Five Survival Strategies When Buying on HHI or in Bluffton

You're ready to buy a home--but what do you really need to know? Here's a few of my top tips for buyers in the Hilton Head and Bluffton area.  

#1: Be Aware of the HHI Transfer Fees

One of the things buyers on Hilton Head Island should know about is the standard 0.0025% (or 1/4 of 1%) sales price transfer fee for purchasers, which is used for land acquisition.  In addition to this fee, many plantations and gated communities also have a transfer fee that can range from a couple of hundred dollars to several thousands.  These expenses are normally the buyer’s responsibility, but can be negotiated in the contract.

#2: Shop Around for the Right Insurance

Every buyer should carefully shop to find the best rates on homeowners insurance.  The costs and coverages can vary greatly depending on the carrier, so this should be a priority for buyers. One hot topic related to insurance is flood insurance. You should always know whether the home that you are considering is in a flood hazard zone--if so, you will be required to carry separate flood insurance. However, I always recommend this coverage because we live in the LOWcountry.  Rising water due to storms or floods is not covered by traditional homeowner's insurance, so you can be left with no help if you don't have this coverage.

I recommend chatting with an expert to assess your options, and one that I highly recommend is Missy Guardino at McKenzie Insurance Services in Hardeeville. You can contact her via phone at (843) 784-2311 or via email at mguardino at hargray dot com.

#3: Look for a Home Warranty

One of the expenses that most sellers and buyers don’t think much about is HVAC, or air conditioning, repairs. To try to avoid this, I always recommend that my sellers provide a one year home warranty for buyers.  This warranty not only covers buyers for a year after closing, but also can cover the seller during the listing period. This coverage is especially beneficial when the home is under contract and a home inspection is done. When the terms of the contract require that the HVAC be in good working order, a home warranty can save the seller costly repairs.

#4: Don't Be Afraid to Finance--and Get Pre-Approved!

Buyers actually CAN still get 100% financing in today’s market.  One of the most common options in the Bluffton area is USDA or Rural Development.  This loan is a conventional loan, with no monthly mortgage insurance, but some income and local restrictions apply. Most realtors won't work with a buyer who hasn't already been pre-approved for a mortgage, because that information is essential when you are choosing homes to consider.  I also recommend that you sit down and consider what monthly payment you can manage.  Often, buyers get preapproved for amounts that are more than they expect--knowing your bottom line price point will make sure that you do not become house poor. 

I highly recommend Doreen Haughton-James with Movement Mortgage.  She can be reached at (843) 683-1096 and can help you through the pre-approval process. 

#5: Trust Your Agent

Many neighborhoods in the Bluffton and Hilton Head Island area support particular lifestyles—boaters, golfers, tennis players, beach lovers, community-minded, private, a carefully managed neighborhood with restrictions, no restrictions on any homeowner, etc.  Because of this, I always sit down with my buyers and find out what they are looking for in a lifestyle and narrow the search area from there.  I do the same with the homes that I am selling—finding out what a homeowner loved about their home and neighborhood helps me target the same type of buyer to help find the right fit more quickly.

SOLD: 155 Cobblers Ct Bluffton, SC 29910

Property Site: http://tour.eraevergreen.com/home/47WKH6

Popular & beautiful Beaufort model, situated on one of the most desirable streets in The Farm at Buckwalter. You'll love the one-level living, with the added second floor bonus/4th bedroom, & the bedroom separation which works perfectly for families or visitors. Fantastic open kitchen offers tall cabinets, hard surface countertops, tile floors, skylight, & stainless steel appliances. This home offers a huge master bedroom, tall vaulted smooth ceilings, & a private lanai with wooded view--all in a small cul de sac close to Bluffton schools, shopping, & entertainment. Comes with a 1 year home warranty. Call Kristy Gonzalez (843) 298-3808 for more information.

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 2.00

Square feet: 1,830

Price: $229,900

For more information about this property, please contact Kristy Gonzalez at (843) 298-3808 or kristy.gonzalez@ERA.com. You can also text 2570289 to 67299.

See more listings at: www.KristyGonzalez.com

MLS ID: 335451

SOLD! The Best of Both Worlds in This HHP Beauty: 12 Birkdale Ct Hilton Head Island, SC 29926

Property Site: http://tour.eraevergreen.com/home/ZGRVW2

First impressions matter in this Hilton Head Plantation home, which is the perfect marriage of formal living and open floor plan family spaces. Hilton Head Plantation is centrally located on the Island, with amenities that are well known in the area. In addition to golf, HHP offers an active homeowners association and groups that plan a variety of activities each month, a tennis club and clubhouse, as well as access to boating and Skull Creek Marina (and Boathouse!).  Hilton Head Plantation is a vibrant community that's in-demand--and this home's prime location and stunning views are absolutely perfect.

Beautiful Formal Spaces

More than 2300 square feet of living space is thoughtfully planned in this lovely home, which features unending fairway views of the Hilton Head Plantation golf course.  The formal spaces are stunning, with luxurious hardwoods installed throughout the dining room and living room, which includes a fireplace flanked by large Palladian windows and pillars.  The rooms are elegant and spacious, perfect for entertaining.

Casual, Comfortable Living

The open eat-in kitchen and family room create a lovely casual atmosphere, perfect for breakfasts on the go or comfortable family time.  The kitchen features plenty of cabinet space, updated stainless steel appliances, and a center island that doubles as a breakfast bar.  The eat-in dining nook is spacious and bright, with light streaming in both from a kitchen window and the family room, which is surrounded on three sides by windows and glass doors.  This comfortable, casual atmosphere invites conversation and can be adapted to whatever you need.  The family room could become a playroom, a home office or homework area, or craft or exercise area. 

Spacious Bedroom Retreats

The three spacious bedrooms in this thoughtful home feature lovely neutral carpeting and some stunning updates. The master bath, for example, is a design dream, with beautifully updated countertops and tile, along with a large tub and shower.  As is true throughout the rest of the home, the bedrooms are flooded with light from large windows and offer plenty of room for family or guests. 

Money Saving Upgrades

The home not only offers a thoughtfully planned floor plan--it also offers thoughtful and money saving upgrades as well. The homeowners have recently installed a new roof, water heater, flooring and appliances, as well as recently completing the stunning update to the master bath.  All of these upgrades saves the new homeowner money, as does the one year home warranty that is included. This lovely home is perfect for anyone who wants space to live, entertain, and enjoy Hilton Head Island for all it offers.

Call Kristy Gonzalez (843) 298-3808 for more information.

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2.00

Square feet: 2,372

Price: $476,850

For more information about this property, please contact Kristy Gonzalez at (843) 298-3808 or kristy.gonzalez@ERA.com. You can also text 2540511 to 67299.

See more listings at: www.KristyGonzalez.com

MLS ID: 335088

SOLD!: Immaculate Bluffton Charm: 91 Wheatfield Cir Bluffton, SC 29910

Property Site: http://tour.eraevergreen.com/home/EKEQN6

It's hard to balance charm and practicality, but this one-level popular model in Bluffton's The Farm does just that.  The home's one owner has kept the property immaculate, with thoughtful additions and details that will make it not only easy to fall in love with but easy to make your own.

Beautifully Organized

The first thing you notice when you enter the main living space is the soaring ceilings.  The beautiful height makes the home feel even larger than its spacious 1700+ square feet, and the open floor plan contributes to this feeling of spaciousness.  The home features tile throughout the entry and large eat-in kitchen, with comfortable neutral carpet throughout the rest of the home. 

One of the unique features of this Beaufort model is the flexible room that has been built where a traditional porch would normally go. The homeowner uses it as a formal dining room, but it really has infinite possibilities, adaptable to whatever your needs are.  It would make a bright office, a lovely playroom, or a great crafting space.  Because of the architectural details of the arch and pillar, the room feels both connected to the family room but also distinct. 

 One of the best details in this home is the bright eat-in kitchen.  It opens to the living room, making it great for entertaining, and features a large eat-in area.  The light from the glass doors, which lead out to the backyard and a lagoon view, keeps the entire room sunny and friendly.  The cabinets are large and offer plenty of storage, as does the attached pantry.

 One of the unique elements of this home is the extended master bedroom. This room is also bright, with soaring ceilings, and plenty of room for whatever you need. The extended room will easily accommodate even the largest King sized bed and dresser, but might also work well for a home office, a sitting area, or even a place for a new baby to sleep.  Whatever your family needs, this extended master can handle. This room is the definition of a retreat.

 The two other bedrooms are also nicely sized, with closet space and bright windows. 

Though the gorgeous lagoon views are impressive, as is the nicely landscaped backyard, the practical elements of the home are also impressive. This separate laundry area will certainly help keep things tidy and the specialty coating on the roof will keep your home energy efficient. 

These unique, thoughtful details make this home truly special.  Come see  this centrally located home, complete with a one-year home warranty, and fall in love.

Call Kristy Gonzalez (843) 298-3808 for more information.

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2.00

Price: $199,000

For more information about this property, please contact Kristy Gonzalez at or kristy.gonzalez@ERA.com. You can also text 2531531 to 67299.

See more listings at: www.KristyGonzalez.com

MLS ID: 334944

Under Contract!: Rare 3BR Find in Shipyard Plantation: 19 Sailmaster Common Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Property Site: http://tour.eraevergreen.com/home/XRZTRJ

Location is key in this rare 3 bedroom condo, close to Shipyard Beach Club and its amenities.  This bankruptcy short sale is perfect for a deal seeker, who sees the potential in this spacious condo as either a primary residence or investment property.

Sailmaster Commons rarely has these spacious three bedroom units available, and it's no wonder.  With more than 1800 square feet, and a split bedroom plan (one bed/bath on the first floor, with the other two beds and baths upstairs), they are flexible and spacious. Whether entertaining guests or matching the needs of renters, this floor plan makes sense.

This unique end unit also features a private front courtyard and a pool view, as well as an updated kitchen with plenty of cabinet space for storage.  Owners will also love the large laundry room, which can also double as a storage room. 

Shipyard Plantation is located in the scenic south end of Hilton Head Island. Residents enjoy many amenities, including access to the Shipyard Beach Club, golf, tennis, biking and jogging trails. This property is also quite close to the newly renovated Oceanfront Royal Sonesta Hotel.  Give Kristy Gonzalez a call at (843) 298-3808 for more information on this home, which is priced to move.

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 3.00

Square feet: 1,896

Price: $240,000

For more information about this property, please contact Kristy Gonzalez at or kristy.gonzalez@ERA.com. You can also text 2523661 to 67299.

See more listings at: www.KristyGonzalez.com

MLS ID: 334837

Under Contract but taking backup offers: Incredible Deal in Sawmill Forest: 32 Sawmill Forest Dr Bluffton, SC 29910

 Property Site: http://tour.eraevergreen.com/home/KFLX7Y

This charming starter home or investment property, centrally located between Bluffton and Hilton Head Island, is the perfect candidate for a person with patience that will pay off.  This bankruptcy short sale features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and more than 1500 square feet for $129,900.

The curb appeal of this home cannot be denied. The charmingly landscaped front yard features an adorable picket fence and lattice, with plenty of grass and manicured beds.

This home features a great room, brightened by numerous windows and warmed by a fireplace in the center of the home.  A large kitchen, with plenty of counter and cabinet space is open to the rest of the room, creating a great place to cook and entertain friends. A formal dining space extends off of the kitchen, slightly set off from the rest of the living space but still open to the area to allow for both privacy and connection. 

  

The home features a split bedroom plan, with the master on one side of the great room and the two guest bedrooms on the other side with the second bathroom.  All are nicely sized, with plenty of closet space, though the master bedroom boasts this spacious master bath retreat, with a large shower and sunken tub, as well as double sinks and plenty of storage.   

 If you're looking for some outdoor areas for play as well, this home will surprise you. In addition to the beautifully landscaped front yard, you'll love the side yard and the screened back porch.  The one car garage is easy to access either from the driveway or the doors off the side yard, offering not only a place for your vehicle but also an additional storage option.

This home is well-priced for the area and the square footage--it's hard to find a home with this kind of privacy and square footage at this price in the area.  Give Kristy Gonzalez a call at (843) 298-3808 for more information or to set up a tour.

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2.00

Square feet: 1,512

Price: $129,900

For more information about this property, please contact Kristy Gonzalez at or kristy.gonzalez@ERA.com. You can also text 2516496 to 67299.

See more listings at: www.KristyGonzalez.com

MLS ID: 334779

Three Reasons Why Winter is the BEST time for Selling

If you ask anyone when the best time to sell your home is, you'll probably hear springtime. The weather is warm and comfortable, people are getting the itch to organize their homes (and realize maybe they've outgrown their homes after all), and the school year is nearly over. 

But I believe that winter can be just as lucrative for sellers as spring.  Don't believe me? Let me give you three reasons why, in my experience, December through March can be a great time to list your home with an experienced, motivated agent.

Less Competition

While your home will certainly find the right buyer, it's a lot easier to find that buyer when yours is one of the few available in a certain price range.  Bluffton homes under $300K, for example, are incredibly scarce right now.  A finished, beautifully staged, and ready-to-sell home (complete with a home warranty) makes a great impression on motivated buyers, especially when they don't have to see one hundred homes before they find yours.


Motivated Buyers

People looking for homes in the winter are motivated to buy. They typically know what they want, have done research into the areas they'd like to buy in, and have already been prequalified for a mortgage.  They're ready to make a decision, motivated by their own circumstances (which may be time-sensitive) rather than lovely weather and a bit of an idea that they might want to see what's out there. 

Internet Traffic

If you're looking for a home, and it's 35 degrees and raining outside, where will you start? The internet of course! Research has shown that internet searches on homes go up during the winter, because people are stuck at home more often and want to see what's available.  When your beautiful home is listed, and marketed heavily through social media and popular real estate websites, you'll see interest and traffic go up, increasing the likelihood of finding the right buyer more quickly.

If you've been thinking about listing your home, give me a call. Let's chat about the strategies that will help you get the most for your home--and help you find your next step.