It’s a Coastal Thing

Life on an island conjures many visions from beachy natural and retro rustic, to multi-storied mansions to single floor bungalows; from high-gloss imported wood floors to unfinished local pine planks; from the traditional nautical color palette to sand-inspired muted tones. Tastes and budgets that go along with the lifestyle vary as widely as the amenities within the communities on the Island, yet it all seems to work.  It’s a coastal thing.

Hilton Head Island is unique in many ways but since this is a real estate blog, we’ll keep the focus on real estate.  I often receive calls from prospective clients who call in after visiting my website.  They are somewhat confused over pricing—they are inquiring as to why one house or villa is so much more expensive than another when they appear to be about the same age and approximately the same square footage.  The simple answer is the same as it has been since the dawn of time:  location, location, location.  Other first-call questions include: Why is one community priced so differently from the other?  How can homes on the same street fetch such wildly different prices?  Is oceanfront always more expensive?  What are the differences in villa complexes?  Do people live in Sea Pines and Palmetto Dunes or are they just resort/rental properties?

It can be confusing, even overwhelming.  Learning about the communities (gated vs. non-gated), the offerings (golf, tennis, boating, bicycling, gardening, hiking, etc.), associated fees, and demographics of the communities takes time to digest. What we all love about Hilton Head and Island living is also the part that is most perplexing.  Each community offers a bevy of activities and upscale living choices, but it takes time to learn which community meets your specific wants and needs.

Working with a Realtor who knows Island real estate is imperative.  I have lived on the island and sold island real estate since 1986.  Finding the right home or villa for my clients is my primary focus.  If you are interested in purchasing real estate on Hilton Head or in nearby Bluffton, please give me a call at 843.384.9088 or visit my website or email me atBill@BillTrue.com.