subject: Surprise! You CAN Afford Hilton Head Vacation Rentals and Real Estate [print this page] Surprise! You CAN Afford Hilton Head Vacation Rentals and Real Estate
When most people think of Hilton Head Island their mind conjures an image of Robin Leach bellowing his famous "champagne wishes and caviar dreams" extolling the lifestyles of the rich and famous. While there's no doubt that there are pockets of this tye of wealth on the island, most people are very surprised when they find out that even before the economic downturn that there are plenty affordable homes and vacation packages available both on and off the island.
Affordable Hilton Head Real Estate
No, it's not an oxymoron. There actually ais affordable real estate on the island, and not just short sales and foreclosures. For example, popular communities like Hilton head Plantation, Palmetto Dunes, and Sea Pines all have homes over 2,000 square feet well under the $400,000 price range. Of course, you're not going to buy an oceanfront or ocean view home for that price. You still need millions for those properties. But consider the fact that when yu buy in these communities you're usually never more than a few miles from the beach. That's a quick car or bike ride away.
When it comes to Hilton Head real estate. in today's economy it's not always the price of the home that you need to take in to consideration, but also the annual membership fees and property owner association (POA) fees. For example, in exclusive Bluffton comunities lek Belfair and Colleton River Plantation you can find lots under $10,000 and homes under $500,00 (and sometimes under $400,000). At the onset, these seem like great deals. But keep in mind that annual dues and fees will cost upwards of $14,000 per year. While you might be able to afford the home, you may struggle to meet the annual fees.
Fees like thos at communities liek Befair, Colleton River, Wexford, and Long Cove are more the exception than the rule. In most cases you will find that annual POA fees are between $800 and $2,000 per year depending upon services offered (i.e trash and yard debris pick up, community landscaping, etc.) to overall community ammenites (pool, tennis, health club, golf course, marina, etc.). These fees are subject to change. For the latest POA and club membership fees contact a local real estate professional.
Affordable Hilton Head Vacation Rentals
Along the same lines as real estate prices, many people think they cannot afford Hilton Head vacation rentals and immediately look at places like Myrtle Beach and the Florida coast for a rental home or villa. Prices on Hilton Head vary greatly by location and time of year. In season many of the larger oceanfront homes rent for $5,000 - $8,000 per week. Then again, those homes also sleep 12 or more people. So if you're traveling with family or group of friends it can bring your costs down considerably.
The great part about staying in one of the Hilton Head villas or rental homes is that no matter where you stay you're never more than a short drive or bike ride away from the beach. Sure, everyone would like to have an oceanfront rental at a discount price. But if you're out and about at the beach or the golf course all day, why pay extra for that view? There are hundreds and hundreds of golv view, lagoon view, and wooded view homes and condos that rent for between $900 and $1,800 per week.
If you're an empty nester you may also want to consider visiting the area in September or October when the families are home and the kids are back to school. The daytime temperatures are still in the 80's and 90's, and the water is still warm for swimming. The difference is that the beaches, golf course, and restaurants are not as crowded allowing you for a more leisurely vacation. In fact, it doesn't really start to cool down here until late November or early December, and those last three months of the year usually offer some of the best golf weather all year.
Your Next Vacation, Your Next Home
Now that you have the facts, what are you waiting for? It's time to plan your next Hilton Head vacation. Before you arrive bes sure to visit Hilton Head 360 and order your free copy of Island Real Estate Magazine and plan an afternoon or take a rainy day and tour the luxurious and the affordable homes of Hilton Head Island.
