If you opened your power bill in June and asked yourself, “How do I lower my utility bills?,” don’t worry. The simple answer is to make your home energy efficient.

There is no doubt July and August bring the hottest temperatures of the year. Compared to the porch-sitting, brisk weather we enjoy in Fall and Spring, Summer in the Lowcountry has us closing our windows and running the air conditioner 24 hours a day.

So, how can you stay comfortable this season without breaking the bank? In this article, we will teach you a few tips and tricks for how to save on utility bills during summer!

Good news: There are many ways to make your home as energy-efficient as possible. Below is a list of inexpensive, low-stakes investment tips and action items to…

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Ready to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf? Find the best Lowcountry beaches with our insider guide here! Our top four picks for Hilton Head beaches (in alphabetical order) are:

  1. Coligny Beach Park

  2. Folly Field Beach Park

  3. Islander’s Beach Park

  4. Mitchelville Beach Park

Summer is upon us and because it is officially beach season, we’re explaining why each of these beaches might be perfect for you. 

Hilton Head beaches offer a variety of experiences depending on the kind of beach day you desire. Whether you want to live like a local on a private, peaceful beachfront...or explore the expansive, amenity-filled beaches that make Hilton Head Island famous, you will know exactly where to go with our guide.

Living on the…

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As we move into the latter half of the year, questions about what’s to come are top of mind for buyers and sellers. Near record-low mortgage rates coupled with rising home price appreciation kicked off a robust housing market in the first half of 2021, but what does the forecast tell us about what’s on the horizon?

Mortgage Rates Will Likely Increase, but Remain Low

Many experts are projecting a rise in interest rates. The latest Quarterly Forecast from Freddie Mac states:

We forecast that mortgage rates will continue to rise through the end of next year. We estimate the 30-year fixed mortgage rate will average 3.4% in the fourth quarter of 2021, rising to 3.8% in the fourth quarter of 2022.

 

However, even as mortgage rates rise, the…

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The question of whether the real estate market is a bubble ready to pop seems to be dominating a lot of conversations – and everyone has an opinion. Yet, when it comes down to it, the opinions that carry the most weight are the ones based on experience and expertise.

Here are four expert opinions from professionals and organizations that have devoted their careers to giving great advice to the housing industry.

The Joint Center for Housing Studies in their The State of the Nation’s Housing 2021 report:

… conditions today are quite different than in the early 2000s, particularly in terms of credit availability. The current climb in house prices instead reflects strong demand amid tight supply, helped along by record-low interest rates.

 

…

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Summer’s here, and with vaccination rates on the rise, buyers continue to flood the market in search of their next home, with rock bottom inventory and record-high sales prices reported throughout much of the country. Although closed sales were down nationally, overall demand for housing remains high, in part due to attractively low-interest rates, offering buyers some relief and affordability in a fiercely competitive market.

Hilton Head & Mainland Real Estate Market Update - June 2021

For the 12- month period spanning July 2020 through June 2021, pending sales in the Hilton Head region were up 50.1 percent overall. Market-wide, inventory levels were down 65.8 percent. The property type that lost the least inventory was the condo segment, where it…

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8 Fairforest in Sun City

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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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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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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Hilton Head Ice Cream

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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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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