Susan Jacobsen

Fence sitters unite! You're timing is now impeccable in the Hilton Head and Bluffton area! The news this week about the Homebuyer Tax Credit was very encouraging. The particulars are that not only is the $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers being extended but - it also increases the income limit for couples with incomes up to $225,000, a nearly $55,000 increase above the level in the existing law.

In addition, the new legislation makes buyers who already own a home eligible for a credit! A $6,500 maximum credit will be available to existing homeowners who have lived in their current residence for five of the prior eight years. So, for buyers who have watched the prices on homes in their targeted neighborhood go down - this is the time!

"The South Carolina housing market is in a more stable position relative to the rest of the nation," according to the Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina. The Fall 2009 report goes on to say that the South Carolina has actually had an increase in permit activity and in general small increases in foreclosure rates. The Beaufort County area is leading the way for the state with increased activity. Locally, Realtors are beginning to see multiple offers on properties again, and though the inventory is still historically high, buyers are returning to the marketplace.

So, fence-sitter, come on down to Bluffton and Hilton Head - and if you're already here, use the Homebuyer Tax Credit and begin to enjoy your new dream home!

P.S. If you'd like your own copy of the South Carolina Fall 2009 Housing Market - Quarterly Report, please just email me and I'll be happy to send it to you!

The exercise of cutting the lawn for the final time, raking leaves, putting them in 135 plastic bags, the hayrides, wearing coats under Halloween costumes.........oops, rewind! Though most of us came from just those images, our new home doesn't involve most of the former memories. We do though, have great weather - actually some of the most stunning of the year!

Fall brings subtle changes to the lowcountry of Hilton Head. Marsh grasses, spartina, begin to turn yellow, then golden, and finally brown. The red-winged blackbirds continue to fly around and the marsh birds wade to find a different size of fish. The bush called the beauty berry has bright lavender berries, the hollies are swarmed by cedar waxwings, and the gum tree leaves are tinged with red.

Fabulous convertible weather too - and the cooler evenings, in the 50's, bring oyster roasts and gathering around the fire pits.

You can find out more gardening information from:

Clemson Extension Service, www.clemson.edu/extension/

Betsy Jukovsky - www.betsjukofsky@aol.com

Sally Krebs, lovingly called "The Tree Lady" is actually the Natural Resources Administrator. She explains that Hilton Head is a tremendously ecologically diverse location.

Whether you're interested in a beautiful home or condo right on the marsh or deepwater, give me a call or click to go to my website and search for your dream home!

Last week I met with a couple who, like many others, had been vacationing on Hilton Head for many years. Every time they came, they enjoyed the golf, tennis, bike rides, restaurants, entertainment, etc. that is just a part of our wonderful area.

Every time they went back ‘home' they held the memories close and began to plan for next year's trip back. When I talked to them this week, they said they realized that time had been passing them by and they were tired of being yo-yo's with their heart really remaining in Hilton Head. "It's time," they both said, "we've been living for our kids, then our parents, and we know these prices are amazing-we wish we would have come sooner."

It's a story that is repeated over and over; all of a sudden the hour glass is empty and we can't get the time that has passed back again. The great news is that we are experiencing opportunities that we haven't seen since 2001. Though our market is not extremely volatile, we have seen a decrease in sales prices.

Call me to find out how you can begin to take advantage of our market and start to enjoy the lifestyle you've been waiting for! www.lowcountryluxuryhomes.com

My phone has been ringing! That's obviously a good sign for a Realtor®. Mostly though, it's been about the new tax assessment notices that have come out from the Beaufort County Assessor's Office.

Last week brought a meeting with some wonderful folks from northern New Jersey. They had heard about the ‘huge tax increases on second homes'. While we were calculating the taxes, insurance, POA fees, regime fees , he mentioned that their costs were ‘much lower'. After doing a little spread sheet, we realized that even with the newest assessments, the costs were quite a bit less then they had initially thought. Plus, they were going to go back to no leaves, soon to be frozen ponds, many layers of clothing, and no golf for 5 months! We all agreed to go find a condo!

If you would like more information about the specifics from the Beaufort County Tax Assessor, take at look at his responses.

We have such great resources on Hilton Head and I'm happy to recommend an attorney, financial advisor, or accountant to you. We love to do business locally and our contacts know all the ins and outs of Beaufort County real estate.

With the new assessment notices having been sent out, there were so many questions that the Hilton Head Area Association of Realtors asked the local Realtors to submit the most often requested issues to the Beaufort County Tax Assessor. Mr. Ed Hughes kindly agreed to try and respond and the following Q and A should be a help.