The Explorer Buyer's Guide

A BUYER’S GUIDE TO REAL ESTATE IN THE COASTAL EMPIRE AND LOWCOUNTRY

Welcome Home

Congratulations! You are about to embark on an exciting journey to discover the property of your dreams. We understand the importance of this decision, not only from a financial perspective, but also as an investment in your future. Our team of more than 150 full-time real estate professionals are truly experts in their field and possesses an in-depth market knowledge and understanding of each community and neighborhood. Known in the area as “Trusted Advisers,” our sales professionals will guide you through the purchase process and provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions that align with your individual goals and requirements.

Our clients come first. We pledge to keep your best interests in mind as we help you navigate the intricacies of the real estate market. We will work with every seller and brokerage in the Lowcountry, using the most advanced platforms available to search for your new home and bring that listing to you. We will utilize our relationships, forging new ones with determination, to present you with the property that best suits your needs. We will apply all of our resources to provide you with background information on the properties that interest you. Above all, we will value your time, your trust, and your relationship.

Keenly aware of the vast amount of real estate resources at your disposal, we are honored that you are considering working with us. You are the reason for our success and we sincerely appreciate your business.

Whether it is your first home, an investment property, or a retirement dream, we look forward to guiding you on this exciting journey.

The Story of Charter One Realty

• Established in 1986, Charter One Realty’s mission statement has always been to provide the best and most professional real estate services to its clients.

• Over the years, Charter One Realty has attracted some of the most respected and successful real estate professionals in the Georgia Coastal Empire and South Carolina Lowcountry.

• Since 2001, Charter One Realty has consistently been the annual real estate sales volume leader and has maintained its market dominance.

• In 2016, Gateway Realty merged into Charter One Realty, expanding Charter One Realty’s real estate footprint with authority to the Mainland by adding knowledgeable agents and four additional offices in Bluffton and Okatie.

• In 2017, Charter One Realty expanded its reach into key luxury markets by affiliating with Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate.

• In 2018, Charter One Realty expanded its footprint to include the Beaufort market, opening an office on Carteret Street in downtown Beaufort.

• In 2022, Charter One Realty acquired Savannah Quarters Realty, the #1 brokerage in the Pooler market, with plans for further expansion into the Coastal Empire.

• Today, Charter One Realty consists of more than 170 independent agents, a support staff of more than 40, and 10 offices throughout the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry to serve you.

Charter One Realty Leads the Way Where it Counts

PROPERTY SOLD EVERY 5 HOURS ONE CLOSED TRANSACTIONS IN 2022 1,800 + BROKERAGE IN LISTINGS & SALES #1 RANKED

Before Closing

CHECKLIST FOR HOMEBUYERS

☐ RESOLVE CONTINGENCIES

The initial Offer to Purchase will have contingencies that need to be met before the transaction is finalized or closed. The most common contingencies are: home inspection, appraisal, and financing.

☐ TRANSFER UTILITIES

Arrange for your electric, gas, water, phone, internet, etc. to be turned on, transferred, or installed on the day of possession, or immediately after.

☐ GET FINAL MORTGAGE APPROVAL

You will go through the underwriting process, where your credit score and finances will be reviewed to ensure that it has remained the same since you were preapproved for the loan. Do nothing that might negatively impact your credit!

☐ GET NEW HOMEOWNER INSURANCE

All lenders require that buyers purchase homeowner’s insurance. This insurance protects the lender from a loss if the home is damaged or destroyed. It is recommended to have coverage equal to your property value and personal belongings replacement cost.

☐ REVIEW THE CLOSING DISCLOSURES

This official document outlines your exact mortgage payments, the loan’s terms, and additional fees related to the closing. The buyer must sign the CD prior to closing to ensure there are no issues.

☐ CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Obtain change of address forms from your local post office. You can also arrange for your mail to be forwarded to your new home. Make sure to notify work, school, bank, etc. of your new address.

☐ MOVING SERVICES

Schedule a moving truck or moving services for the day of moving in.

☐ CLEAR THE PROPERTY TITLE

As part of the closing process, your mortgage lender will require a title search, and you’ll need to purchase title insurance to protect you from legal claims to the property.

☐ CONDUCT A FINAL WALK-THROUGH OF THE HOME

The final walk-through usually occurs in the 24 hours before the closing and allows the buyer to confirm that the condition of the property has not changed since the Offer was accepted. Take your time to verify all repairs and that all items included in the Offer to Purchase are correct.

☐ REMEMBER TO BRING THE FOLLOWING FOR CLOSING:

Bring proof of homeowner’s insurance, a copy of the contract with the seller, home inspection report, any paperwork the bank required to approve your loan, and a government-issued photo ID.

MOVING CHECKLIST

2-3 WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE

☐ Buy boxes and other moving supplies

☐ Make any necessary travel arrangements or reservations

☐ Notify your children’s old school & register at their new school

☐ Contact your local post office to forward your mail to your new address

☐ Donate or give away unwanted items

☐ Transfer your insurance so you will be covered at your new home

☐ Make a list of everything that needs to be moved

☐ Get copies of all medical, dental and veterinary records

1-2 WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE

☐ Complete any necessary repairs

☐ Pack each room and label all boxes as to what’s in them

☐ Notify utility companies with the moving date to stop services & get final meter readings

☐ Pack a suitcase or a small bag with the clothes and personal items you need for the next few days

Moving can be a very busy and hectic time. Use this checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything during your move to your new home.

☐ Confirm moving/travel arrangments

☐ Safely dispose any flammable materials

☐ Assemble all necessary documents for new owner

☐ Arrange for any major appliances to be moved (if you will be taking them with you)

☐ Plan meals to eat up everything in the refrigerator

☐ Collect all keys to hand over to the real estate agent

MOVING DAY

☐ Dispose of all trash & finish cleaning

☐ Double check that all cabinets, closets and dishwashers are empty

☐ Give movers any special instructions that may be needed

☐ Pack your bedding linens, toiletries, etc.

☐ Keep your paperwork where you can find it

☐ Do a final walk-through to check every room to ensure no items were left behind

CHANGE OF ADDRESS CHECKLIST

CHARTER ONE REALTY CHARTER ONE REALTY

BUYERS SELLERS

REPRESENTS MORE AND IN THE LOWCOUNTRY

In the Lowcountry, no matter the price range, our brokerage both: (i) represents and markets more properties for sellers and (ii) brings more buyers. This means YOU are in the hands of experienced professionals who work with more buyers and negotiate the sale of more properties in the Lowcountry.

Nearly

4,000

Sellers Represented Since 2020

Almost 3 Times the #2 Brokerage

Nearly

3,500

Buyers Represented Since 2020

Almost 1.5 Times the #2 Brokerage

We Are

FULL-TIME AGENTS

And

THE TRUSTED CHOICE

for Your Representation

#1 #1 #1

Ranked Real Estate Brokerage in the Lowcountry for closed sales volume and transactions since 2001

Luxury Brokerage for closed sales volume and transactions of $1 Million+ properties

Ranked Real Estate Brokerage Representing Both Buyers AND Sellers in the Lowcountry

In the end, we bring more buyers and sellers to the table!

Local Expertise Global Reach

As members of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, Luxury Portfolio, and Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate, we have access to the highest caliber of real estate professionals in 70+ countries and across six continents. When buying or selling property outside of our local market, our world-class connections can help with real estate needs throughout our continent and to points around the globe.

Our global network is comprised of the very best real estate companies and the most talented professionals in the world. These associates ensure personal service with access to quality real estate connections. This level of service and quality is the reason why a meaningful introduction is made through our network every fifteen minutes.

Our leading local brand, along with our powerful national and global connections, allows us to provide you with unmatched resources. If you need to connect with a real estate professional to get a property sold in your hometown, let us know and we can help you identify the right professional for you through our network.

COUNTRIES 73 THROUGHOUT AFFILIATE WEBSITES 550 FOUND ON ASSOCIATES WORLDWIDE 136,000 PRESENTED TO

Elevated Service

Purchasing a home is one of the most important financial transactions of your life. You are not only choosing a new place to live, but making a substantial investment and creating a significant asset. Your Charter One Real Estate Professional will provide you with the support, market knowledge and strategic skills he or she has honed throughout their career to help you successfully navigate the competitive market.

The Role of a Real Estate Professional

GUIDING YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.

Your real estate professional becomes a true partner as you navigate the nuances of the real estate buying process. Whether the real estate is a beach-front vacation getaway, a home with deep-water access, a magnificent golf-view property or that postcard-perfect cozy river cottage, there are thousands of listings in our area that change every day. No one has their finger on the pulse of the ever-changing market like your local real estate professional.

Knowing what is on the market is not enough. Your real estate professional can also help you identify market trends, show you what areas are growing and what areas are primed to deliver your best value. From Hilton Head Island and Daufuskie Island to Bluffton, Beaufort and Savannah, Charter One Realty’s real estate professionals are immersed in our communities where they find out about new opportunities first and stay on top of the market to provide sound real estate advice.

Beyond the market, this is also about knowing you and your goals where the variety of properties and neighborhoods in the Lowcountry and Coastal Empire gets pared down to the one that perfectly fits your lifestyle. Our real estate professionals know the ins and outs of each community — what they offer and how they differ. They can leverage that knowledge to help you understand how each place fits your life, your budget, and your desires.

Market Intelligence

The current market conditions throughout the various communities in the Lowcountry are creating opportunities for both buyers and sellers to achieve their lifestyle goals through real estate. Having a local expert to interpret and articulate these conditions is absolutely essential in a high velocity market.

Stay on top of the real estate market with the Charter One Realty Market Report. Organized by neighborhood, access key metrics that show you what is going on where you live now, or where you are thinking about living in the future. Get all of the facts in an easy-to-use format to help you understand current market conditions.

The Home Buying Process

1

Initial meeting with your REALTOR ® to discuss agency relationship and your new home needs.

4

Identify the perfect property and discuss options and strategies in preparation for the contract of purchase. Prepare deposits.

2

Identify a lender and receive a pre-qualification for your purchase. This will determine your purchasing power.

5

Based on market conditions, you and your REALTOR ® will negotiate the offer. Once all parties agree and the contract is executed, the earnest money deposit is presented.

A physical property inspection is scheduled. Your insurance provider is selected and their contact information is provided to your lender.

8

7 Loan commitment is received.

3

Preview properties with your REALTOR® that you consider “ideal properties”.

6

Determine the necessary documents that your lender will need to process your loan.

9

Loan documents are fully executed and your lender sends funds for closing.

10

Transfer of title and close of escrow occurs, providing you with keys to your new property in the Lowcountry or Coastal Empire.

Explore neighborhoods and communities

Get financials in order

Get prequalified

Browse for homes

Attend open houses

Communicate feedback

Timely signing of documents

Ask me questions

Home searching

Send me properties

Sign the buyer broker agreement

Home credit responsibilities

Ask questions!

US

Search for homes

Private property tours

Fine-tune our search based on refinement of goals

Discover new neighborhoods

Roles in the Buying Process YOU

Review inspections and due diligence

Collaborate

MEEducate you making you an informed consumer

Provide community knowledge

Network with peers

Listen to you, advocate for you and protect your interests

Touch base with lender

Search for coming soon and premarket properties

Answer your questions

Present curated property selections

Personal home tours

Virtual tours and walkthroughs

Close communication with listing agent

Provide value via expertise

Strategically construct your offer based on the current landscape to win the deal!

Financial Preparation

The most important first step in the homebuying process is understanding the loan programs available and the qualifying requirements of each program.

PREPARING FOR THE LOAN APPLICATION

1. A financial specialist will require you to provide proof of assets and income, good credit standing, employment verification, tax returns and other personal financial documentation.

2. Review all available loan products with your financial provider to determine the loan that is best suited for your situation.

3. Discuss your credit standing and your income to ensure you qualify for the type of loan you want.

4. Seek out alternatives with your lender if your present credit and income situation does not qualify for a specific loan. There are a multitude of nonconventional loan products available for unique situations.

5. For self-employed borrowers, a financial specialist can help you compare the cost difference between increasing your taxable income to qualify versus using a bank statement program with a higher interest-rate.

Following these initial steps will enable your loan specialist to prepare a strong preapproval letter when you are ready to begin the home shopping process.

Next Steps: Making an Offer

THE ABILITY TO MOVE QUICKLY WILL BE YOUR BIGGEST ADVANTAGE.

Once you have found the property you want, we will write a purchase agreement. While much of the offer is standard, there are a few areas we can negotiate:

PRICE

What you offer on a property depends on a number of factors which include: its condition, length of time on the market, buyer activity and the urgency of the seller.

DUE DILIGENCE PERIOD

Conducting your inspections expeditiously shows seriousness and increases your odds of acceptance.

MOVE IN DATE

If you can be flexible on the possession date, the seller will be more apt to accept your offer over others.

OFFER DETAILS: INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

Often the seller plans on leaving major appliances in the home; however, which items stay or go is often a matter of negotiation.

Typically, you will not be present at the offer presentation. We will present it to the listing agent and/ or seller. The seller will then do one of the following: Accept the offer | Counter the offer | Reject the offer

By far the most common of these is the counteroffer. If a counteroffer is presented, we will work together to review each specific area, making sure that we move forward with your goals in mind and ensuring that we negotiate the best possible price and terms on your behalf.

Your Team

YOUR REAL ESTATE BROKER | YOUR REAL ESTATE ATTORNEY | YOUR MORTGAGE BROKER

Finding a Real Estate Attorney

State law requires every real estate transaction in Georgia and South Carolina to be facilitated by a real estate attorney. Your attorney will ensure you are protected from any unforeseen issues, clarify contract terms, negotiate legal issues and offer insight into different processes and technical terms. An invaluable resource that can provide expert knowledge and insight into your real estate transaction, your attorney will be in your corner throughout the sale.

Financing Resources

Mortgage lending firms and mortgage brokers provide a variety of products and financing options. We utilize professionals that will offer lending capabilities and expertise tailored to assist you in making smart financial decisions. Upon request, we can provide you with local lenders where you can decide which one best fits your needs. Our strong relationships with area lenders promote the teamwork required to ensure a smooth closing process for our clients.

Determining your financial options with your lender is an important first step in the home buying process. Not only can speaking with a lender early in the process save valuable time, but it will help determine an appropriate price range thereby keeping the buying process on course for lender approval. The following levels of endorsement exist when applying for financing:

Pre-Qualification

During your initial conversation with a mortgage broker or loan officer, you can generally learn that you likely qualify for a given loan before submitting any actual documentation simply based on the information you provide. Before your initial conversation, you should have a working knowledge of your salary, assets, and liabilities.

Pre-Approval

With your pre-qualification process complete, you will now need to provide your mortgage broker or loan officer with the necessary documentation for an actual financial evaluation. Once approved, the lending institution will provide an official letter stating your pre-approval for a loan up to a given amount.

Loan Commitment

The final step in the process is the loan commitment. Once you have a fully executed purchase agreement, your loan officer or mortgage broker will use this agreement to review the specifications of the property and have a real estate appraisal done. After review and approval of the gathered information, the institution will issue a commitment letter subject to standard conditions such as clear title and the absence of any judgments or liens on the property at the time of closing.

Loose Lips Sink Closings:

WHY BUYERS SHOULD WATCH WHAT THEY SAY WHILE IN A HOME

It is a common scene when buying a home – you take the tour with your Realtor, getting a chance to scope out closet sizes, envisioning how your furniture will look in this room or that room and building a vision board about projects and upgrades you would look to tackle. The seller is traditionally out of the house at this point, so you are a little more free to be candid with your Realtor about the property.

“I absolutely love this place,” you gush, eyes drawn to the elegant crown molding, the spacious Carolina room, or the absolute day spa of the master bath. “I want to put an offer in now before anyone else does, and I’m willing to go above asking price if it comes to a bidding war.”

There was a time when you could feel free to enthuse to your heart’s content while in your possible new dream home without any fear of potentially compromising your negotiations. But as more and more buyers are finding out, just because the seller is not physically present does not mean they cannot hear or see you.

The rise in smart-home technology has made it easy for virtually anyone to fill their home with overt and covert video and recording devices. It may not be something the seller necessarily put in for the specific purpose of listening

in on potential buyers, but when they are looking to sell their home and the smart devices are already in place, it can be hard not to leave them running to learn what potential buyers may think of their home.

That opportunity for a seller to be “virtually” present in the home while you are viewing it exists for more and more sellers every day. Brad Russell, research director for the consumer technology research firm of Parks Associates, spoke to USA Today and pointed out that 9.4 million homes are currently equipped with Wi-Fi enabled cameras and microphones - and 11 million have similar setups on the doorstep or outside the house. That number, he said, is expected to grow to 50 million homes in the near future as the price of these electronics continues to drop. That is to say nothing of the 56 million smart home hubs already sold, any of which can be listening at any time.

90% of Americans think it would be helpful for a home seller to put up such cameras for buyer showings.

*NerdWallet survey, conducted online by The Harris Poll

Once those recording devices are in the home, many have a hard time turning them off - especially when leaving them on could possibly help during negotiations of a home sale. A Harris Poll survey conducted for NerdWallet found that 15% of Americans who have sold a home have used their security cameras to snoop on buyers - and 67% said that if those devices were already in the home, they would use them.

Clearly the motive and the means are there. But is it legal? Privacy laws vary from state to state governing covert recordings. Georgia and South Carolina’s are fairly lenient. The only statute in state law governing surveillance applies more to “peeping Tom” cases than home sales. So, it appears to be legal. But, is it ethical? Clearly, it presents issues. However, there are many reasons why a seller would have a home security system up and running. If a home has expensive works of art or electronics, sellers may not be comfortable letting strangers in without being able to keep an eye on them. The reality is that the technology is too new to have really generated any hard-and-fast rules.

The lesson is this: When you walk into a seller’s house, there is a strong likelihood that you are being watched, recorded and listened to. So, it is to your advantage to keep your “oohs,” “aahs,” and “ughs” to a minimum until you are back in the car.

Local Real Estate Terminology

ARB

Architectural Review Board is responsible for interpreting and enforcing the architectural guidelines of the community. The goal of an Architectural Review Board (ARB) is to achieve visually pleasing improvements by providing standards and guidelines for community areas and residences per the development’s comprehensive Master Plan.

Plantation

Not to be confused with farms or agricultural land, plantations are private gated communities offering resort-style amenities for the residents.

POA

Property Owner’s Association (aka Home Owner’s Association or HOA), is an association that manages or regulates the residential subdivision for the benefit of the property owners. The POA is responsible for the ownership, care, and maintenance of private streets and other private facilities and usually requires an annual fee.

Regime Fee

Regime fees are condominium association costs typically charged on a monthly basis to the owners of condos that cover budgeted items. These fees factor in all the costs associated with owning the complex and split the costs (usually based on unit size) between all the owners. They may include things like water and cable but be sure to check with your Realtor® to learn more about what the regime fee covers.

Villa

In the Lowcountry, villas and condominiums are one in the same. A villa complex houses multiple individually owned units where common facilities like swimming pools or tennis courts are shared.

Real Estate Property TaxesWhat You Should Know

A large portion of a county’s general fund comes from property taxes generated through the assessment of real estate, personal property, and motor vehicles. Property owners each pay a share of the cost of County services by paying taxes proportional to the value of their property. Property taxes are based on the assessed value of land, buildings, and personal property.

Your new property will be taxed on your purchase price. South Carolina law requires that all real property be reappraised and adjusted to current fair market value every five years. Each county is made up of numerous tax districts with varying millage rates (rates used to calculate local taxes).

Residential property that is the owner’s primary residence is assessed at 4 percent of its appraised value, provided proper application has been made. All other residential and commercial property is assessed at 6 percent.

Please note when you are searching for South Carolina properties online, you can see a huge difference from one property’s taxes to a similar property on the same street. If there are too many variables involved in calculating the taxes, those stated taxes will not be accurate to what you will pay after your purchase.

New Resident Resources

Whether you are new to the Lowcountry or a native, the following information provided by the Beaufort County Treasurer’s office is invaluable with regard to real property, motor vehicle registration, and driver registration.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Beaufort County Assessor’s Office: Assessor@bcgov.net

www.bcgov.net | 843-255-2400

Beaufort County Auditor’s Office: Auditor@bcgov.net

www.bcgov.net | 843-255-2500

Beaufort County Board of Elections: Voter@bcgov.net | www.bcgov.net

Beaufort: 843-255-6900 Jasper: 843-726-7709

Beaufort Country Treasurer’s Office: www.BeaufortCountyTreaurer.com 843-255-2600

SC Department of Natural Resources: www.dnr.sc.gov/boating/registration 803-734-3857

PHYSICAL LOCATIONS

Department of Motor Vehicles: 15 Sheridan Park, Bluffton | 843-815-6981

28 Munch Drive, Beaufort | 843-379-8822

407 Live Oak Road, Ridgeland | 843-726-6934

www.SCDMVonline.com | 803-896-5000

Beaufort County Government Locations: 100 Ribaut Road, Beaufort

4819 Bluffton Parkway, 3rd Floor, Bluffton

539 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island

Jasper County Assessor’s Office: jcwebsite@jaspercountysc.gov

www.JasperCountySC.gov | 843-717-3620

Jasper County Auditor’s Office: JCAuditor@jaspercountysc.gov

www.JasperCountySC.gov | 843-717-3605

G etting a Driver’s License

If you are a licensed driver moving into South Carolina permanently, within 90 days of your move you must apply at your nearest SCDMV field office for a South Carolina Driver’s License.

Here are some of the documents you may need:

• Two mail items proving your current in-state address (This can be a utility bill in your name, school enrollment letter, or personal letter addressed to you)

• Birth certificate or current passport

• Social Security Card

• Proof of Insurance

R egistering to Vote

Once you have your Driver’s License, you may register to vote in-person, by mail, email or online with the Board of Elections.

You will need the following:

• In-State Driver’s License or ID card

• Social Security Number

R eal Property

The is land, buildings, and mobile homes.

Legal Residence Exemption

In South Carolina, if your property will be your legal residence, you may qualify for a discount on your taxes, called a Legal Residence Exemption. The Legal Residence application is available online or by visiting the Assessor’s Office. Submit the form as soon as possible. You do not need to wait until you get a tax bill.

The following documents are required for each owner:

• SC Driver’s License or ID Card

• SC Vehicle Registration

• Most recently filed SC Individual Income Tax Return

• SC Voter Registration Card

• Military ID (Military personnel only)

If you do not have all of the above, contact the Assessor’s Office to identify acceptable alternatives.

Registering a Boat, Motor, or Jetski

Watercraft must be registered with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Homestead Exemption in South Carolina

If you have had the legal residence exemption for one year and are over 65 years of age or have been certified totally and permanently disabled by a State or Federal Agency, or legally blind, and hold fee simple title or partial title to your property, you may be eligible for the Homestead Exemption. Visit the Auditor’s Office to apply.

Here are some of the documents you may need:

• SC Driver’s License or ID Card

• Medicare card or Birth Certificate

• If blind, documentation from a licensed ophthalmologist

• If disabled, documentation of disability from a state or federal agency

Rental Property or Non-Legal Residence - Rental Property Return

In South Carolina, if your Beaufort County property will not be your legal residence, it is assumed that the property may be rented. You therefore must submit a Rental Property Return form to the Beaufort County Auditor’s Office every year by April 30th.

The Rental Property Return form can be found online and requires you to identify whether you rent your property or not. If your property is rented, you must report to the Auditor’s Office the value of any furnishings or appliances. The information submitted is used to determine whether a Rental Property Tax Bill should be generated and the appropriate tax amount.

If you do not submit a Rental Property Return form to the Auditor’s Office, you will receive a Rental Property Tax Bill that estimates the value of furnishings or appliances to be 10% of the real property value.

6% Property Exemption - Assessable Transfer of Interest

In South Carolina, an owner of a non-legal residence is eligible for an exemption of 25% of the assessable transfer of interest fair market value calculation on their real property taxes provided the owner applies before January 31 for the tax year first eligible.

Did you Know?

1. Anytime you move, even if it is within the given county, you need to follow this checklist and update your mailing address with the Treasurer’s Office for each property account.

2. If you receive an exemption, you must reapply after any change to your property deed. This includes refinancing your mortgage, moving, or putting your property into a trust.

3. In South Carolina, we pay our property taxes in arrears and property tax bills are mailed each year by early November. Motor vehicle tax bills are mailed one month prior to your renewal month.

R egistering a Motor Vehicle, Motorcycle or Recreational Vehicle :

Upon moving, you have 45 days to register a motor vehicle, motorcycle, or recreational vehicle. First, visit the Beaufort County Auditor’s Office to have a tax bill created with the following:

• Bill of Sale or Title (if purchased from an individual, title must be signed by both parties)

• Driver’s License

• Most recent vehicle registration

Bring your newly printed tax bill to the Beaufort County Treasurer’s Office to pay.

Last, go to any DMV field office with:

• Your tax receipt from the Treasurer’s office

• Driver’s License

• Proof of Insurance

• Bill of Sale or Title (if purchased from an individual, title must be signed by both parties)

• Most recent vehicle registration

• If you are 64 years of age or older, ask at the DMV about a registration fee discount

CABLE TV | SATELLITE

*While we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, Charter One Realty makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the information, products, services, or service providers contained here. Any reliance you place on such material is therefore strictly at your own risk.

neighborsGood

CHARTER ONE REALTY LEADS BY EXAMPLE IN SUPPORTING THE COASTAL EMPIRE AND LOWCOUNTRY COMMUNITIES

BY HANNAH MASSEN

When it comes to real estate in the Lowcountry, Charter One Realty has been an established leader for more than three decades – with the agency’s depth of market knowledge, negotiation skills and years of experience inspiring trust and confidence from their many clients. However, along with the team’s passion for real estate, the agents at Charter One Realty are also driven by another passion that is helping them lead the way, and truly “lead by example” in the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry: their passion for giving back -- and for being a good neighbor by giving their time, energy and donations to those less fortunate in the community.

“All of us here in Charter One Realty recognize that we have been blessed with success due to the support for our business from our community,” said Tom Reed, Broker-in-Charge, who among other philanthropic activities serves as Chairman of the Board of Osprey Village, a nonprofit organization developing affordable housing options and support services for local adults with developmental disabilities. “Giving back to our community as a way of saying ‘thank you’ is in our company’s DNA. Every year, we donate 10% of our profits to support area non-profit organizations whose missions align with our

goals for benefiting the community. We recognize that these organizations are enriching the lives along with the quality of life for all of the citizens in our community. The way that we look at it, we are simply doing our part. We view it as both a privilege and a responsibility. Our community supports us and we owe it to the community to reciprocate.”

Since its inception, Charter One Realty (which has ten offices throughout the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry) has supported the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra and watched it grow into one of the most renowned small-town symphonies in the world. They also support the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina as they elevate the Lowcountry’s thriving arts scene through producing plays, hosting art classes, and holding gallery shows for local artists.

The real estate firm does not only support arts and culture organizations – they are proud to lead efforts to help support a number of other established and important community organizations throughout the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry, including Deep Well, Hilton Head Heroes, First Presbyterian Day School, and the RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing. Charter

“We value the strength of the relationships we have built with those neighbors, and the community we are all building together.”

One was named a Diamond Sponsor by Volunteers in Medicine and was proud to present VIM with a check for $20,000 last year. The firm is also leading the way and setting an example for others by providing financial support to help local organizations make muchneeded purchases, helping to purchase two box trucks for Osprey Village and three box trucks for Hilton Head Regional Habitat for Humanity.

In addition, not only do the agents at Charter One Realty lead the way in helping people buy and sell their homes, but they are leaders in helping to give of their time and talents in helping to build homes for an important cause, as well. Many of the agency’s volunteers help Hilton Head Regional Habitat for Humanity build houses for families in need on and off the island.

A proven leader in so many ways, the charitable arm of Charter One Realty donates a significant portion of its profits to local organizations every year – but notes that their dedication to helping the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry thrive, and their love for their community, goes far beyond the numbers.

“The Coastal Empire and Lowcountry are our home and the people behind these organizations, and those they serve, are our neighbors,” said Reed. “We value the strength of the relationships we have built with those neighbors, and the community we are all building together.”

That’s what leadership, and being a good neighbor, is all about.

3takeaways

FOR CREATING A COMPANY CULTURE THAT “GIVES BACK”

1Attract those whose personal values align with your company’s values. “At Charter One Realty, our vision and mission statements are founded on the principles of Integrity, Professional Service and Leadership, with leadership in the communities in which we work and live a key factor for our charitable arm.”

2Foster a culture that lends itself to a desire to serve -- and hold each other accountable to deliver when needed.

3When it comes to volunteering, do it together! Working together, celebrating the big wins together and laughing together as often as you can makes it fun - and it’s awesome to be part of such a great work family.

CHARTER ONE REALTY 11 & 5 Park Lane, Hilton Head 843-785-4460

CHARTER ONE REALTY BEACH MARKET 2 N Forest Beach Drive, Suite 119, Hilton Head 843-785-1115

CHARTER ONE REALTY NORTH 200 Merchant Street, Hilton Head 843-681-3307

CHARTER ONE REALTY PROMENADE 1 Promenade Street, Suite 101, Bluffton 843-815-0055

CHARTER ONE REALTY COMMERCIAL 1 Promenade Street, Suite 101, Bluffton 843-815-0055

CHARTER ONE REALTY BELFAIR 2 Belfair Oaks Boulevard, Bluffton 843-757-7710

CHARTER ONE REALTY BERKELEY HALL 1024 Berkeley Hall Boulevard, Bluffton 843-815-8400

CHARTER ONE REALTY SUN CITY 10 William Pope Drive, Bluffton 843-705-2830

CHARTER ONE REALTY BEAUFORT 203A Carteret Street, Beaufort 843-379-4460

CHARTER ONE REALTY SAVANNAH QUARTERS 100 Blue Moon Xing #114, Pooler, GA 31322 912-450-2300

CharterOneRealty.com

RANKED AMONG THE TOP 500 BROKERAGES IN THE U.S.