Discover the Unique Charm of Our Hilton Head Island Branch
At our Hilton Head Island, South Carolina branch, we’re proud to serve a vibrant and growing community, and our two dedicated loan officers, Jon Yellon and Ben Russ, are at the heart of this effort. Their deep connection to the area and unique insights make them invaluable partners for anyone looking to buy or invest here. We asked them to share what makes working and living on Hilton Head Island so special.
What Makes Working in Hilton Head Island Unique or Rewarding?
Jon reflects on his transition from the fast-paced atmosphere of Midtown Manhattan and Westchester, NY to the tranquil, nature-rich environment of Hilton Head Island.
“For me, moving from Midtown Manhattan and Westchester, NY has been the biggest adjustment in my work career. Hilton Head Island is all about conservation and is beautifully connected by bike paths. I can literally ride my bike to the office down a bike path lined by live oak and sea pine trees. I can even take a 15 to 20-minute detour and ride on the beach! This is a far cry from the car-to-train-to-subway commute I experienced visiting clients or realtors in the city. It definitely took a minute to adjust and stay focused on work when so many around me are enjoying the recreation that Sea Pines has to offer. But now, I’m really settled and locked in on the real estate jobs at hand.”
Memorable Client Stories and Local Market Trends
Jon shares a recent success story that highlights the dynamic real estate market in Hilton Head, especially in vacation and short-term rental properties.
“Just yesterday, I closed two loans for one borrower, both funded on the same day. This is a great story and typical of the area. We handled their purchase of a second-home condo one year ago—their primary residence is in Tennessee. Right after closing, they went straight to work renovating and improving the home to appeal to short-term rental visitors. The original purchase price was $800,000. Recently, we received a new appraisal for $1.275 million and provided cash out with a DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loan. They used that cash out to purchase another vacation rental home in Sea Pines for $1.9 million, and we originated another DSCR loan for that as well. Short-term rentals are huge on Hilton Head, and it’s great to work for a lender that truly understands how to fund these loans.
Besides the vacation rental market, we’re seeing tremendous growth in primary residences as people move off the island heading west into towns such as Bluffton, Okatie, Hardeeville, Beaufort, Port Royal, and even spreading south to Savannah and the surrounding areas. There’s a migration happening here, and we’re thrilled to be a part of it by providing the needed services that help people become homeowners.”
Advice for Buyers Moving to Hilton Head Island
“Embrace the good life! Things will move a little slower here, especially if you’re coming from big metropolitan areas, but they move slower for really great reasons. I’ve always felt it’s important in life to slow down for a minute and stop to smell the roses. Everyone here says hello when you’re walking down the street, and anyone who moves here should be ready to be in a very happy and active place all the time. It’s super nice to be in an area where you just do your thing, and nobody is comparing themselves to anyone else.”
Our Hilton Head Island branch is more than just a place to secure your mortgage – it’s a gateway to a welcoming community and a lifestyle that blends natural beauty with meaningful connections. Reach out to Jon or Ben today and start your journey to owning a slice of this truly special place.
