Hilton Head Monthly Voice Voice of the Lowcountry 
SHOULD YOU CONSIDER REFINANCING?
Mortgage rates in August hit an 18-month low. The Federal Reserve has begun to lower the central bank rate for the first time in eight years. Inflation is very low and appears to be stable — this is all good news for mortgage rates.
Borrowers with excellent credit have seen quotes for 30-year fixed loans as low as 3.75% with no points. All other rate quotes are also lower for second homes, investment properties, VA loans and FHA loans.
CLEMSON NOW ACCEPTING MASTER GARDENER APPLICANTS
The Clemson Extension Service is accepting applications for its 2019-20 Master Gardener training class sessions. The cost is $300 and includes all materials. The 2019 classes will be held 1-4 p.m. Tuesdays from Aug. 13 to Oct. 29 at Hilton Head Island Public Service District, 21 Oak Park Drive, Hilton Head Island. The January 2020 classes will be held 1-4 p.m. Tuesdays at the Clemson Extension Office, 18 John Galt Road, Beaufort. For more information and to register, email Laura Lee Rose at lrose@clemson.edu or call 843-473-6025.
When searching for a real estate professional, many people start their search by talking with family or friends. People you know and trust who have used a real estate professional in the past often can provide recommendations. It’s a good idea to interview more than one real estate professional. You want to be confident you’ll have a good rapport with your Realtor.
Every industry has its own jargon, and real estate is no different. It can all seem like a confusing word salad for those new to the business. We’ve compiled a list of common terms you’re likely to encounter.
Sgt. Major Donna Dunbar of Bluffton, a retired Marine and successful Realtor, passed away last month. Originally from Washington, D.C., she was a member of the Coastal Group at Charter One Realty and specialized in helping military families find homes.
CHARTER ONE EARNS TOP NOD FROM REAL TRENDS
Charter One Realty has been ranked as one of the nation’s top brokerages by REAL Trends 500. With more than 130 agents and 11 offices throughout the Lowcountry, Charter One Realty is also one of the largest independent firms in the nation with more than $900 million in sales last year. Rankings are based on those firms who choose to participate, and then listed by closed transaction sides and closed sales volume.
COASTAL LONG TERM RENTALS OPENS SECOND LOCATION
Coastal Long Term Rental Company has opened a second location in Bluffton. The company has been serving property owners, investors and renters on Hilton Head Island for nearly 40 years. The new location is at 7 Simmonsville Road in Bluffton.
NEW SUBDIVISION COMING TO HILTON HEAD
The Estuary, a new gated subdivision, is planned for Fish Haul Road next to the Arthur Hills Golf Course at Palmetto Hall Plantation, said Village Park Group marketing manager Leslie Ehlers. Buyers will be able to choose from several models offer three, four or five bedrooms.
The homes will be priced in the mid-$300,000s. Construction on the homes will not start for a few months, but Village Park Group has begun clearing trees and installing utilities at the site.
CENTURY 21 DIAMOND REALTY OPENS NEW OFFICE
The Sun City and Okatie branch of Century 21 Diamond Realty celebrated a grand opening in January. The new location features closed-circuit televisions, a conference room, coffee bar, large training center, private cubicles and a welcoming reception area. The new branch will also include offices for Washburn Law and Southern Trust Mortgage to help clients seeking legal advice or mortgage information. The branch will be open seven days a week.
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY WELCOMES TWO
Susie Castellini and Andrew Pietz have joined Berkshire Hathaway as real estate professionals. Castellini is originally from the Cincinnati area and has a degree in sociology from Xavier University.
