Sun City folks  Sun City people are contributors of their time, talent and money to the commmuity, their churches, and the many social organizations here--and they also enjoy life. The average age in Sun City is 61. We are lively and youthful in our outlook on life. The Holidays are one example of our zest for living. And, we all love the Holidays. At Christmas time, this place lights lights up!                                                                                                              Merry Christmas! From Sun City Hilton Head Sun City Hilton Head is a great place for those over 55 to live, year round or part-time.                 12/20/2008

So, let's assume that you've gone through the traditional steps of contacting your bank to ask for permission for a Short Sale.  Then, let's assume the bank says yes.  You might wonder what happens next? First, you need to realize that a short sale is totally dependent on whether a buyer comes along and writes an offer to buy your property.  Without that offer, there is NO SHORT SALE.  Obviously, this is 1 reason why pricing is so important when placing your home on the market.  Plus, we still have to get the bank to agree or there will be no short sale.  When the bank agrees, you need to find out if they are going to issues a 1099 IRS form for the difference in what you owe and what the bank receives.  Many times this will not happen and most good accountants can get it worked out for ... 12/19/2008

Okay, in the last blog, we went over the definition of a Short Sale of your real estate.  I sure wish no one in the Lowcountry needed to be thinking about a Short Sale, but the reality is that this can be an effective way to get your home sold so it isn't a headache anymore.  For starters, you should start thinking about formulating a Letter of Hardship to your lender that will effectively explain the financial situation you are facing.  Perhaps unemployment is the biggest issue?  Or medical issues?  There are numerous reasons that can be cited in that Hardship Letter such as income reduction, a death in the family, loss of income, job relocation, divorce or separation (although lenders may not be that amenable to this as a reason), medical bills or health issues, or any other reason th... 12/18/2008

Despite all of the negative real estate news nationally and locally,  I'm seeing a bit of an uptick in the Hampton Hall Real Estate Statistics for November.  There is a gradual strenghtening in home prices and less inventory on the market compared to this same time period last year. For the month of Novmeber, there were 5 new listings that came on the market with an average list price of $697,400.  We saw 3 homes go pending that had an average listed price of $592,665.  One home closed with a average closed price of $530,000. Total sales for the month  was $530,000 with an average days on the market of 180 days.  Closed price to List Price ratio was 91.38%. Keeping in mind that November was one of the worst months for the year so far, it is at least encouraging to see some pendings and ... 12/18/2008

It is  GOOD NEWS to hear that the Technical College of the Lowcountry recently received a $90,000 grant from the U.S Department of Agriculture and Rural Developement that will enable the college to open a Rural Business Hub somtime this winter. With economic conditions what they are, I'm sure this will be a huge benefit to anyone who has an entreprenurial spirit and is endeavoring to start a new career or business.  Those who sign on to the program will receive counseling, meeting space, clerical help and access to computers, copiers, fax machines and phones (all for free.)  I think this will  go a long way to getting people started along a new career path.  Would you like to be part of this program?  Here's the criteria:  You must be recommended by a professional adviser or TCL staff m... 12/18/2008

Trust me, this is a fabulous idea----The Island Playground, located just across from Moss Creek Plantation,  is one of the newest children's entertainment places in the area.  I've already taken my grandchildren there and it's a first-class operation!  This year, they have started the Drop and Shop program so parents can get their holiday shopping done while the children are fully supervised at the playground.  When I visited here, I was very impressed with the cleanliness and ratio of staff to children.  I'm sure you would feel comfortable leaving the children there for a few hours while you catch up on holiday chores. Reservations are required---For more information, call 843-837-8383.  11/29/2008

The Hilton Head Island and Sun City, SC real estate market continues to exceed national trends and averages. Why? Aside from the quality of life and natural beauty our island has to offer, there are several advantages our local economy will continue to thrive on as it has in the current state of our national economy.Sun City Hilton Head, Bluffton and Beaufort County are target markets for the near 80 million baby boomers that will retire over the next 15-20 years. Local industry both on and off of the island continue to grow within the limits that the restrictive environmental covenants allow, and our core values that drive people to our area continue to be enhanced annually by building more parks, walkways, and nature preserves. We are not rural and suburban America where industry that... 11/17/2008

The state of Wall Street has many people wondering what will happen to their Real Estate market. The truth is, it's still too early to tell and anyone who says different is just jumping to conclusions. These are trying times on Wall Street. It's hard to get a grip on what's happening with financial firms, the government and how this will affect us and the Real Estate market. Institutions are going bankrupt, write downs, and mergers. It's a little scary. That said, consider history and consider, "Who's your Daddy?" Real Estate!What do people do when there's no where to invest in the stock market? They buy Real Estate. What do people do when interest rates are at historical lows? They buy Real Estate. What do people do when prices of Real Estate are at bargain prices? They buy Real Estate... 11/17/2008

Last time I took my dogs to the veternarian for their innoculations, I must have spent over $200 before I got out the door---Well, look no further for an excellent value!  The Palmetto Animal League will host a Rabies, Microchip and Vaccine Clinic from 11 to 3 PM on November 15 at the Animal House Thrift Shop, Highway 46 in Bluffton. How about these costs?  Rabies shot is $6.....Microchip is $15.....and Canine/Feline Distemper is $12.  Now I can't remember exactly but I think I paid over !00 for one of my dogs to be microchipped a few years ago so these prices should really help the family budget. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 843-837-6369 or visit Palmetto Animal League. 11/08/2008

Alston Park at New Reverside, Bluffton, South Carolina   Located in Bluffton, South Carolina, off of May River Rd,  Alston Park at New Riverside is a short drive to Hilton Head Island. Alston park is a CraftBuilt community(K. Hovnanian) They build quailty One and two story single family homes with lots of nice touches you'd pay extra for in similar homes. I've been in these homes and I like what I see.     You'll see lots of woods, there is a "Central park" for picnics and miles of walking trails. Pool and Cabana facilities are planned.  Low POA fees of $630 annually and billed quarterly  Alston Park  is minutes to Schools, and Old Town Bluffton and it's just 17 miles to Historic Savannah. Current Resales: (1) 3 Bedroom 2.5 Bath $239,000 (2) 3 Bedroom 2 Bath $248,200 (3) 4 Bedroom 2 Bat... 11/05/2008

There is a new mixed use development right Near Old Town Bluffton. There will be retail and office space in this area along with residential units. Old town Bluffton is a charming area with little shops, arts and craft stores and a Church on each of it's Corners.   You can walk to some of the more well known places like the Oyster factory that is renoweed for whatelse?Oysters. The May River public dock is close at ahd so you can go fishing, crabbing or boating The farmers Market and Calhoun Street Shops and Art Galleries can be enjoyed by just taking a short walk. The Church of the Cross is also located on Calhoun Street and you can enjoy  the views of the May River from the rear of the Church Grounds The Video Below will give you a flavor of the area as seen through the eyes of Old Tow... 11/05/2008

Hampton Lakes is a new planned unit development in Bluffton South Carolina. It has an area of 900 acres with 165-acres of freshwater lake, 7-miles of navigable waterways and 15-miles of shoreline. Outdoor enthusiast will love Hampton Lakes.  Kayak, Boat or fish to your hearts content. For nature lovers, there are over 500 acres of natural preserve. The plan for develpment calls for 950 residential units made up of custom homes, coach homes and condos There are currently homes available at great discounts, until December 31,2008. Homes available range in price from below $500,000 to $669,900 with 2 and 3 car garages. Many homesites will include a boat slip for easy access to fishing, kayaking and deck-boat cruising. If you'd like more information on this community or on this sale, please... 10/30/2008

Charlie Brown and Kids of all ages await the GREAT Pumpkin's arrival in Bluffton Park, SC (photo from wikipedia) Bluffton Park is family friendly and a great place for kids to celebrate the arrival of the "big ORANGE!" A "crisp"  (about 67degrees) brrrr)  fall day in Bluffton Park, SC and all is pretty quiet for now. Soon there will be goblins and Ghosts trick or treating Many homes are decorated for the event. The kids will soon be trick or treating, so be careful as you drive.   "Booooooo! Y'alls" Goblins have a Southern accent here. Even the ducks go out two, by two--"Quack or "Quack Quack!" Happy Halloween!!!!!!! from Bluffton Park, SC If you'd like more information on this community, contact me John March 843-368-9146 10/29/2008

Oh my, there is a new scandal in Bluffton---well for that matter, it's in Hilton Head too!  The Bluffton Today Newspaper is the new kid on the block as far as newspapers go.  I think it came into existence just a few years ago and has been a huge resounding success!   Here's the scandal------NO LONGER WILL THIS NEWSPAPER BE FREE---THEY'RE NOW GOING TO CHARGE .25 A COPY AND WHAT A NERVE THAT HAS TOUCHED!  Daily, the Bluffton Today features a section called THE VOX.  Readers can call into the newspaper and voice their opnions on just about anything as long as it isn't scandalous or libelous.  The Vox has become the most popular area of the newspaper.  I personally, find it hilarous to  read everyday-----wouldn't miss it for anything.   A couple of weeks ago, someone from Sun City called i... 10/27/2008

"During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, the area comprising southern Beaufort County was known as Granville County of St. Luke's Parish. As the Yemassee Indians had established ten towns with over 1,200 inhabitants in that area, it was considered "Indian Lands." In 1715, the Yemassee War broke out and after several years of fighting, the Yemassee tribe migrated to Florida, opening the "Indian Lands" to European settlement. In 1718, the Lords Proprietors carved the area into several new baronies, including the Devil's Elbow Barony that contained the future town of Bluffton. " For more on Bluffton's History, please visit the website (URL) Bluffton's Covenant  As citizens of Bluffton, we hold the following to be true: That social, cultural and economic diversity and inclusiveness... 10/22/2008

  There are going to be new homes (150) built adjacent to Bluffton Park (near downtown Bluffton) which is a continuation of the Red Cedar Planned Unit development.  This is the final phase of construction. Homes in Red Cedar Place are in walking distance to the new elementary school which is currently being built.   New Red Cedar Elementary School Under Construction  Homes will range in size from 1400 to 3000 Square feet. There are six home styles to choose including one story and two story homes. An Attached garages are optional and adding one can also mean additional interior space with a bonus room above it. Close to Shopping Publix Belfaire Towne Village Target Best Buy Schultz Park and Post office, the Church of the Cross, fire department and the Bluffton Historic District are minu... 10/22/2008

Wow, it's a huge week in Bluffton---the Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival if taking place for the next several days.   Saturday will be a great day to take in the festivities---You can join up with the 5K run PRIOR  to enjoying the delicious special Seafood that will be offered later.  5K Run/Health Walk --Begins at 8:30 AM- 10AM--Prizes awarded in all categories Art and Seafood Street Fest---starts at 10AM in the Bluffton Historic District.  Join the local artists and chefs and sample the myriad examples of Lowcountry cuisine served by area restaurants. Music starts at 10 am and continues all day long Best of all--"THE ART OF CUISINE" The Iron Chef Challenge will take place in Neptune's Gallery @ 11 AM--This is one event that should be the highlight of the day.  Boat Tours on the May... 10/21/2008

Bluffton Schools  and Contact Information Michael C. Riley Elementary 200 Burnt Church RoadBluffton, SC 29910Phone: 843-706-8300 Principal: Joshua Parks   Okatie Elementary 1657 Okatie HighwayBluffton, SC 29909Phone: 843-322-7700 Principal: Jamie Pinckney   Bluffton Elementary 160 H.E. McCracken CircleBluffton, SC 29910Phone: 843-706-8500 Principal: Christine Wright   H.E. McCraken Middle School 250 H.E. McCracken CircleBluffton, SC 29910Phone: 843-706-8700 Principal: Phillip Shaw     Bluffton High School  12 H. E. McCracken CircleBluffton, SC 29910Phone: 843-706-8800 Principal: Robert Anderson   10/17/2008

 This very special 2 bedroom Jamestown Model located in Sun City is situated on a homesite featuring expansive long lagoon views.  Add to that the privacy that you'll enjoy from the covered rear patio.  Inside there is a good sized   eat-in kitchen with a large bar counter that opens to the spacious and airy Great Room.  Bedrooms have separation for the ultimate in privacy.  Owners have lavished care on this home---it has excellent curb appeal and is convenient to all of the ameneties of Sun City.  Most realistically priced @ $179,900.  OWNERS WOULD LIKE A QUICK SALE.          10/08/2008

I'm not sure if you've ever heard the expression or terminology of "haint blue" but you'll hear it a lot if you are living in the South, especially in the areas where the Gullah heritage is evident.  "Haint Blue" is an old Gullah belief that if folks painted their ceilings blue it would ward off the evil spirits.  They also painted the areas around the windows and doorways (the trim) in the belief the evil spirits would stay away. The Gullah's also believed that if they painted the ceilings blue, the insects would be fooled into thinking it was the blue sky and would stay away........Makes perfect sense to me.  But you might ask if there ACTUALLY IS a color called "Haint Blue."  The answer to that is definitely not.  The Gullah folks used whatever color or pigments they had available, t... 10/01/2008