The Cobb Group Blog - Home Matters! Monthly Update

Electric-Car Charging Stations Give the Home Garage a Powerful Upgrade

High-end homeowners are outfitting their garages with heavy-duty outlets, solar panels and battery walls

When Peter Van Deerlin got his first electric vehicle in 2012, the now-57-year-old doctor wanted to be able to charge his car quickly enough to get to the hospital for middle-of-the-night emergencies. 

He chose a Tesla Model S with a dual charger inside the car (a feature that the car maker later dropped) and installed a 100-amp electrical line in his garage in Moorestown, N.J. 

The 100-amp line—the standard household outlet is 15 or 20 amps—served the couple well, said his wife, Vivianna Van Deerlin, 57, also a doctor. They have since expanded their fleet of electric vehicles, which now includes a Tesla Model 3, Model S and Roadster.

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Why Have a Buyer’s Agent When Purchasing New Construction

6 Reasons You Need A Buyer’s Agent When Buying New Construction

Do I need a real estate agent when buying a new home? Inquiring minds want to know.

When you decide to take the leap and buy a new construction – a home you get to customize and be the first to live in – it can seem so easy. You are the one calling the shots, and there is no risk of winding up in a home with a bunch of problems caused by previous owners.

Unfortunately, if you go forward blindly into your home purchase you will not be the first to discover that buying new construction is not as simple, or as trouble free, as you imagined.

There is still a lot that can go wrong, and you can still wind up with a property that is not nearly as perfect as you expected.

One of…

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9 Ways to Disaster-Proof Your Home Against Storms

Turns out a tidy yard and clean gutters do way more than just look nice.

Sure, cleaning your gutters and trimming your trees may not seem like heroic tasks, but hey, when a thunderstorm is doing its worst outside, those mundane little jobs are your home's armor.

So suit-up the whole place. These nine tips will get your home ready for disasters, like water damage to your home, power outages, and fires. (You'll save yourself a pretty penny, too.)

#1 Clean Gutters to Prevent Water Damage

It's a fairly simple task, but so easy to put off. Who wants to schlep out a ladder for an afternoon of gutter cleaning?

But clogged gutters mean storm water can overflow, saturating — and possibly penetrating — your home's foundation. Gutter build-up can…

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❤️ Real Estate Crush of the Week: 25 Holly Grove Road

So this week’s crush might as well be called our last gasp for summer. Gorgeous, outdoor pool with hot tub and on a beautiful lagoon? Yep. Outdoor “summer kitchen”? Yep again. In a private golf club community? Oh yeah, that too! This will surprise no one, but I really, really, really want this house.

• 3 beds, 4 baths
• private drive with a 3 car garage and workshop
• open concept living
• large master suite
• high ceilings and tons of details
• the backyard, the backyard, the backyard 

I love this house! Let's go!

25 Holly Grove Road l Berkeley Hall l Bluffton

Offered at $1,095,000

Listed by Richard Reed (Lowcountry Specialists) and Charter One Realty

What is our Crush of the Week you ask? ─ Definition:…

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How to Stay Cool at Night, Even When You’re a Hot Sleeper

You might recognize a particular sensation: You climb into bed and drift off to sleep, your head comfortably rested on the cold side of the pillow. And then, in the middle of the night, you’re roused awake, your limbs sweaty as you toss the covers aside. The struggle for hot sleepers is real.

The good thing is there are measures you can take to reduce your chances of having consistent unpleasant wake-up calls: Your bedding, mattress, and even the time you eat dinner have an affect on your body temperature as you sleep. Here are a few myths to stop believing—and what to do instead to get the best, perfectly cool sleep. 

Myth: You Should Only Take Cold Showers

“Contrary to popular belief, a warm shower or bath is a great way to cool down,”…

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Throwback to Simpler Times

Many islanders and Blufftonians are opposed to the new bridge changes that are coming our way while others are excited about the opportunities a new bridge will bring. The community is coming together to challenge the changes that will affect wildlife, neighboring communities, and aesthetics as well as easier commuting and less congestion. While communities have dealt with advancement and struggles through time, we wonder what was challenged back in the 50's when the town wanted to add a bridge? With all the changes lately with the Cross Island Parkway and possible changes to the main bridge, let’s remember simpler times.

This picture is of the old James F. Byrnes Memorial Bridge. It was a swing bridge to Hilton Head. Prior to the swing bridge the only…

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Why This is Not a Housing Bubble

With home prices continuing to deliver double-digit increases, some are concerned we’re in a housing bubble like the one in 2006. However, a closer look at the market data indicates this is nothing like 2006 for three major reasons.

1. The housing market isn’t driven by risky mortgage loans.

Back in 2006, nearly everyone could qualify for a loan. The Mortgage Credit Availability Index (MCAI) from the Mortgage Bankers’ Association is an indicator of the availability of mortgage money. The higher the index, the easier it is to obtain a mortgage. The MCAI more than doubled from 2004 (378) to 2006 (869). Today, the index stands at 130. As an example of the difference between today and 2006, let’s look at the volume of mortgages that originated when a…

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A Look at Home Price Appreciation Through 2025

Home prices have increased significantly over the last year, which in turn has grown the net worth of homeowners. Appreciation and home equity are directly linked – as the value of a home increases, so does a homeowner’s equity. And with these recent gains, homeowners are witnessing their financial stability and well-being grow to record levels. 

In more good news for homeowners, the most recent Home Price Expectations Survey – a survey of a national panel of over one hundred economists, real estate experts, and investment and market strategists – forecasts home prices will continue appreciating over the next five years, adding to the record amount of equity homeowners have already gained over the past year. Below are the expected year-over-year…

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To Renovate or Not To Renovate Before You Sell

It's the age-old question when thinking about selling your home: Should we renovate before we sell or just try to sell it now? The answer is always dependent on the times. That is why it is always best to discuss it with your Realtor first. We are trained in knowing what the market is calling for. We can also eyeball quickly what needs a small facelift and what is best to leave for the next owner. We would hate for you to go through a costly renovation when the market doesn't call for it. While this original article was written in March 2021, it still remains accurate & very true. 

When thinking about selling, homeowners often feel they need to get their house ready with some remodeling to make it more appealing to buyers. However, with so…

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Bottle Trees: A Southern Tradition

Bottle trees are one of the many unique sights in the South. You'll spot them in areas that make up the old South, particularly in states like Georgia, Mississippi, the Carolinas, and Virginia.

As a Southern tradition, bottle trees are always made from blue glass bottles (these could be wine or beer bottles) one saves over the course of several years. The bottles are placed over the branches of a dead tree or rod that stick upright out of the ground.

Today, you will find bottle trees in gardens across North America, mainly because of their unique beauty. You can even find them in garden shows around the world.

People have been creating these trees in Southern states for hundreds of years. However, their history dates back much further in…

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