A guide to Hilton Head Island and Bluffton area real estate, rentals and lifestyle
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1045910
HHIMLS statistics show that the real estate market lived up to its 2018 outlook prediction. Home prices are continuing to rise, and are expected to increase even more throughout 2019. According to CoreLogic, the leading property analytics and information provider, this past April surpassed April 2017, by a total of 6.9 percent. CoreLogic predicts that by April 2019, prices will have grown by an additional 5.3 percent. "Home prices are growing more and more each year due to the lack of inventory, strong mortgage demand, and improving incomes," said Colette Stevenson, chief executive offi cer of Multiple Listing Service of Hilton Head Island (HHIMLS). "If you plan on searching for a home, now is the time. Many people tend to purchase homes in the spring, meaning the lack of good home inventory will only decrease." Although the shortage of inventory is aff ecting home prices, it is not aff ecting buyers' interest in green and smart home technology. HHIMLS members are able to recognize what homebuyers want in a home due to their access to real-time data and the ability to track current trends. Buyers are searching for a home that has trending smart home technologies, energy-effi cient appliances, and an agent that is easy to work with when buying or selling a home. Sellers should consider smart technology that allows buyers to have total control right from their smartphone to increase the chances of selling for a great sale price. A few smart technology improvements include thermostats, lights and security systems. "We are seeing more homebuyers being driven to purchase based on what technology the home comes with," said Stevenson. "Buyers only have things that are provided to them in the home when they buy, so if a home has older appliances, buyers will have to spend more money and time upgrading to what they desire. Sellers should improve their home's technology and appliances if they want to sell for the best price possible." Additional home updates that can attract a buyer's eye are eco-friendly home options such as tankless water heaters, solar panels and smart meters. Top tech trends include smart smoke detectors, a video doorbell with built in security features, smart locks and smart light bulbs. A rising trend across the industry is the growth of team selling and listing. Realtors® and agents are teaming together to list and sell homes promptly and at the best price. Team selling makes it easier to stay informed on which tools the competition is using in addition to upgrades in technology. Buyers and sellers have more access to agents in addition to a higher level of customer service. As the market continues to grow, HHIMLS is staying ahead of the competition by providing members with access to industry-leading technology and top real estate professionals. HHIMLS members have access to real-time statistics and trends to help sellers sell their house and fi nd the perfect dream home. To learn more about HHIMLS or to fi nd an agent near you, go to www.hiltonheadmls.com. The popular website "Only In Your State" (www.onlyinyourstate.com/south-carolina/sc-is-best-state-in-the-us/) gave South Carolina some love with a feature en tled "13 Ways South Carolina Has Quietly Become The Coolest State In America." The ar cle noted things we enjoy like great scenery, stunning beaches, an endless variety of outdoor ac vi es, friendly pe ople, 5 FARMER'S MARKETS In South Carolina fresh foods and flowers are available during months when cold weather is se ng in up north. Through December 28, Farmers Market of Blu on features local produce, plants, nuts, herbs, flowers, honey, cheese, milk, eggs, beef, pork, lamb, seafood and more. 6 WE SPECIALIZE IN THE UNIQUE The longer you're in Hilton Head, the more you'll discover unusual and intriguing experiences. Foot golf requires you to kick a soccer ball into a 21-inch cup in as few kicks as possible. Players of all ages can enjoy the 9-hole, foot golf course on Planter's Row at the Port Royal Golf Club. Or take the alligator, wine and cheese tour with H2O sports in a riverboat in the freshwater lakes of the Sea Pines Resort Forest Preserve. Visit the King Neptune Sundial standing guard at the Shelter Cove Harbour and enjoy the sunset and breezes off the marina. We have restaurants that you won't find anywhere else like Claude & Uli's Bistro, where the escargot and other fare is made with European flair, and Hudson's Seafood House where seafood is prepared fresh from the boat each day. 7 HISTORY IS ON DISPLAY Hilton Head is full of history. There are Gullah heritage tours that show how enslaved people preserved their rich culture and express it today. Visit Mitchelville, the first freedmen's town in America, and take a drive down Beach City Road, past the original churches, homes and a school building s ll standing there today. Stop at Mitchelville Freedom Park on your way for a view of the site of the Ba le of Port Royal and visit historical markers spotligh ng area history. Four forts were built on Hilton Head during the Civil War, and the remains of two earthen embankment forts, Fort Mitchel and Fort Howell, s ll fascinate Civil War buffs. Fort Walker was one of the targets of the largest naval ba le ever in U.S. waters. Cole e Stevenson is the CEO of MLS of Hilton Head Island, Inc. and a CMLX3 Cer fied Council of MLS Leader. HHIMLS Serves Licensed Agents & Realtors® from the en re state of SC, as well as GA and If you're considering a move to the Hilton Head area, contact an HHIMLS agent. We have access to the latest data, inventory, and tracking trends to help you find your perfect piece of the Lowcountry. With the most advanced pla orms to make the process smooth and sim- ple, we're ready to help buy- ers and sellers. Turn to HHIMLS to make Hilton Head your home today. www.HiltonHeadMLS.com 1 AN ABUNDANCE OF NATURE If random sigh ngs of deer, birds, and an alligator or two aren't enough to thrill you, we have Pinckney Na onal Wildlife Refuge, a great place to view some of the thousands of migratory birds that have Hilton Head in their flight path. The Refuge is a nes ng habitat for birds like ibis, egrets, and herons. If you love horses, check out the Sea Pines Forest Preserve with Lawton Stables. 2 THE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Hilton Head is full of museums and theaters. Learn about the natural history and cultural heritage of the Lowcountry at the Coastal Discovery Museum. Take in a professional show at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. Find representa onal drawings, pain ngs and sculpture by the na on's leading ar sts at the Red Piano Art Gallery, South Carolina's oldest professional gallery of fine art. At the Jazz Corner, an old-school nightclub, modern southern food and live jazz combine to keep you coming back. 3 SEASONAL FESTIVALS Star ng October 19, each Thursday there's the Shelter Cove Music & Taste on the Harbour fall outdoor concert series. Local restaurants offer specially priced light appe zers, wine, beer, and cocktails. The annual Italian Heritage Fes val (Nov 18), honors the Feast of San Gennaro with food and booths featuring Italian arts, cra s, and merchandise. The Winter Wonderland Fes val (Dec 1) provides a great environment to start your Holiday. Celebrate with carnival games, a children's parade, a golden candy cane hunt, and a visit from Santa, all at Shelter Cove Community Park. 4 ENDLESS FUN ON THE WATER From deep sea fishing to sailing, you'll never run out of op ons for making the most of coastal life. Creek Cat tours offer small outboard motor boats that cruise among the wildlife. Flying Circus 7 Considering a move to the Hilton Head area? Our Members access the latest Real Estate data, inventory, and tracking trends to help you fi nd your perfect piece of the Lowcountry. By utilizing the most advanced tools in the industry, we make the process smooth and simple for buyers and sellers. Turn to an HHIMLS member to make South Carolina your home today. www.HiltonHeadMLS.com Colette Stevenson, CEO MLS of Hilton Head Island, Inc. and CMLX3 Certifi ed Council of MLS Leader HHIMLS serves Agents & Realtors® representing properties in SC and GA Statistics Show A Rise In Home Prices, Green and Smart Technology, And Team Selling Real Estate Market Lives Up To 2018 Predictions