Hilton Head Real Estate by YourHiltonHeadAgent

Worth the trip to Hilton Head Concourse

2011-11-05T13:53:00.000-07:00

Worth the trip to Hilton Head Concourse

New Home Sales July 1994 to July 2010

2010-09-07T21:35:00.000-07:00

The above chart was given by Sue-Ann Hess of Wells Fargo Mortgage on Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

We have the worst economy since the last depression. Hold on and fasten your seatbelts!

Scam - protect your listings!

2009-07-24T13:25:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 22, 2009

NEW NIGERIAN SCHEME UTILIZING "CRAIGSLIST" Scam being perpetrated in South Carolina

David A. Thomas, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in South Carolina, advises homeowners and/or prospective renters in South Carolina to be cautious of a new scheme being perpetrated by Nigerians utilizing "Craigslist".

Homeowners list their homes for sale with realtors, who will list the homes for sale in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and also with public search sites on the Internet. Public search sites allow individuals to query homes for sale via the Internet. Nigerian scammers are finding homes listed for sale on these public search sites, copy the pictures and listings verbatim, and then post the information onto www.craigslist.com under available housing rentals, without the consent or knowledge of Craigslist, who have been notified.

After the posting is listed, unsuspecting individuals contact the poster, who is Nigerian, for more information on the "rental". The Nigerian scammer will state that they had to leave the country very quickly to do missionary or contract work in Africa and were unable to rent their house before leaving, therefore they have to take care of this remotely. The "homeowner" sends the prospective renter an application and tells them to send them first and last month's rent to the Nigerian scammer via Western Union. The prospective renter is further told if they "qualify", they will send them the keys for their house. Once the money is wired to the scammer, they show up at the house, see the home is actually for sale, are unable to access the property and their money is gone.

This type of Nigerian scam is becoming more prevalent nationwide and recent reports indicate this scam being perpetrated locally in Charleston, Columbia and Hilton Head, South Carolina. The S.C. Association of REALTORS® provided information to the FBI on this scam.

David A. Thomas, Special Agent in Charge of the Columbia office of the FBI is requesting that individuals that have complaints similar to this to file an internet crime complaint on www.ic3.govwith the Federal Bureau of Investigation to ensure the extent of this scheme can be accurately evaluated.

2009-07-22T14:42:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to an auction. Pretty cut and dry. 116 Good Hope in Berkeley Hall in Bluffton, SC was sold for $317,000! We are talking a 4BR 4BA - 3,188 SF single family cottage with golf course views.

I was trying to upload the photo which did not work with my google blog. I might put it on my apple account! Still have some great deals out there, whether on MLS or Auction. Please call me or visit www.so.findhiltonheadhomes.com if you wish to find property on Hilton Head or Bluffton area.

Respectfully submitted,

SUSAN OCHSNER

http://www.yourhiltonheadagent.com

How Long Should it Last? From my latest newsletter

2009-07-11T17:42:00.000-07:00

How Long Should it Last?
A new study by the National Association of Home Builders provides some
insight that can help you estimate the average useful life of more than 100
appliances and building materials. It depends on a lot of factors and these
listed are an average, so this partial list I took - all disclaimers apply:
100 YEARS OR MORE
Brick siding: Lifetime of home
All wooden ﬂoors : lifetime of home
Cellulose insulation material : 100+ years
50-100 YEARS
Slate, copper roofs : 50+ years
Copper gutters: 50+ years
Kitchen Cabinets: Up to 50 years
Vinyl Floors : 50 years
30-50 YEARS
Thermostats: 35 years
Wooden Windows : 30 years
Wood shake roofs : 30 years
French Interior doors : 30-50 years
10-20 YEARS
Built-in-audio system: 20 years
Aluminum windows: 15-20 years
Asphalt shingle roofs: 20 years
Faucets, kitchen sinks: 15 years
Gas ranges: 15 years
Cultured marble countertops: 20 years
Air conditioning units: 10-15 years
Lighting controls: 10+ years
Interior & exterior paints : 15+ years
Electric or gas water heaters: 10 years
5-10 YEARS
Security systems: 5-10 years
Heat and smoke detectors: 5-10 years
Dishwashers: 9 years
Microwave ovens : 9 years Carpet: 8-10 years

Live Oaks and other trees - who gets to decide?

2009-03-03T07:28:00.000-08:00

The Beaufort County Planning Commission voted Monday against increased regulation of tree removal on private property, saying only some live oaks should be protected.

The commission's six members unanimously voted to send a tree ordinance to the Beaufort County Council, but they recommended stripping language that protects anything other than live oaks with a diameter of 18 inches or more.

The current tree ordinance has come under fire because owners of homes built since 1999 have to get a permit to remove any tree, while owners of homes built before 1999 only need a permit to remove a live oak 12 inches or more in diameter. The county is trying to create language that applies equally to all homeowners in unincorporated parts of Beaufort County.

The planning commission also recommended the County Council craft an exception in the new ordinance that allows homeowners to cut trees in imminent danger of falling on a house.

The language the planning commission says should be removed from the proposal would require homeowners in unincorporated areas to get permits to take down "significant" trees, which are defined as:

• Live oaks, black walnuts and longleaf pines with diameters of 24 inches or more

• Loblolly pines, slash pines and shortleaf pines with diameters of 36 inches or more

• All other native, noninvasive trees with diameters of 30 inches or more

The planning commission's vote to remove the language is only a recommendation. The County Council still can adopt language protecting a wider variety of trees.

Chris Marsh, executive director of the environmental group The LowCountry Institute, disagreed with the planning commission's recommendation to water down the ordinance.He said the county needs to get beyond the idea that only live oaks are important."One of the key concerns of professionals in urban forestry is that communities rely on just one species of tree," Marsh said.He added that if a disease "were to devastate live oaks, it'd leave us treeless, just like Dutch elm disease left Philadelphia treeless."

David Tedder, an area lawyer who owns two acres on Lady's Island, said he's against more regulation on what kinds of trees can be cut down on private property."I have over 100 trees on my lot," Tedder said. "Why do you need to be coming and messing with me when I want to clear an area for a patio?"

The council's Land Management Committee will next consider the issue.

The above situation as always, has two sides. What remains agreed upon is that trees are what makes the Lowcountry unique and desirable.I love to sit in my sunroom and watch the squirrels scurrying up and down the tree trunks and limbs. The trees is what makes Hilton Head Island so special - that is for certain! Whether someone on private property has a right to do what they please depends on whether they are thinking for themselves or for the community although I too think strictness can be overdone!

Respectfully submitted,

SUSAN OCHSNER

http://www.yourhiltonheadagent.com

source: The Island Packet, March 3, 2009

New Legislation Introduced to Help Part-timers

2009-02-25T07:58:00.000-08:00

Reduce Taxes For Owners Who Rent Their Homes Less than 90 Days

Richard Chalk has recently introduced a bill (H.3408) into legislation that will reduce the tax burden for owners of rental property who lease their home for 90 days or less each year, by preserving the 4% assessment.

If passed, this new legislation could have a positive impact on our local Hilton Head Island economy because it allows many part-time residents to live here 9 months of the year and rent their home during the summer while benefiting from the lower tax rate of full time residents.

This will have a positive impact for our northern friends trying to get down here.

or our northern friends trying to get down here.

Helping Buyers with Mortgages

2009-02-20T08:50:00.001-08:00

Here’s a warning for potential borrowers: Nervous lenders have tough new rules and are paperwork crazy.

"Borrowers are going to have to prove they are the borrower they say they are," says Keith Gumbinger, vice president of HSH Associates, a mortgage-industry publisher in Pompton Plains, N.J.

Gumbinger says homebuyers should consider these things before they apply for a loan.

1. Down payments are critical. Borrowers should expect to put down at least 10 percent for a “conforming loan” – a mortgage that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will purchase.

2. Credit scores count. A 720 on the 850-point FICO rating scale will get a borrower access to the best rates. Rich Bira, branch manager of FCM Direct Lender in Chicago, says: "A score between 720 and 739 gets 0.125 percent added to the rate, a score between 700 and 719 gets 0.375 percent added to the rate, and a score between 680 and 699 gets 0.5 percent added to the rate.”

3. Consider VA and FHA. Borrowers without down payments or with less than stellar credit scores should consider these government-insured loans offered through the Federal Housing Administration of the Veterans Administration.

4. Unearth the records. Before applying, borrowers should organize tax, banking and other records that prove income, savings and debts. They should also expect to be patient about what may seem to be endless requests for information.

5. Get rid of debts. Limiting debts, including what borrowers expect to pay for the mortgage, to less than 43 percent of gross income is important.

Source: Chicago Tribune, Mary Umberger (02/15/09) Realtor Email
http://www.yourhiltonheadagent.com

Foreclosures in Florida

2009-02-18T11:46:00.001-08:00

A Florida Court's 'Rocket Docket' Blasts Through Foreclosure Cases

The judges are asking two questions, "are you current on your mortgage?" and "are you living in the property right now?". if both of those are no, they order them to sell within 45 days - 15 seconds. If they are living in it, they are told to come up with an agreement with their bank within 60 days - 20 seconds. This all sounds cut and dry but real.

Hilton Head Island I can safely say did not have much speculators or illiquid buyers. Each week my supply of foreclosure properties that are truly buying opportunities is being reduced. Tire kickers are now here. So are regular buyers that did not get on the hey day merry go round of 2005 era. Kudos to those! They are now getting great properties at great prices and I am very happy to help them do so! Go conservatives looking for the great deal and still wanting quality of life! Hilton Head is the place to be and the place to buy!

Respectfully submitted,
SUSAN OCHSNER
www.yourhiltonheadagent.com
(843) 816-6388

Realtor Pro and Gentleman Extraordinaire - Hutch Hutchinson

2009-02-10T11:56:00.000-08:00

It was with sadness and joy that I heard the news today at our Realtor luncheon that our dear friend and collegue, G. Dennis "Hutch" Hutchinson had passed away. Sadness, because it means that I will not run into this charming gentleman at St. Luke's or any other place in this earth. Joyfully, because I know that he is with our Lord and Savior and making heaven an even better place!

As one of his own clients had said,"Hutch is the ultimate Southern Gentleman. The word "pressure" is not in his vocabulary. He imparts his vast knowledge of Hilton Head and its properties with a passion and flair, which is intoxicating.

I will do my best to follow in his leadership, that as a Realtor, I have a choice to follow the pocket book or the heart. Hutch clearly chose the heart and thankfully so. He has made Hilton Head and its community a better place. Let all men learn and grow from him.

In deepest sympathy,
SUSAN OCHSNER
http://www.YourHiltonHeadAgent.com
(843) 816-6388

Impact Fees on New Construction

2009-02-10T06:48:00.000-08:00

Sen. Tom Davis, R-Beaufort, said he will move forward with a bill that would create fees on new homes and apartments to pay for school construction, but he also will try to find common ground with opponents of the legislation. He did say he was still planning to move ahead with the bill Because the bill applies exclusively to the Beaufort County School District, it needs only the approval of the county's legislative delegation to make it to Gov. Mark Sanford's desk.
"What I'm hearing from my voters is they want impact fees to be an option," said Rep. Shannon Erickson, R-Beaufort, one of the five members of the delegation in the S.C. House of Representatives. Rep. Richard Chalk, R-Hilton Head, has said he would prefer a bill that charges school fees on new homes over 10 to 15 years as an assessment on a property tax bill. Such an approach would eliminate the fee from increasing home prices and tax assessments on new homes.

Given the above information I gathered from our local paper (I was not present at this meeting), a long term assessment proposal rather than a one time impact fee per new construction is a softer and kinder plan, especially given that the average american stays in a home only a few years. that way, not the original buyer is burdened with the entire impact fee of building new schools, which from a long term view is a value added to a community. New and good schools attract young working families and the good cycle begins. We will see what happens.
Respectfully submitted,
SUSAN OCHSNER
http:www.yourhiltonheadagent.com
(843) 816-6388

Aaaahh Hilton Head Island - the place to be!

2009-02-06T13:34:00.001-08:00

Having lived here since a kid and roaming around Hilton Head Plantation when most streets were still dirt, I can tell you that this is a special and wonderful place. Trees and nature make it unique. The people make it special. The commitment of long time islanders that either set the stage or are taking it to the next level are second to none.

Call me naive but I believe that HHI has many volunteers, both as permanent and part-time residents that support this place not for personal gain but for a deep and sincere love for what this place is all about. Mr. Charles Fraser was visionary and persistent in what he saw. His primary motivation was not money but the intrinsic desire to build a community with its own covenants and restrictions and now this model is seen throughout the US and the world! How great it is!

So if you are looking for a place to call home, if you are looking for a warmer place to escape to, if you want life to be better than good, then you should consider moving and buying on Hilton Head Island! I will be happy to find you a home.

Respectfully Submitted,

SUSAN OCHSNER

http://www.yourhiltonheadagent.com

2009-02-06T10:59:00.000-08:00

I gained some insight and knowledge to a brand new culture that had been around for over 200 years, the Gullah culture while attending H.E.McCracken High for one year.
Now you can experience its wonderful cuisine via Dye's Gullah Fixin's Restaurant located in Pineland Station. Dye will give you some of the history and insight to all that is going on PLUS serve you great food! Friday Night is Gullah Buffet Only and is open for Lunch Buffet Tues, Wed, Thurs and Friday. Go see her!
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Ochsner
www.yourhiltonheadagent.com
http://www.yourhiltonheadagent.com

Foreclosure Deal

2009-02-06T07:35:00.000-08:00

Hilton Head is still a great place. Home inventory not as abundant as Bluffton thanks to its sustainable demand. However, once in a while there are great buys. My company has sold numerous homes on Hilton Head the past couple of months that were screaming deals. I am soooo happy for our buyers! Some where even in Hilton Head Plantation, close t0 Dolphin Head which many say is the next best thing to direct beach access.
Here is one if you are looking for a nice starter of mid home: 3Br-2BA in gated community of Old House Creek in the Spanish Wells Area : $279,900 list! WOW! If you see this before our lookers on www.FindHiltonHeadHomes.com, then call me or your Realtor!
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Ochsner
www.yourhiltoneheadagent.com
(843) 816-6388

Tax Bill Discussion and Change

2009-02-05T07:15:00.000-08:00

Yesterday there was a bill discussed by a state legislative panel that could change the way counties collect property taxes after a sale.

Beaufort County's legislative delegation in the state House of Representatives is behind the bill to change the "point-of-sale" provision, which taxes property at its sales price in the year that it is sold. Under the bill, counties would still reassess purchased properties based on their sales prices, but new tax values wouldn't kick in until a regular countywide reassessment occurs. Beaufort County's reassessment is scheduled for this year.

The bill is still before a Ways and Means subcommittee, which discussed but did not vote on it Wednesday.

Hilton Head Reasons to Buy

2009-02-02T10:34:00.001-08:00

I consider myself conservatively cautious. Only recently have I been encouraging fence sitters to buy. I am giving you the push that this is a great time to buy and it is. Interest rates are still low, inventories give you tremendous choice and sellers (most) are very willing to negotiate. People are nervous and some are paralyzed by the potential domino effect from the real estate bear market of the last 2 years, the state of the economy, our national political state, the volatile stock market and financial markets, cost increases (inflation), medical expenses and insurance. Wow, uncertain times for sure! Baby Boomers are just beginning to retire and their followers
are also beginning to stage their time. It is under times like this that people have made fortunes so unless you believe all will go south for years, this time is for you. The 3-yr ARMs from 2005 renegotiated or foreclosed in 2008 and early 2009. Land and property values have done well historically, especially if you think inflation might begin spiking up(which I do).
And most significantly, the oversupply in our national market has not curbed demand for Hilton Head Island, a great retirement place or a vacation spot to call your own. Hilton Head remains the popular choice and a wonderful community. Selection is great and I can help you with all aspects and achieve results for your real estate goals. Thank you for your consideration.

Cash is KING especially on Hilton Head

2009-01-29T07:23:00.000-08:00

I just found an article I had written in an earlier quarterly newsletter. What has changed is that in contrast to being paralyzed as was the case in 4th quarter 2008, people with good credit and cash in hand are buying up fantastic deals. Another indication I saw today was all of a sudden an increase in LOT listings are back on our market. Speculators and such being squeezed.

What a few did affect all of us in some way.
It seems once again my dad was right. We were brought up to not borrow more than you can pay back. Here is a local and (some) national scenario: Boy, I made all that money on that piece of real estate. Now if I borrow more (leverage) then I can make even more money.
And Joe down the street sure is riding high and I want part of that pie! Many of that going on the last few years. Buying for one reason: more.
One did not buy from own hard-earned money but someone else’s money who also
wanted to lend beyond their means so they could make easy and more money. Ouch. Here we are. (again- do you remember double-digit mortgages and how that rocked our world?) This is affecting all us: uncertainty all around. People are paralyzed.
How come it is always the squeaky wheel that gets heard? How about those faithful americans and internationals that kept their nose the grindstone, saved and are wanting to reap some beneﬁts for their hard work? Well, now to my sunshine lining:
If you have wanted to buy a piece of Hilton Head, if you have cash, I personally believe THIS is your time. I believe you will look back and thank me for this push. There are some great deals out there and you call the shots! Why wait until everyone gets on the band wagon? Same thing in the stock market. Most great money ideas are made with a leap of faith and went contrary to media and critical peers. So this is a great time to buy blue chip properties. Are you buying at the bottom, probably not and I don’t want to state something I cannot back up on, but the choices are tremendous and many (not all) sellers are open to negotiations. Don’t need ﬁnancing? You are the king (or queen) right now. Most of my inquiries and potential buyers are coming from countries that have large savings rates. Hilton Head is a true blue chip. Don’t wait too long.

Sub Tropical Climate on Hilton Head Island

2009-01-28T08:56:00.001-08:00

I cannot help to feel sympathy for all those people in the Midwest dealing with ice storms and snow and COLD.

Although we too on Hilton Head are having relatively miserable weather (grey, dry and in the 50s), it does not compare to what residents north of us are up against!

My suggestion is simple: if your logistics allow for a permanent move, please consider coming to join us on this marvelous island and I will be happy to represent you as a buyers agent and tough negotiator on your behalf in your search for a new home. Interest rates are low, weather is cold so come on down and live on the bright side!

Sincerely,
SUSAN OCHSNER
http://www.yourhiltonheadagent.com
http://www.findhiltonheadhomes.com

Hilton Head Lunch Spot

2009-01-27T18:51:00.000-08:00

Met some friends for lunch @ Fat Babys on Arrow Road on Hilton Head Island today.

Great tasty pizza and subs (the Fat Baby's is very tasty) at a great price. Local spot

that yours truly enjoys for a quick good value lunch. Ask for Pete and have a blast!

Hilton Head Real Estate a great place!

2009-01-27T08:00:00.000-08:00

Hilton Head Island comprises several exclusive communities, many of which are known as "plantations." Long Cove Club and Colleton River Plantation appeal to avid golfers. Wexford Plantation, Shelter Cove and Windmill Harbour attract boat owners with their harborside homes and lock-system or marina. Buyers of all sorts will appreciate the oceanfront estates in Sea Pines Plantation, Palmetto Dunes Plantation and Port Royal Plantation. Each of these communities offers a variety of options for luxury homebuyers, from apartments to villas to lavish private residences with water or fairway views, heated pools, media rooms, and gourmet kitchens.

Oceanfront homes on Hilton Head range from $3.5 million to $9 million; oceanfront villas range from $700,000 to $2.75 million; and townhomes range from $2 million to $6.2 million. Vacant lots are not plentiful but certainly remain in great demand. Being an island with international attraction, water locations are rare and continue to increase in value at rapid rates. Investors looking for appreciation and enjoyment with their families are still choosing Hilton Head because of the value. Value in the quality of life.