Congratulations to the 2020 Realtor Service Award Recipients

Realtor Service Awards 2020

Each year, the Hilton Head Area Association of Realtors recognizes Realtors® who have done exceptional work to advance their association, education, and community. These members epitomize what it means to be a Realtor®.

Only a small percentage of the Realtor Association is honored with this distinction. The award recognizes those professionals who are passionate about the real estate industry and their community while adhering to the Realtor® Code of Ethics. These individuals have achieved higher levels of education, served in leadership positions within the association, and volunteered for several organizations in the community.

The following Charter One Realty sales professionals…

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Benefits of Homeownership

Over the past year, our homes have become an integral part of our lives more than ever. They’re much more than the houses we live in. They’re our workplaces, virtual schools, and safe havens that provide shelter, stability, and protection through the evolving health crisis. Today, 65.8% of Americans are fortunate enough to call their homes their own.

As we continue to think about the future, our goals for the year, and what we want to achieve well beyond 2021, it’s a great time to look at the benefits of owning a home. Below are some highlights and quotes on the benefits of homeownership shared by the National Association of Realtors (NAR). From feel-good motivations to economic and social impacts on the local community, these items may give you…

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In today’s housing market, there are clear financial benefits to owning a home: increasing equity, the chance to build your net worth, and appreciating home values, just to name a few. If you’re a renter, it’s never too early to think about how homeownership can propel you toward a stronger future. Here’s a dive into three often-overlooked financial benefits of homeownership and how preparing for them now can steer you in the direction of greater financial security and savings.

1. You Won’t Always Have a Monthly Housing Payment

Personal finance advisor Dave Ramsey explains:

“Every payment brings you closer to owning the house. When you pay your rent, that money is spent. Gone. Bye. Not returning. But when you pay your mortgage, you work toward…

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closet remodels

We are gathering the best closet remodels and organization tips today! We get inspiration for custom closet designs from sources like interior designers’ photos, walking through our listings, on Pinterest and Instagram, and even on home design TV shows. 

There are so many options for functional, maximized closets, so we narrowed down how to get your dream closet by time and budget investment. If you’re in the market for a custom closet, or ready to DIY with organization to refresh your closet space, read on!

We rank closet remodels from difficult to easy. To help you navigate this article, please note: 

  • The “difficult” means the effort calls for the most time and budget investment. This type of design will require a large budget, possibly…

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Appraisal vs. inspection

If you’re planning to buy a home, an appraisal is an important step in the process. It’s a professional evaluation of the market value of the home you’d like to buy. In most cases, an appraisal is ordered by the lender to confirm or verify the value of the home prior to lending a buyer money for the purchase. It’s also a different step in the process from a home inspection, which assesses the condition of the home before you finalize the transaction. Here’s the breakdown of each one and why they’re both important when buying a home.

Home Appraisal

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains:

“A home purchase is typically the largest investment someone will make. Protect yourself by getting your investment appraised! An appraiser will…

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Down Payment

Is the idea of saving for a down payment holding you back from buying a home right now? You may be eager to take advantage of today’s low mortgage rates, but the thought of needing a large down payment might make you want to pump the brakes. Today, there’s still a common myth that you have to come up with 20% of the total sale price for your down payment. This means people who could buy a home may be putting their plans on hold because they don’t have that much saved yet. The reality is, whether you’re looking for your first home or you’ve purchased one before, you most likely don’t need to put 20% down. Here’s why.

According to Freddie Mac:

“The most damaging down payment myth—since it stops the homebuying process before it can start—is the…

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When it comes to choosing the best appliances for your home, there are many factors to consider. Perhaps the first factor is budget, and from there you get to have fun figuring out your style. Depending on your needs, functionality is a big factor too! From brand names to warranty options, color, and even size, there is so much to consider. And trust us, the options are seemingly endless. 

So how do you pick the best appliances for your remodel or new build? Upgrading your appliances should be exciting and we want to help you keep the process fun and inspiring, not overwhelming. Here are a few tips on how to get started without the stress.

The Best Appliances on a Budget

Nowadays there are so many quality options on the market when it comes to…

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The housing market made an incredible recovery in 2020 and is now positioned for an even stronger year in 2021. Record-low mortgage interest rates are a driving factor in this continued momentum, with average rates hovering at historic all-time lows.

According to the latest Realtors Confidence Index Survey from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), buyer demand across the country is incredibly strong. That’s not the case, however, on the supply side. Seller traffic is simply not keeping up. Here’s a breakdown by state:

Buyer and Seller Traffic

As the maps show, buyer traffic is high, but seller traffic is low. With so few homes for sale right now, record-low inventory is creating a mismatch between supply and demand.

NAR also just reported that the actual…

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Primary Bath Remodels We Love


If you are ready to tackle primary bath remodels this year, you are in for a fun project. There are so many great features to include in ensuites these days that offer beauty and functionality.

Whether you are inspired by a spa feel with fresh eucalyptus and contemporary finishes like bright white and chrome fixtures, or far-away styles including bold colors and patterns, there are tons of stunning options for a primary bathroom remodel. You can create a design you will love seeing every day, all it takes is some time and imagination!

Before you freshen up the place you go to freshen up, check out what we like to see in the owner’s suite!

 

Quality Water Features

Primary bath remodels almost always require a…

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Celebration Park Hilton Head 

Photo: Celebration Park

Have you heard the good news about Lowcountry Celebration Park Hilton Head? There is no doubt our community loves to get outside and enjoy our endless natural beauty. The Lowcountry offers vast natural landscapes and an opportunity to spot varied wildlife, so a new location to celebrate these gifts is a wonderful addition! Located near Coligny right by the beach, this new park is just what we need.

From workout stations, sunset sculptures, event space, and massive play space, everyone will find something to enjoy. The WiFi and parking are set up and ready to go. Now that the park is open, we’re looking forward to family walks, bike rides, and maybe even a summer picnic or two. Check out what to expect from the brand new…

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