A literary guide for locals, newcomers, dreamers, and salty-air book lovers

There’s something about the Lowcountry that gets into your bones. Maybe it’s the hush of the Spanish moss at dusk or the way the marshes seem to breathe with the tide. Maybe it’s the soft clink of oyster shells underfoot or the unmistakable perfume of pluff mud after rain. Whatever it is—this place tells stories. And once you live here (or even visit), those stories start to feel like your own.

We pulled together a list of books—some fiction, some nonfiction, a few for children—that bring the Lowcountry to life. Whether you’re curled up on a screened porch in Moss Creek, sunning at Coligny Beach, or wandering Beaufort’s historic streets, these books connect you to the…

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I didn’t seek out The More of Less by Joshua Becker. It was gifted to me by another Realtor—someone who said it helped them better understand the emotional weight clients carry when preparing to sell. I smiled, said thank you, and tucked it away on a shelf. Life was busy, and honestly, the idea of reading a book about “decluttering” felt… exhausting.

Fast forward a few weeks, and I was on the phone with a client who was feeling overwhelmed. They were getting ready to list their home but were stuck—mentally and physically—on what to do with all the stuff. “What would you do?” they asked.

I paused.

I thought about our own house—our closets, drawers, the corners filled with things we no longer needed. And suddenly, that little blue book came…

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May 2025 Real Estate Market Update:

Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Beaufort & Jasper Counties

The May numbers are in — and the Lowcountry market is talking. Loudly.

Whether you're house-hunting, thinking of selling, or just market-curious, here's what’s actually happening across Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, and the broader REsides MLS area. Spoiler alert: it’s not the market from a few years ago, and that’s not a bad thing.

Inventory Surge = Options Galore

Inventory is making a comeback — in a big way.

  • Active listings: 2,066 homes (+29.1% YoY)

  • Months of inventory: 4.9 months (+32.4% YoY)

Buyers now have options they haven’t seen in years. That frantic “we-have-to-offer-tonight” energy is softening — giving…

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The Lowcountry is heating up—and we don’t just mean the temperature. As we roll into the heart of summer, one of the biggest questions we're hearing is:

"What’s my home really worth right now?"

Whether you're in Bluffton, Hilton Head Island, or one of the many incredible gated communities in between, it's a smart question—and one that deserves more than a ballpark Zestimate.

Let’s take a real look at where things stand right now—and what it means for your equity.

 June 2025 Market Snapshot: Yes, the Market Is Shifting—But Sellers Still Have the Advantage (If They’re Smart)

Despite headlines filled with economic hand-wringing, the real estate market has proven surprisingly resilient—especially in areas like the Lowcountry that continue…

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It started like any other rainy Saturday. I was folding laundry, sipping coffee, letting the soft patter of drizzle fill the background, when I stumbled upon a book with a title that stopped me in my tracks: The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margareta Magnusson.

“Death cleaning?” I thought. Slightly morbid. But then came that word: gentle. It softened everything. So I pressed play on the audiobook. And what came next? Well, let’s just say I didn’t expect it to hit so close to home—literally and figuratively.

Juliet Stevenson’s narration feels like being wrapped in the warmth of a wise grandmother's voice: honest, witty, loving, and unafraid to tell you the truth. What I thought would be a simple guide to decluttering turned out to be a…

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Community Spotlight: Bluffton Self Help

Neighbors Helping Neighbors—The Heart of the Lowcountry in Action

If you’ve ever wondered what makes Bluffton feel like more than just a dot on the map, we’d argue it’s places like Bluffton Self Help—a nonprofit so rooted in community, compassion, and dignity that it might just embody the very soul of our town.

We at The Cobb Group absolutely love this organization. And we don’t say that lightly. Bluffton Self-Help is one of those rare gems that reminds you what it means to be a true neighbor. They don’t just serve the community; they are the community. From Bluffton to Hilton Head Island and beyond, they are quietly transforming lives across the Lowcountry—one bag of groceries, one GED, one helping…

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Is Your Home Ready for Summer Guests? 6+ Ways to Get It Guest-Approved

June in the Lowcountry means one thing: guests. Whether it’s family visiting for beach week or friends escaping the city heat, your home is about to become a revolving door of summer fun. But is it ready?

Here are 6+ ways to prep your home so guests feel welcome—and you feel in control (with your sanity intact):

1. Freshen Up the Guest Room

Start with clean, crisp linens and swap out heavy winter bedding for something lighter. Add thoughtful extras like:

  • A carafe of water and glasses

  • USB chargers by the bed

  • A small fan or white noise machine

2. Create a Welcome Basket

A few local goodies go a long way. Include:

  • A beach…

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eXp Realty Q1 2025 Results: What They Mean for Agents, Clients, and the Future of Real Estate

Let’s talk about eXp Realty—the company that’s not just keeping pace with a changing market, but actively shaping the future of real estate. As a Realtor with The Cobb Group, I’ve seen firsthand how eXp is doing things differently. And after reviewing the company’s Q1 2025 numbers, I’m even more confident in where we’re headed.

Yes, these are the official results from eXp World Holdings, Inc., but let me break them down through the lens of someone who lives and breathes this business.

eXp Realty by the Numbers: Solid, Smart, and Still Growing

Even with a national market that’s cooled from its frenzied pandemic pace, eXp posted $954.9 million in…

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The headlines lately have been loud—stock market turbulence, global uncertainty, and economic anxiety stemming from newly imposed tariffs. It’s easy to get swept up in the panic. But here’s what most people aren’t hearing: opportunity is knocking.

While the media covers stock losses and shaky investor confidence, seasoned professionals are watching something else—the 10-year Treasury yield. It just hit its lowest level in years, and that, my friends, is a very big deal in real estate.

What You Need to Know: Treasury Yields and Mortgage Rates

Here’s the connection most people miss: mortgage rates track the 10-year Treasury yield. When the yield drops? Mortgage rates usually drop right alongside it. And that’s exactly what just happened.

…

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Let’s talk countertops.
Because somewhere between "I'm just going to update the cabinets" and "Why does my entire house look like a construction site?"—you’ll find yourself staring into the abyss of countertop choices like you're about to take the SATs.

Now here’s a little behind-the-scenes honesty:

David and I have been dreaming about redoing our kitchen for years. YEARS. You’d think, as Realtors, we’d know exactly what we want—we see beautiful kitchens all the time. (We also see some dogs, let’s be honest.) But even we are as confused as everyone else when it comes to choosing countertops.

Right now, our kitchen proudly sports cream-colored Corian. Yes… cream. Corian. The countertop that no one, in the history of ever, has said, “Please give…

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