Written by Rich Reed

love Bluffton and the people this town attracts. Like the bumper sticker says, it is certainly a “state of mind.” And whether you are peering upon the May River from a 40+ year old river cottage at your Alljoy address or from a newly built Palmetto Bluff retreat, you know that the Lowcountry is a special place. The same is obviously true for our neighbors across the bridge too. I mention this because I am constantly amazed at the consistently positive comments and questions I receive about the area despite the “state” of the real estate market as described by the paper, TV, magazines, etc. Let me explain what I mean.

We are all subject to the same media outlets (local and national) that keep finding new ways to describe problems that we are facing – both real and perceived. Frankly, if you are taking the time to read my simple perspective, then chances are you are a glutton for information and know exactly what I mean when I say that the message that we constantly receive gets tiresome. And those that know what I do for a living inevitably bring the conversation around to local real estate (which I certainly do not mind discussing). Yet without fail – as good or as bad as the market may be – everyone engaged in that conversation absolutely loves the Coastal Lowcountry! Despite all the doom and gloom we hear and read about every day, almost every person I speak with says that they believe things are improving. They are right too.

Do not misunderstand the point I am trying to convey. There are those who are frustrated out there – especially sellers. Yet, even they realize that there are worse places to be “stuck” owning property than the Lowcountry. But buyers are excited at the incredible opportunities they are seeing. As a result, there are pockets of positive change. Take Hampton Hall for example where ONLY 17 homes were purchased in 2006 according to the local multiple listing service. However, last year saw 44 Hampton Hall homes purchased. That is nearly a 160% increase in sales volume. To date, there have been 15 Hampton Hall homes purchased in 2008 as compared to only 7 during the same timeframe last year. Thus, it appears that the momentum is still strong in that community’s home market.

Hampton Hall’s story is not ubiquitous...yet. But it does make sense that a neighborhood with (a) multiple price points, (b) great amenities, (c) a great location, and (d) sellers that have adjusted their prices in response to market conditions would see such a strong turn around in activity. Furthermore, do not fail to note that buyers are out there regardless of naysayer comments. Other neighborhoods are starting to see similarly improved activity as well. All you have to do is take a short drive down 278 to see that people are still moving to our great community. And like a train, it takes some time to get the momentum going again...but one can sense that the engines are gaining steam.

So, you see, the folks that I mentioned above that are positive about the market are not artificially optimistic nor are they merely speaking out of a sense of hope. Instead, they recognize that few around the country live in a place as special as this...and that those who have the opportunity to make the Lowcountry their home...well, they are doing so because life is happening regardless of the market.

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