Bluffton Buyer’s Information Packet
WHY CHOOSE COLLINS GROUP REALTY?
FACTORS
TYPICAL AGENT
COLLINS GROUP REALTY
Number of Agents Working For You
1
7
Number of Days/Week Available to Serve You
4
7
Number of Full Time Staff Working For You
1
2
Number of Part Time Staff Working For You
0
1
Average Number of In-House Listings
5
70
Average # of Sales/Year
10
150
Average Annual Production
$4.5M
$50M
The business of real estate is simply too complicated and demanding for any one agent to handle effectively and successfully on their own. Our Team of professionals each handles a specific arena of responsibilities to ensure your 100% satisfaction.
At Collins Group Realty, we are focused on making a difference.
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MEET THE TEAM
Andrea Albright, Serena Crisan, Ann Eden, and Joan Weaver - Hilton Head Buyer Specialists. Focus primarily on Hilton Head Island buyer-clients, representing them in the search, negotiations and closing on the purchase of their properties. Carl Girth and Bill Weis - Bluffton Specialists. Focus primarily on Bluffton based buyer and seller clients, representing them in the marketing, advertising, search, negotiations and closing on their properties. Carrie Collins - Client Care Coordinator. Responsible for overseeing our “client for life� program, including client appreciation parties, client gifts, special events and much more. Kent Collins - Business Development Manager. Provides management consulting and statistical analysis to help promote growth and market share for the team. Gail Bonnett - Closings Manager. Provides complete support and assistance with all pending contracts from point of execution through successful closing and heads-up our client-appreciation plan.
Kimberly King - Listings Manager. Provides complete support and assistance to the Broker in the processing and marketing of properties listed for sale. Ollie Wingfield - Office Manager. Provides overall office support while establishing a central connection to each of our team members and team clients.
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THE BUYER SPECIALIST PROGRAM
Collins Group Realty was developed to establish an unprecedented collaboration of professional expertise and know-how in order to provide an all new level of outstanding customer and client service. In today’s world of easy-access information and overall market savvy, we recognize that Buyer-Clients are equipped with a great wealth of knowledge about our local marketplace. No longer are the times in which the role of the real estate agent was to keep tight control over market-sensitive information. By sharp contrast, real estate agents are no longer situated in an information-based posture, but rather they are squarely positioned in a service-based posture. This is the foundation of the service orientation of our Buyer Specialist Program. The real estate business is more complicated today than it ever has been at any time. The technologies at our disposal, such as faxes, E-mails, I-mails, cell phones, etc., have created a demand by clients that real estate agents generally be accessible nearly every hour of the day and every day of the week. We recognized that in this context of doing business, no one agent can effectively and proactively handle all the tasks that are presented in any given day if that agent is truly attending to the needs of ALL of his/her clients (buyers and sellers). This is the foundation of the interest-focus orientation of our Buyer Specialist Program. All of our Buyer Specialists are fully-licensed, experienced agents who were hand selected to be involved in Collins Group Realty. They have naturally gravitated toward a genuine interest in helping buyer-clients locate and purchase their ideal properties – this is their primary focus within the Team. Our Buyer Specialists have the benefit of the assistance of our fullsupport staff and the luxury of knowing that all other matters are being handled during the time that they work with our buyer-clients. When working with our Buyer Specialists, you will quickly recognize the commitment that they have to helping you meet your real estate interests and goals. You will benefit greatly from their creativity, their energetic drive, their positive attitude and their general love for the business. In short, Collins Group Realty Buyer Specialist Program is your key to achieving successful results through a buying experience that will exceed all your expectations.
From the entire staff of Collins Group Realty, thank you for your business!
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HOME BUYER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES SELECTION Set forth below is a listing of Attorneys who regularly perform residential closings in greater Bluffton: a. Bob Stevens - Clark & Stevens, PA 843-842-3500 b. Paula Kilgore - Laurich & Wiseman, PA 843-815-5522 c. Sarah Robertson - McNair Law Firm 843-815-2171 Set forth below is a listing of Lenders that provide mortgage loans for properties in greater Bluffton: a. Matt Webster - SunTrust Mortgage 843-342-8006 b. Sue Ann Hess - Mortgages Unlimited 843-682-5715 c. Bill Bricker - Hilton Head Mortgage 866-561-2828 Set forth below is a listing of Inspectors who regularly perform residential inspections in greater Bluffton: Home Inspectors a. Steve Cipriano – C-Pro Home Inspections, Inc. 843-247-5151 b. Rick Puplava – Southeast Inspections, Inc 843-757-1950 c. Rick Novicki – AAA Home Inspection, Inc. 843-263-8105 CL-100 Inspectors a. Atlantic Pest Control 843-686-7378 b. Schroeder Termite Inspection Services Inc. 843-681-8577 c. Island Pest Control 843-757-7378 Collins Group Realty (CGR) strongly recommends interviewing several professionals prior to making your selection. It is recommended that you make contact with the professional(s) of your choice directly to coordinate timing and terms of payment and future communication concerning the transaction so as to comply with the terms of your Contract of Sale. If you desire, we will be happy to assist in the communication process, recognizing, however, the contractual relationship between the professional(s) and you is direct, and Collins Group Realty assumes no responsibility and/or liability for errors or omissions on the part of the selected professional(s). The undersigned Purchaser(s): Selects _________________________________________________ as Attorney. Selects _________________________________________________ as Home Inspector. c.
Selects _________________________________________________ as CL-100 Inspector.
_____ Purchaser(s) will contact Attorney and Inspectors directly _____ Purchaser(s) requests Collins Group Realty to contact the Attorney _____ Purchaser(s) requests Collins Group Realty to contact the Home Inspector _____ Purchaser(s) requests Collins Group Realty to contact the CL-100 Inspector Re-inspections: In the event repair work is specified in the Inspection Report and the Seller agrees to make these repairs, the property should be reinspected (at Purchaser’s expense) prior to closing to insure that the repairs were completed properly. Collins Group Realty sales agents are not qualified to perform inspections/re-inspections and company policy prohibits them from doing so. Purchaser(s) acknowledges that any action taken by CGR pursuant to this form is at the request of Purchaser(s) and is deemed to be an administrative action only with no assignment of responsibility/liability. PURCHASER: ___________________________
Date: ________________
___________________________
Date: ________________
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APPROXIMATION OF EXPENSES TO PURCHASER
Attorney’s Fees Lot – cash closing Lot – loan closing Home, villa, etc – cash Home, villa, etc – loan Power of attorney (additional expense per instrument)
$500 $600 $400-$600 $500-$700 $ 50.00
Abstract of Title (includes one update)
$210.00
Survey (if required by lender – actual cost of surveyor) Lot Improved property Improved property including flood elevation certificate
$350.00 $375.00 $400.00
Recording Fees Mortgage ($1.00 per page additional over 4 pages) Deed ($1.00 per page additional over 4 pages)
$10.00 $10.00
Title Insurance (if required by lender) Binder Premium (minimum premium) Up to $50,000 of liability written Over $50,000 and up to $100,000, add Over $100,000 and up to $500,000, add Over $500,000 and up to $5,000,000, add Over $5,000,000, add Minimum premium
$25.00 Per Thousand $ 3.30 $ 2.50 $ 1.75 $ 1.50 $ 1.00 $75.00
** Please note that some fees are approximate charges and vary by attorney. All prices subject to change.
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BLUFFTON TAXES South Carolina’s State Income Tax system is similar to, and generally based upon, the Federal system. Indeed, in calculating your annual State tax, you use the taxable income figure from your Federal Return as your original basis. You are allowed certain deductions from your total income and are taxed on the remainder. You are not taxed, for example, on real property, which is owned out-of-state. You are liable for taxes on earned income amassed in other states, although you may be eligible for credit for taxes on the income, which was paid to other states. The following chart shows the sliding scale of South Carolina’s State tax rate for personal income: Two and a half percent (2.5%) on the first $2,530 Three percent (3%) on the next $2,530 Four percent (4%) on the next $2,530 Five percent (5%) on the next $2,530 Six percent (6%) on the next $2,530 Seven percent (7%) on $12,650+
PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX Personal property taxes vary from district to district throughout Beaufort County, for each district sets its own rate. Bluffton is currently divided into nine tax districts.
REAL ESTATE TAX The County Tax Assessor currently taxes property at its appraised value, which is the sales price in the year that it is sold, otherwise known as the “point-of-sale” provision. The sales price is then multiplied by 4% for residents (6% for non-residents and corporations) and then multiplied by the millage rate for your district. For example, a home purchased for $100,000 has an assessed value of $4,000 ($100,000 x 4%). That $4,000 is then multiplied by the current millage rate, which for the Town of Bluffton is .2452 for the 2009 fiscal year. The tax for that home would be $980.80. Also, if you are over 65 years of age, chances are you can deduct $50,000 from the appraised value before you multiply by 4% and the millage rate. It’s important to remember, of course, that the information given here is general in nature; if you have specific questions about your personal tax situation, you should check with the County Auditor’s Office in Beaufort (telephone (843) 470-2555); the Tax Assessor’s Office (telephone (843) 470-2522); www.bcgov.net or www.sctax.org; the Hilton Head Island Chamber of Commerce (telephone (843) 7853673), or with your accountant.
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ASSOCIATION FEES Plantation Arborwood Baynard Park Belfair Berkeley Hall Bluffton Park Colleton River Eagle's Point Edgefield Hampton Hall Hampton Lake Heritage Lakes Hidden Lakes Island West Lake Linden Mill Creek Moss Creek Plantation Oldfield Palmetto Bluff Pine Ridge Pine Crest Rose Hill Plantation Sandy Pointe Sawmill Forest Shell Hall Sun City The Crescent The Farm at Buckwalter The Townes at Buckwalter The Willows Wellstone at Bluffton Westbury Park Woodbridge University Park
Improved $250.00 $1,500.00 $11,294.00 $13,750.00 $500.00 $17,150.00 $1,116.00 $570.00 $3,148.00 $2,956.00 $500.00 $533.00 $1,050.00 $554.00 $1,210.00 $3,972.00 $2,200.00 $5,500.00 $480.00 $800.00 $1,500.00 $534.00 $632.00 $1,500.00 $1,855.00 $1,030.00 $574.00 $269/month $483.00 $959.00 $1,400.00 $580.00 $861.00
Unimproved N/A N/A $11,294.00 $13,750.00 N/A $17,150.00 N/A N/A $2,518.00 $2,800.00 $500.00 N/A N/A N/A N/A $3,816.00 $1,950.00 $5,000.00 N/A N/A $1,000.00 N/A N/A $1,500.00 $1,855.00 $1,030.00 N/A N/A N/A N/A $1,400.00 N/A N/A
**Please note: these fees are subject to change without notification due to unforeseen expenses to the respective property owners associations.
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C ONTRACT/ OFFER TO PURCHASE TERM CONSIDERATIONS THIS FORM IS NOT PART OF A CONTRACT OF SALE ____________
_____________ ____________
_____________
Client Name
Property Address
Date
Team Agent
Seller to provide Buyer with a 1 year HMS Home warranty to include all appliances and HVAC systems, beginning on date of closing. Yes______ No______ N/A______ Seller to deliver to purchaser a termite bond for re-treatment and repair. Any transfer fees associated shall be the cost of the Buyer. Yes______ No______ N/A______ If property is on septic, Seller agrees to provide current report showing septic system in good working order and free of leaks at time of closing. Yes______ No______ N/A______ If property has EIFS (or other artificial) stucco, Seller to replace with true masonry stucco or credit Buyer for replacement at closing. Yes______ No______ N/A______ This Contract is contingent upon satisfactory Asbestos Inspection within ____ days from acceptance. Yes______ No______ N/A______ Seller agrees to replace any/all fogged glass in property prior to closing. Yes______ No______ N/A______ Seller agrees to repair/replace any/all wood rot on property prior to closing. Yes______ No______ N/A______ Seller agrees to replace any/all polybutylene plumbing in property with acceptable, approved pipes and fittings prior to closing or credit Buyer for replacement at closing. Yes______ No______ N/A______ This Contract is contingent upon availability of applicable insurance coverage (i.e., homeowners, flood, wind/hail, etc.). This contingency shall be satisfied within _____ days from acceptance. Yes______ No______ N/A______
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In the Event of a “Cash Offer”, Contingent upon: 1. Satisfactory survey of property, paid by Purchaser, prior to closing. 2. Purchaser securing a binder for insurance to cover all standard perils at prevailing rates and terms prior to closing. Contingent upon property appraising at or above purchase price. Yes______ No______ N/A______ FOR SHORT SALES ONLY: Property is to be free of all filed and unfiled liens and assessments. Yes______ No______ N/A______ Purchaser reserves the right to cancel contract if no satisfactory response from seller is given within ______ days of contract date. Yes______ No______ N/A______ Property is sold "as is." Contract is subject to purchaser's approval and acceptance of all property inspections to be conducted by licensed inspectors within 10 business days of the contract date. If purchaser elects to not accept property based on these conditions, all deposit monies will be returned to buyer and contract becomes null and void. Yes______ No______ N/A______ BROKER DISCLAIMER. Purchaser agrees that Collins Group Realty is acting only as a real estate agent in this transaction and as such has no responsibility for and makes no oral or written representations concerning the condition of the premises. Purchaser acknowledges that Collins Group Realty: (1) gives no guaranty or warranty of any kind, express or implied, as to the physical condition of the Property; (2) gives no warranty, express or implied, as to the merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose regarding the Property; (3) gives no guaranty or warranty concerning any inspection or report concerning the Property or the accuracy of any published square footage of the Property; (4) gives no guaranties or warranties regarding market value, future value, any rental income or other economic facet of the Property to Purchaser; (5) gives no guaranties or warranties regarding any regime or property owner association special assessments which may apply to the Property; and (6) is not responsible for the accuracy of any information contained in the Seller's Property Condition Disclosure Statement. Purchaser assumes full responsibility for all terms included in the contract of sale, including any/all omissions (both intentional and overlooked). Purchaser is hereby advised to seek legal counsel (as appropriate) prior to entering into a legally-binding contract.
____________________________________ Client Signature Date
ESTIMATED EXPENSES IN HOME
OWNERSHIP
Recurring Costs Property Taxes (estimate)
$
$
Property Owners Assoc.
$
$
Regime Fee
$
$
Homeowners Insurance
$
$
Flood insurance
$
$
Water/Sewer (estimate)
$
$
Pest Control
$
$
Trash Removal
$
$
Yard Maintenance
$
$
Cable TV
$
$
Telephone
$
$
Electric
$
$
Gas
$
$
Monthly Total
$
$
Projected Rental Income
$
All numbers are estimates and subject to change without notice Information deemed reliable, but subject to verification by all parties
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