed at $449,000. I like that this one has a circular driveway. The curb appeal looks kind of cool, it’s balanced with the dormers upstairs. However, I’m not a fan that when you open the door you have the stairway going up right there as you come in. Also, from the living space you could see the privacy wall from next door. So, those are the two things that kind of made it not appealing for me. It’s priced aggressively but those are things that are tough to change. So, I’m not sure I’d show that one.

1 Stillwater Lane is a four-bedroom two and a half bath priced at $424,000. I like the price. It’s really cute and has a little backyard. The kitchen is small, but it is open. It’s a cute little house and has been updated. Probably only having two baths would be an issue with some folks but it’s a great little family home with nice appeal and it has a great price. This one might even be a shortlist favorite for Hilton Head Plantation.

Indigo Run

7 Richfield Way is a three-bedroom two bath for $434,900. I’ve shown this home several times. I think this is the third broker to have this home. The biggest objection that I received from potential buyers is that they tee off right in front of your backyard. So, you really don’t have much privacy and being a small patio lot, you are kind of scrunched in there, but if you could get a good price for it, that may be a possibility for some folks on a budget. 

There was a piece of land that I want to mention. 690 Colonial Drive is on sale for $159,000. 

Spanish Wells

In Spanish Wells we had an interesting home, 9 Orista Place. It’s a four-bedroom four and a half bath listed at $824,000. It is very private. You go down a long road and when you get to the end of the cul-de-sac, go down a long driveway and you see the home. It doesn’t have a garage, but it has a lot of charm and a beautiful golf view. I really liked the nice wooden floors. It would be great for a family with teens because there is a side entry to the one bedroom and bathroom area. It could be a great family home and you could probably add a garage because the piece of property is so large. So, it’s a very interesting and unique property. Lots of privacy!

Off of Spanish Wells Road we had 9 Oak Marsh Drive. It’s a four-bedroom two and a half bath listed for $350,000. It’s a decent price and it’s a newer home. They are closer together but it’s a good entry-level.

In Jarvis Creek Club we have 25 Jarvis Creek Way, a four-bedroom three and a half bath priced at $439,000. I have been in this house before too. It is in a great neighborhood. People seem to like it. 

Lastly in Beach City Place, which is a newer development, we have 64 Circlewood Drive, a four-bedroom three and a half bath for $449,900.

That wraps up our tour for June 3^rd on the North End of Hilton Head and I would have to say hands down my absolute favorite was 82 Bermuda Point Circle. I love the updating done on it and the room to the left that they used as a dining room/office. The view is nice. It’s very nicely updated and very turnkey.

So, if you have any questions on any of these properties or anything you have seen online, it would be a pleasure to help you find your piece of paradise on Hilton Head.

Very Truly Yours,
Susan Ochsner

YourHiltonHeadAgent.com
(843) 816-6388

Homeownership offers many advantages over renting, including a stable living environment, predictable monthly payments, and the freedom to make modifications. Neighborhoods with high rates of homeownership have less crime and more civic engagement. Additionally, studies show that homeowners are happier and healthier than renters, and their children do better in school.¹ 

But one of the biggest perks of homeownership is the opportunity to build wealth over time. Researchers at the Urban Institute found that homeownership is financially beneficial for most families,² and a recent study showed that the median net worth of homeowners can be up to 80 times greater than that of renters in some areas.³

So how does purchasing a home help you build wealth? And what steps should you take to maximize the potential of your investment? Find out how to harness the power of home equity for a secure financial future.

WHAT IS HOME EQUITY?

Home equity is the difference between what your home is worth and the amount you owe on your mortgage. So, for example, if your home would currently sell for $250,000, and the remaining balance on your mortgage is $200,000, then you have $50,000 in home equity.

$250,000 (Home’s Market Value)

-$200,000 (Mortgage Balance)

______________________________

$50,000 (Home Equity)

The equity in your home is considered a non-liquid asset. It’s your money; but rather than sitting in a bank account, it’s providing you with a place to live. And when you factor in the potential of appreciation, an investment in real estate will likely offer a better return than any savings account available today.

HOW DOES HOME EQUITY BUILD WEALTH?

A mortgage payment is a type of “forced savings” for home buyers. When you make a mortgage payment each month, a portion of the money goes towards interest on your loan, and the remaining part goes towards paying off your principal, or loan balance. That means the amount of money you owe the bank is reduced every month. As your loan balance goes down, your home equity goes up.

Additionally, unlike other assets that you borrow money to purchase, the value of your home generally increases, or appreciates, over time. For example, when you pay off your car loan after five or seven years, you will own it outright. But if you try to sell it, the car will be worth much less than when you bought it. However, when you purchase a home, its value typically rises over time. So when you sell it, not only will you have grown your equity through your monthly mortgage payments, but in most cases, your home’s market value will be higher than what you originally paid. And even if you only put down 10% at the time of purchase—or pay off just a small portion of your mortgage—you get to keep 100% of the property’s appreciated value. That’s the wealth-building power of real estate.

WHAT CAN I DO TO GROW MY HOME’S EQUITY FASTER?

Now that you understand the benefits of building equity, you may wonder how you can speed up your rate of growth. There are two basic ways to increase the equity in your home:

• Pay down your mortgage.

We shared earlier that your home’s equity goes up as your mortgage balance goes down. So paying down your mortgage is one way to increase the equity in your home.

Some homeowners do this by adding a little extra to their payment each month, making one additional mortgage payment per year, or making a lump-sum payment when extra money becomes available—like an annual bonus, gift, or inheritance.

Before making any extra payments, however, be sure to check with your mortgage lender about the specific terms of your loan. Some mortgages have prepayment penalties. And it’s important to ensure that if you do make additional payments, the money will be applied to your loan principal.

Another option to pay off your mortgage faster is to decrease your amortization period. For example, if you can afford the larger monthly payments, you might consider refinancing from a 30-year or 25-year mortgage to a 15-year mortgage. Not only will you grow your home equity faster, but you could also save a bundle in interest over the life of your loan.

• Raise your home’s market value.

Boosting the market value of your property is another way to grow your home equity. While many factors that contribute to your property’s appreciation are out of your control (e.g. demographic trends or the strength of the economy) there are things you can do to increase what it’s worth.

For example, many homeowners enjoy do-it-yourself projects that can add value at a relatively low cost. Others choose to invest in larger, strategic upgrades. Keep in mind, you won’t necessarily get back every dollar you invest in your home. In fact, according to Remodeling Magazine’slatest Cost vs. Value Report, the remodeling project with the highest return on investment is a garage door replacement, which costs about $3600 and is expected to recoup 97.5% at resale. In contrast, an upscale kitchen remodel—which can cost around $130,000—averages less than a 60% return on investment.⁴

Of course, keeping up with routine maintenance is the most important thing you can do to protect your property’s value. Neglecting to maintain your home’s structure and systems could have a negative impact on its value—therefore reducing your home equity. So be sure to stay on top of recommended maintenance and repairs.

HOW DO I ACCESS MY HOME EQUITY IF I NEED IT?

When you put your money into a checking or savings account, it’s easy to make a withdrawal when needed. However, tapping into your home equity is a little more complicated.

The primary way homeowners access their equity is by selling their home. Many sellers will use their equity as a downpayment on a new home. Or some homeowners may choose to downsize and use the equity to supplement their income or retirement savings.

But what if you want to access the equity in your home while you’re still living in it? Maybe you want to finance a home renovation, consolidate debt, or pay for college. To do that, you will need to take out a loan using your home equity as collateral. 

There are several ways to borrow against your home equity, depending on your needs and qualifications:⁵

• Second Mortgage - A second mortgage, also known as a home equity loan, is structured similar to a primary mortgage. You borrow a lump-sum amount, which you are responsible for paying back—with interest—over a set period of time. Most second mortgages have a fixed interest rate and provide the borrower with a predictable monthly payment. Keep in mind, if you take out a home equity loan, you will be making monthly payments on bothyour primary and secondary mortgages, so budget accordingly.
• Cash-Out Refinance - With a cash-out refinance, you refinance your primary mortgage for a higher amount than you currently owe. Then you pay off your original mortgage and keep the difference as cash. This option may be preferable to a second mortgage if you have a high interest rate on your current mortgage or prefer to make just one payment per month.
  
• Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) - A home equity line of credit, or HELOC, is a revolving line of credit, similar to a credit card. It allows you to draw out money as you need it instead of taking out a lump sum all at once. A HELOC may come with a checkbook or debit card to enable easy access to funds. You will only need to make payments on the amount of money that has been drawn. Similar to a credit card, the interest rate on a HELOC is variable, so your payment each month could change depending on how much you borrow and how interest rates fluctuate.
• Reverse Mortgage - A reverse mortgage enables qualifying seniors to borrow against the equity in their home to supplement their retirement funds. In most cases, the loan (plus interest) doesn’t need to be repaid until the homeowners sell, move, or are deceased.⁶

Tapping into your home equity may be a good option for some homeowners, but it’s important to do your research first. In some cases, another type of loan or financing method may offer a lower interest rate or better terms to fit your needs. And it’s important to remember that defaulting on a home equity loan could result in foreclosure. Ask us for a referral to a lender or financial adviser to find out if a home equity loan is right for you.

WE’RE HERE TO HELP YOU

Wherever you are in the equity-growing process, we can help. We work with buyers to find the perfect home to begin their wealth-building journey. We also offer free assistance to existing homeowners who want to know their home’s current market value to refinance or secure a home equity loan. And when you’re ready to sell, we can help you get top dollar to maximize your equity stake. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation!

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.

Sources:

1. National Association of Realtors -
   https://www.nar.realtor/blogs/economists-outlook/highlights-from-social-benefits-of-homeownership-and-stable-housing
2. Urban Institute - 
   https://www.urban.org/urban-wire/homeownership-still-financially-better-renting
3. Census Bureau -
   https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2019/08/gaps-in-wealth-americans-by-household-type.html
4. Remodeling Magazine -
   https://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2019/
5. Investopedia -
   https://www.investopedia.com/mortgage/heloc/home-equity/
6. Bankrate -
   https://www.bankrate.com/mortgage/reverse-mortgage-guide/

Today is March 18^th, 2020 and we have the Central Realtor Tour for homes that are new to the market for sale in Hilton Head. Because of this COVID virus, I think some of them have been deleted and are going to wait. Typically, around this time we have a lot more homes. I only have three homes this time. 

As we all sit and hope and pray that we don’t have a spike in too many of these viruses in our country, I notice that there are a lot of people coming down from New York, Canada, and other places that are coming here and leaving their highly congested areas. So, stay safe everybody and we will get through this. 

What does not change is that Hilton Head is still a lovely place that people are coming down, especially now that the kids are out of school. People just feel like riding bikes and being on the beach in the fresh air. We too now have restaurants that now only offer curb service. So, we too are trying to battle this invisible enemy and keep everyone healthy. 

This will be a very short blog. Let’s start with Port Royal.

Port Royal

In Port Royal I went and saw 15 Audubon Place, a three-bedroom two bath listed at $535,000. This home is in a great location. Many of you already know that Port Royal is a private gated ocean-oriented community with no commercial entities and no short-term rentals allowed. This home sits on a huge lot. I would say it’s almost close to an acre and it has a nice golf view. It’s clean as a whistle and obviously a dated home. It is really almost at lot value. I always see the potential in these older homes. You know, you can clean the popcorn ceilings. It has lots of great natural light. Tile countertops in the kitchen, which isn’t my favorite. The biggest negative I have is that the two-car garage, although it looks like it’s attached to the house, has an awkward access into the house. I would say that’s my biggest objection to this very attractively priced ranch in Port Royal Plantation. 

I did go to a condo to support a friend of mine. In Shelter Cove, we have 7526 Yacht Club Villa. It’s a three-bedroom three bath listed at $495,000. It really has a nice view of the pool and the harbor. It’s somewhat dated but clean and beautifully decorated and under $500,000 for three bedrooms. The furnishings are really pretty which really makes it turnkey and ready to go. 

7142 Harbourside II Villa is a two-bedroom two bath for $359,000.  I thought it was absolutely beautiful in its decor. I love that you can sit right in the balcony and stare at the people coming in, in droves at the Neptune statue.  It’s nice and spacious also. 

257 Captains Quarters Villa is a two-bedroom two bath priced at $385,000. It just needs to be updated but boy, what a view. 

In Leamington we have 6108 Hampton Place Villa, a three-bedroom three bath listed for $1,174,000. For someone that wants an ocean-oriented lock and leave, this might be the perfect one for you. 

Lastly, we have Villamare, which was the first high rises in Palmetto Dunes at five stories. 1102 Villamare is a two-bedroom two bath for $669,900. This one is on the first floor and the it’s the furthest from the ocean. So, those seem kind of pricey.

In Folly Field we have 4B Sandcastle Plaza. This is a condo that is a two-bedroom two and a half bath for $449,000. It’s newer and was built in 2007. These are spacious with high ceilings and they are very good for professionals looking for a condo. Very centrally located in the Folly Field area. Carraraba's Italian Restaurant is right there too.

Shipyard

In Shipyard today’s products include 224 Evian Villa. It’s a three-bedroom three bath for $419,900. Evian is very well-liked as it is bike to beach and close to Coligny Beach. This one was naturally light and bright and had more privacy than some of the other ones. I felt like I was in Key West though with the bright colors but again, it’s reasonably priced for an Evian. The last two that recently sold in there were $390,000 and $395,000.

1304 Golfmaster Villa is a three-bedroom three bath for $319,000. These also are part of phase two of Golfmaster. They are the furthest away from the beach but it’s a great entry-level price condo because these are very spacious and even have fireplaces. They were intended to be full-time residences and not vacation rentals. That was the development for those. Have not had a sale in there recently.

53 Forest Cove in Broad Creek Landing is a two-bedroom two bath for $159,700. I remember after the 2008 recession; you could get those in the $80,000 to $90,000’s. So, they definitely had an increase in price in those. I did not see that one. 

Wexford Plantation

In Wexford we had two homes this time. 28 Wexford Drive is as five-bedroom five and a half bath for $1,275,000. I love the circular driveway. It’s a southern low country-style home with an extended front porch. I can just imagine two rocking chairs in the front and just watching the world go by. I kind of took a break today since there wasn’t a lot and really could imagine that. It was nice and peaceful there despite being on the main road coming into Wexford. Nicely decorated inside. They had surround sound playing but there was a distinct smell inside. Again, it’s probably nothing to worry about. I’m just noting my observations. The wooden service yard did not look like it was well tended too, not like the inside of the house. One of the unique things I saw was that there was a shoe closet on the master side of the bathroom. The closet had the clothes and then when you went past the toilet, there was a place where they had all their shoes and they were all neat and tidy in there. That was an interesting little feature. It could have been designed better to not be in front of the toilet, but nevertheless, to get a five-bedroom house in the $1.2 million range is pretty good. Don’t forget that Wexford has the $20,000 initiation fee and the POAs that are around $18,000. So, the carrying costs in there, require deep pockets. 

9 Cambridge Circle is a four-bedroom four and a half bath for $1,399,000. This one doesn’t have a turnaround driveway. It’s a similar house. It does have stone going up instead of wood like the first one that I saw. It has a lot more square footage it seemed. I like that you can put your boat to the back because it’s right on the harbor. The thing that bothers me, personally, is that the bedroom and the living space, the house across the harbor is maybe 200 to 300 yards away, if that. Maybe not even that. I might even say 100 yards away and so, you really don’t have much privacy. I guess at night you really have to make sure your window shades are down so that they can’t just look inside but it’s a very beautiful home. I love the kitchen. The pool as a bit more dated that the other home but nicer finishes and place for the boat in the back yard. Less privacy. 

Like I said, there really wasn’t a lot on the market today to look at. I wish there was something else I was prepared to talk about. There are some really great deals out there. I have noticed that the small one and two bedrooms are going under contract quickly. So, our inventory on the condos are very, very low. 

If you need some guidance as to which direction to go to when purchasing on Hilton Head, please have one of our advisors sit with you and we’ll be glad to talk about the different areas and the pros and cons of each area, the amenities offered, the types of homes/condos and so forth,  to help you find out what is important to you so that we can put you in the right place. Thank you so much for your consideration!

Respectfully Submitted, 
Susan Ochsner

YourHiltonHeadAgent.com
(843) 816-6388

Have a blessed day!

Today is March 11^th, 2020 and it is an absolutely spectacular day on Hilton Head Island. This is the weather that we dream about. Actually, we have a lot of it but there is low humidity, a nice little breeze from the ocean, and a great temperature. It’s a very bright and fabulous day. 

Sea Pines

Today is the South End Tour and I’m kind of all over the map in Sea Pines, having to take breaks on negotiations and so forth, so forgive me. Let’s get started with 16 Audubon Pond Road, a five-bedroom four and a half bath home listed at $1,649,000. You’ve got a gorgeous marsh view. . It has a nice, cozy screened in porch among other wonderful spaces including an office. I really like it. It’s a lovely home. 

20 Audubon Pond Road is a five-bedroom four bath home listed for $949,500. This one has been on the market for quite a while. It started at $1,275,000 in 2018 and then they lowered it to $999,000 in November of 2019. Now there is a new broker with it. The house hasn’t changed but they have gone down $50,000. That helps a little bit, but the reality is, it’s very choppy. When you walk in, there are stairs, not an expansive entryway. It does have a gorgeous beautiful marsh view. The curb appeal isn’t that great. Audubon Pond is a beautiful street. It’s a very private residential area. 

44 Lands End Road is a four-bedroom four bath for $1,385,000. I sold 43 Lands End Road for $1,360,000 and it had been completely updated. What makes this one unique though is, it is the one that the developer used as a model home when Lands End was first developed in the 80’s. You have a view going into the South Beach Marina. You even see the water tower but then, when you sit out in the back, you have a marsh view. Then, when you look to the left you actually see Harbour Town lighthouse. It’s a spectacular view and it is a little wider than your typical Lands End home. There are two bedrooms downstairs and two bedrooms upstairs. The kitchen has been redone as far as cabinets go and not the original kitchen. They didn’t blow it out. 43 Lands End was a nicer layout and had nicer wooden floors, although these floors were nice. The bathrooms have not been updated and the kitchen, again, wasn’t updated to its need but, you cannot duplicate this view. It’s absolutely spectacular. 

36 South Beach Lane is a three-bedroom three bath for $1,479,000. They’ve lowered the price on this one. I remember when they were at $1.7 million back in June of 2018. Then they went down over time to $1,490,000 and then in February, they were down to $1,479,000. I did go into it again. It still has a beautiful lagoon view and a pool. You are walking distance from the beach since the beach path is right across the street. South Beach Lane is a beautiful street. You have a newer house across the lagoon. I think what makes this one tough is that it has three bedrooms but it’s a lovely home and they finally painted all the walls a neutral color. They had green in one room and blue in another.  Looks a lot better and cleaner. It’s nice proximity to the beach and all on one level with a two-car garage and nice curb appeal.

We have three streets that were added into Sea Pines after the heyday which are Gadwall, Red Cardinal, and Duck Hawk. So, this is almost on the sound side. 8 Gadwall Road is a seven-bedroom seven and a half bath listed at $5,495,00. It’s oceanfront and gorgeous! They bought this in 2013 for $2 million, tore the house down, and built a brand-new house. Close to South Beach. So, for someone who is looking for a newer home, a lot of the higher-end newer homes are in the eights now. So, I guess this is almost a bargain, right?

7 Gadwall is a five-bedroom four and a half bath priced at $3,399,000, say $3.4 million. This one has been on the market before. They have lowered it some, $600,000 to be exact. They started at $3.9 million. They have had this price since May of 2019. The condition is just kind of eh, and you are on Gadwall but it’s $3.4 million. So, they are getting closer to being in the money and will hopefully find a buyer soon. 

Let’s keep going oceanfront with 25 Duck Hawk Road. It’s a five-bedroom four and a half bath house for $4,200,000. Duck Hawk are smaller and tighter lots on the ocean because they stuck them in there after the master plan was made. It’s tight driving up. You go upstairs from the outside but when you walk in, even though it was built in the 80’s and you can tell, boy, it has a beautiful, open feel. A WOD upon entering. It’s contemporary now and the view is absolutely gorgeous. The pool is too close to the house and kind of small. The living space upstairs is awesome. Everything else is very dated. So, that needs to be updated. It has old cabinets in the kitchen, but it does have and open floorplan and is contemporary. I love the colors in it. It has a cool factor to it, but it has a high sticker price.

37 Ruddy Turnstone, I think this was my favorite of all the ocean-fronts on tour today, just because of the price and condition. It's a six-bedroom six and a half bath listed at $3,750,000, close to the ocean gate, which I think is important because people don’t want to just stay in Sea Pines. There is so much more to do on Hilton Head. This just gives you that allowance and this one, when you walk in, you don’t have that wow factor but when you go upstairs there is a beautiful view. You have some trees, but you’re set back. It has an open kitchen and is in great condition and it’s listed at a great price. I think this would have to be my favorite of all the oceanfront homes although I did like them all. :)

We have a second row at 10 Royal Tern Road. It’s an eight-bedroom seven bath house listed for $2,295,000. I don’t think people are as excited about McMansions anymore. This one has been on the market for at least a couple of years. I do know that they have ratcheted the price down. It’s probably a rental machine. It’s built okay, medium grade. Did not go this time since I've seen it twice before on tour.

109 North Sea Pines Drive is a three-bedroom three and a half bath listed for $729,000 with pool in the front. It has a great view of the 18^th of Atlantic Dunes. A fantastic location. You are almost as close as Beach Lagoon to get to the beach club and you can walk to the Plantation Club. It does need updating and when you walk in, there is kind of a space right when you walk in that is kind of weird, but it has tremendous potential and I get excited about houses with tremendous potential. 

12 Woodbine Place is a three-bedroom four and a half bath listed at $750,000. Not as close to the beach as 109 N. Sea Pines, but it’s a nice neighborhood area. My mom knew this woman. The house is empty and did have a smell in it. Lovely view of the golf course to the other side. It also needs to be updated. It’s probably a tougher renovation because of the way the kitchen is tucked in but again, it has tremendous potential.

I don’t usually go in villas but this is a fee simple one now, and they show up as residences even though it is a villa. So, sorry about the confusion. 557 Ocean Course Villa is a two-bedroom two bath listed for $639,000.  These are no garages but people love them and this one is done to the nines. It has a gorgeous view and is really nicely updated with nice finishes. 

30 Plantation Drive is a five-bedroom four bath for $789,000. This guy bought it in the sixes about six or seven months ago. I don’t know why it’s priced this high now. The homesite that sold down the street, number eight I believe, sold in the threes. 

28 Plantation Drive is a six-bedroom four and a half bath for $999,000, a very modern house. I remember this one. Current owners bought it in 2017 for $925,000. It looks like they are just wanting to get out of it. I don’t know why they are selling but it’s a large estate lot and open concept. 

18 Battery Road is a four-bedroom five bath listed at $749,000. It’s an old-school house which has a pool. It’s in a great location in Heritage Woods and nice proximity to the beach. Privacy with the pool area in the back. It’s neat as a pin and priced well. 

11 Pine Island Road in Club Course is a three-bedroom, three bath, and two half bath listed for $1,300,000. The curb appeal is a little tough because of its long metal roof. It doesn’t break up and I think people have trouble with that BUT when you go inside, they have painted all that dark wood. It has a beautiful kitchen and a beautiful outdoor space. This is a low country home and it’s worthwhile to see. It shows a lot nicer now. 

66 Governors Road is a three-bedroom three bath for $799,000. It’s a lovely home and it has been updated with a nice golf view. What I don’t like about the house is that the garage is on the wrong side. You have to go in the garage, out the door, in the steps, and across the house to get to the kitchen. So, buying your groceries could be a little tough. You almost don’t want to use the garage and then go and park your car instead. I think it was added on. It’s a lovely home though.

20 Evergreen Lane is a three-bedroom two bath listed for $399,900, a great price. It’s on a corner lot. You have to like wood since a lot of interior trim and walls are pine, but you can paint the wood. It has a little indoor courtyard and is cute as a button. 

Last, we have 23 Shell Ring Road, a four-bedroom four and a half bath priced at $775,000. Has a nice southern porch the entire length of the home and is elevated. I liked this home. That whole Carolina Place area is growing. 

Condo-wise we have 472 Plantation Club Villa, a two-bedroom two bath for $320,000. It’s in the money. 

111 Lawton Villa is a three-bedroom three bath for $427,500. It’s a little on the dark side but good location.

333 Greenwood Garden Villa is a three-bedroom three bath for $425,000. This one is the concept with the two bedrooms outside. They started back at $550,000. So, they’ve really come down in the price. 

395 Briarwood is a two-bedroom two bath for $495,000. It has a great golf view and no short-term rentals are allowed. 

1807 Bluff is an efficiency for $215,000. It’s a great entry-level but I have a one-bedroom for $289,000 if that is affordable for someone. 

1618 Port Villa is a three-bedroom three and a half bath for $649,000. You are very close to South Beach.

There is one lot which is 25 Deer Run Lane for $399,000.

In Forest Beach, 23 Bittern Street, a six-bedroom five bath for $2,495,000. Bittern is a great rental area and it’s very close to Coligny. 

11 Hickory Lane is a three-bedroom two bath for $689,000, a cute little cottage and it’s really in excellent condition with pavers and everything done. Has a cool pool and would be nice for someone that wants to live ocean oriented. 

290 Seaside is a one-bedroom one bath for $219,000. It’s a great price. 

For our retirement community, for over 55, there is 3509 the Seabrook, a one-bedroom one bath for $35,000. 

In Point Comfort we have two condos I’m going to mention which are 1 Shipwatch Point, a three-bedroom two bath for $245,000 and 27 Anchorage Point, a two-bedroom two and a half bath for $344,900. 

Then there was a home, 2 Row Boat Road that excited this Lowcountry girl. It’s a four-bedroom three bath for $1,190,000. If you want something spectacular, I became giddy in this house. Granted it’s a ranch and dated, but it has specimen live oaks, a marsh view to the front and a water view to the back, a dock and a pool. For simple low country living, this is what you want. I was mesmerized by it. Granted, it’s an old-school house but it’s so quiet, peaceful, and serene there. I loved everything about it. I would sell and move in there in a heartbeat if I could. That is what Hilton Head living is all about, especially if you’re a fisherman, kayaker or paddle boarder. Loved it.

So, all in all it was a great tour today. There are lots of fabulous properties, but the one I can’t get out of my mind is 2 Row Boat Road. I just think it’s a spectacular home because I love the unique, almost secret location. 

So, if you are ready for the island lifestyle, Hilton Head is the place to be. Contact us so that we can help you find your piece of paradise.

Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Ochsner

YourHiltonHeadAgent.com
(843) 816-6388

Today is Wednesday March 4^th, 2020 and we have the North Tour for Hilton Head homes that are new on the market and for sale. It’s a very rainy day, which means we can see where the puddles and water flow is designed on these homes, something you cannot see on a sunny day.


Hilton Head Plantation

14 Wild Laurel Lane is a four-bedroom three and a half bath listed at $689,000. It is a beautiful home. I love this cozy and updated home. Has a new roof and water heaters with three heat pumps, a lovely master bedroom and lots of birds in the backyard. You can actually see from the master bed the tee on the golf course. It’s lovely and has a beautiful kitchen. I enjoyed this house very, very much. 

51 Rookery Way is a three-bedroom two and a half bath priced at $545,000. This one is in the Rookery neighborhood. Mexican tile all in the front and hallway, but it has old-school curb appeal. It’s clean as a whistle. It has a pool and is elevated plus a two-car garage. It just maybe needs a little updating but it’s nice and clean and priced okay.

1 Bridle Court is a three-bedroom two bath home listed at $450,900 in the Big Woods neighborhood.  I’m not a fan of those half moon glass windows , though. It’s light and bright. They used the third bedroom as an office and then they also had a sun porch. So, it’s small but cute and priced well. 

11 Clearwater Lane is a four-bedroom four and a half bath for $619,000. I found this house to be a little choppy. I do like that it has as mother in law suite which is something unique for certain buyers. It has a lot of moldings and ornateness. It feels tight in there and doesn’t really have a good flow but it’s nice to have a mother in law suite. So, again, for a specific buyer, this one would be okay. The house didn’t wow me, personally, at all. 

In Ribaut Island we have 26 Ribaut Drive, a four-bedroom five bath listed at $1,100,000. Ribaut is a very majestic neighborhood with its own electronic gate within HHP and surrounded by water and marsh.  So, even though you have a three-car garage and the features are pretty good, there is no cover there. I love the pretty flowers as you drive up to it. They have beautiful Spring flowers. You do have a marsh view and features that you would expect but again, I really didn’t like that there isn’t much coverage over the front door and I was getting wet as I was trying to open up the lock box key. So, it’s not my favorite on Ribaut Island. 

In Elliot Point we have 34 Bayley Point Lane, a three-bedroom three bath home listed at $785,000. I thought this price was high until I drove up to it. It looks like it’s only a one-car garage and it has steps going up but you’re at the end of the cul-de-sac and you have this tidal creek on your backyard and nice outdoor spaces. The house is contemporary but dated. I think the potential in the house is phenomenal. So, again, I don’t know if it’s going to sit for a while but even downstairs in the garage, you could easily make it into a two-car garage without any problem. It is such a cool area. That’s what the low country was all about and in the living room you had glass everywhere. It’s fabulous. I see the potential in this house, but it does need some updating but it has the features that you need. I think the kitchen is in decent shape. It’s in decent condition. Again, flooring would be the big start to changing things out. 

In the same neighborhood we have 17 Bayley Point Lane, a four-bedroom three and a half bath for $865,000. This one doesn’t have as amazing of a view. I also don’t like that you get that hollow feel when you walk in houses that are elevated. This one was contemporary like the last one but it’s for a lot more money with less view. I don’t care for the curb appeal of this home as much. So, why spend $80,000 more? I would go for 34 Bayley Point. Again, I always tell folks, “You can change anything inside. What you can’t change is the location and the view,” and that 34 Bayley Point was about as fabulous of a location as you can get if you like low country views and locations.

In Dolphin Head we had a few. 11 Sparrow Hawk Court is a three-bedroom three and a half bath home listed at $499,000. I also saw a lot of potential in this one. It’s kind of a chopped-up house. It would be really hard for people to like it. It has a garage, but it looks like they made a workout room out of it and they had all kinds of different flooring and the bedrooms actually have tile. So, I don’t know if the people have allergies or what, but you have wood in the living areas and then tile, which is so cold. I really don’t care for that. So, the flooring needs to go but again, it has a beautiful view. It would probably be easy to convert the one-car garage back. It sits on a patio lot and is a nice price. 

35 Field Sparrow Road is a three-bedroom two bath for $435,000. It’s in good condition and is a good price. You really don’t have a view and you have kind of a small backyard but it’s clean and a decent house at a decent price.

23 Sugar Pine Lane is a three-bedroom two bath priced at $449,000. This is even a better price. I love that name Sugar Pine Lane, don’t you? It’s turnkey and has nice curb appeal. You have the two-car garage. It does face the main road but it’s neat as a pin and priced well. So, for somebody who cares more about the inside of a house, this one is probably ready to go.

6 Elmwood Court is a three-bedroom two bath for $519,000. This has a nice golf view. I like the pretty floors. It’s on the cul-de-sac. It has popcorn ceilings. It was just eh. I’m kind of neutral on this house. 

27 Honey Locust Circle is a three-bedroom two and a half bath listed at $449,000. I’d give this one a B plus. The curb appeal is neat. I like the open living space. What I didn’t like is that you have to go down this long crunched up hallway to get to the master and I found the master area to be very small. So, just keep that in mind but it has nice living spaces.

17 Palm View Drive is a four-bedroom four and a half bath for $695,000. This is a very light and bright street. There are almost no trees on it, which in the Summer can probably be very harrowing, but some people seem to like it. This is a nice, clean single level home. Everything looks freshly painted. The carpet looks very new. So, this one is turnkey. It’s stucco and it’s a nice home. 

30 Glenmore Place is a three-bedroom four bath home listed at $725,000. This one I didn’t really care for. It has a two-car garage. The stairs were just eh. I’m not a fan of rounded windows. So, maybe that’s what it is. You’ve got a rectangular garage and I find the price to be kind of on the high side but, you know, you are near the country club and you do have a pool. It’s a great location. You’re on the first fairway of the country club and you’ve got a lot of square footage and a lot of built-ins too. So, it’s a newer house but already it’s up at $725,000 which seems a little on the high side for a three-bedroom. 

37 Santa Maria Drive is a three-bedroom two and a half bath house listed at $568,750. This one has lots of different flooring and a lot of black surfaces. It has really good architecture and a nice view. It’s at a decent price in a great neighborhood.

8 Old Fort Lane is a three-bedroom two and a half bath listed for $545,000. I sold 10 Old Fort Lane and that one had been completely done. This one, the view isn’t as pretty but it’s a great family home. You’ve got two bedrooms upstairs. The master is on the first floor, but it needs to be completely updated. So, it’s a decent house.

2 Tall Pines Road is a three-bedroom three and a half bath listed for $529,900. It’s an elevated house with stucco. It has a basic floorplan. It’s well-priced and ready to go. It’s a good house is a great area.

Again, the ones that stay in my mind – because I go into so many houses – for Hilton Head Plantation are 34 Bayley Point Lane. That corner lot is just fabulous and then 11 Sparrow Hawk. So, those would be the two with great potential and views if somebody wants to make upgrades. If you want turnkey, 14 Wild Laurel Lane was gorgeous. I’d say it would be my next favorite. 

We did have one condo, and I actually know this one in Hilton Head Plantation. It’s 301A Indian Springs Villa, a three-bedroom two bath for $639,000. You’re on the water. You have the elevator. Everything has been done in these condos – the siding, the roof, the elevator has been refurbished. So, it’s ready to go. 

Off Plantation

I went and looked at two houses in the Old House Creek neighborhood. 

29 Old House Creek Drive is a four-bedroom three bath listed for $479,000. This one has a peekaboo sound view. It is dated but it’s in great condition. I like this house. 

14 Old House Creek Drive is a four-bedroom three and a half bath for $439,900. What I didn’t care for about this one is that as you drive up to the house, you actually have track homes over the fence because you are right on the fence and you see all these homes from your front yard. So, I didn’t care for that at all and I know that will be tough but, you know, it’s also $40,000 less. So, if you want to be in the Spanish Wells area, that might be something to consider. 

In Jonesville we have 212 Jonesville Road, a six-bedroom five and a half bath for $899,999. So, let’s just say $900,000. Again, it’s a big house with lots of room for a big family.

In Carolina Isles we have 27 Sullivan’s Lane, a three-bedroom two and a half bath for $425,000. It’s an okay home. 

Let’s run through the villas that are Off Plantation

Off Plantation Villas

In Broad Creek we have The Residences at Edgewater #2301. It’s a four-bedroom three bath for $375,000.

3F Summerfield Villas is a three-bedroom three bath for $269,000.

1D Summerfield Villas is a two-bedroom two bath priced at $194,900. 

505 Mariners Cove Villas is a three-bedroom two and a half bath for $269,000. These are right when you come on the island.

The Preserve at Indigo Run #2321 is a two-bedroom two bath for $306,000. A lot of professionals live in the Preserve and I know at one point we had 20 last year but there are not many on the market. So, this one will probably go soon also.

Indigo Run 

In Indigo Run we have 16 Branford Lane, a four-bedroom three and a half bath for $599,000. It’s an okay house.

5 Balmoral Place is a four-bedroom five and a half bath priced at $849,000. It seems a little high.

51 Cotesworth Place is a four-bedroom four and a half bath for $819,000. I like this house. Again, it’s $30,000 less but I like it much better. 

Palmetto Hall

314 Fort Howell Drive is a four-bedroom three and a half bath for $529,900. It’s a nice home.

26 Wild Bird Lane is a four-bedroom four bath home priced at $499,000. 

1 Sabal Court is a three-bedroom three and a half bath home for $499,900. They are all okay.

Spanish Wells

In Spanish Wells we had a home which is 62 Widewater Road. It’s a four-bedroom four bath priced at $1,550,000. This guy just bought this house less than a year ago. So, I don’t know what’s going on. So, that might be something to consider for someone that wants to be in the Spanish Wells area. These guys bought it a year ago for $1.3 million and it was listed for $1,450,000. You are waterfront. It looks like they redid the hardwood floors. It’s a cool home. It’s very southern. You feel like you’re really in the low country with a house like this and there is nothing like being on the water.

Windmill Harbour

We only have one in Windmill Harbour which is 107 Harbour Passage. It’s a four-bedroom three and a half bath listed at $1,395,000. Wow, I love this townhouse! It has solid wooden doors and high ceilings. The only reason they are selling this is because they are hardly ever using it. These are Swiss folks - I happen to know that. It has a spectacular view. I’m telling you; I have a lot for sale, but this house is magnificent. It has an elevator with four stops. It has a spacious garage downstairs. The kitchen is modern, but it has clean lines. I love all the spaces in this house. It’s absolutely lovely. So, this one makes my short list also. I don’t usually get excited about homes in Windmill Harbour but this one is a definite beauty. 

So, that covers it for the North Tour on this very rainy day. I saw some great potential homes that need updating and for turnkey, 107 Harbour Passage and 14 Wild Laurel would be my go-to homes. They are at different price points, but they are different products. It was a great tour today. 

Remember that we have buyer’s agents that are long time islanders and ready to work for you at no cost to you. We know the market very well in Hilton Head and would love to help you find your piece of paradise on this lovely island. Even in the rain, I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. It’s great to be on island time. Please contact us if you have any questions and if we can be of any assistance to you. Thank you so much. 

Respectfully Yours,
Susan Ochsner

(843) 816-6388
YourHiltonHeadAgent.com

Today is February 26^th, 2020 and we have the Central Tour of Homes for sale on Hilton Head Island. As some of you already know, we do Central, South, and North tours and they are rotated on an even basis. So, this time we are going to begin with homes on the realtor tour for Central beginning with Port Royal. 

Port Royal

14 Bertram Place is two-bedroom two and a half bath listed at $565,000. This is a cute home. I like it. It’s near the gate and on the cul-de-sac. and all on one level. It has a cute lagoon view and is clean as a whistle inside. You even have a den with a fireplace that technically could become a third bedroom. It’s nice and cozy and well-priced. The siding looks like it needs a little bit of TLC, but the inside is really nice.

29 Fairway Winds Place is a three-bedroom three and a half bath for $799,000. This one kind of smells like curry. You have a two-car garage and is really close to the beach club. They put all new decking all the way up so, the decking looks new. When you come in, you’ve got a beautiful view sort of the lagoon and when you’re inside the house, you actually can almost see the beach beyond and to the beach club. So, you can’t see the ocean, but you can see how light it is towards the ocean nearby. Maybe one can even hear the waves. This house is light and bright with the master is on the first floor. It’s in really good condition. I love the high ceilings. The kitchen is sort of an open style kitchen. I love the view. I think it’s really, really nice and I guess if I had to pick one thing that was inferior, I wasn’t that keen on the master bath, but they also even had a hot tub outside. 

34 Ocean Point South is a four-bedroom five and a half bath listed at $2,595,000. It is oceanfront. They have a whole area on the bottom that is for a garage and things.  The folks built this house and they really built it well. You know, when you have sort of a standard and when it’s your personal residence, you take it up a notch and this was certainly done on this house. The master bath is a little dated. They did redo the shower. It has a nice, open kitchen and to be oceanfront on Hilton Head in a private beach community like Port Royal, I really like this price. They also own the lot next door and would sell if someone wants even more privacy. This one is great for a discerning buyer.

Palmetto Dunes

31 Saint George Road is a four-bedroom two and a half bath listed at $975,000. When I first drove up to the house, I wasn’t that keen on its curb appeal BUT I have to say that I really like the inside and the backyard. It’s one of these houses that the curb appeal might be average but you get wowed coming inside. What I also loved is that it's the last house before you get to the bridge that crosses over to Omni Hotel and the beach. You have a really cool deck on the outside, private dock and close to the beach. You’re on the lagoon of Palmetto Dunes, that 11-mile lagoon system. I was pleasantly surprised and really liked this house. The outdoor deck area is really cool and the location is excellent. Everything else inside you can change, but it’s all okay. I did enjoy this listing. It might make my short list. 

10 End Court is a five-bedroom four and a half bath home priced at $1,375,000 in Leamington. I thought it to be a little high but not sure. I got there early and the owners were there, and the tour isn’t supposed to happen until 12. So, I just went into the front area and the kitchen and put my card down and left. It has a nice view. It has rounded rocks in the entryway which did not appeal to me. I felt like I was out west in Vail. It really had nothing beachy or low country about it. Again, I didn’t see too much of the house so you call me and let's go see it in more detail.  :)

195 Mooring Buoy is a five-bedroom six bath house priced at $2,350,000. This house is a little pricey for its location, but it really is a cool house. It has southern charm to the nth degree. It sits on the 11-mile lagoon and has a really nice veranda on the back. I really enjoyed the entryway as you came up into the house.  It has as chef’s kitchen and is a newer house. It was all on the end of Mooring Buoy, so it was a very unique placement of the home and I like it. It’s really a lovely, lovely southern charm home. It seems a little on the pricey side but if it’s a newer home, then maybe not. I also love the circular driveway. When you come up, you’re greeted by a lovely fountain with birds. It’s a very unique location at the end of the cul-de-sac.

21 Starboard Tack is a five-bedroom five and a half bath listed for $1,895,000. This is a cool house. I feel like it is priced high. These folks bought it in 2005 for $1.5 million. It is really nicely decorated though; I have to say. This person has very nice and exquisite taste. The master is upstairs, though. I didn’t really care for that. It has a really cool main floor. It's a nice cozy home.

29 Sea Lane is a five-bedroom five and a half bath house listed at $1,195,000. I think it was built in the 90’s.  I love this cool house concept. You are on the main drag, but everything is on one level and it’s very well spread out. It has a good view and it’s close to the beach. I like this house. It’s cool. I think the only thing I didn’t care for is, they had black tile all over the master and that needs to be taken care of. I didn’t care for that at all. 

60 Full Sweep is a four-bedroom three bath listed at $699,000. These people bought it in 2010 for $555,000. It does have a smell. I don’t know if it was closed up. It’s kind of small. You come in and you see the kitchen. It’s okay. 

If I had to pick one on the short list for the Palmetto Dunes area, I would say 195 Mooring Buoy is a cool house, but I like the location of 29 Sea Lane better and it was $1.2 million less. So, those two would make my short list but I also liked Saint George and that was under a million and also pretty close to the beach. So, I guess those three. 

Long Cove

29 Oakman Branch is a five-bedroom five and a half bath for $950,000. I like this house in it’s setting. Even though it looked like a wooded view, if you thin the vegetation down a little bit you actually have a marsh view. I love being on the marsh. That is what the low country is all about. This is a newer home and is well-priced on a very nice street. 

38 Combahee Road is a three-bedroom, four bath, and two half bath home. This one has been on the market and was on tour about 6 months ago. It’s listed at $1,399,000. I didn’t go in it this time, but I do remember that it has gorgeous views and is a higher grade build. I do remember that. 

Wexford

18 Bridgetown Road is a three-bedroom three and a half bath listed at $499,000. This house made a wow pause for me. I love the curb appeal. It has a circular driveway when you come up and it’s a two-story elevated home. I don’t care for the yellow color but nevertheless, it looks like it has a lot of charm. You went in and it had Savannah brick on the floor and a golf view. The kitchen is to the left. It’s a little on the small side but very quaint. Downstairs they actually added a bonus area. Cute house and just to put this into perspective, in 2006 these folks bought it for $732,500. The previous owner had it in 2005 for $664,500 and the previous owner to that was in 2002 and they paid $619,000 for it then. Granted it’s 18 years older now, but I think it’s a great house and under $500,000. So, it’s definitely a wow factor for me. Please do remember though, that the initiation fee of $20,000 and about $18,000 annual POA.

34 Bridgetown Road is a four-bedroom five and a half bath for $669,000. They tried to sell this in 2019. I remember going into this house. They have reduced it another $20,000. It has a three-car garage. It’s a little dark and the kitchen is very dated. Again, if you can get this other house for almost $180,000, unless you need a three-car garage, I like the other one better. 

Villas

We had some villas in Palmetto Dunes.

449 Captains Walk Villa is a two-bedroom two bath for $699,000. Boy, those are certainly going up in price. My assumption is that this one has been redone.

Then on the Mariner’s side we have Dunes House 15 Beach Villa, a three-bedroom three bath for $635,000. My guess is that it needs to be redone. 

We have 573 Queens Grant Villa, a two-bedroom two bath for $345,000 and 681 Queens Grant Villa is a two-bedroom two bath for $344,900.

There was one piece of land and that is 24 Heath Drive for $349,000. I have piece of land on Sea Lane in the $700,000’s that is a pocket listing if one wants to have something a little closer to the ocean. Heath Drive is a nice residential area. 

In Yacht Cove we have a villa which is 213 Wyndemere Villa. It’s a three-bedroom three bath for $223,999. You might as well say $224,000. Again, it is a good entry-level and a lot of young families start in Yacht Cove.

In Folly Field we have 52 Stones Throw Villas. These are very rarely on the market. They are close to the beach. It’s a three-bedroom two and a half bath for $342,000. 

So, that wraps it up for our Central Tour on February 26^th. That 18 Bridgetown, I think, just stays in my mind because it was just so inexpensive. I think I would pick it to be my favorite. All of the houses were great. A couple of them had the steps up and down and I’m not really a fan of that but nevertheless there are some good listings out there.

Because we have 14 different gated communities, all with their own personalities, property types, covenants and restrictions as well as annual POA fees and initiation fees, you need a seasoned veteran agent that can guide you through and help you meet your real estate goals without having it be a bumpy process. I have a BUYER' GUIDE that lists all the amenities and fees in each gated community on the island and would be happy to send any prospective buyer this 18 page booklet. Just contact me.

We’re here to make this a smooth and fun process for you. So, if you are ready to start looking, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help you start your journey on becoming a Hilton Head islander. It’s one of the best places to live. We have so much nature and it is an absolutely awesome community. We’d love to have you join us.

Respectfully Submitted, 
Susan Ochsner 

(843) 816-6388
YourHiltonHeadAgent.com