Charter One Realty Blog

What You Need to Know About Purchasing the Perfect Vacation Home...and Making Island Living a Reality

Whether you are a first-time visitor to Hilton Head Island or have been coming here for years, chances are that you’ve given some serious thought as to owning a second vacation home here on the Island.  Not only is a vacation home in the Lowcountry something that can bring tremendous joy to you and your family both now and for years to come – but it’s a great investment and gives you the benefit of having your own personal retreat in one of the country’s most picture-perfect locations! Great prices, low interest rates and a booming short term rental market make conditions for investing the best in years.

As you consider the purchase of a second home here on Hilton Head Island, following are some tips to keep in mind.  An experienced REALTOR can help guide you through some of the important issues facing those seeking to find, and purchase, a second home – helping to turn your dreams of second home ownership into reality for you to enjoy year after year!

Many second home owners work directly with a vacation rental company to market and rent their property when they are not using it.  This is a great way to help with expenses - vacationers help make your purchase more affordable, making it a win-win for all!

So how do you find, and purchase, your dream second home or vacation rental on Hilton Head Island?  Many properties you might consider may already be on the rental market and reviewing property’s rental history is essential. Most importantly, a skilled and experienced REALTOR with expertise in the purchase of second homes and vacation rentals can help you navigate this unique market.

Not all areas of Hilton Head Island are conducive for short term rentals. Equipped with a strong market knowledge of the area, our real estate professionals will provide insight into which communities are best for income producing properties and second home purchases on Hilton Head Island. We can also provide you with cost analysis estimates, rental projections, and past rental history – all vital information when considering a second home purchase.

Important considerations:

• Financing – Guidelines for financing income property are different from guidelines for financing a primary residence. How much do you qualify for and what down payment is required?
• Property size – Bite off only what you can chew. Will you be managing it yourself or do you intend to hire a property manager? 
• Location – Look for property in popular rental areas. Each neighborhood differs throughout Hilton Head Island and Bluffton. If you’re investing in a second home and intend to rent on the short term rental market, choosing the right neighborhood will make a world of difference.  

Our real estate professionals are experienced with both short and long-term rental properties and are here to help you find your dream second home.  Call us today to learn more about turning your dream of a second home into a reality … and let us help you navigate this often complex market in order for you to experience the joy of Island living from your very own vacation home.

Click here for a list of available properties in Sea Pines