Hilton Head Real Estate

Search HiltonHeadHomes.com for all Hilton Head real estate listings and view your dream properties wall-to-wall, top-to-bottom, inside-and-out.  Whether you are in the market for a tear-down, a touch-up or a turn-key property, there are plenty of homes, villas, condos and lots with a selection of designs and varying floor plans at all price points available for sale.  Take advantage of the exceptional prices—with condos and homes starting in the $200,000s and rising to nearly $8 million, opportunity is knocking!  The time to purchase Hilton Head real estate is now, as we are experiencing tight inventories and increased buyer demand.

Choose from properties in our acclaimed plantations (gated communities) and take pleasure from the Island’s uncommon natural beauty, the assortment of upscale amenities and endless recreational activities (from championship golf and tennis to fishing, boating, swimming, bicycling, beachcomging and equestrian pursuits).  Contact HiltonHeadHomes.com or call Lancaster Real Estate Sales directly at 866-785-9501 for more information.

Myrtle Beach Real Estate

Whether you’re looking for condos, townhouses or single family homes in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, I’m working with an agent there that has her finger on the pulse of Myrtle Beach real estate new to the market. No matter how much you want to spend or how close to the beach you want to be, there will be properties that will meet your needs.

Plenty of people buy Myrtle Beach real estate as their second home but they also make excellent retirement homes and investment properties. Purchase a beachfront property now while the prices are still low and the interest rates even lower, rent it out either by the week or the year until you’re ready to retire and then relocate permanently to the Myrtle Beach area. You’ll already have your home waiting for you!

If you were decide upon retirement to move somewhere else you could sell the property and it will have appreciated in value quite substantially, depending upon how long you had it.

We were impressed with this sweet home on Sugar Mill Loop in Myrtle Beach. With an asking price of just $149,900 this newly constructed two bedroom, two bath home will go fast. It comes with its own private backyard for your enjoyment. There are hardwood floors and granite counter tops. Enjoy the easy care of tile in the kitchen and baths. Open floor plan with split bedroom layout will make it easy to sleep at night and give you privacy from your guests. End your days relaxing on the covered back porch. This home is located in a nice small neighborhood that provides a community pool.

Making Money in Real Estate

Yes, it continues to be a grand time to make money in the real estate market but that won’t go on indefinitely, not if you want to buy cheap and sell expensive. The best method to do that has always been purchasing foreclosures and short sales but you have to have the patience required to land those deals. That’s the way it’s been all along and it hasn’t changed. What has changed though are the number of foreclosure and short sale properties available.

While doing some research recently I definitely noticed the absence of the same number of these properties on the market as say, last year at this time or the year before that even. Clearly every year the numbers are dwindling more and more.

I did come across some nice Sunset Beach NC foreclosures that Sloane Realty had listed but even those are getting snatched up fast. One week they’re listed and a week later they’re gone again! You really have to bookmark your target web sites and check them daily to stay on top of foreclosure properties coming on the market because in all honesty, that’s what the people are doing that are making the winning bids on these properties.

You see, sometimes it’s about being first rather than offering the most. Take for instance these Sunset Beach NC foreclosures. When you make an offer you’re making it to the bank and it could be the first offer they’ve received but if it’s enough for them to make their money back that they have into the property then they’ll accept it. It’s as easy as that!

Where to Retire in North Carolina

With retirement coming into view for most babyboomers everyone is giving more and more thought to how they’d like to spend their retirement years. For some, they’ll retire in place but for others they hope to (and earned the right to) relocate to a different (ie. warmer) locale.

For me, I’ve been keeping an eye open for any information on where to retire in North Carolina because that’s my target location. I like the coastal area because I’m a water lover but the entire state is simply beautiful.

So while I’ve been searching I came across the retirement handbook online that provided me with lots of information not only about where to retire in North Carolina but about retirement in general. There are a wealth of resources on their website.

Let’s face it most of us haven’t had any practice in retiring. It’s usually a once-in-a-lifetime event. Sure, there are some people who retire and then wind up going back to work in an entirely different field than they worked in before. If you’re one of those people I completely understand – it’s not so much about wanting the income as it is about wanting to stay busy doing something meaningful.

That’s why I often wonder if I’ll ever be able to retire. I enjoy staying active. So for me retirement would be better termed “relocation” because that’s what I’ll be doing once that day comes. So check out that website when you get a chance. It’s full of information about retirement that I know you’ll find useful.

All About Pest Control

If you own a home that has developed a pest control problem you will be in need of an exterminator. We’ve used the services of Bug-N-A-Rug Exterminators out of Wilmington, North Carolina, on many of our rental units and are always completely satisfied with their knowledge and level of service. We can wholeheartedly recommend them and the New Hanover County pest control services that they provide.

This New Hanover County pest control company has access to high quality chemicals that are not available for sale to the general public. Chemicals used today are very safe and effective against general pests that may be a problem in your home. They are often plant based, have no odors, are non-staining, rain fast and continue working many months after their application. Prices and services vary from company to company so check what’s included in their quotes. Most exterminators do provide a free service warranty period.

Your home will be treated inside and out. They inspect and treat crawl spaces, eaves, patios, decks and porches. They also treat joints in driveways and walkways, garages, and inspect the yard for fire ant mounds.

You can expect a thorough interior inspection of your home to include treating around all pipes under sinks, electrical outlets, all points of entry into a home, and around all appliances. They’ll further inspect and treat the attic where needed, the garage, and under any trash receptacles and garbage areas.

I think you’ll be happy with the services they offer and the quality of work they perform. Give them a call today at 910-254-9443 and tell them I sent you.

Oak Island Homeowners Should Read This

Working in the real estate industry I see homes in a variety of conditions both inside and out. Oak Island NC I’ve found is a very desirable place to live and many people search it out. Many properties are indeed move-in ready but some are not and for various reasons. Sometimes it’s superficial like paint or having a bath or kitchen remodeled but occasionally the problem runs deeper.

Many prospective home buyers are mostly concerned with the cosmetic features of a home. As a seasoned real estate professional, I’m equally concerned with what you can’t see. For instance, what’s lurking in the inner workings of the home. This is why it’s critical to have a home inspection done prior to purchasing a property regardless of whether you’re a cash buyer or are obtaining a mortgage.

You can find out a lot about a home by talking to the homeowner but they may not disclose everything and some things they’re simply not aware of. That’s why it’s critical to have a property inspection done. A common area on a home that requires maintenance and sometimes repair or replacement are heat pumps and furnaces of any type. It’s important to know who services Oak Island NC heat pumps in your area. The time to find someone is not in the middle of a crisis.

Because it’s critical that you have the name of a specialist to call about Oak Island NC heat pumps I’ll make a referral right here and right now. All About Coastal Comfort is a North Carolina based company that can help you with maintenance, repair or replacement of any part of your HVAC system. When you’re in need of company that knows Oak Island NC heat pumps inside and out, they’re the company to call. If you’re looking for a company that installs new Oak Island NC heat pumps and gives estimates up front, they do that, too. Give them a call today at 910-579-8866 and see what they can do for you.

FSBO Properties Need This

For those of you that are trying to sell your own home — FSBO (For Sale By Owner) — so you can save some money, you should know you’re limiting the market of those who will know your property even exists. When you list with a real estate agent, your home gets listed with other homes for sale in the area in, for instance, the Brunswick County MLS database. This multiple listing service database covers all residential and commercial land, homes and businesses that are listed for sale in any given area. The Brunswick County MLS is what all of the licensed real estate agencies and agents have access to but which you, a homeowner trying to sell your own property, do not.

No matter what you try and how well you try it, you simply will not be as far reaching and all-encompassing as the Brunswick County MLS is. Homebuyers searching for a new home to buy are going to go to a Realtor to look for a home first. When they’re looking at the listings provided by the MLS they see not just that agent’s listings but all of the other agent’s listings that meet their search criteria as well. All of the listings, that is, except yours.

Consider this if you will. You have a FSBO sign in your front yard and you’re hoping to catch a homebuyer looking at other properties for sale nearby. What you will discover is that the majority of Realtors will not stop at your home to show it because there is no contract between you and them. Any home they sell that is listed by themselves or another agent returns a commission but, again, yours will not.

So if you have an FSBO property that you’re trying to sell you really should weigh what’s most important — selling your home through an agency and paying a small commission or saving money and quite likely not selling it at all.

Upcoming Gullah Celebration

The Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration was established in 1996 showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Gullah people and their history on Hilton Head Island. The celebration lasting the whole month of February includes a variety of events designed to attract local residents, regional, national and international travelers. The event has been recognized by the Southeast Tourism Society as one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast so don’t miss it!

The Gullah Celebration incorporates the many facets of the culture. Visitors have an opportunity to experience the food and music, receive firsthand, historical information and take a journey through the culture via the visual arts.

On Saturday, Feb. 2 from 12 noon until 4 p.m. the Taste of Gullah will be held at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane. This not-to-be-missed Gullah feast features authentic Gullah dishes such as “Original Island” gumbo and “Geechee” conch stew, as well as classic barbecue ribs, fried fish, chicken and more. Special entertainment includes Ms. Louise Cohen, Gullah Storyteller. $10/meal.

On February 16 the Arts, Crafts and Food Expo will provide cultural demonstrations such as sweet grass basket sewing and weaving fishnet. Vendors will be selling authentic Gullah and African crafts as well as an offering of all traditional Gullah foods. Entertainment includes storytellers, African dance and Gospel music. Gospel concerts feature gospel music, Negro spirituals and highlight the history of music as it developed among the Gullah people.

While you’re in the area be sure to check out the Shipyard Plantation homes for sale on the south end of the island. You’ll find these 3-4 bedroom Shipyard Plantation homes for sale to be quite affordable we’re sure.

A Great Time to Find Myrtle Beach Real Estate

In my experience, the holiday season can be a great time to find some sweet deals on Myrtle Beach real estate. During this time of year you’ll have less competition for the available properties on the market and home sellers are hungry to sell their properties before another new year arrives.

With a new year approaching you might even be able to negotiate the Myrtle Beach real estate to a more favorable price than you would have at any other time of the year. If this sounds like something you’re interested in you’d better hurry because time is running out!

While you’re out looking at real estate, take the time to enjoy some of the local festivities taking place in the surrounding areas.

2012 Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens is a tradition for locals and visitors alike. Each December thousands of candles and sparkling lights set the gardens aglow. Top off your magical evening with live entertainment or visit to one of the indoor exhibits. Inlet Affairs will offer a dinner buffet in a heated tent for an extra fee. Nights of a Thousand Candles will be held from 3-10 p.m. December 20-22 at Brookgreen Gardens.

Complimentary Carriage Rides will be available between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. every Saturday through December 22 at The Market Common. Carriages will stop in front of Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar every Saturday this holiday season and take you on a spin through the complex.

Plans for my New Year in Real Estate

People make all sorts of New Year’s Resolutions on the eve of a brand new year. A large percentage of those resolutions have gone by the wayside once February rolls around. I’m not usually one to make any resolutions but this year I’m doing something completely difference. My New Year’s Resolution for 2013 is to focus my attention on real estate around the Southport NC short sales market. This is an area I’ve not paid much attention to but another agent has been finding some nice properties listed as Southport NC short sales.

Southport, North Carolina, is a quaint fishing village in Brunswick County located at the mouth of the Cape Fear River where the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean meet. Southport has many historic homes, huge live oaks, antique shops, art galleries, parks and restaurants. It is the site of the proposed North Carolina International Port, and its Southport Marina has been the subject of media attention surrounding its possible sale. Deep Point Marina located near Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry is the new hub for the Bald Head Island Ferry.

I believe Southport is a good area for me to focus on. There are many stunning properties there and due to the marina, is growing in popularity significantly in the most recent years.

I’m wishing all of you a very happy and prosperous new year!