Jo Anne and Tony Rizza, Hilton Head Real Estate Partners

Jo Anne and Tony Rizza, Hilton Head Real Estate Partners We're the Owners/Broker In Charge of Hilton Head Real Estate Partners with 60+ combined years of real estate experience representing buyers and sellers.

Serving Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Okatie, and Hardeeville.

Three in five U.S. homes sold below asking in August. New listings reached their highest level in over four years.August...
09/25/2026

Three in five U.S. homes sold below asking in August. New listings reached their highest level in over four years.
August 2026 brought some notable changes to the U.S. housing market: inventory and new listings reached their highest point in more than four years, with cities like San Jose, Nashville, and Seattle leading the way. The median home price climbed 2.2% to $398,596, yet nearly 60% of homes—specifically 59.5%—sold below their asking price as buyers navigated elevated mortgage rates.

As someone who has helped clients successfully buy and sell in varied markets across Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, and the Lowcountry, I’ve seen firsthand how shifts in national trends can influence our unique coastal market. My approach has always centered on strong negotiation and deeply personalized service—qualities that become especially important when homes are lingering longer and buyers are seeking value. Understanding both the numbers and the nuances of our local neighborhoods is key to making the most of any market, whether you’re moving up, downsizing, or investing in a second home. Real estate isn’t just about transactions—it’s about building trust and finding a place where you feel truly at home.


https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/jo-anne-rizza/1977109-Three-in-five-U.S.-homes-sold-below-asking-in-August.-New-li

09/24/2026

Why Buyers and Sellers Are Stuck | Awarded 2024 REALTOR® of the Year - Hilton Head Area REALTORS® - Experience and Knowledge Make A Difference
The real estate landscape across Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, and the Lowcountry continues to feel the effects of higher mortgage rates. Many buyers are finding it tough to justify current monthly payments, leading some to put their home search on pause. At the same time, pending sales are showing less momentum—a clear signal that fewer house hunters are reaching the offer stage. On the other side, homeowners who locked in lower mortgage rates in recent years are understandably reluctant to trade those for today’s higher costs. This creates a unique moment: buyers are waiting for better payment options, while sellers hesitate to list, not wanting to part with their favorable loans. The result is a kind of stalemate, with transactions moving at a slower-than-usual pace. Having worked through many market cycles here in the Lowcountry, I know that patience and informed strategy are key. My approach is always rooted in clear communication, deep local insight, and a commitment to guiding clients through changing markets with confidence.

09/23/2026

More Homes Hit the Market as Demand Cools | Awarded 2024 REALTOR® of the Year - Hilton Head Area REALTORS® - Experience and Knowledge Make A Difference
We’re seeing a subtle but meaningful shift in the national real estate landscape: for the four weeks ending August 23, new listings in the US increased by 0.4% week-over-week, with total homes for sale up 0.5%—the highest inventory since early Q2. Yet, even as choices expand, pending home sales dipped 1.1% to a six-month low, a clear sign that higher housing costs (and mortgage rates hovering around 7%, a 13-month peak) are giving many buyers pause. The median home-sale price rose 1.9% over the past year, now topping $400,000.

What does this mean for buyers and sellers? For buyers, more inventory and softer demand create a window of opportunity: there’s more space for negotiation, and homes on the market a few weeks often present the best leverage for price cuts or concessions. Sellers who set realistic prices—rather than chasing last year’s highs—are seeing the most success.

In my experience guiding clients here in the South Carolina Lowcountry, effective strategy is everything. Whether you’re considering a move, investment, or listing your property, it’s crucial to understand how broader trends can play out on a local level. My focus remains on clear communication and thoughtful negotiation to help you make the most of these evolving market dynamics.

09/22/2026

Home Prices Rise 2.6% YoY Despite Expanding Inventory
July’s national home price numbers offer an interesting perspective for both buyers and sellers: despite an expanding inventory—up 4.4%—median home prices still climbed 2.6% year-over-year to reach $400,000, and sales edged up 2.9%. The nuances are worth noting: single-family homes saw a 2.5% increase, condos 2.3%, and townhomes 0.8%. As someone who’s spent decades guiding clients through the unique rhythms of the Lowcountry market, I know how important it is to interpret these trends in the context of your goals. Whether you’re considering a next move or simply keeping a pulse on the market, thoughtful analysis—grounded in experience and local knowledge—makes all the difference.

09/21/2026

US Home Prices Face Real Value Erosion | Awarded 2024 REALTOR® of the Year - Hilton Head Area REALTORS® - Experience and Knowledge Make A Difference
As we move through 2026, there’s a lot of talk about the direction of home values across the country. In the second quarter, national home prices continued to rise on paper, but when you look below the surface, the picture is more nuanced. One federal index actually leveled off from mid to late Q2, once the seasonal factors were accounted for. Meanwhile, another national measure tracked annual appreciation at around 1.5% by late Q2—up slightly from about 1% at mid-Q2, but still trailing inflation, which hovered near 3.5%. That means, when you adjust for inflation, real home values have declined for a 13th consecutive month. The good news? Softer inflation and steadier price growth have slowed that decline.

Even with these headwinds, it’s worth noting that nominal home prices have held up remarkably well—the federal index has posted positive annual appreciation every single quarter since early 2012. But for many, affordability remains the key challenge. With typical monthly payments on existing single-family homes rising again this quarter, first-time buyers in particular are feeling the squeeze.

In the Lowcountry, I always emphasize the importance of understanding both the national landscape and our local market’s unique dynamics. Real estate is about much more than numbers; it’s about finding the right fit for your life and goals, even as broader trends shift. My commitment is to guide you through every market turn with integrity, insight, and a focus on what matters most to you.

NAHB Highlights Growing Homeownership Demand Amid Rate ChangesAs we see mortgage rates climb and home prices continue th...
09/20/2026

NAHB Highlights Growing Homeownership Demand Amid Rate Changes
As we see mortgage rates climb and home prices continue their steady rise, the impact on families across our region—and the nation—is profound. According to the latest NAHB report, median-income households are now spending 34% of their earnings on new home mortgages. For low-income families, that number jumps to an eye-opening 67–71%. In some metropolitan areas, over half of a family's income may be devoted to housing costs—all while we’re facing a shortage of 1.2 million housing units.

In my decades serving Hilton Head Island and the Lowcountry, I’ve witnessed firsthand how these financial pressures shape the dreams and decisions of buyers and sellers alike. Whether you’re navigating luxury properties or searching for your first home, understanding these trends is key to making informed choices in a shifting market. For me, it’s about more than transactions; it’s about building relationships, earning trust, and ensuring every client feels truly at home here in the Lowcountry.


https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/jo-anne-rizza/1946155-NAHB-Highlights-Growing-Homeownership-Demand-Amid-Rate-Chang

09/19/2026

Tony and Jo Anne took my wife and I from "thinking about listing" to "Closed" in 3 months. They kne...
Let’s connect and talk about the latest insights in the industry!

How much pricier are SC houses? Here are the state's latest market trends for 2026South Carolina’s housing market contin...
09/19/2026

How much pricier are SC houses? Here are the state's latest market trends for 2026
South Carolina’s housing market continues to evolve, and as we look ahead to 2026, the numbers tell a compelling story. The state’s median home price has risen 2.8%, now reaching $359,873, with home sales up 3.6%. The median days on market stand at 77. Interestingly, fewer properties are selling above list price, and price drops have nearly doubled — a sign of increasing selectivity among buyers. Along our beautiful coast, we’re seeing the most significant price gains, reflecting the enduring appeal of Lowcountry living. With decades of experience guiding clients through Hilton Head, Bluffton, Beaufort, and beyond, I know how important it is to navigate these shifts with both insight and integrity. Real estate here is about more than numbers; it’s about relationships, trust, and finding the right fit for your next chapter.


https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/jo-anne-rizza/1960275-How-much-pricier-are-SC-houses%3F-Here-are-the-state%27s-latest-

America's Hottest Housing Markets for 2026 Are in the Northeast and MidwestIt’s fascinating to see that, looking ahead t...
09/18/2026

America's Hottest Housing Markets for 2026 Are in the Northeast and Midwest
It’s fascinating to see that, looking ahead to 2026, the nation’s hottest housing markets are projected to be in the Northeast and Midwest suburbs. These areas are seeing remarkable demand, with inventory levels still 60% below pre-pandemic figures. Homes there are not only selling above asking price, but buyers are coming to the table with larger down payments and stronger credit profiles. While my focus remains on the unique lifestyle and investment opportunities of the Lowcountry, I always keep an eye on national trends—insights like these help me guide my clients with a broader perspective. In any market, the right strategy and local expertise make all the difference when it comes to achieving your real estate goals.


https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/jo-anne-rizza/1899971-America%27s-Hottest-Housing-Markets-for-2026-Are-in-the-Northe

Address

1000 Main Street
Hilton Head Island, SC
29926

Telephone

+18433015825

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