Purchasing Property
As the second largest industry in southern Beaufort County, real estate has become big business in the Lowcounty. There are more than 1700 real estate agents in Hilton Head Island/ Bluffton area alone! Thousands of ancillary professional that inslude appraisers, attorneys, builders, and insurance agents also contribute to the success of the local real estate industry. The good new for a purchaser is that the market here is very active, creating a highly competitive atmosphere that rewards the realtor and purchaser.
Who is the Hilton head buyer? Most of us who own property in the Hilton Head area discovered this beautiful place while on vacation. It's a diverse group of people from all over the world, in all age groups, from the young working family purchasing their first home, to the baby boomer, to the empty nester, to the retiree. We see folks who have visited for years finally become involved with a vacation property that generates short term vacation rental income, a homesite for future building, or all the above! We also see folks visit for the first time, not planning to look or purchase property, but fall in love and purchase property on their first trip. And then there are the folks who want investment property with personality...an investment that consistantly appreciates and provides tax benefits along with a place to hang their hat for a week or two each year.
Buying a home is an exciting time in one's life. In fact, it's often the biggest single investment you will make in your lifetime. Making the smart move of choosing a REALTOR® is your first step to ensuring that the experience of purchasing real estate was everything you hoped it would be and more!
You Be The Judge:
Real estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments most people experience in their lifetime. Transactions today usually exceed $100,000. If you had a $100,000 income tax problem, would you attempt to deal with it without the help of a CPA? If you had a $100,000 legal question, would you deal with it without the help of an attorney? Considering the small upside cost and the large downside risk, it would be foolish to consider a deal in real estate without the professional assistance of a REALTOR®!
Why Chose a REALTOR®?
Not every real estate agent is a REALTOR®. That familiar term and the block 'R' logo are trademarked by the National Association of REALTORS® and can only be used by those who are REALTOR® members through thier local association of REALTORS®.
While all Realtors hold state-issued licenses are brokers or agents, the major difference between a "real estate licensee" and a Realtor is that a Realtors have taken an oath to subscribe to a stringent, enforcable Code of Ethics with Standards of Practice that promote the fair, ethical and honest treatment of all parties in a transaction. Non-member licensees have taken no such oath and are not morally bound to the ethical practices and principles set forth in the Realtor Code.
For that measure of peace of mind, ensure the individual seeking to represent you is both a real estate licensee and a Realtor.
Surveys show that many homeowners and homebuyers are not aware of the true value a Realtor provides during the course of a real estate transaction. They provide professional knowledge, expertise and hard work.
Many of the most important services and steps are performed behind the scenes by either the Realtor@ or the brokerage staff and traditionally have been viewed simply as part of their professional responsibilities to the client. But without them the transaction could be placed in jeopardy. There are nearly 200 typical actions, research steps, processes, and review stages necessary for a successful residential real estate transaction.
The Realtor’s@ personal and professional commitment is to ensure that a seller and buyer are brought together in an agreement that provides each with a “win” that is fair and equitable.
A Realtor will assist you in finding that perfect home, negotiate and make the offer, due diligence, financing, closing or settlement.
As Your Agent, My Duty Is Too:
Help you understand every step of the buying process in order to make this the most rewarding experience possible.
Help you better understand and become familiar with the area you have chosen.
Show you where all the services you need are located.
Show you a variety of properties in the area you choose so that you will be comfortable in your choice and confident in its value.
Explain the written offer to you so that you will understand the responsibilities and privileges that it entails and requires.
Provide you with recent comparable sales in order to determine a reasonable sales price and make sure you are not overpaying for a home.
Work with you to obtain the very best financing for your new home.
Contact homeowners in an area if there are no properties currently for sale in the area you choose.
Work with your lender to be sure the funds are available as soon as possible.
Help you arrange for your inspection of the property.
Accompany you on the walk-through of your home immediately before settlement.
Do my best to fit your schedule and be available to show property to you as soon as it is available.
Make buying a home a wonderful experience.