Archive for May, 2007

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY NOW

Tuesday, May 29th, 2007

 

 

At a recent symposium presented by several local Realtors, emphasis was placed on the reasons consumers should invest in real estate on Hilton Head Island right now, rather than putting it off until some time in the future.  Here are the facts:

 

The right time.  Selection is great–you can pick and choose from several homes.   That may not be the case when inventories of existing homes, which are higher than they have been in decades, decrease as sales pick up.  Right now there are 6,144 listings with the Multiple Listing Service, as compared with 2,348 in April of 2005.  If you were buying real estate at that time, you might have to take less than you wanted and “make do.”  Now you can have just exactly what you want.  What are you waiting for?

 

The right reason.  The Sun Belt-that’s us-is growing and the buyers are coming.  Kiplinger reported in December of 2006 that by the year 2030, population is expected to increase by 52 percent.   And in our particular part of the Sun Belt, careful planning and diligent care have made our Island a unique place to live.  People just want to be here and be part of our terrific lifestyle.  The natural beauty, temperate climate and first rate amenities are unbeatable anywhere in the world.  What are you waiting for?

 

The right place.   Comparing upper end waterfront property from Virginia to Florida reveals that properties on Hilton Head Island represent outstanding value as compared to similar resort areas, such as:

Boca Raton $15M                     Jupiter Island $25M                         Marco Island $12M

Miami Beach $35M                   Naples $18.5M                                Outer Banks $15M

Palm Beach $28.9M                  Sea Island $19.8M                            Vero Beach $27M

Virginia Beach $24.5M

Compared to the highest priced oceanfront property on the market on Hilton Head Island at $9M.  What are you waiting for?

 

The right price.  Many experts agree that this is the bottom for the Hilton Head Island market.  The average price of a home on the Island fell from $628,728 in April, 2006, to $580,046 in April, 2007, a drop of 9%.  The average villa price a year ago was $419,260 compared to $375,702 in April 2007, which is 11% less.  This is the first time in more than 10 years that prices have declined.  As with stocks, the time to sell is when the price is high, and the time to buy is when the price is low.  What are you waiting for?

Eleanor Lightsey O’Key, EVP

HILTON HEAD AREA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS

 

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ERA Evergreen Professionals Complete AccelERAtion Training

Wednesday, May 16th, 2007

 

 

[Bluffton, SC] (5/18/2007) - Local real estate professionals Shannon Denny, Darlene Dudley, Charlie Drawdy and Linda Washington of ERA Evergreen recently completed the AccelERAtion training course offered by global residential real estate leader ERA Franchise Systems, Inc. AccelERAtion’s five-day facilitated training program educates ERA sales associates on how to better assist buyers and sellers; pricing and preparing a home to sell; prospecting; hosting open houses; and negotiating. Other topics include goal setting, time management and implementing ERA products and services. The course utilizes both interactive video and print materials, as well as one-on-one skill development.  

While the course is geared toward new ERA sales professionals, it’s also popular among experienced sales associates. These individuals enrolled in the course to help increase their productivity and spark creativity. “This was a great opportunity for me to get new ideas to better serve my customers,” said Denny. “The course helped me to refresh my knowledge, skills and creative energy.”   

 

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Charlie Drawdy Joins ERA Evergreen

Wednesday, May 9th, 2007

[Beaufort, SC] (4/13/2007) — ERA Evergreen recently announced the addition of Charlie Drawdy to its team of real estate sales professionals serving consumers in the Lowcountry. 

Charlie is a life long resident of the Lowcountry. He has developed an appreciation from personal observations of the growth and changes which have merged with the culture and history of our area. His involvement in politics, community service, as well as his experience as a local business owner has given him a real sense of service. 

“We’re delighted to have Charlie join our winning team,” said Laura Blencoe, Broker in Charge. “He brings tremendous experience and proven leadership that will certainly benefit our company and our customers.” 

As part of ERA Evergreen, Drawdy will be able to offer homebuyers and sellers a wide variety of valuable products and services including online listings, home warranty plans, the ERA Sellers Security Plan and more.    

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