Showing posts with label John Robinson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label John Robinson. Show all posts

Saturday, February 14, 2009

North Shore Place - North Forest Beach, Hilton Head Island

North Shore Place in North Forest Beach, Hilton Head Island!

As of today, we have 8 units for sale with prices ranging from $495k to $849k.

One of these available units is a rare 3BR with gorgeous views of the ocean.


Click here to view the MLS page. Click the "Media" link to view photos of each unit: Buyer Short Report

Beautiful Wexford Estate on Hilton Head Island

Check out this link to view a beautiful Harbourfront estate in luxurious Wexford Plantation on Hilton Head Island. This home was just reduced by $600,000!

Click here: Buyer Full Report

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

“Who is buying Real Estate Now”?


I had a client ask me this today and I thought I would share the answer with you.

On Hilton Head Island, South Carolina there are approximately 339 pended listings as of this writing. Of the pended listings, 242 are homes with an average price of $710,198, 56 are villas with an average price of $368,549, and 41 are lots with an average price of $404,129.

Because of this statistic, we can expect in the next 30-45 days there will be 339 more homes SOLD!

Today’s buyer is savvy, smart and confident. They know the rule to ‘buy low and sell high’. Some people on the other hand know the cost of everything and the value of nothing.

These new buyers are educated on both cost and VALUE. They know that Hilton Head Island historically has some of the lowest priced oceanfront real estate on the east coast. They know that the town has protected over 1100 acres from development and they know that it cost the town $144,000,000. This new buyer knows when to take advantage of a great deal while selection is still inviting.

These buyers might be your neighbors, co-worker, clients, or family. This new buyer could be a couple preparing to retire, a young couple or family seeking to build wealth for their future and their family’s future, while creating memories that will last a lifetime.

They are the people at the party that talk about what they have done in their lives, their experiences and travels. These new buyers would rather listen to a story about Spanish Moss and moon beams before a story about a stock certificate hidden away in a safe deposit box.

I guess a better question is, "Are you one of these people”?

There has never been a better time to be a buyer.

Monday, February 9, 2009

Why Is Hilton Head Island so Special?




Here are a few reasons why 39,000 residents call Hilton Head home and countless others have made it their primary destination to vacation and relax.

Did you know:

1) Hilton head was one of the first eco-planned communities in the country. Charles Fraser, the visionary developer of Sea Pines Resort, set the stage with his very aggressive approach to preserving nature for the entire Island.

2) 70% of our population is under the age of 60 years of age. The largest segment of our population (18.2%) is under 18 years of age and the median age on the Island is 35.4 years. Hilton Head is much more than a retirement community.

3) We have one of the best climates on the east coast. We have a semi-tropical climate with an average daytime temperature of 75 degrees and an average evening temperature of only 55 degrees. Our winters last only a few weeks.

4) Nearly 100,000,000 potential visitors live within only a 15 hour drive to Hilton Head and more than 1,000,000 enplanements and deplanements happen at the Savannah Hilton Head International airport.

5) You can get to everything you need including schools, hardware stores, restaurants, hospitals, theaters, dry cleaners and more in 15 minutes or less from anywhere on the Island.

Do you know why people come to Hilton Head Island:

1) 23 golf courses that are meticulously maintained including the famed Harbour Town Golf Links, home of the PGA Heritage Golf Tournament.

2) We have hundreds of tennis courts. Four of our tennis resorts are listed annually in Tennis Magazines Top-50 Resorts.

3) We have 12 miles of white sandy beaches.

4) Or maybe it is one of our many marinas on the Island.

5) Our Island has been preserved with the town purchasing and protecting nearly 1,168 acres at a cost of $144,000,000 or eliminating 4,000,000 square feet of commercial development and 1,365 hotel rooms and 4,210 residential and timeshare units.

6) We have 7 beach parks, 6 recreational parks, and 8 community parks. How many places do you know that have 21 parks for 39,000 residents?

7) Maybe it is because of the 100 miles of bike paths that encircle the island.

I guess the answer to 'WHY' will be different for all of us but the place will certainly be the same HILTON HEAD.

Here is to Spanish Moss and moon beams!

Hope to see you soon!

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Hilton Head Island - Questions & Answers

Recently, I've had the opportunity to answer a few questions for an article highlighting Hilton Head Island in an upcoming issue of Cincy Magazine which is an upscale Cincinnati business periodical.

I'd like to share the following questions and my answers with you.
___________________________________________________

1. Cincinnatians have many choices when it comes to buying vacation homes. In terms of location, what makes Hilton Head desirable? Obvious reasons include pristine beaches, manicured golf courses, immaculate tennis facilities, full-service marinas, fabulous shopping and a vast array of world-class restaurants. In addition, the Island offers a variety of communities including private & gated neighborhoods, townhome complexes close to the beach, villas, and golf course communities. I've driven to Cincinnati a few times and love your city! The drive to Hilton Head seems very straight forward and easy and I know a flight to Hilton Head or Savannah is very quick.

2. Why is now an ideal time to buy a vacation home in Hilton Head? As a buyer, there may never be a better time to buy a beautiful home or villa on Hilton Head Island. Inventory is abundant, prices have declined significantly, interest rates are at record lows, gas prices are not an issue, and sellers understand the need for qualified buyers in today's market. As a buyer, you have many choices and options that may not have been available 4 or 5 years ago.

3. What current market prices and interest rates can qualified buyers expect? It is always difficult to predict what market conditions will be like in the coming months, but we have been enjoying historically low mortgage interest rates over the last few months and they have dipped even further as 2009 has begun. These low rates have helped contribute to the outstanding affordability we are currently seeing. I have actually seen rates in the mid 4% range!

4. How do these market prices and interest rates compare to years past? These are the lowest rates I have seen in my career. So if you are looking at affordability from the perspective of monthly payments, we are looking at unprecedented levels. There are opportunities out there that buyers have not seen in years. It is somewhat like turning back the clock.

5. Given the current economic crisis, many Cincinnatians might be reluctant to spend money on a vacation home. What would you say to someone who is considering buying a vacation home but is worried about what the future might hold? If you're considering purchasing a vacation home or villa on Hilton Head Island, then I say 'congratulations!' There is no place in the world more charming and inviting than this beautiful Island. Consider your investment as a long-term proposition and you will be more comfortable as American real estate has always been a smart investment, especially in areas which are highly sought after and desireable. In fact, do as I do and consider your vacation home on Hilton Head Island as an 'investment with a sunset!'

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Why Do I Love Hilton Head Island?


Well...here goes...

I moved to Hilton Head almost 19 years ago when I was hired as a tennis pro at the Sea Pines Racquet Club right after college. As a tennis pro, Hilton Head Island was (and is) the premiere location in the United States as there are over 300 tennis courts with 4 tennis resorts included in Tennis Magazine's Top-50 Resorts list each year.

The ambiance of the Island coupled with the fact that so many happy people reside and vacation here make life on the Island very appealing. Aside from the miles of incredible beaches, the purest green fairways you can imagine, and the thousands of tennis balls smacked back and forth, one of my greatest and most comforting pleasures of being a resident is when I see a friend, customer, past tennis student, or acquaintance at the grocery store or post office. To live in a "big city" means rarely seeing folks that you know out and about, but on Hilton Head Island, it often feels like the small town of Mayberry with an international magnetism.

After 14 years as a tennis pro, I decided to take the next step in my life to pursue a career in residential real estate on Hilton Head Island, Daufuskie Island, Bluffton, Hardeeville, and Ridgeland, South Carolina.

Hilton Head Island is truly the gem of South Carolina while Daufuskie Island is our version of Gilligan's Island with its unpaved roads, lush tropical climate and surroundings, and a unique exclusivity due to the fact that you can only get to Daufuskie Island by boat. You would be amazed at the oceanfront opportunities you'll find on Daufuskie Island!

Bluffton is a fast-growing small town which offers a tremendous variety of community styles, homesites, townhomes, villas, and new communities such as Tradition, Mill Creek, Hilton Head Lakes, and Abbey Glen just to name a few. Bluffton is also the proud host of several very exclusive gated country club communities such as Colleton River Plantation, Belfair Plantation, Berkeley Hall Plantation, Hampton Hall Plantation, Hampton Lake, and Hampton Pointe.

Hardeeville and Ridgeland are two sleepy small towns with healthy growth planned over the next several years and offer opportunities for large parcels of land at minimal pricing. This is appealing to many buyers as these two towns are within 25 miles of the coastline!

Over the past several years as a REALTOR, I have researched and learned a tremendous amount of vital information pertaining to Hilton Head Island and the Lowcountry including coastal insurance, property taxes, rental issues, construction materials, quality builders, and of course the ebb and flow of our local real estate market.

As a young tennis pro, many of my tennis students asked me "Where do you go on vacation"? My response has always been the same: my vacation is on-going and is part of every day on Hilton Head Island. If you have a tennis racquet and a can of balls, a set of golf clubs, a pair of walking or running shoes, a beach chair and sunscreen, a pair of sunglasses, a love for boating & fine dining, and an interest in experiencing the great outdoors, then Hilton Head will offer you a lifetime of vacation memories every day you wake up.

Because of my infatuation for all things Hilton Head, I feel very lucky to be a realtor on Hilton Head Island where my job requires me to assist future residents and/or investors in choosing their dream home.

I'd love to hear other stories of Hilton Head Island and what the Island means to you!

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Floyd Wickman SMART Program -- I Graduated!

I had the pleasure and opportunity to attend the Floyd Wickman Program this fall on Hilton Head Island.

My broker at Dunes Marketing Group organized for a Floyd Wickman trainer (Robyn) to give our group of 100+ agents a presentation highlighting the Floyd Wickman Program. After the presentation, several agents and I registered for the course.

WHAT DOES THE FLOYD WICKMAN TEAM DO?

They help brokers and their agents increase sales by causing them to:

Master the art of Listing and selling real estate.
Build and maintain a Salable Book of Business.
Become and stay organized.
Value the benefits of Teamwork and Mentoring.
Live by 5 client- and company-friendly Core Values.

S.M.A.R.T. PROGRAM: 7 weekly sessions teaches agents how to prospect their sphere of influence and FSBO's; generate referrals; control the complete listing appointment; price the listing so it is salable in the toughest of markets; service the listing; convert incoming and Internet inquiries into office appointments; sell more properties; create a business plan and focus for achieving that plan; work as part of a mentor group.

Includes:

1. 8 CD's

2. 1 DVD

3. Course Manual

4. Online resources

CORE VALUES CLUB: 1 year follow-up to the S.M.A.R.T. program (no additional charge) designed to help the agent fine tune all of the listing and selling skills taught during the 7 weekly sessions; and, to master the personal success characteristics necessary to achieve long range success.

Includes:

1. 12 monthly audio messages

2. Online resources

THE MASTER SALES EVENT: A 3 day event during January, limited to Floyd Wickman graduates designed to recognize achievement and to create a business plan for the New Year. To help agents achieve at a higher level.

Includes:

1. National speakers

2. Added value workshops

3. Referral sharing

4. Higher level skills

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Housing Affordability Is Up!


The Home Builders Association of South Carolina published a very interesting article in their latest newsletter.


With housing prices down, and rates still historically low, housing affordability is the best in 4 years.


Click HERE to read the full article.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

The Difference Between Pre-Qualification and Pre-Approval




Ben Russ, Vice President of Hilton Head Mortgage sent me the following pertinent information regarding financing for a home on Hilton Head Island.

Pre-qualification is the first step in obtaining mortgage financing.

A potential borrower answers a few questions to provide the loan consultant with a quick snapshot of the borrower's income, existing debt, accumulated savings and whether or not there is a co-borrower. Signatures allow the loan consultant to run a credit report and begin to determine what loans are good candidates for this particular client. However, there are literally thousands of loan programs available.

It is important for the loan professional to know the long-term financial objectives of the prospective homeowner.

Pre-approval is a written documentation that proves the borrower has full support of a lender.

It means the form 1003 Uniform Residential Loan Application has been completed and reviewed by an underwriter. Based on the borrower's income, debt ratio and savings, the underwriter will provide a dollar amount this borrower is eligible for.

Now the borrower has the convenience of shopping for a home in the price range agreed upon by the lender.

Pre-approval allows potential homeowners to shop as cash buyers, and that means negotiating power. The seller will take an offer from a pre-approved shopper much more seriously and may even accept a lower bid because they know the financing is in place and the deal is secure.

For more information regarding the home-buying lending process on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, or for real estate information, email me with your questions at HiltonHeadJR@aol.com.

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Join my FREE Professional Network at LinkedIn

What is LinkedIn?

LinkedIn is an online network of more than 17 million experienced professionals from around the world, representing 150 industries.

When you join, you create a profile that summarizes your professional accomplishments. Your profile helps you find and be found by former colleagues, clients, and partners. You can add more connections by inviting trusted contacts to join LinkedIn and connect to you.

Your network consists of your connections, your connections’ connections, and the people they know, linking you to thousands of qualified professionals.

Through your network you can:


  • Find potential clients, service providers, subject experts, and partners who come recommended

  • Be found for business opportunities

  • Search for great jobs

  • Discover inside connections that can help you land jobs and close deals

  • Post and distribute job listings

  • Find high-quality passive candidates

  • Get introduced to other professionals through the people you know

LinkedIn is free to join. Click below to see my LinkedIn profile.

View John Robinson's profile on LinkedIn

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

The Legacy of the most famous BUBBLE of all time!


This story does not relate to real estate, but it does give a fantastic description of one of the most legendary tennis professionals on the planet. After reading this post, you'll probably want to go out and purchase a home on Hilton Head Island. Call me!

"It was a warm humid day, circa June 1998. Location? The foothills of Southern Virginia...SWEET BRIAR COLLEGE.

JR was in the midst of running yet another successful adult week-long tennis camp for tennis players from various locations around our great land. They had traveled to Virginia to participate in a Van der Meer tennis class run by the then-famous 'JR'!

Little did they know they would have the opportunity to experience one of the finest and most innately skilled young professionals on the planet. His name? Mike Reichenthal.

It was Day 4. Afternoon session. Players had just enjoyed a cafeteria buffet lunch. The weather was beautiful and the instruction was even better. Half of the players were on the upper courts competing in matches. The other half were on the lower courts doing the same. Little did they know what would transpire next.

As the afternoon session began, JR once again created cohesive tennis pro pairings to ensure premiere instruction. For the untrained tennis population reading this, pros were selected for the upper and lower banks of courts with incredible precision regarding their ability to roam the courts, giving pertinent match-play instruction, and then vanishing into thin air. Only well-trained professionals are capable of this feat.

The Setup: JR was strategically placed on the upper courts so he may view ALL courts. JR's assistants were roaming the upper courts like soldiers on night patrol. One of those assistants (hardly the proper term) was a young and unknown Mike Reichenthal. He was placed on the upper courts in the event that JR would have to leave the premises. 'Mike, take over.......' would have been the mantra. The lower courts consisted of two assistants who were the lowest of the low. JR watched.

Suddenly...4:42pm...the sun had peaked hours before and dinner was on the mind of most. JR...on one of his routine glances over the hill...noticed something…THE SIGHT WAS NOT PRETTY.

One of the biggest mistakes of all time was occurring. Wes (the 29 year old pro who took a shower once every other day) and Heinrich (the 19 year old pro who had no real sense of anything except for breakfast) were standing side-by-side talking with each other. Needless to say, JR was enraged. Disgusted.

History was about to happen.

JR stood on the peak of the hill as General Patton did reviewing his troops march through the snow deep in the heart of France during World War II. Hands on his hips, clipboard in his left hand, whistle dangling out of his left pocket, royal blue Bolle sunglasses shining in the afternoon warmth.

'Hey Wes...' yelled JR. JR wanted to say 'go take a shower, you're done'...but he didn't. What he DID say was the turning point of one young professional's career. To all of our young readers of this small piece of history: I HOPE YOU'RE SITTING DOWN.

'Hey Wes! Do you think you could float around a bit...LIKE A BUBBLE??' Without even looking at JR, Wes began to float. Still enraged, JR turned back to the upper courts where Mike was now in charge. Major floating by all professionals was seen under Mike's jurisdiction. A small smile appeared on JR's lips...only for a second...then it was gone.

JR looked to the lower courts again to view the mess. Yes...Wes was reluctantly floating. But Heinrich was still standing in the same place no doubt trying to figure out what was for dinner that evening. 'Hey Heinrich...do you think you could be a bubble too?!' yelled JR.

Without saying, the guests had no idea that any of this occurred. In their minds, they had experienced yet another historic JR Clinic.

Later that evening, JR was dining with the pros and Heinrich was on his third bowl of chocolate ice cream. Always the teacher, JR explained to the pros the extreme importance of 'floating' during matches.

The BUBBLE analogy was brought up again and JR explained it one more time with clarity. 'Guys...allow me to give you an example. Our absolute best floater during matches is Mike. He'll float to a player like a shark quietly moves toward a baby seal. Once there, he'll lurk in the background allowing the players to make their mistakes. With a smile and an outstretched racquet, Mike will analyze the problem, offer an alternative, give a positive affirmation, and then he has somehow disappeared into the mist. This all takes place in mere seconds. Somehow, it's scary...gives you chills. Guys...he will no longer be called Mike. Henceforth from this location, Mike will become THE BUBBLE for all eternity.'

The other pros were silent. Heinrich dropped his spoon. Wes had a tear in the corner of his left eye. JR left the cafeteria having once again taught young professionals the meaning of grit, determination, and most of all...THE BUBBLE.

To those reading this historic story...you might say 'Where is The Bubble now?' I think you know the answer.

He's floating the land's largest and most important tennis courts...helping the helpless gain much needed insight into our sport.

The BUBBLE is everywhere!"