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3 Binaker Court in Picket Fences Port Royal South Carolina

Lovely Home in Picket Fences, Great Location in the Heart of the Neighborhood!

9 Battery Lane Condo in Port Royal South Carolina

Beautiful Condo Convenient to downtown Port Royal, Military Bases and shopping

1717 Battery Park Drive in Port Royal, South Carolina

1717 Battery Park Drive from Lowcountry Real Estate on Vimeo.

Community information Battery Point Beaufort South Carolina

Battery Point

Battery Point is a lovely community conveniently located in Beaufort South Carolina just 3.5 miles from the downtown area.  In addition, it is very close to Port Royal South Carolina and a very easy drive to head towards Savannah or Charleston from Beaufort County.  This community is Neo-Traditional in design with lovely streetscape at every turn.  The Charleston style homes line the street and grace the walking trails and side walks.  From not only talking with the residents but also being one there is so much to love about Battery Point.  This subdivision is located along the marshes of Battery Creek and a smart neighborhood design capitalizes this feature for all the residence in the community.  All residents can enjoy the concrete lined walking trails and take in the water views.  Morning walks on the trail allow you to view the Beaufort South Carolina sunrises and evening walks are a pleasure as well when the sunsets in the horizon.  This community offers walking trails, pool, playground, pavilion, tennis, and a community dock.   One of the favorite features for many of the residence is the waterfront and the ability to launch your boat from the community dock.  It is a simple trip down the Battery Creek and you are in the major waterways of Beaufort County off you go.  There are so many wonder attributes about Battery Point and the above mentions some main high lights.  I look forward to showing you Battery Point as your Beaufort South Carolina Realtor.

For more Beaufort Community Pages click HERE

18 Tredlands in Award Winning Habersham Beaufort South Carolina

Beautiful Short Sale Lot in Habersham Water Views Just Reduced now to $145,000 amazing value

Happy Clients In Beaufort SC advice to agents

 

 

 

WE ALL WANT HAPPY CLIENTS RIGHT!!!

Have  you ever heard about the book “ALL I REALLY NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED IN KINDERGARTEN” by Robert Fulghum?  This really is a wonderful book that illustrates simple principles we learned in Kindergarden are good rules that apply to our lives even as adults.  What I have found with my interaction with clients and from my prior work experiences customer service is key!!  It is the simple principles that really add up in the long run.  You may be have all the knowledge and facts about the market, you may know your communities inside and out, you may have experience under your belt but a simple fact always remains to maintain happy clients you must provide customer service.  Great Customer service will gain you the respect you deserve for your hard work and also bring you those much desired after referrals that feed our business.   I would like to outline a few things that are so simple but will really boost your relationships.

1. SMILE:  Really smile and mean it! You have a lot to be happy about you have a client right there in front of you.  A living breathing opportunity, a person, family or group of individuals who are trusting in you to provide them with guidance and help them make a large buying decision.

2. AS Your Smiling take a moment to yourself to be Thankful: I have always found that when I take just a moment in my mind to be thankful it really makes my smile grow. My customers can see that I really mean it.  I am very happy and very thankful to have this opportunity to be working with them.

3. Keep in touch after your first interaction: This is SO very important.  Real Estate is a large decision for many individuals.  Snap decisions are rare and for most people they need some time to process what they have seen, what community they like, ect.  Ask your client, ” I would like to follow up with you after you have had some time to process this information when is a good time for me to call you?”  This way they know you are going to call and know when to expect the call.  Keep this type of interaction going throughout the process.  As you get to know each other better it will just become a natural part of your agent / client interaction.

4. Send a Hand written Thank you note: As soon as I am finished showing property I go right to my desk and send a sincere Thank you note and drop it in the mail. The Key words here  are hand written and sincere.  You have no idea the impact this has on your client.   We all like to feel appreciated and your client is no different.  When they open up their mail and a personal message is there for them saying thank you it adds another element of Customer Service that will knock their socks off.

5. Listen: Have you ever heard the saying God gave you two ears and one mouth for a reason.  Well it is true remember it is not about you! It is not about what you like! Listen to your clients.  What are they telling you, do you know?  Have you talked so much they can not get a word in edgewise.  I like to really listen to what they want. I use this information when I search properties and as we look at them I can explain I made this selection for you because you mentioned you wanted a first floor master, or double ovens in the kitchen and so on.  It makes a huge difference for your clients when you listen.

6. Do not Be Pushy:  Have you ever had that waitress or waiter that has come up to your table and practically said yeah what do you want, all the while tapping their pen or their order pad and chewing gum in a ferocious manner. They make you think, you have to be kidding me why did this person ever think they would be a good server.  Yes this is an exaggerated example and I am sure you do not act like this but remember your clients can tell if you care or not about their needs.  If your out for a quick sale and really just care about your commission check it shines through.  If this is the case for you it is time for an attitude adjustment.  If you have done everything right in the first place there is no need to be pushy.  It will be a natural progression that ultimately leads to the sale.

7. Have your clients best interest in Mind: I always like to think of my clients as a family member.  Would I have my mother and father buy this house.  Would I write up this offer like this for my brother.  We have to take many ethics classes to be a licensed real estate agent for a reason be ethical.  It make a real difference in not only your relationships with your clients but also your fellow agents.  You must ask yourself what type of business are your trying to build.  One with a solid foundation to build upon or a short time pile of stones with no sustainability long term.

8. When the time is right ask for the sale:  “Mr. and Mrs. Smith we have looked at the following properties and this one has you so excited.  Does this seem like the right fit for you.  We can go back to the office and make an offer on this home if you would like.”  This is not being pushy in my opinion.  I am sure you have all seen this, that AH HA! moment when your clients found what they were looking for.  I have found that when that moment comes it is time to move forward with making the offer.  You are after all providing a service. What good would you be doing your clients if you do not assist them with the purchase when the time is right.  So many agents not only Realtors but all type of sales people do not ask for the sale.  You must! That is what you do after all.  Remember, their is a difference between asking for the sale and being pushy.

9. Execute the contract and go for it: Now it is time to work hard dig in your heals get your focus together and negotiate, negotiate, and work hard for your clients.  Try to get them the terms they are looking for.  I have found that having a good team of people to assist you with the closing is very helpful.  Get a handful of trusted lenders, a handful of trusted real estate attorney’s and provide your clients with the options.  Mr. and Mrs. Smith you can choose any attorney and any lender you wish and by the way here is a list of some reputable ones in our area.  Having a good group of people working together to get the closing completed is a great help to you and your clients.

10. Follow up after the close: By now if you have done all of these steps you have happy clients.  You have done all the right things to take care of your clients and developed a great relationship.  Do not stop after the close send them a follow up thank you note.  Send Birthday cards,Christmas cards let them know you are there and still working hard as a Top Notch Professional in your area.  You know your clients have friends and family and you want them recommending you.

You see it is the simple steps that create a happy client.  I did not make any promises that it would be easy it is still hard work but if you take it step by step and provide top notch customer service it will pay off in the end. Build your business one client at a time and go for it!

By Brent Brodie

Lowcountry Real Estate

www.brentbrodie.com

 

The Laurel, Picket Fences in Beaufort SC Floor Plan Priced at $195,000

THE LAUREL

Today I thought I would share this easy tour from Homes and Land of Beaufort SC of our Laurel Floor Plan.  This floor plan is one of our most popular plans and there is no doubt that affordability is a key factor combined with a functional floor plan that makes it such a success.  From the beautiful frontage view, the elevated home providing great views from the front covered porch there is not questions why this home is a winner.  A large open room greats you as you open the front door and just adjacent is another pleasant surprise a great open master suite that leads into an attached bath complete with a garden style soaking tub.  All of our models now include the extras such as our gas hook up on the deck for a natural gas grill (that’s right no more trips to fill your propane tank), natural gas hot water heater (no more tank of hot water burning up your electric bill), 2×6 walls and thicker insulation R-19 (lets talk energy efficiency now),  recessed lighting, ceiling fans in all of the bedrooms + living room,  smart wiring complete with a handy control panel nicely hidden away in the closet but very accessible.  Picket Fences is a gated waterfront community complete with a junior olympic pool, community dock, waterfront walking trails, stocked fishing ponds and an affordable lifestyle with low homeowner fees just $350 dollars a year.  Call me today to find out more.

www.brentbrodie.com

843-441-2835

brentsellshomes@yahoo.com

Lowcountry Real Estate’s Power Lunch Session

One of the many reasons I have always wanted to be a part of the Lowcountry Real Estate team, is that I wished to partner with the best. Lowcountry Real Estate is consistently the highest producing sales volume real estate firm in Beaufort County. Success does not just happen but it does come to those who set goals, plan, work hard, check on their progress and go for it. I also think it is so important to surround yourself with successful people and Lowcountry Real Estate has a track record for having high producing, knowledgeable and experienced sales agents.
This is why I was so excited when I checked my email last week and had an update from our main office that said, lunch power hour at 12 noon. Why was I so excited about lunch? This was not any normal lunch this was a Lowcountry Real Estate power lunch and it was a great idea. It was not my idea so as I am writing this blog I am really just reporting on a wonderful idea that came from headquarters so to speak. This was our first power lunch and we split into groups. Each group had a list of questions all geared to generate a group brainstorming session and pool ideas of success strategies in our current market. What is working well? What is not working well? What can we do better? Having an opportunity to share and listen to my fellow successful co-agents was really fantastic. I recommend a power lunch for everyone. I left the meeting feeling excited, full of great ideas to help to assist my clients. I always want to stay on the right side of the track to be a top producer with a top producing real estate firm like Lowcountry Real Estate backing me up. Thank you Lowcountry Real Estate and thank you my fellow agents for a great lunch and for having the team work principle to share your good ideas and strategies. This was a collaborative effort that will only make us all stronger agents. Power Lunches for all!!

My First Time Catching a Red Fish in Beaufort, South Carolina

I have been looking forward to spending some time with my brother who is an excellent fly fisherman.  Yesterday was a great day as we drove out to the waterways along Parris Island Marine Corp Station.  Yes, Parris Island Marine Corp station is surrounded by the most beautiful waterways you have ever seen.  It is rare that I can get on the base but being with my Brother Maj. Col Brodie getting onto base was not a problem.   We went out to one of the flats that flood with water from the Port Royal sound as the tide rises and it was Reds we were after.

As we pulled up to our fishing area and got our gear ready I couldn’t help but think how lucky I am to live in such a beautiful place and to have some time with my brother.  It is turning fall now in Beaufort and the air temperature is cooling down to a very pleasant level.  There was a salt air breeze, beautiful blue skies and large cumulus clouds billowing in the sky.  It was just like all the pictures you see in the magazines about coastal living that make you dream about being there except I was there in real life.   We waded out into the waterway and the warm brackish water which is water that has more salinity than fresh water but not as much as sea water flooded my feet.  It is this water that causes the crab and shrimp to thrive and the crab and shrimp are what attracts the Red Fish to feed, my brother explained to me.  He also pointed to the rippling in the waterways and like a true sportsman he pointed out how when the fish are feeding you will see a difference in the rippling of the water.  “You need to spot them out and stay on the move”, he said.  The trick is timing with the tide you need to get there while the tide is coming in and is still shallow enough to see the effects of the Reds swimming in the shallows and tailing.

We spotted our first Red and slowly approached the location.  With one, two, three swoops in the air with the fly rod and with accurate precision my brother landed the lour just in front of the Red and he latched on.  He then handed me the real like a true big brother and let me bring in my first Red Fish.  It was a thrill and the Red Fish was not the only thing that got hooked that day I can not wait to get back out and give it another try.  It was a great day spending time with my bother, enjoying the Lowcountry and learning about the most incredible ecosystem we have here in the Lowcountry.  Now I know why Beaufort is mentioned as one of the top 10 fishing areas in the country.

Act Now on the First Time Homebuyers Credit the dead line is approaching

The Dead Line for the first time home buyers dead line is fast approaching December 1st, 2009.  This video by the IRS should help clear up any questions you may have.   Picket fences subdivision in Beaufort is a prime location to purchase a beautiful new construction home prior to the dead line.

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The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 authorizes a tax credit of up to $8,000 for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009.

The following questions and answers provide basic information about the tax credit. If you have more specific questions, we strongly encourage you to consult a qualified tax advisor or legal professional about your unique situation.

1. Who is eligible to claim the tax credit?
   First-time home buyers purchasing any kind of home—new or resale—are eligible for the tax credit. To qualify for the tax credit, a home purchase must occur on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. For the purposes of the tax credit, the purchase date is the date when closing occurs and the title to the property transfers to the home owner.
2. What is the definition of a first-time home buyer?
   The law defines “first-time home buyer” as a buyer who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase. For married taxpayers, the law tests the homeownership history of both the home buyer and his/her spouse.For example, if you have not owned a home in the past three years but your spouse has owned a principal residence, neither you nor your spouse qualifies for the first-time home buyer tax credit. However, unmarried joint purchasers may allocate the credit amount to any buyer who qualifies as a first-time buyer, such as may occur if a parent jointly purchases a home with a son or daughter. Ownership of a vacation home or rental property not used as a principal residence does not disqualify a buyer as a first-time home buyer.

3. How is the amount of the tax credit determined?
   The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000.
4. Are there any income limits for claiming the tax credit?
   Yes. The income limit for single taxpayers is $75,000; the limit is $150,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return. The tax credit amount is reduced for buyers with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of more than $75,000 for single taxpayers and $150,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return. The phaseout range for the tax credit program is equal to $20,000. That is, the tax credit amount is reduced to zero for taxpayers with MAGI of more than $95,000 (single) or $170,000 (married) and is reduced proportionally for taxpayers with MAGIs between these amounts.
5. What is “modified adjusted gross income”?
   Modified adjusted gross income or MAGI is defined by the IRS. To find it, a taxpayer must first determine “adjusted gross income” or AGI. AGI is total income for a year minus certain deductions (known as “adjustments” or “above-the-line deductions”), but before itemized deductions from Schedule A or personal exemptions are subtracted. On Forms 1040 and 1040A, AGI is the last number on page 1 and first number on page 2 of the form. For Form 1040-EZ, AGI appears on line 4 (as of 2007). Note that AGI includes all forms of income including wages, salaries, interest income, dividends and capital gains.To determine modified adjusted gross income (MAGI), add to AGI certain amounts such as foreign income, foreign-housing deductions, student-loan deductions, IRA-contribution deductions and deductions for higher-education costs.

6. If my modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is above the limit, do I qualify for any tax credit?
   Possibly. It depends on your income. Partial credits of less than $8,000 are available for some taxpayers whose MAGI exceeds the phaseout limits.
7. Can you give me an example of how the partial tax credit is determined?
   Just as an example, assume that a married couple has a modified adjusted gross income of $160,000. The applicable phaseout to qualify for the tax credit is $150,000, and the couple is $10,000 over this amount. Dividing $10,000 by the phaseout range of $20,000 yields 0.5. When you subtract 0.5 from 1.0, the result is 0.5. To determine the amount of the partial first-time home buyer tax credit that is available to this couple, multiply $8,000 by 0.5. The result is $4,000.Here’s another example: assume that an individual home buyer has a modified adjusted gross income of $88,000. The buyer’s income exceeds $75,000 by $13,000. Dividing $13,000 by the phaseout range of $20,000 yields 0.65. When you subtract 0.65 from 1.0, the result is 0.35. Multiplying $8,000 by 0.35 shows that the buyer is eligible for a partial tax credit of $2,800.Please remember that these examples are intended to provide a general idea of how the tax credit might be applied in different circumstances. You should always consult your tax advisor for information relating to your specific circumstances.

   
   

8. How is this home buyer tax credit different from the tax credit that Congress enacted in July of 2008?
   The most significant difference is that this tax credit does not have to be repaid. Because it had to be repaid, the previous “credit” was essentially an interest-free loan. This tax incentive is a true tax credit. However, home buyers must use the residence as a principal residence for at least three years or face recapture of the tax credit amount. Certain exceptions apply.
9. How do I claim the tax credit? Do I need to complete a form or application?
   Participating in the tax credit program is easy. You claim the tax credit on your federal income tax return. Specifically, home buyers should complete IRS Form 5405 to determine their tax credit amount, and then claim this amount on Line 69 of their 1040 income tax return. No other applications or forms are required, and no pre-approval is necessary. However, you will want to be sure that you qualify for the credit under the income limits and first-time home buyer tests. Note that you cannot claim the credit on Form 5405 for an intended purchase for some future date; it must be a completed purchase.
10. What types of homes will qualify for the tax credit?
    Any home that will be used as a principal residence will qualify for the credit. This includes single-family detached homes, attached homes like townhouses and condominiums, manufactured homes (also known as mobile homes) and houseboats. The definition of principal residence is identical to the one used to determine whether you may qualify for the $250,000 / $500,000 capital gain tax exclusion for principal residences.
11. I read that the tax credit is “refundable.” What does that mean?
    The fact that the credit is refundable means that the home buyer credit can be claimed even if the taxpayer has little or no federal income tax liability to offset. Typically this involves the government sending the taxpayer a check for a portion or even all of the amount of the refundable tax credit.For example, if a qualified home buyer expected, notwithstanding the tax credit, federal income tax liability of $5,000 and had tax withholding of $4,000 for the year, then without the tax credit the taxpayer would owe the IRS $1,000 on April 15th. Suppose now that the taxpayer qualified for the $8,000 home buyer tax credit. As a result, the taxpayer would receive a check for $7,000 ($8,000 minus the $1,000 owed).

12. I purchased a home in early 2009 and have already filed to receive the $7,500 tax credit on my 2008 tax returns. How can I claim the new $8,000 tax credit instead?
    Home buyers in this situation may file an amended 2008 tax return with a 1040X form. You should consult with a tax advisor to ensure you file this return properly.
13. Instead of buying a new home from a home builder, I hired a contractor to construct a home on a lot that I already own. Do I still qualify for the tax credit?
    Yes. For the purposes of the home buyer tax credit, a principal residence that is constructed by the home owner is treated by the tax code as having been “purchased” on the date the owner first occupies the house. In this situation, the date of first occupancy must be on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009.In contrast, for newly-constructed homes bought from a home builder, eligibility for the tax credit is determined by the settlement date.

14. Can I claim the tax credit if I finance the purchase of my home under a mortgage revenue bond (MRB) program?
    Yes. The tax credit can be combined with the MRB home buyer program. Note that first-time home buyers who purchased a home in 2008 may not claim the tax credit if they are participating in an MRB program.
15. I live in the District of Columbia. Can I claim both the Washington, D.C. first-time home buyer credit and this new credit?
    No. You can claim only one.
16. I am not a U.S. citizen. Can I claim the tax credit?
    Maybe. Anyone who is not a nonresident alien (as defined by the IRS), who has not owned a principal residence in the previous three years and who meets the income limits test may claim the tax credit for a qualified home purchase. The IRS provides a definition of “nonresident alien” in IRS Publication 519.
17. Is a tax credit the same as a tax deduction?
    No. A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in what the taxpayer owes. That means that a taxpayer who owes $8,000 in income taxes and who receives an $8,000 tax credit would owe nothing to the IRS.A tax deduction is subtracted from the amount of income that is taxed. Using the same example, assume the taxpayer is in the 15 percent tax bracket and owes $8,000 in income taxes. If the taxpayer receives an $8,000 deduction, the taxpayer’s tax liability would be reduced by $1,200 (15 percent of $8,000), or lowered from $8,000 to $6,800.

18. I bought a home in 2008. Do I qualify for this credit?
    No, but if you purchased your first home between April 9, 2008 and January 1, 2009, you may qualify for a different tax credit.
19. Is there any way for a home buyer to access the money allocable to the credit sooner than waiting to file their 2009 tax return?
    Yes. Prospective home buyers who believe they qualify for the tax credit are permitted to reduce their income tax withholding. Reducing tax withholding (up to the amount of the credit) will enable the buyer to accumulate cash by raising his/her take home pay. This money can then be applied to the downpayment.Buyers should adjust their withholding amount on their W-4 via their employer or through their quarterly estimated tax payment. IRS Publication 919 contains rules and guidelines for income tax withholding. Prospective home buyers should note that if income tax withholding is reduced and the tax credit qualified purchase does not occur, then the individual would be liable for repayment to the IRS of income tax and possible interest charges and penalties.Further, rule changes made as part of the economic stimulus legislation allow home buyers to claim the tax credit and participate in a program financed by tax-exempt bonds. Some state housing finance agencies, such as the Missouri Housing Development Commission, have introduced programs that provide short-term credit acceleration loans that may be used to fund a downpayment. Prospective home buyers should inquire with their state housing finance agency to determine the availability of such a program in their community.

    
    

20. If I’m qualified for the tax credit and buy a home in 2009, can I apply the tax credit against my 2008 tax return?
    Yes. The law allows taxpayers to choose (“elect”) to treat qualified home purchases in 2009 as if the purchase occurred on December 31, 2008. This means that the 2008 income limit (MAGI) applies and the election accelerates when the credit can be claimed (tax filing for 2008 returns instead of for 2009 returns). A benefit of this election is that a home buyer in 2009 will know their 2008 MAGI with certainty, thereby helping the buyer know whether the income limit will reduce their credit amount.Taxpayers buying a home who wish to claim it on their 2008 tax return, but who have already submitted their 2008 return to the IRS, may file an amended 2008 return claiming the tax credit. You should consult with a tax professional to determine how to arrange this.

21. For a home purchase in 2009, can I choose whether to treat the purchase as occurring in 2008 or 2009, depending on in which year my credit amount is the largest?
    Yes. If the applicable income phaseout would reduce your home buyer tax credit amount in 2009 and a larger credit would be available using the 2008 MAGI amounts, then you can choose the year that yields the largest credit amount.

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