Just off the coast of South Carolina, Fripp Island offers something for everyone. The beaches, bike trails, and beautiful scenery are incomparable, but what makes this beautiful oasis stand out from any other is the delicious food offered by some of the best restaurants on the South Carolina island!

Dine on the water in Fripp Island and enjoy the most incredible ocean views

For a relaxing evening, right at the water’s edge, and arguably some of the best seafood in town, you have the Bonito Boathouse. This charming seaside spot was renovated just last year, so it boasts new finishes and comfortable dining arrangements. Watch the sunset with your sweetheart or catch up with an old friend over the classic fish tacos, pecan-encrusted grouper, or Southern-inspired shrimp and grits.

Another popular dining option is the Cabana Club Restaurant. The Cabana Club is perched on Skull’s Inlet and is home to the breathtaking views of Pritchard’s Island and the Cabana Lagoon Pools. There are great options for children, so it’s the perfect place to eat out with the family during your stay. We challenge you to find a better burger spot for lunch on the island! As an added bonus, if you’re in the mood for a cocktail, check out Willies Wet Bar while you’re there. Relaxing in the pool with a cool drink in your hand just became your new favorite pastime.

If you’re looking for a fine dining experience featuring regional ingredients and a healthy list of side dish options, reserve a table at The Beach Club. With ocean views at every table, and a wide selection of wine, you’re in for a true Fripp Island treat. For a more relaxing environment, but snacks from the same kitchen, head upstairs from The Beach Club to check out Ocean View. Play a rousing game of darts, order a couple of seasonal appetizers to share, and enjoy the good weather. Call 843-838-1510 for more information about the menu!

Fripp Island is home to some of the best quick and casual spots for breakfast, lunch and snacks!

Most folks need a couple of spots in town to grab a quick bite, whether you’re taking a break from the beach or packing up the makings for a picnic to take on your scenic bike route.

Ocean Pointe Grille is the locals’ favorite go-to for breakfast. Featuring omelets, pancakes, and just about every side dish you could ask for, it’s a staple in Fripp Island life, and it wouldn’t surprise us if you made it your new regular Saturday spot. Breakfast starts early at 7am and wraps up at 11, but there’s also a lunch menu, snacks and drinks available during the afternoon.

After completing your long journey to the 18th hole on the golf course, celebrate your score at the 19th Hole! It’s Fripp Island’s favorite post-golf spot to grab a bite and unwind and kick back with your buddies. The patio is the perfect location to relax and watch everyone else complete the 18th hole.

Take a break from the sun and stop into The Marina Deli to grab a sandwich, snack, soda or beer. The Marina Deli offers several budget-friendly options and is a great place to stock up for a day out on the boat! If you’re looking for many different options all in one location, head to the Food Court. Fried chicken, Mexican dishes, family-sized portions, and soft-serve ice cream are only a few of the numerous options available. There’s also a Starbucks for the caffeine lovers, and plenty of options for takeout.

Travel off the island for a bite to eat at Johnson Creek Tavern and Gullah Grub!

For a menu that covers it all, from steak to chicken to seafood, head to Johnson Creek Tavern. Enjoy oysters by the bucket, indulge in the night’s dinner special, and catch up with some dear friends. Your dinner will be accompanied by a commendable beer and wine list and serenaded by Fripp Island local musicians.

For a more traditional option, check out Gullah Grub, serving up traditional low country foods, roasted, grilled or stewed with fresh local ingredients. The Gullah people were able to preserve their stories, food, music and more when isolated on the islands of South Carolina, and now they’re able to share their culture with us when diving into the authentic Gullah meals at Gullah Grub.

Fripp Island is the place to be, with beautiful weather year-round and so many things to do!

Whether you are the avid fisherman, a nature enthusiast, or are ready to take your spot on the beach with a good book, this South Carolina Island is the ideal location for your permanent home or vacation home. By becoming a resident and obtaining your amenity card, you can indulge in all of the amenities that the Fripp Island resort has to offer, including our favorite dining spots!

Families, retirees, couples and singles have turned to John Lee, Fripp Island real estate expert, for help in uncovering the best homes for sale on the island. Call Lee today at 843-575-2820 to learn more about the area and his featured listings!

Filed under: Blog, Fripp Island SC, Things to Do by Fripp Island Real Estate
No Comments »

What’s your Friday Night Life like?

Fripp Life is great on a Friday Night!

After a long week in the office, it’s great to go for a walk on the beach and watch the sunset and look for dolphins… or go to the heated pool (that I don’t have to maintain)  for a quick swim.  A round of tennis or golf after a long day at work can also relieve stress.  Being on island time is so much fun!

Need dinner but don’t want to cook?  No problem, Bonito Boathouse is fantastic with great views or a pizza from The Food Court will please the kiddies.  It’s a great life!

#fripplife  #joinusonFripp

Fripp Island Amenities

Filed under: Blog, Fripp Island Homes for Sale by Fripp Island Real Estate
No Comments »

Day Trips from Fripp and Harbor

In our local area, a day trip from the islands is the perfect addition to exploring life in the low country.  From nearby Hunting Island to Beaufort or on to Charleston, day trips add to the coastal Carolina lifestyle.

Hunting Island State Park is Fripp and Harbor’s distinguished 5000 acre neighbour. In addition to the sandy beaches, a climb to the top of South Carolina’s well known 1854 Lighthouse is a must do.

If you are ecology minded, migratory sea birds come to the islands. Shady rookeries welcome 2,000 pairs of Herons and Egrets, and tasty Blue Crabs team in tidal creeks that crisscross the marsh. Look out for alligators and deer as well!

Click here for more information.

Downtown Beaufort, SC

Visit historical downtown Beaufort for a wonderful off island day trip. The Bay Street waterfront is a fantastic way to spend the afternoon.  Also, wooden swings, boats on the bay, and even local music will take you away!  Foodies can enjoy a picnic from one of the many waterfront restaurants usually with evening musical entertainment.

Click here for more information.

Charleston, SC

Charleston is full of historical character as well as shopping, adventure, arts and entertainment.  Whether you are visiting a museum or festival, Charleston is a fantastic day trip.

https://charleston.com

Filed under: Blog, Things to Do by Fripp Island Real Estate
No Comments »

2018 is looking to be a ripe year for home buyers, especially those looking to purchase a second home. However, you don’t want to leap right into it and sign on the dotted line without understanding the market you’re buying in first and finding the home of your dreams! Read on to learn more about buying a second home so that you’ll be properly prepared to take that leap.

Think about the different types of homes

There are plenty of options when it comes to buying your weekend getaway, investment property, or future retirement home.  From condos to townhomes and on to single family homes, the options are endless.  Condos and townhomes offer a lock and leave option while single family homes ranging from two bedrooms and upwards offer a little bit more permanence and privacy. If you’re looking for a place for your whole family to enjoy and multi-generational use, a multi-story home or expansive beachside mansion might be ideal for you. Then you need to ask yourself if you want to wake up to the water every day or are looking for a place that’s more inland.

What goes into the cost of a second home?

You may be thinking the cost of your second home is simply the sale price. However, there are some additional expenses that you should factor into the equation when planning your finances for your second home.

Securing a mortgage

Before approving your mortgage for a second home, lenders consider your debt-to-income ratio, which is how much money you’re paying on debts, like credit cards, student loans, or current mortgage payments, compared to how much money you bring in with your job. The bank is just analyzing how capable you will be at repaying this additional loan in a timely matter.

Insuring your second home

It’s common that insurance companies view your second home as a risk due to the fact that you will not be residing there full-time. These risks will make your insurance for this second property a little higher than the insurance you’re paying on your primary residence, and there will be additional coverage expenses if you plan on renting your second home out when you’re not there.

Plan for maintenance costs

Since you won’t be living in this house every day, you won’t be able to keep up with small maintenance tasks that you normally do at your primary residence. You should plan to factor annual maintenance into your budget in order to hire someone to take care of the small or large problems that arise when you’re not on site.

Make sure you’re in love with the area, but don’t jump the gun

If you’re going to purchase a second home, you should love the neighborhood you’re a part of just like you do with your primary residence! Even if the location you’re looking at has been your vacation spot for years, take a good look around the area as a non-tourist. Take a stroll around the block and get a feel for your potential neighbors, or visit the different places you would normally go in your daily routine. You should even try to visit the area during the off-season.

We say “don’t jump the gun” because you shouldn’t go on a vacation and come home with another home’s keys in your hand! Purchasing a second home takes time and you want to do some thorough research about the market, location, and your own budget before making the big purchase.

You should hire a real estate agent that knows the area

You’ll want someone helping you through this process that’s local and understands the housing and second home market. A local real estate agent will be able to give you information about the neighborhoods and find a home that matches your wants and needs, like if you’d like to be close to the golf course or want a beautiful view of the water. An agent will prove beneficial, especially if you’re trying to search for your vacation or retirement home while miles away in your primary home.

If you’re looking for a second home in a beautiful location, consider Fripp Island. The island life will provide you with that small town feel and paradise-like scenery, offering both a quiet getaway and a smorgasbord of fun activities. Fripp and Harbor Island Properties has plenty of properties to show you that will fit your needs and your budget, and also comes equipped with the best real estate agent in the business, John Lee. Lee will share this beautiful location and, more importantly, his expertise with you to find another place in this world that you can call ‘home.’

Check out John Lee’s featured listings on Fripp Island give him a call at 843-575-2820 today to find the island life you’ve been searching for!

Filed under: Fripp Island Homes for Sale, Fripp Island Real Estate by Fripp Island Real Estate
No Comments »

Every homeowner could agree that buying your first home is an exciting moment in your life, but it could also be the most stressful. With lack of information and motivation, first-time home buyers often make some big mistakes.

Here are some of the most common slip-ups you should avoid when getting ready to buy for the first time!

Forgetting to weigh all their home-buying options

Many first-time home buyers think that buying a home is a concrete rite of passage that is inevitable in their lives. However, they neglect to see that buying a home isn’t the only option, and is definitely not the cheapest. Evaluate your situation and housing plan. If you are thinking of settling down for the long haul, then buying a house is a wise investment. Take advantage of the homeowner benefits, including home equity, property taxes, and actually owning a home and knowing your consistent costs for the future.

On the other hand, if you are almost certain that your next home will only be for a couple years, then renting might be the best option. Renting is not only cost-effective, but it supports the likelihood that you’ll be moving again within your five-year-plan. This is especially true for the younger generation that currently stays at their jobs for only a couple of years before moving onto the next step, and who knows where that next step will take them?

Passing on the home inspection

This is a huge mistake made home buyers looking to cut down on house hunting expenses. Though saving money is important, a home inspection might actually prove more so. If you skip the home inspection, you are at risk of buying a house that needs more money than you bargained for. Then you’re left spending more than the amount you would have paid for an inspector!

This professional walk-through is vital to your home-buying process for several reasons. An expert will be able to see potential problems unlike anyone else because they have a trained eye that knows exactly what to look for. Also, this gives you an opportunity to learn about your potential house and the best ways to maintain it. Inspectors can answer any questions that you may have about cracks, smells or other areas you might be worried about.

Not learning about the property

First-time home buyers often neglect to learn more about their potential property and its location, which is a big mistake. The house and the community it resides in may become your new home, so be sure to conduct the proper research.

This means visiting the property more than once. You can go to a showing in the afternoon on a weekday, but it won’t be a valid example of the environment as a whole. If you visit the property at different times throughout a week, you can see if the traffic gets congested near your house during rush hour as well as experience your potential neighbors when they get home from work.

While you’re at it, take note of the community around you. Consider your lifestyle and how this new place could affect it. Are there schools nearby? This could be an advantage if you have children, but could be a problem if you don’t want to be kept up late by those Friday night football games.

Relying too much on the Internet

As of recently, home buyers are turning to online sources to learn about their home values and loan information. The Internet is a great resource for home buyers to perform their own research, but that’s all it should be used for – research. You can’t put too much faith on what you find online because it’s not always reliable. That’s why interviewing and working with a lender in-person, will provide the clarity you need about your mortgage. They will be able to explain misunderstandings with fees, ownership costs, and other terms you may have questions about.

It is also apparent that home-buyers are getting their hopes up due to online home values. Some sites can give buyers an inaccurate home value which isn’t fair to the client. Think about taking a drive with an agent around the neighborhoods you’re looking into so they can give you a better explanation for a home’s value.

Failing to plan their finances

Many first-time home buyers are very conscious about how much money they’re willing to spend, however there are a couple of ways to get tripped up in the process.

Some home buyers purchase properties beyond their budget even when they have a budget! This could be because they didn’t realize all of the costs that came with buying a home, including property taxes, closing costs, and association dues. It is the responsibility of the buyer to understand the costs and ensure they can pay them before closing the deal.

Another mistake frequently made by home buyers is not getting pre-approved for a mortgage. This solution could save you from spending beyond your means and keep you looking at houses in your price range. U.S. News & World Report says a pre-approved mortgage will prove beneficial when you find the home of your dreams and need to place an offer immediately.

A solution that may prove beneficial in avoiding these mistakes could be working with a trusted real estate agent. With more than 20 years of experience, John Lee is the expert you want on the job! Check out his featured listings or call him at 843-575-2820 today to find your new home here in South Carolina.

Filed under: Fripp Island Homes for Sale by Fripp Island Real Estate
No Comments »

What is it about being close to the ocean that makes us feel calm and happy? If you’ve ever experienced a sense of wonder and delight while looking out over the waves, then you know what we’re talking about.

As it turns out, the emotion of happiness that we experience when we’re close to the water is actually a psychological reaction to the ocean that happens in our brains. Did you know that people who live near the water tend to be happier and healthier? Read on for a look at the various reasons why we love being near the water.

Humans’ History with Water

Throughout our history, as people have migrated and grown their tribes and families, explored the planet, and planted new roots, we’ve followed the water. Explorers who sailed the oceans and rivers looking for new lands and experiencing different cultures often spent a majority of their lives at sea or on the river, so to them, the water was home. It also propelled them on their journey, and was a necessary way to travel from one place to another.

For that reason, the water represents possibilities, adventure, excitement and comfort, all at the same time. While being close to a large body of water is deeply comforting and causes us to feel relaxed and at home, it is also endless and largely unexplored, that gives us a sense of excitement and awe. Conde Nast Traveler says just as we may seek the water on our vacations from our everyday lives, explorers sought the water for the horizons they opened.

Stimulating our “Blue Minds”

According to Wallace J. Nichols, Ph.D., a marine biologist and author of a book titled Blue Mind, being close to the water gives us an immeasurable sense of peace. According to Conde Nast Traveler, his book talks about a so-called “blue mind” which describes the state that our brains enter when we are near the ocean. We are often overworked and overstimulated during our daily lives, but when we are faced with the ocean or a body of water that feels like home to us, we’re able to block out all of the noise and stress and enter our “blue mind,” which is peaceful and empty.

In an excerpt from Blue Mind on Salon.com, Nichols says that the water “adds to, enhances, and expands” our efforts to reach a calm and mindful state.

Life Depends on Water

From an evolutionary point of view, the water literally gives us life: humans need it to survive.  Humans are a species that were built to depend on the water. We need to drink it to survive, and use it as a method of travel to get where we need to go, and eat the foods that it provides us like fish and mollusks to live. So, some part of our bodies having a psychosomatic reaction to the waves has to do with the fact that we know that we need those drops of water to live. Who wouldn’t be grateful and a little bit in awe?

Living Near the Water Makes us Healthier

Conde Nast Traveler says that living near the water can actually make us healthier. Studies have found that people who live near the ocean, a bay, or a river are generally healthier, as well as happier. This could be due to the fact that living by the ocean causes people to stress less—and stress can often lead to detrimental health issues, like weight gain, and even cause more serious issues like heart attacks.

Plus, if you live near the ocean in a place that has temperate weather year-round, you may be more physically active than people who live further inland. It’s a more attractive pastime to go for a walk on the beach than it is to go for a walk on a busy, noisy street—and a walk on the beach is better exercise than sitting in your car and driving to work each day.

Bodies of water also offer lots of opportunities for sports. Whether you’re a paddle-boarder, kayaker, jet-skier, or water-skier, there are plenty of opportunities to break a sweat by the water.

Benefits of the Color Blue

Studies have shown the color blue to be calming to the mind: the blue color of the ocean has the same effect (or perhaps an even more powerful one) as painting your office space blue to stimulate concentration and calmness.

Here on Fripp Island, we take ocean views very seriously. If you’re looking for a little bit of calmness in your life, and want to live closer to the water to reap all the wonderful benefits that come with being in the ocean’s proximity, call real estate agent John Lee at Fripp Island Real Estate today at 843-575-2820.

To get an idea of some of our available properties, click here to check out our ocean-view properties, and click here to view our ocean-front properties!

Filed under: Blog, Fripp Island Beachfront Real Estate, Fripp Island SC, Waterfront Homes Fripp Island by Fripp Island Real Estate
No Comments »

Getting into the real estate game can be good fun, as well as a good long-term investment. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, or you flip houses for a living, there are plenty of options on the market in any given state, especially when you’re talking about investment properties.

Some properties are better than others for certain people, depending on your short and long-term goals. If you’ve considered buying a vacant lot, but aren’t quite sure what’s involved in that process, or what your profit might be if you plan to sell it down the line, Fripp Island Real Estate is here to break down the details for you. Read on to learn more about what you need to know before you purchase a vacant lot, whether it’s in the Fripp Island neighborhood or somewhere else in the country.

Determine Your Plans

Purchasing a vacant lot is a lot like buying a blank canvas: the possibilities are endless. You could build a home and use it as a rental property, you could build a home for you and your family to live in, you could build a retail space, or you could drop a tiny house on the property and call it a day. No matter what your plans might be, determine a direction you want to move in.

If you’ll be building a home and flipping the property, your investment is short-term. If you plan to hang on to the lot for more than 5 or 10 years, you might be in it for the long-term profit when it comes time to sell.

Knowing what your plans are can help you find the right property; after all, not every property is right for every person’s goals.

Do the Research

According to How Stuff Works, one of the biggest traps people fall into with purchasing vacant lots is that they jump in without considering contingencies. If you purchased a house that had a 30-year old roof, you might plan to replace it someday, which could impact the price you’re willing to pay for the home. While there isn’t typically a structure on a vacant lot, unexpected costs can come up, so it’s important to do your homework before you sign on the dotted line.

Stauffer & Sons suggest asking the city about natural resource rights associated with the property. There might be restrictions on what you can do with the land if, for example, it’s near a lake that’s used for drinking water.

Make sure your building plans for the lot will be approved with the city and town zoning committees—some vacant lots won’t allow certain types of structures to be built, so it’s important to double check with the town before you purchase.

Ask if plumbing and electrical have been run to the lot; if not, expect an added expense to have all of your utilizes set up.

And, ask if the town plans to run any roads through the area in the near future; if they’re building a highway and plan to run a portion of it right along your property line, it might not be the ideal place to build.

Choose Wisely: Location, Location, Location

The location of your lot is important, but the location that will work best for you depends on what your plans are for the property. Consider things like school zones if you have young kids, or plan to in the future. If your property is in a remote area, it may not be zoned yet for the local public schools. Talk to the city about how that process will work so that you know which school district you’ll be zoned to.

Does the property have road access? If you drove up on a mud or gravel road, consider the cost—and the potential headache—of working with the town to lay public roads in the area. If you’ll privately own the roads, and are allowed to pave them, there’s additional cost involved in laying asphalt, too.

If you want to use the property as an investment, consider things like timber trade and the eventual development of the area. Will it turn into a cool vacation getaway in a few years? Will the local timber companies come knocking on your door, asking to purchase or rent your property? Both of these instances could mean that it will be a very lucrative investment, but make sure you have a good understanding of the town’s real estate market and plans for the future before diving in.

Natural Hazard Disclosure

The Balances says you should obtain a natural hazard disclosure from the county to look for soil issues before purchasing. Some areas may have naturally occurring asbestos or extremely high radon levels, which might not make the land an ideal place to build a home.

Surveying

Another expense you might need to pay with a vacant lot, regardless of what your plans are for the property, is surveying. Check with the town to see how recently your property was surveyed, and if it was more than a few years ago, you should plan on spending a bit of money to have professional surveyors come out. The cost of the survey will largely depend on the size and terrain of the property.

Purchasing a vacant lot can be an overwhelming process for many buyers, especially when there are a lot of unknowns. The real estate agent you’re working with will be able to answer a lot of these questions for you; just make sure you ask them! If you’re interested in purchasing a vacant lot in the Fripp Island neighborhood, click here to view our listings and call John Lee today at 843-575-2820 for more information!

Filed under: Fripp Island Real Estate, Vacant Lots in Fripp Island by Fripp Island Real Estate
No Comments »

Here on Fripp Island, we can hardly believe that 2017 is winding down already. Looking back at the year, we’ve seen some really interesting trends in luxury interior design; but looking ahead to next year, we’re really excited about how some of our favorite upcoming trends may play out. Everything in home design trend is cyclical, and after the past few years of modern design with clean lines and impersonal settings, we have a feeling we know what’s ahead for 2018. Here’s a look at some of our predictions for luxury interior design trends for next year that you may already see cropping up in open houses.

Cozy

Past luxe design trends have tended towards the super modern, with very clean lines, expensive furniture that was functional and non-impactful on the space, and colors like gray, black and white. This modern design was definitely partially a reaction to the cluttered, colorful spaces that we lived in in the 70s and 80s. Next year, Lushome predicts that we’ll see a return to cozy, moving away from clean, impersonality, with a totally different approach to design and décor.

Expect to see heightened awareness of comfort in 2018, with reading nooks in master bedrooms for a dedicated spot to unwind and recharge, living spaces that focus on human interaction rather than the television set—perhaps a fireplace will be located in its place—and kitchens that are more about comfort than stainless steel functionality.

Warm Colors

Remember the gray and black tones we mentioned from modern trends of the past? Expect to them to vanish, replaced with warmer, still neutral tones. We expect to see trends in 2018 that focus on green and brown, as well as white, red, orange and yellow. Gates Interior Design says to picture the earthy tones of the 70s and mid-century modernism. We’ll see a lot of warmth in color tones, as well as materials used. Huffington Post predicts heightened use of ruby red in design and décor.

Materials

There won’t be too much laminate in the homes of the future—instead, it’ll be a return to what was, with dark wood flooring and cabinets, cork, soft textiles, and lots of interesting lighting. Recessed lighting was all about lighting the room without noticing the light fixture, but now there will be a heavy design trend towards highlighting unique and striking light fixtures as a part of the room’s décor. Natural stone may be used as inspiration for flooring and walls, and you might see marble, granite and pebbles creating entryways and flooring.

Expect to see touches of recycled elements throughout luxury homes in 2018, with a trend towards sustainability and eco-friendliness. You’ll see unique furniture, decorations, and materials used.

2018 may also see more intricate and customized carpentry, which will be used to create both furniture and furnishings in the modern home.

Imperfection

The Huffington Post says to expect imperfection in your 2018 luxury home—but they aren’t talking about the building itself. Rather, the imperfection trend harkens back to the idea of coziness. Luxury homes next year won’t be the large, white unwelcoming mansions that they have been in the past with waxed flooring and gigantic staircases. Instead, they’ll be livable and welcoming, with imperfect décor and comfortable design. 2018 homes will welcome you in, and make you feel like snuggling up on the couch with a cup of coffee.

Bright Lights

Expect to see lighting incorporated into design in a very impressive way—gone are the days of recessed lighting; now, the lighting fixture will be a centerpiece for each room’s design. You can expect to see lots of chandeliers and interesting lighting fixtures, along with a lot of bright bulbs. 2018 will be all about a bright, welcoming, cozy home. Even if your new luxury home doesn’t feature chandeliers, you can expect that it will be extremely well-lit, and have big beautiful windows to let the sunshine in!

Luxury Homes on Fripp Island

Fripp Island is a very special place to visit, and if you’re familiar with the area then you know that there are lots of real estate options when it comes to luxury living. Whether you’re looking for a luxury beach cottage overlooking the waves, an impressive estate on the bay where your family can enjoy the island for generations to come, or an island abode perfectly suited to your summertime outdoor sports, Fripp & Harbor Island Properties is here to help.

John Lee, an experienced agent, has years of experience in the area, and has sold luxury properties to dozens of satisfied customers. Fripp Island and the surrounding areas is perfect for luxury investment properties, seasonal getaway homes, or your main residence.

If you’re interested in learning more about the luxury real estate market on Fripp Island, contact Fripp & Harbor Island Properties today by calling 843-575-2820 or emailing John Lee at john@fripprealestate.com. Happy (almost) New Year!

Filed under: Fripp Island Homes for Sale, Fripp Island Oceanfront Homes, Fripp Island Real Estate by Fripp Island Real Estate
No Comments »

Your home search will only be as good and successful as your realtor: if you’ve never had to hire one before, here are some tips, courtesy of Fripp Island Real Estate, on how to pick the right realtor for you.

Referrals

It can be hard to get to know an agent based on their ad online. If you have a friend or family member who recently worked with a real estate agent, ask them for a referral. Talking with recent clients is also a great way to rule out companies and agents you don’t want to work with.

Heed the warning if you have a friend who said they had a terrible experience with one particular agent or agency. Sure, it could have been a fluke situation, but you don’t want to take the risk.

If you’re curious about an agent, but don’t personally know anyone who’s recently worked with him or her, see if their website includes client testimonials.

Specialists

Many real estate companies hire tons of people to cover large areas of land. But when you’re looking for a home in a specific neighborhood, it’s best to choose an agent that specializes in the area. The same goes for sellers.

For example, John Lee from Fripp Real Estate, has been a resident of Fripp Island for many years. In that time, he’s worked with over 400 buyers and sellers to help them find their dream home, or sell their home on the island.

When you choose an agent who not only lives in the area you want to buy, but has been an agent for that specific town for many years, you’re gaining a wealth of knowledge. He or she will know the real estate market inside and out, and can help point you in the direction of a good or a bad deal. He or she may have even worked with the buyer or seller before, and give you advice on how to speed up the process and get what you want out of the deal.

Find Them Online

Bank Rate says that you shouldn’t take their word for it that they’re licensed; check your target state’s regulatory board to make sure that your agent is properly licensed. You may also be able to find history on any disciplinary or legal actions that could be a red flag.

An agent who lies to you about their accreditation is not an agent you want to work with.

Current Listings

After you ensure that your agent has the proper paperwork, check out their online listings. You can check out the agent’s website, or look on popular home buying sites like Zillow, to see what properties are currently up for sale under the agent’s name.

Check to see if your price range matches up with some of his or her properties; if they are all multi-million dollar homes, and you want to keep the purchase price around $300,000, it might be best to go with another agent. An agent who doesn’t typically buy and sell in your price range won’t be an expert on your particular bracket of the real estate market.

Ask About Marketing

US News and World Report says that selling a home comes down to the agent’s marketability. Ask your potential agent how he or she plans to market your home. Will they hire a professional photographer? Do they recommend home staging? What sites will the photos be posted to? How many open houses should you expect?

Have a Meeting

Whether you’re buying a home or selling one, there’s no doubt about it that you’ll be spending a lot of time with your agent—there will be long negotiations, tours of homes and neighborhoods, and discussions via phone calls and emails, potentially for a couple weeks until you find the right fit.

It’s important to make sure that you and your agent get along. It may sound silly, but if your agent has a different style than you do, it could make the process cumbersome. Choose someone who’s direct, if you appreciate that quality. If you’re looking for someone to be a bystander, and just show you homes so that you can make your own decision, look for someone with a more passive approach.

The key is to choose someone who you get along with, but won’t be uncomfortable having discussions about money and offers with. Pick someone that you can see yourself spending the day with in the car, checking out homes for sale in the neighborhood.

Move to Fripp Island & Choose Island Life

Have you been searching for the perfect home in the perfect town, and coming up empty? It’s time to consider island life. If you’re thinking about relocating to Fripp Island, John Lee is an expert agent—click here to check out his featured listings, and give him a call today at 843-575-2820.

Filed under: Fripp Island Real Estate, Fripp Island SC by Fripp Island Real Estate
No Comments »

Summer’s over, but that doesn’t mean you’ve missed your chance to book a relaxing vacation. Many people choose to book in the fall because of the multitude of benefits they receive during the cooler autumn season.

Fall festivals

There are many reasons you and your family should take a vacation in the fall, but one of the most riveting experiences you’ll have is at an autumn festival. Festivals, whether they are food, music, or arts and crafts centered, give your family a taste of the sights, smells, and traditions native to a particular region.

South Carolina’s long list of festival offerings are culturally rich and stimulating, steeped in civil war history and southern charm. There’s a festival dedicated to almost every activity, including apple picking, antiques, Native American history, and nature.

Beaufort, South Carolina is known largely for its annual shrimp festival, which is held every October in Lowcountry. Seafood lovers have the opportunity to sample marine cuisine from some of the area’s best restaurants and they also have a chance to walk along a harbor lined with lighted shrimp boats.

Best time to travel

People who prefer a more low-key travel experience may want to consider booking their trip during September and October, a time when condo and hotel rates on beachfront properties are significantly cheaper than if they were to book during the busy summer months. Airplane rates are also cheaper during the fall months.

Another benefit of booking in the fall: fewer crowds. Tourist season normally winds down in the fall, meaning you won’t have to fight the crowds for the best accommodations. Fripp Island is a popular destination among out-of-towners because of its beautiful location stretched along the coast of Beaufort, South Carolina, away from the busy streets and loud noises of metropolitan life. Some people never want to leave, so they claim a permanent piece of paradise!

The autumn season provides the perfect transitioning weather. It’s that time of year when the sun kisses our cheeks until the evening glow of dusk envelops us in breathtaking sight. It’s not too cold at this time of year, so packing for your fall vacation should be a breeze as you won’t need to worry about bringing a ton of bulky sweaters along with you. That means you’ll have more room in your suitcase for souvenirs!

Outdoor activities

For the avid nature adventurist, South Carolina provides the perfect outdoor playground. From beaches and outdoor lounges to hiking and biking trails, there’s an activity to suit the interests of every kind of outdoor enthusiast.

For the more laid-back nature enthusiast, there are a handful of waterfront parks and recreational sites in Beaufort, South Carolina that make for perfect picnicking spots. Visitors can walk along the boardwalks and take in the beauty of their southern surroundings!

Fripp Island is a favorite destination for people who enjoy water activities such as sailing and fishing. Considered one of South Carolina’s furthest barrier islands, the resort is located only a few miles from the Intracoastal Waterway marina, which is readily accommodating.

The sub-tropical temperatures attract a host of beautiful creatures to Flipp Island’s three and a half mile-wide wildlife sanctuary. You’ll be amazed at what other unique creatures you’ll stumble upon! Be on the lookout for beach-dwelling Loggerhead seas turtles, Lagoon-looming alligators, and sky-surfing pelicans when you tour the island.

Benefits of self-care

Why do so many people choose to vacation at the beach during the autumn months? It’s because it’s much more relaxing at this time of the year. While the rest of the world is preparing to turn over a new leaf in their schools, homes, and work places, you’re choosing to do so with the comfort of warm sand beneath your feet!

The sound of the ocean is peaceful to many, and actually helps you sleep better. A beach atmosphere also provides a replenishing dose of Vitamin D, which is great for your skin, hair, and diet. The coastal lifestyle attracts many people to the glorious beaches of Flipp Island and the surrounding South Carolina areas every year, where many people leave feeling energized and refreshed.

Your vacation is what you make of it, and if you’re choosing to vacation at the beach, you’ll definitely stay more active than most. Food and beverage doesn’t need to be the focus of your itinerary, although those things certainly enhance the experience. Walking on sand takes more muscle power than walking on pavement, so we encourage you to stroll along the coast of our island resort or join a group volleyball match on the beach!

We want to make sure you’re making the most of your fall vacation. Fripp & Harbor Island Properties knows how important it is to escape for a little while and enjoy the things you love to do the most. Discover how breathtaking an oceanfront rental property truly is and give us a call today at 843-575-2820 so we can help you!

Filed under: Fripp Island Oceanfront Homes, Fripp Island Real Estate, Fripp Island SC by Fripp Island Real Estate
No Comments »