Gary Alexander after completing the 2,745-mile journey in Antelope Wells, New Mexico.
BY GARY SMYTHE Contributor
Five reasons buyers rarely make low offers on overpriced homes
Sellers are often tempted to price their homes above market value, hoping for that rare buyer willing to pay a premium. But when this strategy doesn’t attract offers, the conversation often shifts to price reductions. Many sellers wonder, “Why don’t buyers just make a lower offer instead of waiting for me to lower the price?” While it seems logical, this rarely happens in practice. Here’s why:
1. BUYERS ASSUME SELLERS AREN’T FLEXIBLE
In a market with more choices, buyers often assume that a high asking price sig-
nals a seller’s unwillingness to negotiate. Rather than making a low offer, they’ll likely move on to a property that is more in line with their budget. Buyers don’t want to waste time negotiating if they believe the seller is set on their price, even if that isn’t the case.
2. FEAR OF OFFENDING THE SELLER
Making a low offer can feel uncomfortable for buyers. They might worry that offering significantly less than the asking price will insult the seller and damage any chance of reaching a deal. Many buyers prefer to avoid potentially awkward or tense negotiations, especially when there are other well-priced homes available. This means that they’ll pass on overpriced properties rather than take the risk.
3. PERCEPTION OF FAIR VALUE
In a buyer’s market, buyers are well-in-
formed. They have access to plenty of data, from recent sales to market trends, and they often come into the process with a clear sense of what homes should cost. When they see a property priced higher than similar homes in the area, they may assume the seller is unrealistic or unmotivated. Rather than making a low offer, they’ll prioritize homes that are closer to their perception of fair value.
4. SEARCH FILTERS AND ONLINE LISTINGS
Buyers often set search filters based on their price range, and an overpriced home may not even appear in their results. Even if they might be interested in making a lower offer, they might not see the listing in the first place. This can severely limit the exposure of an overpriced property, reducing the chances that a buyer would even consider making an offer.
5. THE MARKET IS MOVING
In a shifting market, buyers are aware that there are more options available. Instead of negotiating with a seller who may or may not lower their price, they’ll focus on homes that are priced more competitively. They know that patience can pay off and that other opportunities will present themselves.
In the end, a well-priced home attracts more interest and can lead to multiple offers, which ultimately benefits the seller. Overpricing may seem like a way to capture a higher price, but it often results in missed opportunities. Pricing strategically from the start is the best way to avoid these pitfalls. Gary Smythe is a local real agent with William Raveis Real Estate focusing on the Hilton Head and Bluffton areas.
Gary Smythe
BY JOE TURINO Contributor
78-year-old’s daring bike journey
In Sun City Hilton Head, a place where many residents enjoy leisurely bike rides, 78-year-old Gary Alexander has redefined what a bike ride can be. Recently, Alexander completed a staggering 2,745-mile journey on his bicycle, spanning from Banff, Alberta, Canada to Antelope Wells, New Mexico. This wasn’t just a long ride; it was part of the grueling 2024 Tour Divide, a self-supported bike-packing race that tests riders against the challenging terrain of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route.
Alexander, who has lived in Sun City for nine years, embarked on this journey not just for the love of cycling but to tick off a significant item on his bucket list. Preparation for this monumental endeavor took a full year, a testament to his dedication and passion for cycling. The race itself presented a variety of conditions, mostly a mix of dirt, gravel roads, and a
few paved sections. Cyclists participating in the Tour Divide must be self-reliant, utilizing only those services that are available to all racers, such as convenience stores.
Originally from the Boston area, Alexander has always been an avid cyclist. He quipped, “Not my whole life but a good portion of it,” when asked if he had been biking his entire life. He and his wife, Lois, have shared numerous cycling and running adventures, including participating in several Boston Marathons. Last year, the couple embarked on a bike tour from Seattle, Washington to Boston, Massachusetts, and then back to their home in South Carolina. However, for the Tour Divide, Alexander faced the challenge solo.
Despite the solitude, Alexander made some friends along the route. One notable companion was a young man from Peru, whom he met through a connection his wife made on Facebook. They started the race together, but due to the younger
man’s speed, especially on hills, they separated after a few days. Alexander noted, “We started, and we camped for a couple of days and then Ellie, 30 years younger than me, was much faster on the hills so we eventually somehow got separated.”
Thus, for most of the trip, Alexander traveled alone, covering daily distances of 30 to 50 miles, and tackling elevation gains between two and four thousand feet. He reflected on the sheer altitude he conquered: “The entire trip amounted to a 198,000 feet elevation gain, so there was a lot of uphill riding.”
Equipped with a Garmin inReach satellite device, Alexander could stay connected with his family while on the road, ensuring his safety and peace of mind. His physical preparation included managing substantial supplies of food and water, critical given the remote nature of the route. Alongside the practicalities, Alexander savored the beauty of the landscapes he traversed, from the majestic forests of Canada to the diverse terrains of
the United States.
One of his most cherished experiences was the camaraderie at the end of each day, particularly with a young couple from New Zealand, whom he frequently met at campsites. Although they did not ride together during the day due to the couple’s faster pace, the evenings were a time for sharing stories and experiences. Alexander mused about the natural beauty he witnessed, saying, “The highlight is just the beauty of Canada you’re riding in the woods on trails. It’s not like a car where you are just zooming by. I mean, you’re absorbed by the beauty of the rivers and the lakes. It’s amazing how the surroundings change.”
Approaching the end of his journey, Alexander pondered whether he might be the oldest person to have completed the Tour Divide. “I believe I’m the oldest person to ever complete it. I’m not positive,” he remarked. His adventure concluded at
JOURNEY CONT. ON PAGE 6SCS
Softening home prices started a few months ago and the trend continues this month. It will be interesting to see how the current and anticipated interest rate reductions will impact the market moving forward. For buyers, this market presents a unique opportunity with a wider selection of homes and better negotiating power compared to a year ago. For sellers, it's an opportune time to capitalize on their properties while prices remain near historic highs. How Can I Assist You? If you're considering selling your property in the near future, I invite you to reach out for a comprehensive Market Analysis and an in-depth market review. By understanding the current market dynamics, we can develop a strategy to ensure your home stands out and achieves the best possible value in this evolving landscape.
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ESTATE PLANNING STRATEGIES
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1238
DATE: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2024
DATE: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2024
TIME: 11:30 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
TIME: 11:30 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
LOCATION: PINCKNEY HALL, EDISTO RIVER ROOM
LOCATION: PINCKNEY HALL, EDISTO RIVER ROOM
DATE: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2024 TIME: 11:30 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
Antelope Wells, where he crossed the finish line with the friends he had made along the way, a deeply emotional and fulfilling moment.
Reflecting on the entirety of his experience, Alexander expressed, “This is without a doubt the hardest physical thing I’ve ever done in my life. The roads, rocks, boulders, it’s unbelievable. Nobody will ever understand the magnitude of it until they do it and it’s not for everybody. This was just on my bucket list.” With this monumental challenge now behind him, Alexander is already looking ahead to his next adventure, the 2025 Bike Sebring race in Florida—a 24-hour race he has previously completed. Alexander’s story is not just a tale of endurance and perseverance but a powerful testament to the spirit of adventure that thrives regardless of age.
A Sun City club for pet lovers
BY ANDREA HOERNER Contributor
“The better I get to know men, the more I find myself loving dogs.”Charles de Gaulle.
Sun City residents know that pets can be such a source of comfort. These comforts can take the form of companionship, a motivator to get you out of the house on those daily walks or even a partner in conversation. And members of the Sun City Dog and Pet Lovers Club support this belief through their outreach, meetings and activities.
Their Eblasts, or email newsletters, remind members to be responsible pet owners by providing information about dog behavior, safety and health. Speakers at the club’s meetings address issues such as nu-
trition and disease prevention. Recently, the club has focused on helping local shelters through fundraising such as the September golf outing at Hilton Head Lakes to benefit JARM. Several Sun City adoption events have found new homes for these animals, and several club members volunteer at the shelters.
In two of the three Sun City dog parks, the club has posted information for pet owners, ranging from meeting notices to courtesy reminders. This serves as outreach to many residents who are not club members. Sun City resident Terry Smith donated agility equipment that she had made for use with her own dog, Cruise. It has been installed in the north dog park with community as-
Robin Edwards and her dog Stone, as Batman and Robin at the Howl-o-ween party
PETS FROM PAGE 6SCS
sociation approval and is used by many furry visitors. “I made it out of PVC piping, and it includes hurdles, a hoop and weave poles. I’m just glad other dogs are enjoying it,” said Terry.
Lastly, the club plans a lot of fun events for the pets and their owners. Upcoming is a photo contest with six categories, prizes and possibly a surprise judge.
The Howl-o-ween Pawty Costume Contest is a popular event. It’s scheduled for October 27 at 2 p.m. at the pavilion. There will be prizes for winners in several categories. This event is free for members and $5 for non-members.
December 7 at the pavilion is Photos with Santa, open to all of Sun City and is coordinated through Lifestyles. There will be a nominal charge for this event.
“The joy I felt after rescuing our dog Molly from a local shelter inspired me
to get involved in community programs that support responsible pet ownership,” said Robin Bloom, president of the club. “My involvement with the club has allowed me, in a small way, to help find ‘forever homes’ for local fur babies that desperately need and deserve homes.”
The Dog and Pet Lovers Club’s charter is to promote responsible pet ownership, good pet behavior, dog park etiquette; to share resources regarding pet health and safety; to promote the benefits of the dog park; to coordinate with CA maintenance personnel about park maintenance; and to promote local shelters and to support non-profit rescue organizations and charities. A long-time Sun City Chartered Club with approximately 150 members, meetings are the third Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. in Pinckney Hall’s Edisto Room.
Santa Claus with Molly and Mozzy
Sun City residents and their fur babies enjoying the northside dog park
