My New Blog

Beaufort SC Is Tops For Retirees

Always dream of retiring near or on the water? Your dreams can come true in Beaufort, SC. Beaufort is a very affordable retirement destination. Just an hour drive from Charleston, SC and Savannah, GA. Don’t take my word for it, come for a weekend and see for yourself. There has never been a better time to buy a home in the Beaufort area than right now says real estate expert Janice Baker of Exit Realty. In the past three years the average price of a home has dropped by $100,000. Not so good for those trying to sell, but great news for those buying. Interest rates are still at all time lows. Nothing else has changed for this beautiful town on the river. We still have a top notch hospital, affiliated with Duke University, a thriving downtown area, and of course the beach, fishing, sailing, and our wonderful military family. No wonder Beaufort keeps making the top list of best places to retire, best fishing on the east coast, best small southern town, and the list goes on.

57 Sommer Lake Drive Beaufort SC Home For Sale

This custom 2,302 sf Lowcountry home offers 4 bed rooms 2.5 baths overlooking the marshes of Battery Creek in beautiful Beaufort, South Carolina. This home was designed to take advantage of the sunrise and southerly breezes from every room of this gorgeous home. Watch the sun come up or catch the breezes from any one of the over 880 sf of porches. The brick lined streets add to the Southern charm of this custom home. Granite counter tops in the kitchen and baths, stainless steel appliances, real wood cabinets and self closing drawers in this top of the line kitchen. 10’ ceilings on lower level and 9’ upstairs creates open space. First floor master suite with covered porch.

Beaufort is located 45 miles north of Savannah, GA and 50 miles south of Charleston, SC along the many sea islands of South Carolina. Beaufort is no stranger to the many accolades it has acquired over the years. Southern Living Magazine named it best southern town, Money Magazine named Beaufort “top 10 retirement places”. Beaufort is celebrating its 400^th birthday.

Come for a weekend and stay for a life time.

Contact Janice Baker 843-540-9096

Looking to Retire in Beaufort SC?

Looking to retire? Look no further than Beaufort, SC. Beaufort consistently ranks among the top 10 retirement locations. Janice Baker, a realtor with Exit Realty of Beaufort remarks as the baby boomers enter into retirement we see more and more retirees choosing to make Beaufort home. Our median priced home is $185,000.00 coupled with low taxes, warm winters, proximity to Charleston, SC and Savannah, GA makes Beaufort a great choice. Not to mention our premiere medical facilities. Beaufort is the epitome of a southern town, with its antebellum homes, winding streets and moss draped live oak trees. Come for a weekend and see why we call Beaufort home. Contact me at 843-540-9096 or email me at Janice@retirebeaufort.com

AID TO MILITARY FAMILIES IN STIMULUS BILL

By: Janice Baker - Exit Realty of Beaufort, SC

If you are one the many who purchased a home before July 1, 2006 and now find it necessary to sell your home, only to find out it is worth thousands of dollars less than what you paid for it, there may be some help for you. We haven’t heard much about this, but located in the thousands of pages in the Stimulus Bill, is a provision for Military families forced to move due to a Base closure, relocation assignment or combat wound requiring relocation near a health facility. The government is ready to step in with some aid. I first heard about this from a client, who was facing just this situation says Janice Baker with Exit Realty in Beaufort, SC. This is great news. I have done many “short sales” and we hear a lot about foreclosures, but there was definitely a gap in the system for our military personnel. I am glad to see this provision. Of course, there are guide lines and it is my understanding you can check with the Defense Department to get the details and see if you qualify.

Beaufort, SC – Real Estate Short Sale or Foreclosure Either Way It’s Good For Bargain Hunters

If you purchased your home in the last 3 years, you don’t need me to tell you you’re in trouble. Home prices have fallen 30% from their high in 2005. Chances are, your home is not worth what you paid for it. As shocking as that may sound, you are not alone. Millions of people are in a race against time to get their home sold or run the risk of foreclosure.

There is hope, and some help too. Realtor, Janice Baker with Exit Realty in Beaufort, South Carolina says the first thing you should do if you find yourself in this position is to call your mortgage holder. Most banks are now accepting a Short Sale. A Short Sale is when the mortgage you owe, is higher than the current value of your home. This can be determined by having a CMA done on your home by a licensed real estate professional, which will compare recent sales in your neighborhood to your home. The bank will instruct the home owner of the necessary forms and letters that will be needed to start the process. This usually includes a hardship letter, why you are in default, recent bank statements, and pay stubs. It is a good idea to list your home for sale and give your sales agent, permission to speak on your behalf with the lender. He or she will be able to supply a lot of the necessary information to the lender. Once you receive an offer, your agent will be able to negotiate with the bank. Both buyers and Sellers need to be patient. The whole process can take 45-90 days. In most cases it is worth the wait. Here’s an example: A home in Beaufort in the Picket Fences neighborhood was bought for $238,000 in 2006, and now selling for $200,000. That is quite a savings for the lucky buyer.