The Cobb Group Blog - bluffton sc real estate

How is today’s Lowcountry real estate market different than the 2008 market?

If you recall, the real estate crash of 2008 resulted in approximately a 30-35% reduction in housing value across all of the gated communities in the Lowcountry. There had been a “run up” of prices built on a panic buying of “flip” buyers owning many properties outside their financial capabilities. Banks were lending money like it was water, and when the world stopped in September 2008 banks and locals were caught with an enormous amount of useless debt and foreclosures were everywhere. The irresponsible buying and lending resulted in the collapse of a glass house of poor real estate decisions. Fortunately, most communities recovered their value over the years and recently escalation has been through the roof. What’s different this time as the real estate…

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Partnering With Your Realtor Just Makes Sense

Benefits of Partnering with your Realtor when Selling Your House

Getting ready to list your home for sale? Interviewing Realtors? It is very important to understand that a successful transaction happens when a partnership is formed between the Listing Agent and the Seller. Magic happens when both parties work together for a common goal. Respect is key and so is the understanding that both parties need to pull their weight through defined roles. The plan of attack needs to be agreed upon and understood by each side and then executed effectively for success. The Listing Agent brings market knowledge of pricing, sales experience, the art of negotiation, and public feedback. While the Seller should be open and willing to step up and do what is required…

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Do You Know the Yellow Banana Story?

If you understand how supply and demand drive real estate decisions then you would be amazed about how much “timing” makes a difference in winning or losing. For example, if a market is in a stall period, buyers and sellers can just sit back and watch without having to make any critical commitments. 

However, if you want to be a winner in the house-buying game, it is important to pay attention to the statistics on change, and right now the real estate business is heating up for the spring market. The Lowcountry is not in a stall period. If you see a home that you want, be smart and devise a strategy to win that desired house. Inventory is at a continued low, and prices are still strong in our area. Days on the market are much shorter than in years…

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More Americans Choose Real Estate as the Best Investment Than Ever Before

Americans’ opinion on the value of real estate as an investment is climbing. That’s according to an annual survey from Gallup. Not only is real estate viewed as the best investment for the ninth year in a row, but more Americans selected it than ever before.

The graph below shows the results of the survey since Gallup began asking the question in 2011. As the trend lines indicate, real estate has been gaining ground as the clear favorite for almost a decade now:

If you’re thinking about purchasing a home, let this poll reassure you. Even when inflation is high like today, Americans recognize owning a home is a powerful financial decision.

How an Investment in Real Estate Can Benefit You During High Inflation 

Because inflation reached…

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2022 Real Estate Predictions

Thinking about purchasing a home in 2022? The newest market predictions are rolling in:

 The leading demographic in 2022 is going to be millennials since many are approaching the prime age to become home buyers.

 Housing prices may climb anywhere from 14% to 3% in the next 12 months.

 Mortgage rates are expected to change from 2.98% to anywhere between 2.5% and 7.9%

 Forecasts for 2022 are still a bit unknown because there are still a lot of unknowns, including possible supply chain issues and how material inventory will be affected

At the end of the day, this news is quite confusing because of so many unknown factors.

However, one thing remains clear: take all predictions you see with a grain of salt because these past couple of years have been anomalies.

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Home Is Where the Heart Is More than Ever This Year

There’s no denying the financial benefits of homeownership, but what’s often overlooked are the feelings of gratitude, security, pride, and comfort we get from owning a home. This year, those emotions are stronger than ever. We’ve lived through a time that has truly changed our needs and who we are, and as a result, homeownership has a whole new meaning for many of us.

According to the 2021 State of the American Homeowner report by Unison:

“Last year, staying home became a necessity and that caused many homeowners to have renewed gratitude for the roof over their head.”

As a nation, we continue to work through the challenges of a pandemic that’s pushed us all to new limits. Over the past year and a half, we’ve spent more time than ever…

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Buying A House During The Winter Season

Home buying tends to hit its peak in the spring and summer months. Warm weather is more inviting for open houses, home inspections and moving. However, you can reap some significant benefits by choosing to buy a house in the winter months.

Top Tips For Winter House Buying

Although the weather’s colder and some people choose to stay warmed up inside, it’s actually better to explore and consider winter real estate. In fact, there are many reasons as to why buying a home in winter can be smart. Let's explore the ways in which buying in the winter can get you the best bang for your buck.

Less Competition And Lower Prices

Less competition benefits both home sellers and home buyers. With fewer buyers to…

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Why Hampton Lake?

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in Hampton Lake? Let Allison Cobb and Natalie Burnside show you around.

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