Coastal Living Chronicles: Insights from a Saint Simons Island Realtor

     The U.S. avoided a recession in 2023, and some say it will have a soft landing in 2024. Inflation has hovered in the 3% range for many months higher than the central bank would prefer, but at 2.6% for personal consumption expenditures (PCE), it’s closer to the target range of 2% and far from the double-digit highs since the pandemic began. Most sources cite the core PCE, which excludes volatile energy and food prices which sat at 3.2% by year’s end - the lowest level since March 2021.      Sales in March of newly-built homes posted their biggest monthly increase in 15 months, up almost 9%, pushing sales more than 8% ahead for the year. The median price fell almost 2% versus a year ago to a median of $387,600. Mortgage interest rates have crept up and could be dampening demand. As of today, May 1, 2024 - 30 year conventional rates are just under 8% at 7.933%, 30 year VA is 7.13% and 30 year FHA is 7.137.  Existing housing inventory remains tight wi...

  When you put 20% down on a home using a mortgage  loan, you own 20% and the lender owns 80%. As you make payments, most of the money goes to pay interest while some goes toward reducing your principal. Meanwhile, favorable market conditions may be increasing the market value of your home, giving you instant equity. Equity is the amount of the home that you own, much like a savings account that pays interest on money you want to keep growing. After a few years, you may want to tap into that money to carry out home improvements, make a down payment on a second property, or pay off credit cards and other bills. Is it a good idea to use your equity? The answer is this: you’re putting your home in deeper debt, so your reasons for using equity instead of another means of borrowing or consolidating must be worth the risk. Home improvements are designed to add value to your home, a sure thing that will net you more money when you decide to sell it one day. Making a down payment on a...

  Buyer Agent Commissions will become a Buyer/Seller Negotiated Concession. NAR Settlement Doesn't Require Commission Cuts Does Bring Significant Changes Written Agreements Now Required for Showing Homes No Advertising Buyer Broker Commissions on MLS Consumers Must Approve Realtor Compensation  Here are situations buyers and sellers should consider in the next three months before the NAR settlement changes take effect: Buyers looking to purchase a home soon should act quickly before the requirement of a written agreement and unknown compensation requirements kick in. Sellers who want maximum exposure of the buyer agent commission being offered should try to list their home in the next three months. Buyers working with an agent should get clarity upfront on how their agent will be compensated, as they'll need to approve that compensation structure in writing after the changes. Sellers should consider if there will be a slowdown in the real estate market as buyers and their agen...

    Luxury Bathroom Trends for 2024 The luxury homeowner’s bath for 2024 is more than a spa-like retreat where comfort is paramount. It’s a step back in time to a more natural world that comes alive with a touch of 70s boho chic. Incorporate these elements with modern aesthetics, including minimalism, universal design principles, and personalization. Water closets : A room within a room, the “toilet room” can be closed off with a door, screen or cabinet for privacy. It can also include a one-person sink and storage for paper supplies.  Curbless showers : With the shower floor flush with the rest of the bathroom, spraying water is kept in check with a subtle cascading drain and strategically placed open glass door. Enhance the look and safety underfoot with a pebbled stone tile. Unique focal points : Personalize the bath with something hand-crafted—an antique chest or a fine hand-knotted tribal rug from Asia. Handsomely framed mirrors should be backlit and all lights dimma...

With millions of rental listings, short-term vacation hubs are turning homeownership upside-down. Homeowners are renting out their homes for music festivals, sporting events, weddings, and more. “ Guest favorite s” properties reach over 2 million views on Airbnb , while “ Premier Host ” owners earn higher percentages on Vrbo . So how can you get in on the action? You and your listing have to get attention in an increasingly crowded marketplace. According to Arrived.com , you must attract bookings and limit cancelations. Professional property managers, cleaning services, architects, interior designers, home stagers, and real estate photographers can help you and your property become superstars with top reviews from renters. Your listing must shine in photographs to highlight the home’s stunning views and beautiful décor. It must be meticulously clean, well-maintained and landscaped. Surprise your guests with welcome baskets and recommend fun things to do and places to eat in the area. T...

Beachfront condominiums on Saint Simons Island Georgia are becoming rarer and rarer as buyers pick them up as longterm vacation homes and rental income generators.  A well apportioned condo with direct beach access can earn $150,000 per year in gross rental income. Thrilled to have just put this stunning beachfront property on Saint Simons Island under contract! A wonderful achievement thanks to amazing clients who placed their trust in me. Grateful for the opportunity to facilitate such a significant sale. More updates to come! #SaintSimonsIslandRealEstate   #GeorgiaCoastalLiving   #BeachfrontCondoForSale   #GoldenIslesLuxury   #CoastalDreamHome

Over a decade ago, I embarked on a journey into the world of real estate with passion, determination, and a hint of apprehension (it was the real estate crash after all). Armed with enthusiasm and the guidance of mentors, I eagerly dove into the industry, ready to make my mark. I recall the anticipation leading up to my first transaction— excitement and nerves. The moment finally arrived when I secured a listing, a Saint Simons Island condo, for my buyer. The realization of the start of my dream career was not hard to see. Looking back, I recognize the invaluable lessons learned from that inaugural transaction. From the importance of effective communication to the intricacies of contract negotiation, every experience shaped me into the real estate professional I am today. But beyond the technical aspects, it was the relationships forged and the trust earned that truly defined the journey.  

  What to Consider When Selling a Home “As Is” In a fast-moving housing market, you may conclude that you don’t need to do much to sell your homes. But, selling a home “as is” may cost you more than you know. Your listing contract will include a clause that says the home is being conveyed “as is,” which means you’re selling the property in its current condition with no intention to make repairs or improvements. That doesn’t absolve you of responsibility to the homebuyer—you’ll still have to provide a state-mandated seller’s disclosure attesting to what you know about the home’s condition.  If the buyer includes a home inspection contingency in the sales contract, it allows them to come back and ask for repairs before closing or they can ask for a price reduction. You can refuse, and the home will go back on the market, wasting precious marketing time. In the event that the buyer intends to  tear down or gut the home , the sales contract can be drafted without an inspectio...