Lowcountry gardens are some of the most beautiful around the entire country. We may be biased, but between the variety of plant life, the lush background of Spanish moss-covered oaks, and the fragrant blooms of Magnolia and Gardenia, we stand by our statement.

Southern gardens

Photo: Pinterest

We’ve all but said goodbye to April showers and made way for our May flowers. We want to know: have you refreshed (or started) your Lowcountry gardens yet?

Now is a great time for a summer refresh. As time passes, gardens grow larger and the hobby is increasing in popularity. From making fresh veggie dishes to fun competition shows on Netflix, people love growing and creating with nature. 

Photo: Southern Living

With more time at home last year, many…

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Home Prices

It’s clear that consumers are concerned about how quickly home values are rising. Many people fear the speed of appreciation may lead to a crash in prices later this year. In fact, Google reports that the search for “When is the housing market going to crash?” has actually spiked 2450% over the past month.

In addition, Jim Dalrymple II of Inman News notes:

One of the most noteworthy things that came up in Inman’s conversations with agents was that every single one said they’ve had conversations with clients about whether or not the market is heading into a bubble.

 

To alleviate some of these concerns, let’s look at what several financial analysts are saying about the current residential real estate market. Within the last thirty…

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Charter One Realty's consistent investments on behalf of Buyers, Sellers, and Communities for over three decades pays dividends for our clients. Like the international luxury brands, Charter One Realty employs world-class marketing with a global reach. 

But one need only look at actual sales in the area’s luxury communities, and at the area’s $1,000,000+ transactions to understand that Charter One Realty is the Lowcountry’s Leading Luxury Brand.

Charter One Realty #1 Luxury Brokerage

Successfully Listed, Marketed, and Negotiated the Sale of the Following $1M Plus Properties in April 2021:
19 W Beach Lagoon Road | Sea Pines | $3,395,000
62 Trout Hole Road* | Palmetto Bluff | $2,710,000
32 Gull Point Road | Sea Pines | $2,150,000
14 Carnegie Street | Palmetto Bluff | $1,950,000
238…

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There’s no doubt that 2021 is the year of the seller when it comes to the housing market. If you’re a homeowner thinking of moving to better suit your changing needs, now is the perfect time to do so. Low mortgage rates are in your favor when you’re ready to purchase your dream home, and high buyer demand may give you the leverage you need to negotiate the best contract terms on the sale of your house. Here’s a look at what’s driving this sellers’ advantage and why there’s so much opportunity for homeowners who are ready to move this season.

1. Historically Low Inventory

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains:

Total housing inventory at the end of March amounted to 1.07 million units, up 3.9% from February’s inventory . . . Unsold…

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In today's competitive market, connecting with a lender to get pre-approved may be the game-changer that helps you secure your dream home in the Lowcountry. 

Pre-approval is important today

Some Highlights

  • Mortgage pre-approval means a lender has reviewed your finances and, based on factors like your income, debt, and credit history, determined how much you’re qualified to borrow.
  • Being pre-approved for a loan can give you clarity while planning your homebuying budget, confidence in your ability to secure a loan, and a competitive edge in a bidding war.
  • In today’s market, connecting with a lender to get pre-approved may be the game-changer that helps you secure your dream home.

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waiting to buy real estate

Many people are sitting on the fence trying to decide if now’s the time to buy a home. Some are renters who have a strong desire to become homeowners but are unsure if buying right now makes sense. Others may be homeowners who are realizing that their current home no longer fits their changing needs.

To determine if they should buy now or wait another year, they both need to ask two simple questions:

  1. Do I think home values will be higher a year from now?
  2. Do I think mortgage rates will be higher a year from now?

Let’s shed some light on the answers to these questions.

Where will home prices be a year from now?

If you average the most recent projections from the major industry forecasters, the expectation is home prices will…

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Questions about Mortgage Rates

So far this year, mortgage rates continue to hover around 3%, encouraging many hopeful homebuyers to enter the housing market. However, there’s a good chance rates will increase later this year and going into 2022, ultimately making it more expensive to borrow money for a home loan. Here’s a look at what several experts have to say.

Danielle Hale, Chief Economist, realtor.com:

Our long-term view for mortgage rates in 2021 is higher. As the economic outlook strengthens, thanks to progress against coronavirus and vaccines plus a dose of stimulus from the government, this pushes up expectations for economic growth . . . .

 

Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist, National Association of Realtors (NAR):

In 2021, I think rates will be…

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Biking on Hilton Head Island is one of the best things to do if you are planning for a day outside. From coasting along the beaches to leisurely trail rides or fast paced races, enjoying our beautiful surroundings by bike is a must-do activity.

Hilton Head Island is undeniably one of the best places to have a bike. Did you know that the community is so bike friendly, it was actually rated as a Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Community by the American League of Bicyclists? 

The miles of trails, nature and wildlife preserve makes the island a peaceful and enjoyable place to relax and exercise. And a great way to get around for quick errands and even traveling to your favorite dinner spot. Plus, the island has a number of communities with serious cycling…

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The housing market keeps sailing along. The only headwind that could take it off course is the lack of inventory for sale. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports that there were 410,000 fewer single-family homes for sale this March than in March of 2020. The key to continued success in the residential housing market is for more listings to come on the market. However, many homeowners are concerned that selling their homes could be challenging for several reasons.

Recently, Homes.com released the findings of a survey that identified these concerns, as well as what it will take for homeowners to feel comfortable selling their houses. Here are the four major homeowner concerns and a quick explanation of what’s actually happening in the housing…

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