Carol Rutgers' Blog

Posted on 11/24/2019

Photo by Karsten Bergmann via Pixabay Take a tour through the United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium or Holland, and you’ll see beautiful historic homes with painted brick exteriors. Wander down streets of hundreds-of-years-old houses, and the most memorable ones are those with painted brick exteriors. But if your brick is in perfect condition, why would you paint it? Odd-Colored...

Home Decor

Home Improvement

+ 7 more

Posted on 11/17/2019

Qualifying for a Mortgage When You Are Self-Employed

When you’re self-employed, it’s difficult to decide whether you are ready to buy a house. After all, your income might come in spurts instead of having a regular check every week or two. Being prepared for the mortgage process increases the chance that your application will be approved. Self-employed people have more hurdles to jump because of the...

Posted on 11/10/2019

What to Know When Applying for a Bank Mortgage

Few people can save up the cash required to buy a house. If you're contemplating buying your first house, your first stop will probably be your local bank to inquire about a mortgage. When you talk to the mortgage officer, they will ask you to provide several documents. Various documents will be required at different stages of the...

Posted on 11/03/2019

Homebuying Costs You Need to Know About

If you plan to purchase a house in the foreseeable future, it generally is a good idea to plan ahead for all of your potential homebuying costs. That way, you can secure the funds you need to purchase your dream house. Now, let's take a look at three costs that every homebuyer needs to consider during the property buying...

Buyer Tips

Buying A Home

Posted on 10/27/2019

Constructing a Home Fitness Center

Are you thinking about setting up a fitness center at home? That is a great idea, but you must be aware that many things go into setting up a home gym. Apart from space availability, you must also consider your financial limits. Once you have satisfied these basic requirements, then you can start up the process for constructing...

Home Exercise Equipment

Home Fitness

+ 1 more

Posted on 11/09/2019

Another Property Sold - 71 Honesty Lane, Bluffton, SC 29909

Lightly used Pine Spring model (vacation home for previous owners) in 55+ Sun City overlooking lovely lagoon with landscaped berm on right side=privacy. 3rd bedrm/office has French doors. Corian counters in eat-in-kitchen with upgraded Maple cabinets & Stainless Steel appliances. Wood floors in living areas, tile in baths & Carolina room. Double sliders lead to screened paver lanai and patio overlooking lagoon. Natural gas grill conveys. 4' garage extension with pull-down attic stairs & insulated garage door. Wooded berm on right side of home adds to the private rear lagoon...

Posted on 11/08/2019

Video Tour - 1 Caravelle Court, Bluffton, SC 29909

Impressive, breathtaking, meticulously-maintained stone-front, custom home on magnificent .46 acre corner, wide lagoon-view lot in prestigious 55+ Riverbend w/circular driveway, beautiful land/hardscaping. Exquisite millwork, gourmet kitchen w/7' island & prep sink, granite counters, pot filler, WI-pantry, 9' tlscping slider, dramatic 10-13' ceilings, arched doorways, mahogany/glass front door w/ palladium-style transom. Elegant LR w/double-tray ceiling, FP, built-ins & sound system. 2.5 car epoxy-floored garage, steel cabinets, workbench, partially finished 250 sq ft bonus rm & addtl. storage w/spray foam insulation. 2x6 construction. 3...

Posted on 11/08/2019

1 Caravelle Court, Bluffton, SC 29909 is now new to the market!

Impressive, breathtaking, meticulously-maintained stone-front, custom home on magnificent .46 acre corner, wide lagoon-view lot in prestigious 55+ Riverbend w/circular driveway, beautiful land/hardscaping. Exquisite millwork, gourmet kitchen w/7' island & prep sink, granite counters, pot filler, WI-pantry, 9' tlscping slider, dramatic 10-13' ceilings, arched doorways, mahogany/glass front door w/ palladium-style transom. Elegant LR w/double-tray ceiling, FP, built-ins & sound system. 2.5 car epoxy-floored garage, steel cabinets, workbench, partially finished 250 sq ft bonus rm & addtl. storage w/spray foam insulation. 2x6 construction. 3...

Posted on 11/08/2019

Another Property Sold - 77 Fernleaf Lane, Bluffton, SC 29909

Brand new, never-occupied, Sonoma Cove Loft on lovely lagoon in 55+ Sun City ready for quick move-in! Designer kitchen with center island, pendants, farmhouse kitchen sink, granite countertops, SS appliances. Spacious Carolina room for sunny relaxation/bird watching. Owner's suite: custom WIC, granite counter, lg. tiled shower w/frameless door. Loft=perfect extra guest space, media or hobbies. En-suite guest bath & WIC. Large office. Crown molding thruout, Encino oak flooring in main area, 4' ext garage, walk-up attic storage. Energy efficient (e.g., tankless water heater, insulation). Generous builder warranty, lawn maintenance...

Posted on 11/07/2019

Another Property Sold - 6 Schooner Lane, Bluffton, SC 29909

Renovated completely & ready for move-in! More than $130,000 in renovations including spectacular 400 sf Carolina room w/porcelain 23" tiles, telescoping sliders overlooking private lagoon; Owners suite: zero-entry, walk-in, doorless spa-like shower, soaking tub, California WIC, bay window seat area with 5" wide shutters; modern kitchen cabinetry, SS appliances, 5-burner gas cooktop, breakfast bar opens to great room with gas FP & octagonal casual dining area which opens to side porch. New 7" wide, distressed, Hickory flooring throughout. 1-level living! Great front porch to meet & sit with your new neighbors. 2013 roof. Golf-cart garage...

Posted on 11/04/2019

Another Property Sold - 487 Mystic Point Drive, Bluffton, SC 29909

One of the nicest lots (lagoon to woods) in 55+ Active Adult Sun City North! Extended garage (utility sink & extra fridge) & driveway width. Eat-in kitchen & dining area with gorgeous tiled, covered lanai with cathedral ceiling--great to relax/entertain. Wonderful floorplan: 3 bedrooms (office/3rd bedrm has closet & French doors), 2 full bathrooms with large, walk-in showers. Storm door w/self-storing screen. POA includes Lawn Care Maintenance, 24/7 gated security/patrols, 130 clubs, $95 million Amenities: 3 golf courses/restaurants, 6 yr-rnd heated pools/spas, dog park, fitness, wood shop, softball, tennis, pickleball, trails,...

Posted on 10/30/2019

4 Silver Fox Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 now has a new price of $940,000!

Private, quiet, deep-water access with dock, boat & '15 electric lift--your own piece of paradise for boating, kayaking, fishing, crabbing on Intracoastal in magnificent Moss Creek w/view of nature preserve. $136K+ Remodel--2018-New LR wood floors; luxury laminate office; roof; painted inside & ext. trim; bathroom vanities sinks & counters; 2016--New SS kitchen appliances, induction cooktop, quartz counters & wet bar with 2 wine coolers; laundry room tile, washer, dryer & farm sink. Owners' Suite w/romantic Jacuzzi, huge WIC, covered lanai leads to wrap-around deck with bench seating & expansive marsh views. Fenced fountain area &...