Charter One Realty Blog - Charter One Realty

A Wise Decision, Leading to a GREAT EXPERIENCE

The decision to sell our home came with many questions and many anxieties. We knew we lacked the skill and knowledge to maximize our sales opportunity.  We made a fantastic choice in selecting Diana Sroufe to lead us through the myriad of decisions and actions that come with the sale of a home.  From the very first moment, we knew we had not only a consummate professional, but a true friend, helping us. She skillfully assisted us in navigating the sales price decision, the development of marketing materials, and the best way to advertise our property to the world through Charter One Realty.  It was so evident that every decision that she made had our desires, needs, and goals as her very first and highest priority...she put us first...not herself or…

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Pre-Approval Makes All the Difference When Buying a Home

You may have been told that it’s important to get pre-approved at the beginning of the homebuying process, but what does that really mean, and why is it so important? Especially in today’s market, with rising home prices and high buyer competition, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of your budget so you stand out to sellers as a serious homebuyer.

Being intentional and competitive are musts when buying a home right now. Pre-approval from a lender is the only way to know your true price range and how much money you can borrow for your loan. Just as important, being able to present a pre-approval letter shows sellers you’re a qualified buyer, something that can really help you land your dream home in an ultra-competitive market.

With limited…

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2021 Lowcountry 4th of July Events

Let’s just say what we are all thinking: We are SO EXCITED to celebrate Independence Day this year! Last year everything was canceled, but this year it’s back and better than ever. As you plan your weekend, check out this round-up of 2021 Lowcountry 4th of July events.

We break events out by location, so scroll down to the location of your choosing to see what’s going on!

• Hilton Head Island July 4th Events

• Bluffton July 4th Events

• Beaufort July 4th Events

• Charleston July 4th Events

Hilton Head Island 4th of July Events

Exercise with the Family  
Run for freedom at the 35th Annual Hilton Head Firecracker 5K. Bring the family for a run/walk at 8 am to Jarvis Creek Park for a burst of exercise before a fun…

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The Best Bluffton and Hilton Head Ice Cream Shops

Nothing says “a perfect summer day” like a sunny bike ride to a nearby Bluffton or Hilton Head ice cream shop! If your perfect sunny afternoon in the summer requires ice cream, you can count on us to help you find the best places to find these delicious frozen treats! 

Based on your town of choice (Hilton Head of Bluffton), we chose great spots to visit for your ice cream fix. Try one, or if you’re a real enthusiast, try them all! Check out our round-up of Bluffton ice cream jewels and Hilton Head Island ice cream gems.

Hilton Head Ice Cream Shops

It would be impossible for an ice cream lover to walk past Frozen Moo and not be intrigued to enter. This Hilton Head ice cream shop is located a few blocks from the beach in Coligny Plaza…

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5 Things Homebuyers Need To Know When Making an Offer

When it comes to buying a house, you’re looking for the perfect place to call home. The problem is, in today’s market there just aren’t that many homes available to purchase. With inventory hovering near record lows and sky-high buyer demand, a multi-offer scenario is the new normal. Here are five things to keep in mind when you’re ready to make an offer.

1. Know Your Numbers

Having a complete understanding of your budget and how much house you can afford is essential. That’s why you should connect with a lender to get pre-approved for a loan early in the homebuying process. Taking this step shows sellers you’re a serious, qualified buyer and can give you a competitive edge in a bidding war.

2. Brace for a Fast Pace

Today’s market is dynamic…

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Demand for Vacation Homes Is Still Strong

The pandemic created a tremendous interest in vacation homes across the country. Throughout the last year, many people purchased second homes as a safe getaway from the challenges of the health crisis. With many professionals working from home and many students taking classes remotely, it made sense to see a migration away from cities and into counties with more vacation destinations.

The 2021 Vacation Home Counties Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that this increase in vacation home sales continues in 2021. The report examines sales in counties where “vacant seasonal, occasional, or recreational use housing account for at least 20% of the housing stock” and compares that data to the overall residential market.

Their…

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Housing Wealth: The Missing Piece of the Affordability Equation

The real estate market is soaring today. Residential home values are rising, and that’s a big win for homeowners. In 2020, there was a double-digit increase in home values – a trend that’s expected to head toward similar levels this year.

However, skyrocketing prices are causing some to start questioning affordability in the current housing market. Many are quick to emphasize the fact that homes today are less affordable than they were last year. Black Knight, a leading provider of data and analytics across the homeownership life cycle, just reported on the issue.

The findings show the historical averages of the national payment to income ratio, which they define as “the share of the median income needed to make the monthly payments on the…

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Don’t Wait To Sell Your House

We’re in the ultimate sellers’ market right now. If you’re a homeowner thinking about selling, you have a huge advantage in today’s housing market. High buyer demand paired with very few houses for sale makes this the optimal time to sell for those who are ready to do so. Whatever the move you want to make looks like, here’s an overview of what’s creating the prime opportunity to sell this summer.

High Buyer Demand

Demand is strong, and buyers are actively searching for homes to purchase. In the Realtors Confidence Index Survey published monthly by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), buyer traffic is considered “very strong” in almost every state. Homebuyers aren’t just great in number right now – they’re also determined to find their dream…

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The Right Expert Will Guide You Through This Unprecedented Market

In a normal market, it’s good to have an experienced guide coaching you through the process of buying or selling a home. That person can advise you on important things like pricing your home correctly or the first steps to take when you’re ready to buy. However, the market we’re in today is far from normal. As a result, an expert isn’t just good to have by your side – an expert is essential.

Today’s housing market is full of extremes. Mortgage rates hovering near record-lows are driving high buyer demand. On the other hand, an absence of sellers is creating record-low housing inventory. This imbalance in supply and demand is leading to a skyrocketing rate of bidding wars and more houses selling over their asking price. This is driving home…

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Hope Is on the Horizon for Today’s Housing Shortage

The major challenge in today’s housing market is that there are more buyers looking to purchase than there are homes available to buy. Simply put, supply can’t keep up with demand. A normal market has a 6-month supply of homes for sale. Anything over that indicates it’s a buyers’ market, but an inventory level below that threshold means we’re in a sellers’ market. Today’s inventory level sits far below the norm.

According to the Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR):

Total housing inventory at the end of April amounted to 1.16 million units, up 10.5% from March’s inventory and down 20.5% from one year ago (1.46 million). Unsold inventory sits at a 2.4-month supply at the current sales pace, slightly up from…

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