There sure wasn't much good news locally or nationally for the month of November but I did see a little ray of sunshine when the Bluffton Today recently reported that Beaufort County enjoys (did I say enjoys?) the second lowest rate of unemployment in the entire state. At 6.3% and up from 6% in November, it isnt' exactly something to rave about but compare it to the 8.4% state rate, then I guess we DO have something to cheer about.
The state average of 8.4% is the highest rate we've seen since September of 1983.
The Hilton Head Chamber of Commerce has really done an exemplary job of keeping Hilton Head and Bluffton in the news as well as encouraging visitors from all over the world to visit our beautiful Lowcountry area. Let's hope we have a brisk winter and spring golf season and in turn, that should help our local merchants and the unemployment rate. And considering the miserable weather our northern residents are experiencing, I'm sure our beaches and golf courses will soon beckon a warm welcome.
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN HILTON HEAD OR BLUFFTON REAL ESTATE? I'M HERE TO ASSIST--PLEASE VISIT MY WEBSITEOR CONTACT ME THROUGH THIS BLOG. I WELCOME YOUR INQUIRIES!
THE MAGIC OF THE NEW YEAR is the theme of the annual New Year's Eve Party hosted by the SANDBOX, Hilton Head Island's only interactive children's museum. If you've never visited the Sandbox with your children, make it a point to stop by one afternoon---the kids will love it and you will enjoy the respite.
This year's event will be at the Harbour Town Club in Sea Pines. There will be live music plus an on site party for the kids.
WANT MORE INFORMATION? CONTACT 843-842-7645 OR VISIT THE SANDBOX WEBSITE. Complete information is available there for adult and children's tickets.
So, let's assume that you've gone through the traditional steps of contacting your bank to ask for permission for a Short Sale. Then, let's assume the bank says yes. You might wonder what happens next?
First, you need to realize that a short sale is totally dependent on whether a buyer comes along and writes an offer to buy your property. Without that offer, there is NO SHORT SALE. Obviously, this is 1 reason why pricing is so important when placing your home on the market. Plus, we still have to get the bank to agree or there will be no short sale.
When the bank agrees, you need to find out if they are going to issues a 1099 IRS form for the difference in what you owe and what the bank receives. Many times this will not happen and most good accountants can get it worked out for you. BUT, it is vital that you contact an accountant or tax attorney for advice on this situation.
What happens to your credit report after the short sale? The good news is that a short sale will not affect your credit report as long as a foreclosure would. Slowly but surely, you can rebuild your credit after the short sale has been completed. In the end, most sellers would agree that a short sale was easier to go through than a foreclosure but only you, your accountant and attorney can make that decision.
IF YOU ARE FACING A POSSIBLE FORECLOSURE ON YOUR HOME, PLEASE CONTACT ME THROUGH MY WEBSITE. I'LL HELP YOU ASSESS YOUR OPTIONS AND GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE PROCESS.
In previous blogs, we've discussed some of the ins and outs of Short Sales. In order to qualify for the Short Sale approval from a bank, you will need to present some hard and fast facts to the powers to be. After they've reviewed your criteria, it is very possible you will be approved if you can prove some of the following:
You need to prove to the bank that the value of your home has dropped. If you feel this is the case, enlist a Realtor who knows your neighborhood values and can assist you in finding comparables. Keep in mind that the bank may still want to do their own appraisal in order to find common ground with your information.
Lenders are not considering Short Sales whether the mortgage is current or in default. It seems to me that lenders are much more amenable to working with sellers now than even 6 months ago.
If you, as the seller, have fallen on difficult times, write a sincere factual letter of hardship that adequately explains why you feel you cannot continue paying the bank. Such examples might include health issues, unemployment, divorce, bankruptcy or death.
ARE YOU FACING A MORTGAGE CRISIS? PLEASE CALL ME OR CONTACT ME THROUGH MY WEBSITE. I WILL ASSIST AND GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE PROCESS.
Okay, in the last blog, we went over the definition of a Short Sale of your real estate. I sure wish no one in the Lowcountry needed to be thinking about a Short Sale, but the reality is that this can be an effective way to get your home sold so it isn't a headache anymore.
For starters, you should start thinking about formulating a Letter of Hardship to your lender that will effectively explain the financial situation you are facing. Perhaps unemployment is the biggest issue? Or medical issues? There are numerous reasons that can be cited in that Hardship Letter such as income reduction, a death in the family, loss of income, job relocation, divorce or separation (although lenders may not be that amenable to this as a reason), medical bills or health issues, or any other reason that has severely affected your ability to pay the mortgage on your home. Banks expect you to prepare a letter that effectively explains your situation. It assists them in working with you.
As your Realtor, I can assist you in preparing a lender letter as well as prepare your home for sale. Please do not hesitate to contact me through my website. I invite your inquires and look forward to helping you with resolving your real estate issues.
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Greetings from the Lowcountry areas of Hilton Head and Bluffton, SC. Thinking of purchasing your dream home? Look no further, we'll guide you every step of the way to a successful closing.
I value your trust in me and will strive to give the finest customer/client care.
WORK
Real Estate in the Lowcountry consists primarily of property located on Hilton Head Island and off-island in Bluffton, SC, one of the fastest growingi areas in the United States. Families relocate to the Hilton Head and Bluffton area from all over the world. Ohio, New York, New Jersey and Virginia are our largest feeder markets. Another area where we see a lot of relocations from is Atlanta, Georgia. With Atlanta being a short 4 hour drive to the Hilton Head area, families enjoy coming here on weekends to enjoy the beaches. Recently families from Canada have discovered the beauty of our island and starting to relocate as well as vacation here.
I happily represent buyers in all price ranges whether it's a first time buyer purchasing a rental villa or someone who is actively seeking a multi-million dollar oceanfront property. I also work closely with developers and builders to provde complete services to anyone desiring to build in the area. My ultimate goal is to always do what is right for my client and provide a flawless transaction.
Perhaps you are considering a move to another area after living in Hilton Head and Bluffton? I will put my vast internet marketing system to work to get your home sold quickly with a minimum of disturbance to you. Another service available is my Realtor Referral Program. I will interview and select Realtors at your destination location who will provide exemplary service to you.
Apartment to Condo Conversions are another speciality. We have had many conversions both on and off island in the past few years. These have provided outstanding opportunity and appreciation to buyers who participate in the purchase of a conversion. Although these conversions have fallen off in the past two years with the slower economy, there are still a few units available on the island that can be workable for an investor.
As an added service to my clients, I will also assist them with finding a reputable company that does property management and rentals. If you are an out ot town owner and wish to rent your property, it's so important to find a rental company that truly represents your best interests.
We also work with a variety of reputable Home Builders who can assist you with achieving your dream home.
Need a recommendation for a Home Staging Company? No problem, I'll point you in the right direction that will fully enhance the way your property shows to potential buyers.
Relocating to the Hilton Head area can be a very complex decision. I'll be there to provide all of the information and tools necessary to make the transition a most happy and pleasant experience. I moved to Hilton Head approximately 9 years ago and realize the challenges a buyer faces with a major move. Previously, I was a proud resident of Northeasat Pennsylvania but now consider myself a "native" of the Lowcountry.
Perhaps you are considering a move to another area of the country? I will assist you with locating a reputable, successful Realtor who can help you with your relocation.
Now, more than ever, in this complex real estate climate, you need seasonsed professionals to assist you in the purchase or sale of perhaps your most important investment............Diane and Jennifer Bell stand ready to provide the highest level of service.
DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed in my blog and comments are my own and do not represent those of my employer. All data and information provided is for informational purposes only. No representation is made as to accuracy or validity. Information is deemed correct
We first met Diane by viewing her website and inquiring about some listings in Hilton Head. She was super about keeping us up to date with what was on the market as well as answering every single question we had about the area. Once we closed on our new home and moved to Hilton Head, we felt like long-time residents due to all the help Diane provided with the move. Jim and Jill Nielson
We met Diane and Jennifer through Localism----they are experts on the HIlton Head and Bluffton areas
Diane was my Realtor when I lived in another community. After I saw her advertising in the local newspaper, I contacted her to purchase a secone home/investment property.
I owned two properties (one here in Bluffton and one in California) and was desperate to sell the Bluffton property. I selected Diane as my Realtor and although we didn't get the buyer I needed, she assisted me with finding a rental agent who provided a quality tenant. This worked marvels for my bottom line. Thanks Diane. Casey in California
With Jennifer being a former teacher in the Beaufort County School System, it was really helpful for us to get a handle on the local schools. She helped us so much.
I've now purchased 3 apartment to villa conversions from Diane and she led me every step of the way. Highly recommended! Bob Mc Cormick
I wanted to move to Hilton Head but knew I would be traveling a lot and needed a good local airport. Voila, Diane and Jennifer gave me all of my options. When I found out I could fly from the Hilton Head airport to Atlanta, that cemented my decision to buy on the island. Allan
Diane was my real estate agent when I purchased my new home in Bluffton. At the time, I was a single mother and had never bought a house before. I felt like I was in great hands--What a professional Diane truly is. Selma Stuart
We recently met with Jennifer and Diane Bell to start our search for a home on Hilton Head Island. Having corresponded with them for almost a year, we felt like we are already best friends. To sum it up, our experience with their professionalism was outstanding. We will soon be putting an offer in on our dream home. Simone and Jim Hendrerson.
Diane and Jennifer's vast internet marketing program sure did impress us when we chose them to list our home in Bluffton. We know, from past experience, that newspaper advertising has limited success with today's consumer. Their proactive approach to marketing our home gave us hope for a quick sale. Deb McGovern
I was referred to Diane by my Realtor in Florida. I had a rather dismal experience with trying to sell my home prior to listing it with Diane. She walked me through the process and held my hand every step of the way. Thanks, Diane
Jennifer met us for the first time at an Open House in the Bluffton area. Although we didn't buy that particular home, she worked relentlessly with us to find our dream home in Bluffton.
We just started working with Diane and Jennifer. Even though we're new in the process, we're very happy with our Realtor.
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